The bad news is that the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will not happen over borough skies this year. The good news is that different-but-fantastic pyrotechnics will discharge in three Queens venues over the next few days.
The first explosion is at the BHS Independence Day Celebration in Fort Totten Park on Wednesday, June 26, at 6 pm.
Free live shows, Grucci fireworks, and food trucks are the main attractions at this seventh annual, three-hour-plus event. Since public transportation in the area is scarce, organizers offer CITIBUS shuttle bus service from off-site parking spots at the Clearview Golf Course and the Bay Terrace Shopping Center.
Fort Totten Park will open for the public at 5 pm with the concerts by Chicken Head Rocks and Phil Costa & The Something Special Band at 6 pm, and the show at 9:15 pm. Click here for more.
The skies get a quick break, and then Central Astoria LDC’s Independence Day Celebration unfolds in Astoria Park on Thursday, June 27. Now in its 40th year, this outdoor fiesta features music by the Jazz-and-Swing band Fleur Seule at 7:30 pm before Grucci provides the fireworks at dusk.
The best viewing spots are on Shore Boulevard between the Hell Gate Bridge and the pool.
Another day of rest, and then the Mets play the Houston Astros on Pride Night on June 28 with a fireworks display after the final out. The first 15,000 fans receive a Mets Pride hat, presented by Citi, and a pre-game celebration at 4:30 pm features LGBTQ+ vendors and organizations, an appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Met, and live fun with The Queens Crew.
Editor’s note: The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, which thrilled spectators in Long Island City and Astoria last year, launches from barges in the Hudson River on July 4 at 8 pm this year. Thus, the best viewing spots are on Manhattan’s West Side and New Jersey. Let’s hope they return to the East River in 2025 and beyond.
Image: Arthur Chauvineau/Unsplash