The Ford Fireworks will light up the night sky over the Detroit River next week.
From Belle Isle to Spirit Plaza, thousands are expected to pack in parks and at viewing parties around the city.
This year’s theme is “Detroit! Go for Launch,” according to The Parade Co., the not-for-profit organization that puts on the fireworks as well as America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit. The organization partners with Ford to bring the self-proclaimed “world-class” fireworks show.
The fireworks are a moment where the community comes together to celebrate Detroit, Ford Philanthropy President Mary Culler said in a May news release.
“As our nation celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, there is no better place to recognize the American spirit of innovation and resilience than right here in Detroit,” Culler said.
When are the Detroit Ford Fireworks?
The show is planned for Monday, June 22, at 10 p.m. However, people begin gathering and looking for a spot to watch hours ahead of the show. In 2025, one popular viewing place hit capacity for cars by 6 p.m. on the night of the fireworks
Where to watch the Detroit fireworks
Historically, the fireworks have been viewed from Hart Plaza, Spirit Plaza and Belle Isle, where people pack in as early as the parks open at 2 p.m. for the show later in the night.
Hart Plaza, Spirit Plaza and Erma Henderson Park will open to the public at 2 p.m. on June 22 and will remain open until capacity is reached, according to a news release from the city. Admission to all three sites is free.
Erma Henderson Park has a capacity of 1,500 people. Belle Isle, which requires a state park recreation passport to enter, has a capacity of 3,000 vehicles. To receive updates on when the island is full, text GEM to 80888. Entry for pedestrians and cyclists is free.
There is no automatic reentry once a visitor leaves.
In past years, police have restricted access to most riverfront parks as a way to control crowds on one of the busiest nights of the summer.
This year, the Detroit Police Department said it will open three additional parks for viewing: Erma Henderson Park, Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park and some access to the riverwalk.
Detroit Police Department Public Information Officer Jackson Vidaurri clarified Wednesday morning, June 17, that the limited Riverwalk access is only at the Hart Plaza viewing area. Besides a small access point near Hart Plaza, the Riverwalk will be closed in its entirety.
For viewing at Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, there will be no general admission. Guests must pre-register through local community groups in and around southwest Detroit and Corktown. The groups plan to distribute free tickets to the individual audiences they serve, according to a statement from the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
There’s also several watch parties around the city, such as The Parade Co.’s Rooftop Fundraiser and events hosted by riverfront restaurants like Joe Muer Seafood. These parties can cost over $200.
Is there a curfew?
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.”
Minors in violation of the curfew will be taken to the Coleman A. Young Recreation Center, 2751 Robert Bradby Drive, according to the news release. The phone number is (313) 628-0995. Minors will be held there until picked up by a parent or guardian, who will receive a parental responsibility violation ticket, which carries a fine of $250 for a first-time offense and $500 for a repeat offense.
Last year, 156 juveniles were cited for violating the curfew in addition to 126 parents, according to Detroit police. Two people were the victims of gun violence in the viewing area. In 2024, 18 juveniles were cited, 18 parental responsibility tickets were issued and two young people were found to be illegally carrying a firearm.
Minors 15 or younger usually have a curfew of 10 p.m. in Detroit, and 16- and 17-year-olds have a curfew of 11 p.m. City Council pushed the curfew earlier for the event.
What you can and can’t bring
For viewers headed to a park, camping chairs and blankets are good seating options to bring. Snacks and nonalcoholic beverages are allowed.
Tents, canopies, pets, alcohol, weapons, personal or consumer fireworks, flames or cooking, and reserving an area in excess of the number of people currently in a group are strictly prohibited at all public viewing locations.
Everyone entering a public viewing area will be subject to security screening. Coolers and backpacks will be searched.
What parks will be closed
Street, freeway closures
At approximately 6 p.m. on June 22, the following changes will go into effect:
DPD reserves the right to request closure of the freeways and surface streets earlier or later, depending on the volume of vehicle traffic, according to the news release.
Streets and freeways usually reopen after the show.
Where to park
The city will not enforce parking meters across the city after 5 p.m. on Monday, June 22. Motorists can park on streets for free but should pay attention to signage to avoid ticketing and potential towing.
Improper street parking includes parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk or 15 feet from an intersection, parking in front of fire hydrants or bus stops or blocking driveways or driveways, and parking in fire lanes, no parking or standing zones, or designated zones without credentials. If a vehicle is towed, individuals should call the DPD Tow Desk at 313-596-8832 to determine the location of the vehicle.
Parking is available at city-owned garages at Ford Underground Garage, 30 East Jefferson St., for $10. The garage opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 1 a.m.
The city also owns the Eastern Market Garage, 2727 Riopelle St., and parking is available for $5. The garage opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m.
How to watch the fireworks on TV or online
WDIV-TV Local 4 live broadcasts the show annually. People can follow the event on social media with the #fordfireworks, according to The Parade Co.
Free Press reporter Nushrat Rahman contributed to this reporting.
Contact Natalie Davies at ndavies@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ford Fireworks return to Detroit June 22: What to know, where to watch
Reporting by Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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By Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
