The city has its own rhythm in the summer. There’s the sizzle of open grills on brownstone stoops, the hum of the subway rising through the grates, and, this year, something unexpected: the soft, flickering glow of Brooklyn fireflies everywhere you look.
It feels like the borough has been sprinkled with a little magic lately. From the tree-lined streets near The Shop to the sweeping lawns of Prospect Park, the evenings are alive with tiny lights dancing across the dusk. Fireflies aren’t rare in New York City, but this year, they seem to be out in full force and it’s stopping people in their tracks.
A Rare Urban Show
Usually, spotting a firefly here feels like finding a secret. You might catch one or two in the park if you’re lucky. But this season is different. Maybe it’s the weather pattern, maybe it’s the rainfall, maybe it’s just nature reminding us that even in a city of concrete and glass, there are still pockets of wonder.
When you see them against the backdrop of brownstones and skyline, blinking in clusters like tiny, floating lanterns, it makes you pause. It’s a small miracle in a big, loud city – a reminder that even here, in one of the busiest places on earth, there’s room for stillness and sparkle.
Our Evening Ritual
At The Shop, we’ve turned it into a ritual. As the workday winds down and laptops close, a few of us trade the glow of screens for the glow outside. We wander from Carroll Street up toward Prospect Park, coffee cups in hand or maybe an ice cream from a corner shop. The air is heavy with that unmistakable summer warmth, and then suddenly, there they are – Brooklyn fireflies – little bursts of light across the grass and hedges, like a Morse code message from nature.
There’s something about fireflies that feels nostalgic, even if you didn’t grow up with them. They slow you down in the best way. No one rushes past a firefly. You stop, you look, you notice. In a city where so much demands attention, these moments feel rare and precious.
Why Fireflies Matter (More Than You Think)
Beyond their glow, fireflies are a sign of something good: a healthy ecosystem. They thrive where there’s greenery, moisture, and just the right balance of nature doing its thing. Seeing so many in Brooklyn reminds us that even in an urban environment, nature has a way of pushing through. It makes the small patches of green in our neighborhood feel even more essential, Prospect Park, the canal pathways, even little community gardens tucked between buildings.
How to Make the Most of It
If you haven’t experienced this yet, now’s the time. Firefly season doesn’t last forever, and that’s part of what makes it magical. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
• Take an evening walk – Head toward Prospect Park around dusk, when the sky turns indigo. Look for them near the wooded edges and open fields.
• Go slow – The more you pause, the more you’ll see. Fireflies aren’t in a hurry; neither should you be.
• Leave the lights (and your phone) behind – Fireflies shine brightest when it’s dark, and they deserve your full attention.
• Make it social (or don’t) – Bring a friend, make it a date, or just wander solo and soak it in. There’s no wrong way to watch a firefly show.
Brooklyn at Its Best
These little moments are why we love being here. The city gives us energy, but the neighborhood gives us balance. Fireflies in Brooklyn are a gift, a sign that life here isn’t just about the grind. It’s about the unexpected joys that pop up on an ordinary Tuesday night when you decide to take the long way home.
So if you’re near The Shop after hours, take a detour. Let the glow guide you up toward the park, and watch as the city lights blink back in the most beautiful way.