Fourth of July Fireworks for Astorians – 2016 Edition

It’s that time again—Independence Day is right around the corner! And that means fireworks. As you know, the big deal in this city is the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks, now in its 40th year, which will start about 9:25pm on Monday.

The barges are back in the East River this year, the northernmost one situated right by LIC across from Hunters Point South Park—which will be closed off to the public so the Macy’s muckety-mucks can have their staging area.

The LIC Waterfront

The map on the Macy’s site also indicates that the LIC waterfront is the official viewing location for ADA/Special Needs folks. But Gantry Plaza State Park is an “unofficial” location to watch the show—and has been the premiere spot to see it for many years. But no worries about it being closed to the public, as has been rumored—we’ve learned from Captain Travaglia, the 108 precinct’s commanding officer, that Gantry Park will definitely be open for viewing the fireworks. Just get there early to grab a spot.

Just be aware that street parking will be a no-go, and people in the area will have to make alternate parking plans. Drivers, there will be no parking in the area of LIC bordered by 44th Drive to 54th Avenue (north and south), and Center Boulevard to Vernon Boulevard (east and west), starting at 10pm on July 3 and ending around midnight on July 4.

Roosevelt Island

Aside from Gantry Plaza State Park and the LIC Waterfront, Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island is throwing their own viewing party. From 5-10:30pm on Monday, July 4, Southpoint Park and Four Freedoms Park will be the location for some pretty amazing views. In order to participate on RI, you must register for tickets in advance:

In celebration of the fourth, we invite you to join our family-friendly viewing at SouthPoint Park and Four Freedoms Park from 5pm-10:30pm. Note that while 3,500 tickets are available, capacity for this event at Four Freedoms Park is 1,750. If you would like to view the fireworks from Four Freedoms Park instead of SouthPoint Park, you need to be inside Four Freedoms Park’s gates before capacity is met.

All attendees must register online to receive a free ticket to the fireworks viewing at SouthPoint Park and Four Freedoms Park. No tickets will be available at the door. Attendees may register for up to 4 tickets. Children ages 4 and under do not need tickets.

Registration will open TODAY (Monday, June 17) at 5pm. For more info on the evening and to register, head here.

Pay for the Pleasure of A Great View

There are a few places in LIC offering more than just a view during the fireworks. Here’s what you get:

Anable Basin: “Watch the Macy’s July Fourth Fireworks at this unique waterfront location. In 2015 The Anable Basin Sailing Bar was named as one of the prime viewing spots; this year we will not disappoint either. We will have a DJ and live band as well as the most amazing food and drinks. The tickets are being pre-sold at the bar—please make sure to get your tickets early since the access to the location will be limited to the ticket holders only. The ticket price is $40.00.” 4-40 44th Drive

Penthouse808 Rooftop at The Ravel Hotel: General admission tickets ($65) are standing room only. VIP observation deck tickets ($100) include a 2 hour open bar from 3pm-5pm. Tables are available for advance purchase (rooftop, $900; observation deck, $1.500), and includes gourmet BBQ fare by Executive Chef Seth Levine. Get your tickets here. 8-08 Queens Plaza South

Vista Sky Lounge: “Enjoy the great view of Manhattan skyline, and fireworks. Join us on the 4th of July for a great party. Entry fee is $85 for adults and $35 for children under 12, and includes buffet. Cash bar will be available. Doors open at 6pm! Call or contact Mike at 917-602-8408 or mike@vistany.com for reservations.  27-05 39th Avenue

And Don’t Forget the LIC Flea

 

The LIC Flea is back again this year with long hours on Monday for the holiday:

Celebrate July 4th weekend at LIC Flea! LIC Flea will be open Saturday, Sunday and Monday July 2nd, 3rd & 4th. Why leave town when THE greatest fireworks are just steps from LIC Flea! Eat, shop, drink, watch the fireworks and repeat. Open Monday 1-11pm for fun before and after fireworks. 5-25 46th Avenue

Other Things To Consider

FYI: as was reported last year, there is no decent view of the Macy’s fireworks from Astoria Park; and the Brooklyn Grange event has sold out. The Pulaski Bridge could be an option—here’s a video from last summer. I gotta say, the view looks pretty sweet.

And of course, if you have a friend in LIC with a rooftop balcony or roof access, that’s something to consider, too.

And Then There’s Our Own Fireworks Display

No, I’m not talking about all the sparklers, bang snaps, rockets and other noise-makers that are shot off around the neighborhood each year at this time, but the Grucci fireworks display at Astoria Park each year. It’s Thursday night, June 30 this year. Music starts at 7:30pm (Queens Symphony), fireworks around 9:20pm. Pro Tip: You can see a lot of the fireworks along the length of 23rd Ave west of 31st Street. In fact, a sidewalk’s edge seat at Gregory’s Corner Taverna allows you to have a great meal and see the fireworks display at the same time.

One Comment

MEENAKSHI September 17th, 2016

nice post , with descriptive information
thanks

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