Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in Brooklyn (2019 Edition)

One of the biggest questions each Fourth of July concerns where the best place might be to see the fireworks. Where are the biggest crowds? How early do I have to arrive to see anything? Is the spot kid friendly? Will there be drinks? Would I rather watch adults eat hot dogs in the blazing-hot sun?

These questions and more are answered in our guide below, which details the best places to see the fireworks this year in all their pyrotechnic splendor. The light show will begin around 9:20 p.m., and will be launched from four barges located in the East River, around Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

The best seat in the house this year might be the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. It also might be the last time to see the fireworks here for a while — the contentious plan to dismantle the promenade and run a six-lane highway through the Heights to repair the crumbling Brooklyn-Queens Expressway is still under consideration. Expect big crowds, so get here early.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

If you’re looking for a similar view, you might want to hop down to Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you will have a front row seat. It will be just as crowded, if not more crowded than the promenade. The fireworks will be launched from barges located between Pier 1 and Pier 6, and there will be a lot of stipulations, including no alcohol or chairs. For more information on how to access the park on July 4, as well as what to bring and what to leave home, click here.

Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges

The walking paths along both the Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge will give you a nicely elevated view of the fireworks. But they will be crowded early, and mostly with tourists. If you’re looking for something more comfortable, some of the other options might work better for you.

Domino Park

Although further away from the fireworks than last year, Williamsburg’s Domino Park might be an ideal spot to see the fireworks if you’re looking to escape the crushing crowds in Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo.

Red Hook

An under-the-radar place to view the fireworks this year might be along the water in Red Hook, which has a nice view of the launch. Show up early and enjoy the restaurants, bars and shops of the neighborhood, and then head to Louis Valentino Jr. Park and Pier for the big show.

Rooftop Bars

That invitation from your friend with roof access somehow ended up in your spam folder? Don’t worry — there are plenty of non-park alternatives, including the various new hotels popping up along the Williamsburg waterfront, and bars with rooftop views in Dumbo, including two rooftop bars at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. These will be crowded early and filled with loud revelers. So if that’s not your thing or you’re looking for something more kid friendly, this might not be an option for you.

Related Stories

• Fourth of July Memories
• Fireworks, Victorians and Break-ins: Independence Day in Brooklyn and Beyond
• Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in Brooklyn (2018 Edition)

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