Numerous New Yorkers Unable to Secure Free Fourth of July Fireworks Tickets Due to Website Errors

Residents of New York City have expressed frustration over server issues that prevented them from securing free tickets to the city’s celebrated Fourth of July fireworks display.

The ticket distribution website experienced an application error, failing to load when a surge of residents attempted to access the 10,000 tickets made available by Mayor Eric Adams.

These tickets were intended for public viewing of the Macy’s fireworks show from the vantage points of Hudson River Park’s Pier 45 and Pier 84 in Manhattan.

The website initially showed the following notice:

“Application error. EventCreate is temporarily unavailable. We’re sorry. An error occurred in the application and your page could not be served. Our team has been notified of the error and will correct it as soon as possible. If this error persists, please contact our support team at support@eventcreate.com.”

Some users were unable to access the website and were receiving a ‘Sorry, you have been blocked’ message.

Some users were unable to access the website and were receiving a ‘Sorry, you have been blocked’ message. Later, people received the message: ‘Thank you for your interest. This event has sold out!’

A user expressed her frustration, ‘I got all the way to entering the ticket holder names twice (!) only to have it crash on the confirmation page, and then they ultimately blocked me 🙄.’

Another said, ‘The event website has now been closed without opening.’

Those without tickets can still enjoy the fireworks along the West Side Highway.

Entry points for viewing are Christopher Street and Washington Street, West 11th Street and Washington Street, West 12th Street and Washington Street, West 29th Street and 11th Avenue, West 40th Street and 11th Avenue.

ADA accessible locations will be at Christopher Street and Washington Street and West 41st Street and 11th Avenue.

“While all New Yorkers can enjoy the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, we’re giving 10,000 lucky individuals a chance to have a front-row seat,” said Mayor Adams. “We’re ensuring everyone has a fair chance to attend one of our city’s most iconic events. I look forward to celebrating America’s birthday with thousands of viewers right here in the Big Apple.”

Noreen Doyle, president and CEO of Hudson River Park Trust, praised the city’s efforts to ensure a safe and spectacular fireworks display. She acknowledged the contributions of the Mayor’s office, NYPD, FDNY, and other agencies in planning the event.

“New York City has gone above and beyond to make sure that New Yorkers are able to safely view the spectacular Macy’s fireworks this year,” said Noreen Doyle. “We appreciate all Mayor Adams and his team have done to support this celebratory event, along with the New York City Police Department, Fire Department, and many other agencies, for their careful planning, and we look forward to celebrating with thousands of people on July 4.”

For the first time in over a decade, the fireworks will be launched from barges along the Hudson River, offering prime viewing along Manhattan’s West Side. This year’s show will feature thousands of shells, with a variety of effects and vibrant colors, shapes, light, and sound. This marks a shift from previous years, where the fireworks were launched from the East River. The new locations will provide fresh viewing opportunities for America’s largest Independence Day celebration.

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Executive Producer Will Koss highlighted the return to the Hudson River and the exciting display planned for this year. After last year’s innovative drone display, the team is working to surprise and delight audiences again.

New Jersey will also have prime viewing spots this year. Governor Phil Murphy expressed pride in joining the celebration, noting the collaborative planning across the Hudson. For the first time in years, Macy’s fireworks will light up the New Jersey sky over the Hudson River.

The annual fireworks display has been a New York City tradition since 1976.