Free Summer Fireworks Shows in NYC for Families

The New York Philharmonic puts on a brilliant show with a sparkling grand finale in four of NYC's five boroughs. Photo courtesy of the Philharmonic
The New York Philharmonic puts on a brilliant show with a sparkling grand finale in four of NYC's five boroughs. Photo courtesy of the Philharmonic
6/2/23 - By Stephanie Ogozalek

When it comes to summer fireworks shows in NYC, there's no denying Macy's 4th of July fireworks are the main event in New York City. But that's certainly not the only bang-up display in town this season. While some of the summer fireworks shows in NYC honor our nation's birthday, others just celebrate summer in the city and take place everywhere from ballparks to city parks.

Read on for all the free summer fireworks shows in New York City this season and find more fun things to do in our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

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Free Summer Fireworks Shows in Manhattan

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks – Central Park

The Great Lawn
Wednesday, June 14
The famed orchestra performs a concert with the music of Copland, Beethoven, Rossini, J. Strauss II, and works from its Very Young Composers program. Free summer fireworks light up the sky following the performance.

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks – Midtown East

East River from East 23rd Street to East 42nd Street
Tuesday, July 4
Nearly 50,000 shells are sent skyward in this epic Independence Day celebration on the East River. Macy's free summer fireworks display is the largest 4th of July celebration in the nation, choreographed to music and broadcast live on NBC. Stick around to the end to catch the grand finale: Macy's Golden Mile, which illuminates the sky in a golden-hued display raining down from 1,000 feet in the air.

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Free summer fireworks in NYC: New York Philharmonic in Prospect Park
Stay for the fireworks after the New York Philharmonic show in Prospect Park. Photo by Chris Lee for New York Philharmonic

Free Summer Fireworks in Brooklyn for Families

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks – Prospect Park

Long Meadow Ball fields
Friday, June 16
As an annual summer tradition, the New York Philharmonic returns to the ball fields in Prospect Park. Following the top-notch classical program, which mirrors the lineup from the Manhattan performance, enjoy a summer fireworks show.

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Free summer fireworks in NYC: Coney Island fireworks
The Coney Island boardwalk hosts fireworks shows weekly during the summer. Photo courtesy of Coney Island

Coney Island Boardwalk – Coney Island

The boardwalk between West 10th and West 15th Streets
Friday nights from Friday, June 23-Friday, September 1
End a fun-filled Friday at the action-packed Coney Island with one of these free summer fireworks shows in NYC. These sparklers fly every week during the summer.

Brooklyn Cyclones Fireworks Nights – Coney Island

Select home games through Friday, August 18; click here for the complete schedule.
Regardless of which team wins, the Brooklyn Cyclones set off sparklers over the baseball diamond after several games this season. The stadium also offers a perfect view of the Friday night display on the beach.

Where to See Summer Fireworks Shows in Staten Island

Staten Island Ferry Hawks Saturday Night Lights – Staten Island

Select home games; click here for the complete schedule.
As part of its Firework Nights, the Staten Island Ferry Hawks baseball team entertains the home crowd with professional fireworks following Saturday home games.

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Free summer fireworks in NYC: Citi Field fireworks
Fireworks at Citi Field signal the end of a game. Photo courtesy of Citi Field

Free Summer Fireworks in Queens

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks – Fresh Meadows

Cunningham Park
Thursday, June 15
The New York Philharmonic brings its popular concert series to Queens for this one-night-only celebration, complete with a fireworks presentation to cap off the night's festivities.

Fireworks at Citi Field – Flushing

Select dates from June-September
When the last out is recorded, the Mets set off a stunning fireworks show, which should be visible to those in the vicinity.

Free Fireworks Shows in the Bronx this Summer

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks – Van Cortlandt Park

Enter from Broadway near West 251st Street. The concert site is north of the baseball fields.
Tuesday, June 13
The Boogie Down borough leads off the New York Philharmonic's summer concert series this year. After the classical program, enjoy a fireworks display.

This article, originally published in July 2010, is updated annually.