Fireworks to Celebrate Beach 116th Opening!

Councilwoman Joann Ariola is bringing a fireworks show to Beach 116th Street on Saturday, June 21, kicking off the long awaited grand re-opening of the Beach 116th Street beach with a celebration of the block and all it has to offer.

The fireworks are scheduled to begin shortly after sundown, but families, residents, and visitors are encouraged to come early, enjoy the local shops and restaurants, and join in what’s expected to be a fun-filled evening on the boardwalk.

“The reopening of the beach here is something that the community has waited a long time for,” Councilwoman Ariola said. “We wanted to mark the moment in a big way, and what better way to say welcome back than fireworks over the ocean? This is going to be a great summer for Rockaway, and we are getting it started off with a bang!”

“These fireworks will let everyone know that the beach is finally open, and the businesses on Beach 116th Street are ready to welcome visitors and locals alike for a great summer,” said Matt Mazzone, owner of ACE Mazzone Hardware and a member of the Beach 116th Street Merchants Association. “After years without beach access here, this is exactly the spark we needed to start the season right. Huge thanks to CM Ariola!”

“Beach 116th Street has been a major center of commerce and community in Rockaway since the 1800s,” said Harold Paez, President of the Rockaway Civic Association. “We are very grateful for Councilwoman Ariola’s leadership in working with our Civic Association and our local Merchants Association towards the goal of opening up our beaches for visitors and residents this summer. The summer of 2025 will be starting off on a major high note!”

In addition to the fireworks, the celebration will also have live music from the Roadkill Country Outlaws at 7 p.m. on the Beach 116th Street Boardwalk. The fireworks are set to launch at 9 p.m.