How to Celebrate 4th of July Weekend in New York

Credit: Barry Schwartz

No one celebrates the Fourth of July like New Yorkers do. For us, Independence Day means beach trips, fireworks over the water, picnics, and live music! Wear your red, white, and blue and get ready to “ooh” and “ahh” with these festive celebrations across the state. 

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

This iconic event is back and the stunning fireworks display is sure to delight New Yorkers of all ages. This year the fireworks will soar over the East River. Marvel over the fireworks while enjoying an accompanying score of patriotic and pop music. Expect to be dazzled with an epic fireworks show at the country’s largest Fourth of July celebration—this display will be bigger than ever!

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

Celebrate the holiday with 20,000 other revelers at Empire State Plaza in Albany. There are kid-friendly activities and live entertainment before the fireworks soar over The Egg, the New York State Capital, and Corning Tower.

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.

Red, White & BOOM at LEGOLAND (Hudson Valley)

Courtesy of LEGOLAND

A unique fireworks display will light up the sky over the Lego-themed amusement park to celebrate their first ever Bricktastic 4th of July! The cost of admission covers all activities related to Red, White & BOOM. Park hours will be extended to celebrate the special day. 

Fireworks over Boldt Castle (Thousand Islands-Seaway)

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 and get on the water 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. 

4th of July in Lake Placid (Adirondacks)

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. Take your pick from a variety of activities: head to Lake Placid Public Beach and go for a swim, or just take a stroll around beautiful Mirror Lake. Then browse in the shops and have a nice lunch on Main Street. 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 9:30 PM.

West Mountain Concert and Fireworks (Adirondacks)

West Mountain in Queensbury will host Music on the Mountain, a day filled with live entertainment, food, an outdoor beer garden, and more. A fireworks display will begin at dark. July 2, 4-10 PM, $20 (20 and over), $15 (13-19), $10 (7-10), 6 and under, free

Independence Night Celebration at the Ballpark (Greater Niagara)

Cheer for your favorite team as the Buffalo Bisons take on the Syracuse Mets at Sahlen Field. After the game, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will entertain the crowd with patriotic songs, and Lockport native and “The Voice” star Joshua Vacanti will make a special appearance. Stick around after the concert for the largest fireworks show of the season! Game starts at 6:05 PM. $29 ($25 in advance)

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

Credit: Beautiful Destinations

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 6:30 to 9:30 PM (fireworks begin after 9 PM). Don’t forget to cross the Walkway during your visit—it’s the longest pedestrian bridge in the world! $20, children 10 and under free when accompanied by a paying adult. July 4, 6:30-9:30 PM Rain date: July 9.

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. Fireworks displays will take place at Dutchess Stadium for three nights in a row (July 1-3) 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. For an educational perspective on the holiday, head to Clermont State Historic Site and listen to readings from Frederick Douglass’ "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" Or listen to the annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence at Village Hall in Fishkill. Prices vary.

Cazenovia July 4th Foot Races (Central New York)

The July 4th foot races are a major holiday tradition in Cazenovia, going back 49 years. Runners can register for a 10-mile course, a 5K, or a Kid’s Fun Run. And once again this year, a virtual option is available for those who want to participate on their own. Races begin at 8 AM, 10-mile: $28, 5K: $25, Virtual: $25, Kid’s Fun Run: free

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

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, a quilt show, and a helping of chicken barbecue. Afterwards, enjoy some classic rock at Glimmerglass State Park (pictured), as the Council Rock Band  will perform at 7:30 PM. Stick around for the fireworks display after the concert!

4th of July in the Catskills (Catskills)

Fireworks, parades, family-friendly activities, and more are planned at locations throughout the Catskills from July 2-4. Events are planned for Coxsackie, Windham, Cairo, Catskill, and Tannersville, and more with fireworks displays each night during the celebrations. July 2-4, various times, free

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

This family-friendly daytime celebration will feature games, picnics, a pie-eating contest, and a swearing-in of new U.S. citizens! The Genesee Country Village & Museum will also host its grand parade and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. $23 for adults, $20 for senior citizens and college students, $19 for youth 3–12, free for children 2 and younger.

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, food vendors, and a beer and wine garden. The music starts at 2 PM; the fireworks display is from 9-10 PM. July 2, free, $5 parking per car

Mayville July 4th Celebration (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

The village of Mayville is going all out this year with its annual July 4th celebration. The festivities begin with the Grand Parade at 10 AM, followed by a day of live music and entertainment, including a magic show, and a comedy, variety, and stunt show. The fireworks display begins at 10 PM. Free.

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