The Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks will return for its 50th anniversary in 2026, marking half a century of the annual celebration with a live broadcast on NBC.
Terry Crews, host of America’s Got Talent, will emcee the event, which will feature performances by Noah Kahan, Post Malone, Salt-N-Pepa, Bebe Rexha, Shaboozey, and Blake Shelton. The fireworks display itself will run from approximately 9:25 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET on July 4.
How to watch with cable or satellite
The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, with an encore presentation scheduled for 10 p.m. the same night. Viewers with a cable or satellite subscription can stream the event live through NBC’s website or the NBC app using their TV provider login.
Those without a traditional pay-TV package still have options. The show will also air on Peacock, NBC’s streaming platform, which offers plans starting at $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year. Once subscribed, the broadcast can be accessed via Peacock’s website or app.
Streaming alternatives for cord-cutters
Several live TV streaming services will carry the Macy’s fireworks special, including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and Sling. Each platform requires an active subscription, and users should verify channel availability in their region before the event.
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The fireworks have become a staple of Independence Day for many households, though the logistics of tuning in can vary. Some viewers may find themselves juggling multiple devices or subscriptions to catch the show, depending on their setup.
This year’s lineup of performers suggests a mix of genres, which could broaden the event’s appeal beyond its traditional audience. Whether the added star power translates to higher ratings remains to be seen, but the anniversary milestone alone may draw extra attention.
What to expect from the broadcast
The fireworks display is typically launched from multiple barges along the East River in New York City, synchronized to music played during the telecast. Past years have included patriotic anthems, pop hits, and country tracks, though the full soundtrack for 2026 has not been released.
NBC’s coverage will include live shots of the crowd along the waterfront, as well as pre-recorded segments featuring the musical guests. The network has not announced any changes to the format for the 50th anniversary, though producers may incorporate archival footage or special tributes.
For those planning to watch, the encore presentation at 10 p.m. offers a second chance to see the full show, including any segments that may have been missed during the initial broadcast. The encore will air on NBC, not Peacock or other streaming platforms.
