Where to watch the 4th of July fireworks in Brooklyn

June 28, 2016 By Scott Enman Brooklyn Daily Eagle

A view of the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show from Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo by Etienne Frossard

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Fourth of July is known for many things, namely its backyard barbeques, patriotic parades and of course, festive fireworks.

Any native New Yorker knows that the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks display has become a staple of celebrating the holiday in the City. And luckily for Brooklynites, this year’s show will once again take place in the East River.

The fireworks will be shot off of barges in two locations in the East River. In Midtown, four barges will be stationed between 23rd Street and 37th Street while one double-barge will be situated off of Pier 17 near the South Street Seaport below the Brooklyn Bridge.

The fireworks start promptly at 9:25 p.m.

With the holiday less than a week away, be sure to finalize your plans soon. To help with that process, the Brooklyn Eagle has handpicked the top five locations in Brooklyn to watch the holiday’s patriotic pyrotechnics.

1. Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Although the Brooklyn Heights Promenade is notorious for being packed with Brooklynites and tourists for the Macy’s fireworks display, no one can argue that it is indeed an ideal location.

With sweeping views from the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn Bridge and beyond, viewers will be treated to fireworks in all their glory. The promenade allows its patrons to not only see the East River fireworks but also the fireworks show in New Jersey being set off from Liberty State Park at 9:30 p.m. Be sure, however, to arrive early to claim a spot on one of the many benches that line this scenic overlook.

2. Fornino in Brooklyn Bridge Park

With a beautiful rooftop bar, free flowing drinks and delicious wood-burning pizza, Fornino makes for a perfect destination to watch the fireworks. Located in Brooklyn Bridge Park at Pier 6, one will be able to enjoy not only the Macy’s fireworks show but also the Liberty State Park show. To enjoy a three-hour unlimited open bar, all you can eat wood-fired pizza and a bottomless buffet, be sure to buy a ticket for their party.

For more information on tickets and the event, visit https://goo.gl/yW9q2q.

3. The Brooklyn Bridge

With a forecast of 88 degrees, spend the evening strolling across the Brooklyn Bridge as fireworks are set off on both sides of the overpass. The barges shooting off the fireworks will be just beneath the bridge on the water, so this option provides spectators with the closest view of the pyrotechnics.

Arrive early to nab one of the few benches that line the bridge.

4. Brooklyn Barge

Located on the Greenpoint waterfront at 3 Milton St. is the Brooklyn Barge, a hip restaurant and bar on a floating barge. While it isn’t one of the actual barges deployed by Macy’s in the East River to set off the fireworks, it’s as close as one can come to being on one.

On the menu are delicious American classics like “Barge burgers,” hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ Chicken, French fries, corn on the cob and baked beans.

There will also be a DJ onboard so that attendees can dance the night away under the multicolored sky. The party kicks off at 6 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m.

For more information on tickets and the event, visit https://goo.gl/jBXx30.

5. East River Parks

For a quieter, more relaxed viewing of the City’s pyrotechnics, find a patch of grass or an empty bench, in one of the many parks that line the East River.

Those in North Brooklyn can’t go wrong with the Grand Ferry Park or the East River State Park. Bring a picnic blanket, some hors d’oeuvres and a bottle of vino and relax under the bright lights without the crazed commotion of other viewing parties.

Those in Brooklyn Heights or DUMBO should explore all that Brooklyn Bridge Park has to offer. With the park stretching 1.3 miles along the borough’s East River shoreline and with 85 acres to choose from, one should be able to find a prime viewing position.

In addition, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy will be hosting its own viewing party of the fireworks at the park’s Pop-Up Beach and Deck. Food will include homemade chips and dip, barbeque pulled pork sliders and baby back ribs. Fresh sangria, craft beer and wine will also be served.

For more information on tickets and the event, visit https://goo.gl/4CL1oA.