Where to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Brooklyn

Brooklyn Bridge Park fireworks. Photo by Etienne Frossard via Facebook

Pyrotechnic-loving Brooklynites, rejoice! Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks are returning to the East River. This year, the 25-minute-long show will be launched from two different locations instead of one. A double barge will be placed just south of the Brooklyn Bridge and four additional barges will sit between East 23rd and East 42nd streets.

The East River location is a major win for Brooklyn — but you’re going to 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 spectacle kicks off at 9:20 p.m., you’ll need to arrive a few hours early if you want a front-row seat.

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.

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 official viewing locations — which means it’s going to be as crowded as a Walmart on Black Friday. You’ll be able to enter at Old Fulton and Furman Streets, Joralemon and Furman Streets, or Old Dock and Furman Streets, but you’re going to want to get there before lunch. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.

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. It’s not listed as an official viewing location this year, but it’s still going 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.

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).

Fireworks at Luna Park Coney Island, 2012. Photo by Luna Park NYC via Flickr

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 is nowhere near the Macy’s fireworks, but as the second highest point in Brooklyn, 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
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.

Coney Island fireworks in 2012. Photo by Marques Stewart via Flickr