FINALLY! The fireworks are back on the East River this year, to be set off from barges under the Brooklyn Bridge. While Brooklyn Bridge Park will be the hottest spot, as a waterfront hood Greenpoint will have some killer views, too. Maybe you’ve been invited to a bunch of rooftop parties or backyard BBQs but you’re waiting on the right one – the one with best view of the fireworks, of course.
We’ve put together an OFFICIAL list of great spots to watch the fireworks in Greenpoint.
ROOFTOPS:
You have about 24hrs to become BFFs with someone with a sweet rooftop view that isn’t obstructed by the ugly condo towers on Kent Ave. Scope it out before committing. If you can seen the Brooklyn Bridge – you are in good shape.
Greenpoint is home to a few top notch rooftop bars – Berry Park (4 Berry St) & Northern Territory (12 Franklin St). If those are majorly crowded – nearby Dirck the Norseman (7 No. 15th St) has a gorgeous sunset view of Bushwick Inlet from the street level.
PARKS & WATERFRONT:
You may have noticed some confusing signs at Transmitter Park (Greenpoint Ave & East River). We reached out and were sent the following public notice:
Waterfront areas to the north such as in Williamsburg and Greenpoint will only have partial or obstructed views…Transmitter Park will be open on July 4th, however the pier will be closed by the Parks Department and NYPD due to public safety concerns.
That goes for all other piers nearby since they are not wide enough to safely accommodate people and allow for ambulances and police vehicles if necessary.
East River State Park down Kent Ave will also be open and promises a great vantage point.
ON BIKE OR WALKING FROM GREENPOINT
In the many years of chasing the fireworks, I’ve found that mobility (especially on bike) is in your favor. Riding down the bike path along Kent Ave will afford you many great spots to watch the fireworks. Stop at Grand Ferry Park (Grand St & East River) or get off and walk over the Williamsburg Bridge and check out the fireworks from the Pedestrian path on the south side of the bridge. Ride further down Kent Ave near the Brooklyn Navy Yard or even further to where ALL the action is – Brooklyn Bridge Park or the Brooklyn Height Promenade.
As you know Greenpointers is hosting a Cook-Out at The Diamond Bar (43 Franklin St) on Friday starting at 3pm. Our plan is to eat a bunch of hot dogs, then run down the block and watch the fireworks from Bushwick Inlet through the fence. Then back to The Diamond for a Dance Party!
We certainly WILL not be engaging in any of the activities we ADVISE against below.
DO not SNEAK ONTO COMMERCIAL ROOFTOPS ON THE WATERFRONT, DO not CRASH ROOFTOP PARTIES IN FANCY HI-RISE CONDO BUILDINGS (AND DRINK ALL THE FANCY BOOZE).
DO not ACCESS THE WATERFRONT THROUGH THE MANY ILLEGITIMATE BUT EASY TO SNEAK TO SPOTSÂ or TRESPASS ONTO PRIVATE PROPERTY NEAR THE EAST RIVER.
Have a fun and safe 4th of July, Greenpoint!
Great!! Thanks for the tips. I’ve spent most of the last 20 July 4ths in Greenpoint, and plan to do the same this year.
Hey- do you have any idea what the helicopters were doing last night (this morning) at 4am above Huron Street? Sheesh- so noisy!! Were they looking for illegal rooftop fireworks (why would they do this at night?) or chasing criminals – or (?)