Where You Can Watch Fireworks This July

When Independence Day falls on a Thursday, there’s lots to be thankful for—a reprieve from 9-5 drudgery, a long weekend for many, and—holy freedom fries!—SO MANY FIREWORKS!

All over the Hudson Valley, the skies will be lit up to celebrate the glorious and free America— and we’ve got a solid little list of where you can watch fireworks this July. Most festivities include live music, food, and the ever-so-charming company of your neighbors decked out in red, white, and blue. So make sure your pets are indoors (and safely occupied with some ambient sound), pick your favorite town, and stake out a spot for the starlit spectacle.

(This is an incomplete list, of course, but feel free to let us know about your plans too!) 

Saugerties, 6/28

Washington Ave

12477 Saugerties

For some free fun, make your way down to Cantine Memorial Field to celebrate American Independence. Gates will open at 7pm, offering free hot dogs, free beverages, face painting, games, and giveaways and of course, admission. The firework display will begin at dusk.

Accord – 6/28

299 Whitfield Rd

Accord, NY 12404

For all you speedsters out there, the Accord speedway is the perfect venue to get your adrenaline fix before freedom festivities. Watch the daring racers rip through the mud before the sky glows with twinkling flames when the sun sets. A tentative rain date is set for July 5.

Albany/Troy – 6/28-7/11

There are so many fantastic upcoming firework shows in this Albany/Troy area we just couldn’t decide. But you can with this full list!

Kent – 6/30

Arts on the Lake

640 Route 52

Kent, New York 10512

The Arts on the Lake Music Festival will team up with the Town of Kent Fireworks to start off the summer with a bang. During the early evening hours, enjoy the music of folk/pop duo, The Two of Us at 7pm with a long list of Beatles tributes. The firework finale starts at so make sure to bring picnic dinners, lawn chairs and drinks for the evening.

Germantown – 6/30

50 Palatine Park Rd,

Germantown, New York 12526

Germantown offers more than a light show this independence day. Attendees can enjoy numerous food vendors, handmade crafts, and other fun events. Live music will come courtesy of Southbound before the fireworks begin.

Brewster – 6/30

Highlands Shopping Center

Independent Way,

Brewster, NY 10509

The Southeast Fireworks Extravaganza returns on this Sunday evening once again. Live music Kicks off at 7:30pm and fireworks start at 9:30pm. Rain date: 7/7.

East Fishkill – 7/01

Red Wing Park

11 Old Farm Road

Hopewell Junction, NY 12533

Enjoy a concerts before the rockets’ red glare this independence season. Before the big boom, enjoy Annie & The Attaboys along with Adam & The New Hearts at 1pm, at 7pm, on the sandy shores of Red Wing Park. Firework are planned to rocket to the sky around 9:15pm with a backup rain date scheduled for July 3.

Beacon – 7/1

Memorial Park
Robert Cahill Drive,

Beacon, NY, 12508

The City of Beacon will have its own firework show on Sunday, June 9, at Memorial Park. The evening begins with food and music at 5pm. Afterwards, the real show will begin around 9pm and carry on until dusk with dazzling displays of Independence Day fireworks.

Catskill – 7/3

13 Scribner Hollow Rd,

Hunter, NY 12442

At Scribner’s Catskill Lodge, picture your typical Fourth of July American backyard BBQ on a much bigger scale. Bring a chair and blanket and settle in with your favorite BBQ food while passing the time with some lawn games. The party will carry on from 6pm to 10 pm.

New Paltz – 7/6

249 Libertyville Rd
New Paltz, NY 12561

New Paltz’s Independence Day celebration is the ideal place for both adults and children to enjoy the festive day. There are plenty of food trucks, bouncy houses, henna body art and face painting to keep you entertained after doors open at 5pm. Music will also be provided by local musicians: Mark Rust, Hudson Valley Bluegrass Express, and Soul City. Admission is free and fireworks start at dusk Town of Newburgh: Independence Day Celebration Party – 7/3
Cronomer Hill Park, Gardnertown Rd &, Powder Mill Rd, Newburgh, NY 12550 Local Fire Company displays, food, and games start at 6pm and fireworks begin at dusk. Call 845-564-4552 for more info. City of Newburgh: Fourth of July Celebration – 7/4
Newburgh’s Waterfront Unico Park, Front St & Fourth St, Newburgh, NY 12550 Family Day events kick-off at noon with vendors and artists on the river at Unico Park. There’ll be music from 7-9pm, with fireworks at the People’s Waterfront Park starting at 9pm. Call 845-565-2138 for more info.

This article appears in June 2017 Isuse.