By Raphael Beretta and Alexandra Rivera, with additional reporting by Lauryn Starke and Kayla Sexton
Summer events are back in the Hudson Valley, and local fireworks are ready to light up the night sky.
Independence Day brings a slew of patriotic events to the region. Live performances from local musicians, craft food and beverage vendors, and good old-fashioned baseball accompany Fourth of July celebrations. Plus, catch extra colorful explosions throughout the warm-weather season.
Empire State Plaza, Albany
July 4, 5–10 p.m.
View this post on Instagram
Independence Day celebrations return to the iconic Empire State Plaza. Head to New York’s capital for live music by Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, food vendors, and—of course—vibrant fireworks illuminating the night sky. Sip craft beverages from some of the Hudson Valley’s finest producers and enjoy one of the biggest firework displays in the region.
Adobe Stock | Zodar
The Greens at Copake, Copake
August 27, 7 p.m.
Summer fireworks shows are at their best in a scenic locale. The Greens restaurant at the Copake Country Club hosts an enormous firework bash. This year, Smoking J’s BBQ will prepare a pig roast for the ages. Enjoy savory Texas beef brisket, pit barbecue chicken, farm-stand corn on the cob, and red skin potato salad in addition to the whole-hog pig roast. Outdoor tables place diners right in front of a concert by The Real Men before the fireworks show begins.
View this post on Instagram
Walkway Over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie
July 4, 6:30 p.m.
View this post on Instagram
You won’t find a better view to enjoy Fourth of July spectacles than the Walkway Over the Hudson. Experience the fireworks unobstructed at eye-level on the bridge towering 212 feet over the Hudson River. The bridge opens to ticket holders at 6:30 p.m., so enjoy the sunset over the river before the show kicks off at sundown.
Dutchess Stadium, Wappingers Falls
Multiple weekends through September
View this post on Instagram
Fireworks at The Dutch are a tell-tale sign that summer has arrived. Watch the Hudson Valley Renegades take on new opponents as the official farm team of the New York Yankees. On clear, warm evenings, fireworks light up the sky post-game. Check the online schedule for dates.
Dutchess Stadium, Wappingers Falls
July 3, 6:05 p.m.
This isn’t an ordinary fireworks night at The Dutch. This year, the ‘Gades are back in town ready to celebrate Independence Day with an extravagant fireworks show following a home game against the Brooklyn Cyclones. Tickets are available online.
Adobe Stock | Radenmas
Hopewell Rec Field, East Fishkill
July 1, 7 p.m.
This annual installment of East Fishkill’s live music series brings together classic tunes and booming fireworks for the ultimate Fourth of July celebration. Pull up a chair or spread out your blanket and listen to old-school jams from Adam & The NewHearts, who cover musicians like The Beatles and Elvis Presley.
Adobe Stock / NDABCREATIVITY
Riedlbauer’s Resort, Round Top
July 2, 6–10 p.m.
Nothing says Fourth of July like classic music, cold beer, and fireworks. Stop by Nussy’s Bier Garten at Riedlbauer’s Resort to listen to a set performed by Billy Joel tribute band Cold Spring Harbor, then follow it up with a stunning display of fireworks. Free admission and parking makes this event the perfect Independence Day outing for everyone.
Angelo Canna Park, Cairo
July 4
View this post on Instagram
Celebrate Independence Day with a (literal) bang and join Cairo for an evening of celebration. Angelo Canna Park is a wonderful Catskills destination for open-air entertainment. Bring some snacks or chow down on fresh fare from Hudson Valley vendors. Check out craft artisans and live music, then settle down for the fireworks at dusk.
Colonial Country Club, Tannersville
July 2, time TBD at time of press
Tannersville’s annual fireworks show is an event with fun for the whole family. Be sure to bring a comfy chair and a blanket to watch the big event under the stars.
Windham Mountain Resort, Windham
July 4, 7 p.m. to dusk
View this post on Instagram
In keeping with its annual tradition, the Town of Windham hosts a grand Independence Day celebration. The Greene County parade steps off at 7 p.m. from Route 296 to Main Street. Fireworks go off at Windham Mountain at dusk, so pack a blanket and bring the family for a night of good fun.
L Vern Allen Park, Washingtonville
July 1, 6 p.m.
View this post on Instagram
Ready for a perfect summer date night? Kick off the evening with festive music from Hillbilly Parade, a lively Hudson Valley cover band. Then, stroll around the park and explore the fares from local vendors. After the entertainment, settle in with a romantic fireworks show.
Cornwall
July 4
Cornwall’s annual festivities are back in full swing this year with a parade through the center of town. This event has it all—from an artisan craft fair to live music to a Duck Derby—for a full-day celebration. Community members and families will be able to turn their cars into their very own parade floats and be in the center of the action! The parade starts at 5 p.m. in Cornwall-on-Hudson and ends in the Town of Cornwall.
Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park, Greenwood Lake
July 2
For anyone who has not experienced the Greenwood Lake summer concert series, few things compare to watching live music while the sun sets behind the mountains. Come equipped with coolers and snacks to take this setup to the next level. Finally, witness a massive fireworks show over the water.
West Point
July 2, 7:30 p.m.
What’s more patriotic than performances from West Point Band ensembles at the Trophy Point amphitheater? The concert concludes with the military academy’s spectacular firework display.
Thomas Bull Memorial Park, Montgomery
July 29, 4 p.m.
Orange County’s Freedom Fest returns to its original location, Thomas Bull Memorial Park. The Black Dirt Bandits perform as visitors peruse a fleet of food trucks and craft beverage vendors. The fun continues for hours, peaking with the dusk fireworks show.
View this post on Instagram
Bowline Park, West Haverstraw
July 2, 5 p.m.
Before sitting back in a comfy chair for the show, take a scenic stroll along the Hudson River. West Haverstraw’s Bowline Park hosts one of the best fireworks shows in the entire region. Potluck picnics and live music set the summery scene. Arrive early for parking inside the park. NOTE: This event is only open to fully vaccinated guests.
Palisades Credit Union Park, Pomona
July 3, 6 p.m.; July 4, 6:30 p.m.
Hot dogs, cold drinks, free giveaways, and more await. Watch the New York Boulders play ball at the Palisades Credit Union Park. After each game, fireworks illuminate the night sky to commemorate July 4. The Rockland County baseball stadium is a delightful destination and a great spot for family fun.
Memorial Park, Nyack
July 4, 9:30 p.m.
View this post on Instagram
Nyack’s waterfront park offers breathtaking views of the Hudson. Watch fireworks reflect off of the shimmering water as The Village of Nyack honors Independence Day. The free event begins at 9:30 p.m., and is only a few minutes away from the heart of this southern Hudson Valley hotspot.
Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz
July 1–5
Independence Day fireworks all weekend long? Count us in. Mohonk Mountain House is one of the most recognizable and iconic destinations in the entire Hudson Valley. Guests of this four-season resort are treated to a weekend of festivities. Leading up to the big event, Mohonk hosts dockside concerts, water shows, carnivals, and a patriotic parade. On the night of July 4, Legion Fireworks puts together a show that casts color and light over the mountains.
Accord Speedway, Accord
July 1
Keeping with its annual tradition, Accord Speedway hosts a fireworks spectacular for Independence Day in the Hudson Valley. This Ulster County locale treats guests to high octane fun and car races every Friday night of the summer.
Adobe Stock / NDABCREATIVITY
Saugerties
July 4
End the holiday weekend in the Hudson Valley with a drive-by motorcade parade in the Village of Saugerties. Patriotic garb and vibrantly decorated vehicles turn the quiet village into a full-blown Independence Day celebration.
Kingston
July 4
Head to the Kingston Rondout waterfront for fireworks festivities in Ulster County on July 4. The event will kick off shortly after dark, so come in advance to spend a day trip in Kingston.
Tarrytown
July 4
Bring the kids and a picnic blanket to Pierson Park, and enjoy live music from the band Kick Start Charlie at 7 p.m. before fireworks ignite the sky over the Hudson. (We bet you can enjoy views of the display from neighboring Rockland and Westchester towns on the water.)