(2009 fireworks info here.)(2011 fireworks info here.)
You couldn't find a better Brooklyn location to watch New York City's Fourth of July fireworks than the new pop-up park at Pier 1 -- and if you're a veteran who received an invitation from the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs, you'll be there. Veterans and their families will have front row seats for the big blast -- and who deserves it more?
If you're not a veteran, check out these locations :- The Brooklyn Heights Promenade: Good if you like huddled masses. The Department of Transportation expects that the Brooklyn Heights Promenade will be close to capacity: 70- 80,000 people!
- Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park in Dumbo -- crowded, but there's a lot more open space here than there is on the Promenade.
- Good viewing, according to the Brooklyn Eagle: Furman Street below the Promenade. This may be your best shot in the Brooklyn Heights area.
- Anywhere in Greenpoint with a water view. (Try along the waterfront near Kent Street.) Greenpointers got this invite: "Come to the Greenpoint Gallery where we'll be watching the fireworks from the roof with midtown Manhattan looming behind. It's a BYO situation, including things to grill, and there will be live music following the show. Door opens at 7."
- The Louis J. Valentino Jr. Park and Pier in Red Hook (at Coffee Street). A bit far but you should be able to see the South Street Seaport batch okay.
- East River State Park in Williamsburg. Normally the park closes at dusk, but will stay open on July 4. Get there early: gates close at 8:30 p.m. sharp.
The Brooklyn Bridge is closed to pedestrians during the fireworks. Other street closings in Brooklyn:
- Montague Street between Court Street and the entrance to the Promenade.
- Hicks Street between Atlantic Avenue and Old Fulton Street.
- Furman Street between Old Fulton Street and Atlantic Avenue.
- Old Fulton between Prospect Street and Furman Street.
- Columbia Heights between Montague Street and Old Fulton Street.
UPDATE: Brooklyn July 4 Fireworks Crowds: Biggest Ever?
- Brooklyn's Pop-Up Park Gets Busier
- Quality Time at Brooklyn's Pop-Up Park
Photo by MK Metz
We need to honor our vets. There is a powerful trailer of WWII vet Jimmy Gentry on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbBygLCsm1g
ReplyDeleteI have seen the movie and it is excellent!
Thanks for this post. We were looking around yesterday for a map of the launching locations and trying to find a good not-too-crowded spot. You just had all the information we needed right here. We were wondering if the bridge was going to be open and where was a good place to watch from Brooklyn and we got both questions answered. We ended up going to the ferry state park. It was nice: the view was partially obstructed but the crowd density was comfortable and really chill. Thanks for the help!
ReplyDeleteThanks very much for the feedback.
ReplyDeleteWe think the park was a good choice. The vibes were totally different on the Promenade, where it was hard to walk without stepping on somebody's hand. (Also, we couldn't figure out where the portable johns were. Anybody see them? Empire/Fulton Ferry State Park/Brooklyn Bridge Park had plenty.)