Your Guide To The July 4th Fireworks In Brooklyn
The 41st annual Macy’s July 4th Fireworks celebration is the largest Independence Day fireworks display in the country, with this year’s show promising to be the largest production in nearly twenty years. Too bad for many Brooklyn residents the layout of the show has been changed, so there won’t be any views from Brooklyn Bridge Park or the surrounding neighborhoods this year.
The five barges that will launch the shells for the colorful pyrotechnic spectacular will be set up along the East River between 24th and 41 Streets. The barge that was located by the Brooklyn Bridge in previous years has been nixed, meaning the best vantage points in Brooklyn this year will be in Williamsburg and Greenpoint.
Many of the restaurants and bars in DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights who normally attract large crowds for the fireworks show are disappointed in Macy’s change in plans, AM New York reports. Factors contributing to the location change include the “show design, size/scale of the pyrotechnics used, safety requirements, accessible public viewing locations and available city resources,” a Macy’s spokesperson said.
A map and list of locations of “Where To Watch” the show can be found on the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks website. Timeout New York has a list of places where fireworks fans can go check out the twenty-five minute show as well. Viewers can grab a spot for free at East River State Park (90 Kent Avenue) or Grand Ferry Park (Grand Street at River Street), both in Williamsburg, or hit up a couple of outdoor parties in Greenpoint for an admission fee.
Metro New York also has a list of free spots where locals can go for a view—including the Williamsburg Bridge and Transmitter Park in Greenpoint (West Street between Kent Street & Greenpoint Avenue). The big show begins at approximately 9:25pm.
Or you can tell Macy’s “fuhgeddaboudit” and head to Coney Island instead. The all-day festivities include the 45th annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Championship, the beach, rides, DJs, live music, a NY Cosmos match, all culminating with the Steeplechase Spectacular Fireworks Show (West 19th Street and the Boardwalk) at approximately 9:45pm.
Drivers: The following streets may be closed on Tuesday from 6pm to 10pm for the Coney Island 4th of July fireworks celebration, according to Metro.
- Surf Avenue between West 8th Street and West 23rd Street
- West 22nd Street between Surf Avenue and Boardwalk West
- West 21st Street between Surf Avenue and Boardwalk West
- West 20th Street between Surf Avenue and Boardwalk West
- West 16th Street between Surf Avenue and Boardwalk West
- West 15th Street between Surf Avenue and Boardwalk West
- West 12th Street between Surf Avenue and Boardwalk West
- West 8th Street between Surf Avenue and Boardwalk West
- Bowery Street between West 15th Street and Jones Walk
- Stillwell Avenue between Surf Avenue and Boardwalk West
Check out the Coney Island 4th of July Celebration Facebook page for more info. Have a safe and happy 4th!