We all love our country, but let’s be honest folks. It’s the drinks, fireworks, and good times that really ensure the Fourth of July a treasured place in our hearts. This year, enjoy Macy’s 4th of July Firework Display along the Hudson River- a spectacular display of color that awakens the explosion-hungry little boy in all of us.

Although the display will be be available for the masses due to its NBC national broadcast, Hoboken residents get a special “front-row-seat” due to its close location and 4th of July Festival along Sinatra Drive, between First Street and 7th Street ‘intersection’. The Festival runs from 12-10 PM and will host live music, artists, crafters, food vendors, rides, games, and an excellent viewpoint for the night’s main event!

Beginning at 9:20 PM, watch as 40,000 pyrotechnic shells are launched during the 26 minute display throwing America the best 234th birthday party ever (Speaking of which, where are the 40,000 shells for my 21st??). For more information on the fireworks show, see our earlier article here.

hMAG would just like to remind residents, however, of Hoboken’s Zero Tolerance policy during the 4th. All available police officers, firefighters, workers in the Office of Emergency Management, and other municipal offices will be busy ensuring all visitors and Hoboken residents are kept safe during Independence Day festivities by enforcing all codes and regulations within the policy, including no gathering on fire escapes, no rooftop gatherings (unless previously approved), and absolutely no alcohol on walkways or in waterfront parks. All visitors will need to pass through checkpoints in order to access the waterfront; however, coolers with non-alcoholic beverages are allowed.

In addition to Hoboken’s Zero Tolerance policy, please be aware of street closures and parking availability. No public parking will be allowed on Vezetti Way (Observer Highway) from Washington St. to Willow Avenue and is instead a designated taxi area. The following streets will be closed to all public traffic between 8 AM-12 AM on the 4th: Sinatra Drive from 15th St. to 1st St. [parking prohibited beginning July 3, 8 AM], River Street from Hudson Place (PATH) to 4th Street. Public parking will not be available between 8 AM-12 AM on Sinatra Drive (from 15th St. to 1st Street), 4th Street (from River to Clinton on the south side), Willow Avenue (from 11th St. to 4th St. on the west side of the street), Hudson Place (by the PATH), Newark Street (from Hudson St. to Sinatra Dr.), Clinton Street (from 7th St. to 8th St), and Hudson Street (from 14 St. to Observer Highway on the west side of the street). Visitors are strongly encouraged to use pubic transportation. For information on locations and timetables, please see panynj.gov and njtransit.com.