Where to Watch the Fourth of July Fireworks in Brooklyn

Pyrotechnic-loving Brooklynites, rejoice! Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks, the biggest Fourth of July display in the country, is returning to the East River for its 40th anniversary.

This year’s 25-minute-long show will be launched from two areas, a single barge beneath the Brooklyn Bridge and four additional barges between East 23rd and East 37th streets. The show will debut “pyro-writing” — aka writing in the sky with fireworks — among 56,000 other effects in what will be Macy’s “largest pyrotechnic display” since 2000, according to the retailer.

The East River location is a major win for Brooklyn — but you’ll need to strategize if you want an Instagram-worthy view. Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up the borough’s most firework-friendly spots. Even though the July 4 spectacle kicks off at 9:25 p.m., you’ll need to arrive a few hours early if you want a front-row seat.

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A Friend’s Roof (Nabe Will Vary)
Too agoraphobic to deal with the crowds? Start texting everyone you know in north Brooklyn. Williamsburg and Greenpoint will both have stellar views of the display. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to (smugly) watch the fireworks from your friend’s roof. If you prefer teeming throngs, though, these spots should give you a good vantage point.

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Brooklyn Bridge Park (Dumbo)
Brooklyn Bridge Park is the borough’s prime spot to watch the fireworks. It’s also one of the show’s designated disability-accessible viewing locations and will likely be crowded as a Walmart on Black Friday. You’re going to want to get there before lunch, so pack a picnic and make a day of it.

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Brooklyn Heights Promenade (Brooklyn Heights)
Brooklyn Heights Promenade is another stellar place to watch the show. The pedestrian walkway offers head-on views of the East River, the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. Expect it to be packed. The good news? The fireworks will be happening directly above you, so you don’t need to worry about standing in front.

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Grand Ferry Park (Williamsburg)
Did all of your rooftop-equipped friends skip town? Don’t let the crowds keep you at home. A former ferry landing, this picturesque Williamsburg park will give you room to stretch out. The northern end of the park will have a clear view of the midtown pyrotechnics. You might even be able to snag a waterfront bench (try not to tell too many people about it).

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East River State Park (Williamsburg)
This seven-acre park surrounded by Williamsburg high-rises will likely be the go-to spot for North Brooklyn, with its front-seat views of the Midtown fireworks. Make sure to get there early, and bring a picnic.

Sunset Park (Sunset Park)
Sunset Park — the actual park, in the nabe of the same name — is nowhere near the Macy’s fireworks, but it’s the second highest point in Brooklyn, so you’ll have views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. You probably won’t be alone, but the view is worth camping out for. Bonus: Sunset Park is one of Brooklyn’s great foodie neighborhoods. Fortify yourself with dim sum and/or tacos ahead of the show.

Coney Island Fireworks (Luna Park)
Full disclosure: You won’t be able to see the Macy’s show from Coney Island, but you will be able to see the Coney Island Fireworks, eat an alarming amount of Nathan’s hot dogs, and go swimming. Admittedly, the pyrotechnics are much more low-key — but the beach view makes up for the reduced firepower.

Editor’s note: This is an update of a previously published post.

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