Detroit is already buzzing for the 68th Ford Fireworks taking place tonight over the Detroit River.
Hart Plaza, Spirit Plaza, Belle Isle, Erma Henderson Park and other locations are filling up as people look for a prime view of the annual spectacle, put on by The Parade Co. The theme this year? “Detroit! Go for Launch.”
The Free Press is providing live coverage from downtown and surrounding areas during the 2026 Detroit fireworks. Get live updates here.
5:30 p.m.: Detroit filling up with fireworks crowds
Long lines of cars are slowing making it on to Belle Isle as visitor compete for some of the best view of the Ford Fireworks.
Spirit Plaza on Woodward is filling up as well. Children are playing on a playground as adults gather on picnic tables, lawn chairs and blankets. A DJ has people dancing to the “Cha Cha Slide” as crowds begin flocking to viewing locations more than five hours ahead of the start of the show.
Jimmy Tyner, 64, of Detroit, is among the crowd in Spirit Plaza. He said he’s been coming to the show for 30 years for the good people.
“What keeps on bringing me back every year is seeing people that are happy and little kids jumping around having fun,” he said.
He said he previously watched from the Riverfront but hasn’t since it’s been closed in recent years. He said plans to walk around over the evening and during the show.
“It’s wonderful,” he said of what it’s like to be at the fireworks. “I’m out here having fun (and) doing me.”
—Duante Beddingfield & Natalie Davies
What time do the Detroit fireworks start?
Helpful reminders for Detroit fireworks
Three popular viewing locations, Hart Plaza, Spirit Plaza and Erma Henderson Park are weapon-free zones. Only law enforcement personnel are permitted to carry weapons. All visitors will be security screened. Coolers and backpacks will be searched. There is no automatic re-admittance once a visitor leaves any of these sites.
Prohibited at these locations are:
—John Wisely
Is there a curfew for the Detroit fireworks?
Minors 17 and under will have a curfew in effect from 8 p.m. Monday until 6 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, for the area bounded by the Detroit River, Third Street, Lodge Freeway, Fisher Freeway, the extension of Fisher Freeway east to include Gratiot Avenue, Vernor Highway, Chene Street, Atwater Street and the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater.
“Minors are welcome to view the fireworks from any approved public area. However, for their safety, minors must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or other responsible adult (age 21 or over), if they choose to view from within the curfew boundaries,” according to a news release from the city. “Minors will be allowed to travel to and from work, school, church or organized activities.”
Read more on the curfew tonight.
—Natalie Davies
How to watch the Detroit fireworks on TV or live stream
WDIV-TV (Channel 4) live broadcasts the show annually.
People can also follow the event on social media with the #fordfireworks, according to The Parade Co.
—Natalie Davies
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit already buzzing hours ahead of Ford Fireworks: Live updates
Reporting by John Wisely and Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By John Wisely and Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
