This Fourth of July is the nation’s 250th anniversary, a semi-quincentennial, and celebrations are abundant across the mid-Hudson Valley.
To honor the occasion, local mid-Hudson Valley municipalities are going all out, from the classic fireworks displays and parades to history-centered tours and themed events to take you back to what the Revolutionary War era was like.
Get the scoop on over 50 Fourth of July events and 250th anniversary celebrations on and around the holiday. Some of the 250th anniversary celebrations are continuing well into the second half of 2026.
Here’s your ultimate local July Fourth guide, for Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties, ordered by date.
Fourth of July fireworks, parades, events in mid-Hudson Valley
Skip to your county: Dutchess | Orange | Sullivan | Ulster
Dutchess County celebrations
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum: On June 26, The FDR Presidential Library and Museum, located at 4079 Albany Post Road in Hyde Park, will be making way for locals to experience the American Revolution through selections from the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection. As part of the National Archives and Records Administration’s Freedom 250 initiative, this America 250-themed exhibition featuring rare historical Revolutionary-era documents runs through Dec. 6.
Revolutionary Cider Celebration 2026 at Fishkill Farms: On June 27, spend a day on the farm in Hopewell Junction with Destination Dutchess and the Dutchess County Department of History for this second-annual event, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’ll be filled with Revolutionary War and Colonial-era history, farm experiences and apple cider. Admission to the event is free, and this will happen rain or shine. For a full itinerary of events, such as tales of Revolutionary Dutchess County and an exclusive Single Varietal Cider Flight at Treasury Cider, visit destinationdutchess.com/spotlights/rev250-cider-event.
Hudson Valley Renegades, Heritage Financial Park: On July 2-4, have an evening at the ballpark and enjoy the weekend-long celebration of Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday. All three nights, the Hudson Valley Renegades will be going up against the Wilmington Blue Rocks beginning at 7:05 p.m. Stay for the postgame fireworks. Visit milb.com to purchase tickets and view the special events and promotions for each night.
Bannerman Island Movie Night showing of “1776”: On July 3, celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary by seeing “1776,” a 1972 musical directed by Peter H. Hunt at the historic island in the middle of the Hudson River. The rain date for this event is July 4. Purchase tickets at bannermancastle.org.
City of Beacon: On July 3, there will be a fireworks display at Memorial Park at dusk. If possible, city residents may want to walk or bike to the event, as parking is limited. The event officially runs from 8:30-10 p.m.
City of Poughkeepsie, Walkway Over the Hudson: On July 4, watch the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular for free from Waryas Park at the base of Main Street, or purchase a ticket to view the show from Walkway Over the Hudson at walkway.org. The walkway will open at 6 p.m. for ticket holders only, and the show begins between 9-9:30 p.m.
Clermont State Historic Site’s “American 250: Independence Day at Clermont”: On July 4, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., visit this historic site to learn how the people of Clermont lived as the Revolutionary War commenced. See reenactors, take a tour of the historic mansion with one of the experienced guides, protect the Declaration of Independence from the Red Coats with a spy code, make a historic craft or try out a colonial game. Thomas Hooker Hanford will perform songs and stories. Attendees can hear readings from Fredrick Douglass’ “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” and end the day with a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Visit the Friends of Clermont’s site to book the day: friendsofclermont.org/events.
Fishkill’s annual Fourth of July Reading of the Declaration of Independence: On July 4, the Village of Fishkill is hosting its annual reading of the Declaration of Independence. Listen at 11 a.m. on the steps of the Village Hall, located at 1095 Main St. in Fishkill. The free public event will include a musical performance by Alex Prizgintas. At 12:30 p.m., all are welcome to help ring the Fishkill Reformed Church’s bell 250 times at 1153 Main St. in Fishkill. For more information on the Village of Fishkill’s celebrations, visit facebook.com/villageoffishkill.
Four Brothers Drive-In in Amenia: On July Fourth, celebrate the holiday watching the double feature showing, but after the first movie, revel in the fireworks display happening before the second showing. Purchase tickets at playeatdrink.com/play/schedule-tickets/.
Hyde Park’s Independence Day Parade: On July 4, the parade steps off at 10 a.m. from the Hyde Park Drive-in, moving north on Route 9 toward the Hyde Park Town Hall. This is a judged parade, and parade participants have the option to compete for a trophy. The awards will be held immediately after the parade at the town hall.
Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum’s Independence Day Celebration: On July 4, the museum is hosting an event aligning with the Walkway Over the Hudson’s fireworks show, from 7-9 p.m., where you can reserve on-site parking for a view of the fireworks display. An additional picnic pass can be purchased for seating under their waterfront pavilion. For more details and pricing, visit mhdm.org.
Town of East Fishkill America 250 Celebration: On July 4, the town and the East Fishkill Historical Society will commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday with performances by the Young Colonials Fife and Drum Corps, demonstrations of loading and firing an authentic Revolutionary War cannon and reenactors showcasing life as a colonial solider. As the sun sets, Adam & The Newhearts will be performing a live concert, and a fireworks show will close out the night.
Town of Stanford’s Fourth of July 2026 Fireworks Spectacular: On July 4, Stanford Fire Company, the Town of Stanford and Stanford Historical Society will present the town’s fireworks display, which will begin shortly after dusk and can be viewed from Stanford’s Recreation Park, at 40 Creamery Road in Stanfordville, as well as the town hall at 26 Town Hall Road in Stanfordville. Beforehand, there will be a chicken BBQ at the Stanford Recreational Pavilion, and tickets are available through the Stanford Fire Company.
Troutbeck’s annual July Fourth Barbecue in Amenia: On July 4, from noon to 3 p.m., Troutbeck will be hosting a barbecue. Enjoy the property and fun in their pole barn, while feasting on foods from roasted suckling pig and raven and boar spareribs with a miso chili rub to Grimaldi grass-fed burgers and hot dogs. For dessert, delight in a customizable rice crispy treat station with Chef Emma, chocolate chip cookies and watermelon. Learn more and find ticket prices at troutbeck.com.
Freedom Day in Town of LaGrange’s Freedom Park: On July 5, the LaGrange Historical Society will host an extravaganza for the 250th Anniversary of American Independence that is free and open to the public. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., meet George Washington and Benjamin Franklin while enjoying a performance by the Young Colonials Fife and Drum Corps. Find a colonial crafts table for kids and see artisans from the era practicing trades like spinning wool and blacksmithing. This is a 2026 Dutchess County Rev250 grant-funded program, and the LaGrange Historical Society received $6,430 to put it together.
Tenmile Distillery’s Revolutionary Whisky Lecture Series: On July 9, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10, listen to a lecture led by resident whisky aficionado and history buff Tom Bouldin at the Wassaic distillery. The lecture aligns with the collectible Revolutionary series of their American single-malt whiskey, providing a guided exploration into the history behind the Revolutionary War battles featured in the series, a dram tasting and a beer. The next one is dubbed “Revolutionary Whisky: Siege of Fort Ticonderoga.” Purchase tickets by visiting tenmiledistillery.com/upcoming-events/.
2026 Dutchess County Quaker Meeting House Tours: On July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, Oct. 11 and Nov. 8, get into local history and visit multiple historic sites through the free Quaker House Meeting Tours from 1-4 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month through November. For the upcoming tour on July 12, the Creek Meeting House in Clinton Corners, Nine Partners Meeting House in Millbrook, Oblong Meeting House in Pawling and Bulls Head-Oswego Meeting House in Stanford will be open. This is a 2026 Dutchess County Rev250 grant-funded program, and the Clinton Historical Society received $13,835 to underwrite the program, which links sites together across six towns. Visit meetinghousetour.com to find more on the tours.
East Fishkill Historical Society’s Heritage Crafts Day: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 8 at 68 Kensington Drive in Hopewell Junction, enjoy a day of free Colonial-era craft demonstrations, which are open to the public. Skilled artisans will demonstrate the skills that made life possible in Dutchess County back in the 1700s, from blacksmithing and gunsmithing to woodcarving and cooking in the beehive back oven. The featured event of the day will be a demonstration of iron smelting in a bloom furnace. This is a 2026 Dutchess County Rev250 grant-funded program, and the East Fishkill Society received a grant of $4,800 to support the programming.
“Amenia’s Spycatcher,” a Revolutionary-era play: On Aug. 21-23, visit the Amenia Town Hall at 4988 Route 22 for multiple performances presented by the Amenia Historical Society of the original script and first production of “Amenia’s Spycatcher,” the story of Ephraim Paine. On Aug. 21-22, the play will begin at 8 p.m., and on Aug. 23, the play will begin at 2 p.m. This is a 2026 Dutchess County Rev250 grant-funded program, and the Amenia Historical Society received a grant of $15,000 to produce the performances. For further information on the play, visit dutchessny.gov.
Colonial Tavern Experience at The Elmendorph Inn: On Sept. 19, explore tavern life in the years around the American Revolution at Historic Red Hook’s 18th-century inn, located at 7562 N Broadway in Red Hook. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., see a brand-new immersive exhibit and costumed interpreters in period attire. This is a 2026 Dutchess County Rev250 grant-funded program, and Historic Red Hook received a grant of $15,000 to underwrite the exhibit and programming. Visit historicredhook.org for more information.
“Harlem Valley Glimpses” play at the Old Drovers Inn: At 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 23, see the Town of Dover Historian Val LaRobardier bring the history of Eastern Dutchess County to life, based on the experiences of outstanding locals, through a series of vignettes and an original script. This play will be in the Preston Barn Catering Hall at Old Drovers Inn. This is a 2026 Dutchess County Rev250 grant-funded program, and the Dover Historical Society received $7,526 to write and produce the play. For further information on the play, visit dutchessny.gov.
Orange County celebrations
City of Middletown’s Stars and Stripes Celebration: On July 1, visit Fancher Davidge Park for this free event including live entertainment by DJ Echo starting at 7 p.m. and a fireworks display happening at dark.
Port Jervis Food Truck and Fireworks Festival: On July 2, from 5-10 p.m. at the Riverside Park and Recreation Area in Port Jervis, experience 27 sweet and savory food trucks, some of the best food trucks in the tri-state area, as per the organizer’s website. Get Hudson Valley-based fare from trucks like Up in Smoke, Nikki C’s Seafood & Catering, Roadhouse Rolling Bar, 876 Jerk and Boo’s Kettle Corn. Besides food trucks, the evening event will have live music from bands like Jug O’ Jack and Pistachio Bathtub, as well as games for the whole family. While you’re enjoying the festivities, watch fireworks over the city from the peak of Point Peter. Tickets can be purchased via pjfoodtruckfireworks.org.
Town of Newburgh’s Community Day: From 6-10 p.m. July 2,, the Town of Newburgh will be celebrating a community day and the Fourth of July at Algonquin and Cronomer parks. There will be music by the band “Hudson Blue,” food trucks and vendors, as well as fireworks.
Town of Wallkill’s Independence Day Fireworks: On July 2, visit the Town of Wallkill Golf Course located at 40 Sands Road in Circleville for food trucks, a live DJ, historical reenactments, a color guard presentation, ceremonial bugle performance, a special tribute honoring our veterans and fireworks. The gates open at 6 p.m. For parking information, visit facebook.com/TownofWallkillNY/.
Village of Monroe’s Independence Day Celebration: On July 3, starting at 5 p.m., there will be a street festival and food at Crane Park, also known as the Millponds. At 7 p.m., see the Mighty Spectrum Band and at dark, around 9:15 p.m., see a Star Flight Drone Show. Afterward, the night ends with fireworks. The rain date for this event will be July 10.
Village of Washingtonville’s annual “Food, Fire, & Fun Festival”: On July 3, from 5-10 p.m., celebrate the Fourth of July and the 250th anniversary in L. Vern Allen Park with a food truck festival, live music by Probable Cause and the night with a firework finale.
Cornwall’s Fourth of July: On July Fourth, visit the town that’s been celebrating independence annually since 1950. There will be festivities and activities all day in Cornwall, such as an artisan craft fair, food vendors, inflatable fun zone, pet show, their “Main Street Mile” run, a parade, flag ceremony and of course, fireworks to end the day. Find even more things to look forward to by visiting cornwall4th.org/festivities-schedule.
Goshen’s Great American Weekend 2026: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 4-5, go to 33 Park Place in Goshen for artisan goods, local crafts, family-friendly activities, food vendors and live music. Since 1982, this event has been a tradition for Goshen. For more information, visit goshennychamber.com.
Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Site’s Independence Day 250: On July 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit this site used during the Revolutionary War at 289 Old Forge Hill Road in Vails Gate. See the historic home and headquarters of Revolutionary War Generals Henry Knox, Nathanial Green and Horatio Gates, dubbed the Ellison House, for a guided tour. Tours are available on July 4 at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., and admission is free.
Legoland’s “Red, White & BOOM” in Goshen: On July 4, celebrate at Legoland with a unique fireworks display including 3D glasses that turn the fireworks into LEGO bricks, weather permitting. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to legoland.com/new-york/.
New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site’s Independence Day 250: From 2-4 p.m. July 4, visit this site used during the Revolutionary War at 374 Temple Hill Road in New Windsor. This free program will include Continental Army activities throughout the day, including a military drill and artillery demonstration at 2 p.m. Afterward, there will be a visitor participatory reading of the Declaration of Independence, as well as musket firings and military medicine.
Village of Greenwood Lake’s Celebrate America Parade: Beginning at 11 a.m. July 4, celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary on Windermere Avenue in Greenwood Lake. Attendees are encouraged to dress festively for the holiday. The parade will go from the Greenwood Lake Ambulance building to the Chase Bank, and immediately after, there will be a bed race.
West Point’s Independence Day Celebration: From 3-10 p.m. July 4 at Trophy Point, see a live performance by the West Point Band, enjoy food truck vendors, discover a kids zone with a bounce house and activities, find a dessert party tent, along with a fireworks show. This is a free event.
Sullivan County celebrations
Sullivan County Court’s Independence Day Celebration: At noon July 2, visit the county courthouse’s front lawn at 414 Broadway in Monticello, for reflections from the county court judges on the nation’s independence and the sheriff’s ceremonial color guard, followed by light refreshments.
Go to a Bethel Woods Concert: Visit Bethel Woods for a concert this Independence Day weekend. On July 3, see 16-time Grammy award-winner and two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Paul Simon. On July 4, see 10-time Grammy, three-time Latin Grammy award-winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Carlos Santana, along with The Doobie Brothers, who have won four Grammys. The weekend after, Tim McGraw will be in concert on July 9, and Lindsey Sterling will be performing on July 10. For the full list of concerts coming up this season, visit bethelwoodscenter.org/events.
Liberty’s Fourth of July Celebration: Starting at 10 a.m. July 4, check out Liberty’s Main Street for a parade, entertainment, food and craft vendors, along with fireworks. The rain date will be on July 5. For more information, see the Sullivan County Chamber Of Commerce’s website, business.catskills.com.
Kadampa World Peace Temple’s Independence Day Weekend Fun Fair: From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 5, visit this free Fun Fair featuring a flea market, artisan vendors, live music, vegetarian food, a cafe and juice bar, and family-friendly activities, such as outdoor games, a bounce house and crafts. Attendees can also tour the World Peace Temple, do guided mediation or try the nature trails. For more information, visit kadampanewyork.org.
Town of Fallsburg’s Fifth of July: On July 5, go to Morningside Park at 11 Morningside Park Road in Hurelyville for a celebration of the town’s 200th anniversary in 2026. Find food, bounce houses, live entertainment, a DJ, local vendors, paddle boats as well as a bonfire and treats starting at 2 p.m.
Ulster County celebrations
Accord Speedway’s Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza: On June 26, check out the speedway at 299 Whitfield Road in Accord to see Joe O’Conner & Partner’s Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza, as well as all weekly racing divisions. For more information on the Accord Speedway, visit accordspeedway.com.
Senate House State Historic Site’s “Let Freedom Ring”: From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 27, enjoy reenactors, live music crafts, two new exhibits in the museum building, take a tour of the 18th century home, and at 1 p.m., see the day’s headlining special presentation of historical speeches, exploring the legacy of the Declaration of Independence in American history. Those speaking will portray historical figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Plus, see Ancient Order of Hibernians Pipe Band and performer Mark Rust, along with demonstrations on hearthside cooking and a take-home craft.
Ellenville’s and Wawarsing’s “Red, White and Boom” Pre-party: From 5-9 p.m. July 3, celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a free pre-party at the Joseph Y. Resnick Airport, located at 199 Airport Road in Napanoch. The event features two live bands, DJ entertainment, food vendors, free hot dogs, kids activities, bounce houses, face painting and a colonial costume photo booth. Attendees will also find an apple pie baking contest and a skydiving flag display, with skydivers descending with a giant American flag.
Village of Saugerties Food Truck Festival: From 4-9 p.m. July 3, join Saugerties for their 250th anniversary celebrations including a food truck festival at Cantine Field on Pavilion Street.
City of Kingston’s 2026 Fourth of July Festivities: Starting at 6:30 p.m. July 4, listen to live music by Breakout Kings on the city stage in T.R. Gallo Park. Then, just after dark, watch the fireworks show, set off from a barge in the Rondout Creek. The City of Kingston notes parking will be limited, and there will be a free shuttle bus service from the Ulster County Area Transit. This event is free and open to the public. The rain date for this event will be July 5. For more of City of Kingston’s 250th anniversary celebrations, visit kingston-ny.gov/250yearsofamericasvoices.
Ellenville’s and Wawarsing’s Fourth of July Parade: At noon on July 4, go to downtown Ellenville for a July Fourth parade, with the parade’s route on Canal and Center streets. Later in the day, at 9:30 p.m., watch a fireworks show at Joseph Y. Resnick Airport, located at 199 Airport Road in Napanoch.
Highland’s July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular: On July Fourth, the Walkway Over the Hudson’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular will also be available from the West, Highland entrance. Parking is limited, and you can purchase tickets at walkway.org. The walkway will open at 6 p.m. for ticket holders only, but the show won’t begin until 9-9:30 p.m.
2026 New Paltz Fireworks Celebration: On July 4, go to the Ulster County Fairgrounds at 249 Libertyville Road in New Paltz for a grand fireworks show, with entertainment, local vendors, food trucks, a beer garden and wine tastings, and family fun such as crafts, a sensory-safe zone and a car show. Plus, this is a fundraiser by Local at Heart to support area food pantries. Gates open at 5 p.m. and fireworks will be at dusk. Afterward, stay for music. For more on what to look forward to, visit localatheart.org.
Town of Shandaken’s “Fourth of July Parade & Touch a Truck Bazaar”: On July 4, the parade will kick off at 11 a.m. in Phoenicia, and the bazaar will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Parish Field just off Main Street. The afternoon will include vendors, food, face painting, trucks and more family-friendly fun. The rain date is July 5.
Village of Saugerties Parade and Fireworks: At 11 a.m. July 4, the parade will step off on Washington Avenue in Saugerties. Later in the day, watch a Saugerties Stallions ball game at Cantine Field beginning around 6:15 p.m. A fireworks show will end the day at 10 p.m. For more details, visit villageofsaugerties.gov/community/events/july4th.
Town of Llyod’s Independence Day Celebration: On July 11, visit the Highland Town Field at 39 Main St. in Highland for an Independence Day Celebration. As more details become available, check back to the Town of Llyod’s Events Committee Instagram page: instagram.com/lloydnyevents/.
Town of Plattekill “Red, White & Blue” Celebration: On July 11, visit the Thomas Felten Community Park for food vendors, ice cream and live music at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks will end the festivities. The rain date will be July 12.
Nickie Hayes is the Breaking & Trending News Reporter for the Poughkeepsie Journal and focuses on how to make the most of what the mid-Hudson Valley has to offer. See her most recent articles here. Contact reporter Nickie Hayes: NHayes@poughkee.gannett.com, 845-863-3518 and @nickieehayess on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Your local guide to over 50 July 4 fireworks, 250th anniversary events
Reporting by Nickie Hayes, Poughkeepsie Journal / Poughkeepsie Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Nickie Hayes, Poughkeepsie Journal | USA TODAY Network
