Where to enjoy 4th of July Celebrations in Brooklyn

July 2, 2018 By Gordon Walker Special to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Fireworks light up the sky above the Brooklyn Bridge during Macy's Fourth of July fireworks show, Friday, July 4, 2014 in New York. AP Photo/Mark Lennihan

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With Independence Day just around the corner, here are some of the best spots in Brooklyn to sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular firework bonanza surrounded by family and friends.

Anywhere in Brooklyn with an unobstructed view of the sky will have a chance to view Macy’s firework show, but it will be more breathtaking north of the Williamsburg Bridge. More than 75,000 shells will launch from seven barges, located between East 23rd and East 40th streets on the East River.

This is the largest Macy’s production since their millennial celebration in 2000, and starts at 9:25 p.m.

The 25-minute production is 25 percent larger than the 2017 show, and about 3,000 shells and effects will blast per minute. The show will feature an array of “new shells in 25 colors and effects including neon pinwheels, swirling water fountains, brocade horse tails, ghosting fans, blooming ring chases, and pulsing hearts,” according to Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks website.

Music will accompany the firework display, and in honor of the 100th anniversary of famed American composer Leonard Bernstein, a medley of his musical compositions will be showcased, including the iconic New York, New York and some “West Side Story” tunes. God Bless America will also be revisited by Kelly Clarkson for the 100th anniversary of the songs release.

Seeing as how Brooklyn Bridge Park won’t have an advantageous viewpoint, here are some other spots with a clear view of the Golden Mile.

1) Transmitter Park: Right on the waterfront on West Street in Greenpoint, between Kent Street and Greenpoint Avenue, this park is the best option for Brooklynites to catch the display, and is the closest to the barges.

2) East River State Park: This state park at 90 Kent Ave. can be a calmer place to stretch out and keep your eyes glued to the sky. The park, converted from a 19th-century shipping dock, is surrounded by neighborhood bars, cafes and independent shops you can visit before the show.

3) Domino Park: The brand new five-acre esplanade at 15 River St. is going to be primed for a view of Macy’s fireworks, with multiple waterfront spots to take in the pyrotechnics.

4) Coney Island: Coney Island will hold its 46th annual Nathan Hot Dog Eating Contest, as well as running its own pyrotechnics show, the 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. The show starts at approximately 9:30 p.m, at West 12th St. on the boardwalk.
5) Macy’s 4th of July Dinner Cruise: If you’d rather enjoy the fireworks up close and personal, a cruise aboard the “Pink Lady” is the thing for you. Departing from Sheepshead Bay, this cruise serves an abundant buffet, soft drinks and has a live DJ. A cash bar for alcoholic drinks is also included.