The 68th edition of the Ford Fireworks will light up the night sky tonight over the Detroit River.
Are you just now planning to head to downtown Detroit for the show? You may want to head down as soon as you can. From Belle Isle to Spirit Plaza, thousands are expected to pack in parks and at viewing parties around the city.
Here’s where to go if you plan to watch the Detroit fireworks tonight.
What time do the Detroit fireworks start?
If you plan to watch the fireworks, however, plan ahead. People will 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.
Here are the best places to watch the show:
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 Detroit Riverwalk.
Detroit Police Department Public Information Officer Jackson Vidaurri clarified Wednesday, 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.
What parks will be closed for Detroit fireworks
Are there watch parties for the Detroit fireworks?
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.
Street, freeway closures for Detroit fireworks
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 for Detroit fireworks
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 Detroit fireworks on TV or live stream
Can’t make it downtown tonight? WDIV-TV (Channel 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: Your last-minute guide to Detroit’s Ford Fireworks: 6 places to watch the show
Reporting by Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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By Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
