No one celebrates the Fourth of July like New York! Get festive with fireworks over dazzling castles, sprawling shorelines, and mountain vistas, or watch patriotic parades march down charming main streets. For those looking to take a more historic route, you’ll find Declaration of Indepence readings and reenactments at historic sites throughout the state, like Fort Ticonderoga, which is hosting a living history weekend this year leading up to the 250th Commemoration. Wear your red, white, and blue and get ready to “ooh” and “ahh” with these festive celebrations across the state. And if you’re looking to get ahead on planning for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, be sure to check out the calendar to discover events like the Big Sail 4th of July Celebration. Photo credit: Barry Schwartz.

Updated 05/23/2025

Independence Day Weekend at Fort Ticonderoga (Adirondacks)

Three men dressed in Revolutionary War era clothing fire muskets during a historic reenactment at Fort Ticonderoga

Celebrate freedom by exploring the year 1775 and the events leading up to the American Independence at Fort Ticonderoga! At this living history event, you’ll discover how Americans learned to be soldiers at Ticonderoga as armed rebellion expanded into an invasion of Canada. The weekend is packed with all kinds of exciting activities like a Carillon boat tour, guided tours exploring military history and the historic gardens, cannon demonstrations, and more. Don’t miss the Fifes & Drums as they perform patriotic music! July 4-6; adult $30.00, senior $28.00 child (5-15): $14.00, children under 5 are free.

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks (New York City)

A vibrant fireworks display at Macy's 4th of July Fireworks in New York CityCredit: @clickforthekingdom on Instagram

This iconic event is back and the stunning fireworks display is sure to delight New Yorkers of all ages. This year the fireworks will light up the sky over the East River starting at 8pm. Marvel over the fireworks while enjoying an accompanying score of patriotic music, electrifying performances, heart-pounding pyrotechnics, and more. If you're looking to make the evening truly dazzling, snag a ticket for the South Street Seaport Museum's Red, White, and Views celebration from Pier 16, offering an unforgettable vantage point. Expect to be in awe with an epic fireworks show at the country’s largest Fourth of July celebration—this display will be bigger than ever! Free.

Albany’s 4th of July Celebration (Capital-Saratoga)

4th of July Fireworks at Empire State Plaza 1692

Celebrate the holiday with 20,000 other revelers at Empire State Plaza in Albany. The 4th of July celebration takes place from 5pm-10pm and includes exciting live performances from some of the region’s best local artists, tasty food and beverage vendors, and of course fireworks! Watch the sky over The Egg, the New York State Capitol, and Corning Tower burst with color right before your eyes. Free.

Fireworks Spectacular at Jones Beach (Long Island)

A trip to Jones Beach State Park is already the perfect summer day—enjoy the beach, boardwalk, surfing, fishing, miniature golf, and more. Your day will be even more special on July 4th starting at 9:30 PM, with more than 8,000 fireworks going off accompanied by patriotic songs. Make sure to arrive early as parking lots fill up fast. Admission is free. Parking is $10.

Ellicottville Summer Music Festival (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

Ellicottville Summer Music FestivalCredit: Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce

What better way to celebrate Independence Day than with three days of live music? Pack a picnic blanket and chairs to jam out slopeside at Holiday Valley with a battle of the bands and performances from ACM award-winner Hailey Whitters and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Stick around until Sunday for a magical fireworks display! Ticket prices vary by event and day. Children under 12 are free.

Red, White & BOOM at LEGOLAND (Hudson Valley)

Fireworks in front of LEGOLAND NYC themed land at LEGOLAND
Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND

A unique fireworks display will light up the sky over the Lego-themed amusement park to celebrate their Bricktastic 4th of July celebration. Be sure to grab a pair of special 3D viewing glasses so you can watch the fireworks burst into LEGO bricks right before your eyes! There will be entertaining live music and the park will be open until 9PM so you can enjoy the show. Plus, Red, White & BOOM activities are included with the cost of regular admission. Regular park admission: $49 online, $94 at the gate.

Fireworks over Boldt Castle (Thousand Islands-Seaway)

Fireworks over Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay, NY.
Credit: @wanderwomanpics on Instagram

Alexandria Bay's Independence Day celebration uses the stunning backdrop of the St. Lawrence River and Boldt Castle for its fireworks display. Set up a picnic along the shoreline or better yet, rent a boat or take Uncle Sam Boat Tours’ 4th of July cruise for an even more striking view. The fireworks begin at dusk, which can be later this far north, with an estimated start time of 9:45 PM. If you’re looking for even more fantastic fireworks in the Thousand Islands, arrive July 3 and reserve a special Fireworks Display Cruise with Clayton Island Tours for a spectacular waterside view. Free.

4th of July in Lake Placid (Adirondacks)

4th of July Celebration in Lake Placid

Lake Placid hosted two Winter Olympic Games, and the surrounding area is still home to athletes that represent Team USA. It’s no surprise that the Olympic village is an exciting place for Independence Day. Start the day with a Lake Placid Horse Show (June 24-July 6) at 8 AM for just $10 or under. Then, take your pick from a variety of activities: head to Lake Placid Public Beach and go for a swim, take a stroll around beautiful Mirror Lake, browse the shops and have a nice lunch on Main Street, or enjoy live music before the parade. At 5 PM, Olympic athletes and special guests will march down Main Street, along with floats, classic cars, and more in the 4th of July gala parade. End the memorable day with a fireworks extravaganza over Mirror Lake starting at 9:15 PM. Main event: July 4, free. Lake Placid Horse Show: June 24-July 6.

Music on the Mountain (Adirondacks)

West Mountain in Queensbury will host Music on the Mountain, a day filled with live entertainment from The Switch, Stony Creek Band, and EB Jeb, food, an outdoor beer garden, and more. Scenic chairlift rides are also included in your ticket showcasing spectacular summer views. June 28, 6-10 PM, $20-30 (20 and over), $15-$25 (13-19), $10-$20 (7-12), 6 and under, free with purchase of adult ticket.

Independence Night Celebration at the Ballpark (Greater Niagara)

The Buffalo Bisons

Cheer for your favorite team as the Buffalo Bisons and Rochester Red Wings face off at Sahlen Field on July 3. After the game, celebrate with a performance from the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, which will be playing patriotic songs. Stick around after the concert for the largest fireworks show of the season! Game starts at 6:05 PM. Tickets cost $30.10 each.

Walkway Over the Hudson’s Fireworks Spectacular (Hudson Valley)

A photo of Independence Day fireworks between Mid Hudson Bridge and Walkway over the Hudson

Walkway Over the Hudson is the perfect viewing platform for the City of Poughkeepsie’s fireworks. The New York State historic park will hold a ticketed event from 6 to 9:30 PM (fireworks begin after 9 PM). Don’t forget to cross the Walkway during your visit—it’s one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world! Tickets available in June. See website for details.

4th of July in Dutchess County (Hudson Valley)

No worries if you can’t make it to Walkway Over the Hudson on the 4th because fireworks will light up the sky all over Dutchess County! Head to the home of the minor league baseball team, the Hudson Valley Renegades, where a vibrant firework display will light up the sky after the game on July 3 after their games against the Brooklyn Cyclones. In the mood for a parade? Bring a chair and then sit back and enjoy the Hyde Park Independence Day Parade. Prices vary.

Cazenovia July 4th Foot Races (Central New York)

The July 4th foot races are a major holiday tradition in Cazenovia, going back more than 50 years. Runners can register for a 10-mile course, a 5K, or a Kid’s Fun Run to kick off the celebratory weekend! 10-mile begins at 8 AM, 5K begins at 8:15 AM, Kid’s Fun Run begins at 8:20 AM.10-mile: $33.15, 5K: $33.15, Kid’s Fun Run: free.

Springfield 4th of July Parade and Celebration (Central New York)

Glimmerglass State Park

Head to Springfield, about 20 minutes north of Cooperstown, for the Annual Springfield 4th of July Parade starting at 11 AM. After the parade, stick around for live music, historical displays, and a helping of chicken barbecue. Then, enjoy some classic rock at Glimmerglass State Park (pictured), as the band Scattered Flurries will perform at 7:30 PM. Stick around for the fireworks display beginning at dusk after the concert! Free.

Blackthorne Resort July 4th Weekend (Catskills)

Celebrate July 4th at Blackthorne Resort in East Durham! This jam-packed weekend promises fun for the whole family and kicks off with the annual East Durham Town Parade on Friday, where seasonal campers join in on the fun and decorate their carts. The weekend also features a Frog Catching Contest for the kids, live entertainment, and a can’t-miss fireworks display. Included in overnight rate.

Genesee Country Village & Museum Independence Day Celebration (Finger Lakes)

This family-friendly daytime celebration will feature games, picnics, a pie-eating contest, patriotic tunes, and a swearing-in of new U.S. citizens! The Genesee Country Village & Museum will also host its grand 19th-century style parade and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Pricing for 2025 to be announced.

Cortland County Independence Day Spectacular (Finger Lakes)

Cortland County will return to tradition this year with a day-long celebration at Dwyer Memorial Park in Preble. Enjoy live music from local bands, food vendors, and a beer and wine garden. The music starts at 2 PM; the fireworks display is from 9-10 PM. July 5, free, $5 parking per car starting at 8PM.

Dunkirk July 4th Celebration (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

The city of Dunkirk is going all out this year with its annual July 4th celebration. The festivities begin on July 3 at 5pm with live music from Classic Rock Allstars and Invincible: Ohio's Premier Pat Benatar Tribute Band. On July 4, the celebrations start at 11am, where you can grab a bite at food vendors and rock out to live music all day long. Starting at 9:15pm, fireworks light up the night sky over Memorial Park. For an awe-inspiring view settle into a spot at the Dunkirk Lighthouse. End the celebration bright and early Saturday morning with the annual Marauder Trotter Run/Walk 5K at Wright Park! Free.

Best 4th in the North Celebration (Adirondacks)

Make your way to Ticonderoga for this Adirondack summer staple celebration! Taking place from July 1-4 at Bicentennial Park in Ticonderoga, this festival has a jam-packed schedule of events that includes a grand fireworks display, parade, live music, craft and food vendors, kids activities, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and more! July 1-4, free.

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