As New York celebrates relaxed restrictions and reaches a 70 percent vaccination threshold, the Empire State will wave bye-bye to the coronavirus pandemic with a statewide fireworks extravaganza from various locations at 9:15 p.m. tonight.
The festivities were announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo at a press conference Tuesday where he also lifted state restrictions on commercial settings.
Without further ado, here’s where to watch and enjoy a sign of changing times:
New York Harbor
The Elevated Acre
This hidden, raised gem is an ideal spot to watch the night sky light up this evening.
Built into the skyscraper at 55 Water Street, this city park offers a one-of-a-kind view over the lower East River waterfront while also boasting one of New York’s most unique green spaces.
Battery Park
For a closeup on tonight’s action, head to the southern tip of Manhattan island.
Battery Park’s all-encompassing views of New York Harbor are sure to make these fireworks a warm welcome back to normalcy for city dwellers.
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Raised above Brooklyn Bridge Park (another A+ spot to watch), this local esplanade offers an awe-inspiring view of lower Manhattan and its surrounding waterways.
Enter this 1,826-foot-long platform over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway on Remsen Street off Montague Terrace.
The Brooklyn Bridge
Standing atop the Brooklyn Bridge during a fireworks display is likely what goes through Alicia Keys’ mind when she sings “Empire State of Mind.”
Take it all in tonight from the pedestrian level of the city’s iconic landmark and you won’t regret it. The big lights will surely inspire you.
Jones Beach, Long Island
Wantagh Park
This bayfront park — directly north of Jones Beach at 1 King Road in Wantagh — is an appropriate setting for those who don’t want to travel down to the barrier island and watch from one of Jones’ many fields.
Nyack Memorial Park, Hudson Valley
Scenic Hudson River Walk, Tarrytown
For some space between you and the show, head across the river to Westchester to watch this spectacle fly over the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.
Piermont
For Rocklanders who won’t be watching from Nyack Memorial Park, Piermont’s extensive pier and Parelli Park will certainly make for a great vantage point from the south looking north.
Upstate
Other firework shows slated to shoot off around New York will occur at:
Albany Empire State Plaza, Binghamton University’s M Lot, Lake Placid Club, Niagara Falls State Park, Rochester Dome Arena, the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse and downtown Utica.
