Not Just Fireworks: 10 Must-See Events During Fourth of July Week

There are countless ways to catch fireworks around the Hudson Valley in celebration of Independence Day, each with its own unique settings and activities. But there’s so much more to enjoy during the week of July 4th besides those glimmering lights in the sky. From historical reenactors, to sunset cruises, to performances by pop superstars, we’ve got your guide to fireworks alternatives and Independence Day fun.

June 30-July 4: Red, White & Boom | Legoland | Goshen NY

Legoland celebrates Independence Day with five days of fun at their Goshen amusement park and resort. The park will remain open for extended hours from 10 am-9 pm June 30-July 4, with nightly live music and a fireworks display, for which guests can use special 3D glasses that transform the fireworks’ appearance into Lego bricks.

June 30-July 5: Fourth Of July Celebration Week | Mohonk Mountain House | New Paltz NY

Mohonk Mountain House has a special event specifically for guests: A weeklong celebration of Independence Day with activities for all ages. Enjoy a parade, carnival, concert on the boat dock, and illumination of the mountain, among Mohonk’s extensive program schedule. Availability is limited and a three-night stay minimum is required.

July 1: Let Freedom Ring | Senate House Historic Site | Kingston NY

The historic Senate House in uptown Kingston is hosting their Let Freedom Ring event on July 1 from 11 am-4 pm. Enjoy traditional American music, costumed reenactors, and famous readings of American Independence during their Independence Ceremony. While there, tour the Museum Building, which was constructed in 1927 to house and display the site’s collection of local history artifacts. Tours are $7 for adults; free for children.

July 1-2: Great American Weekend | First Presbyterian Church | Goshen NY

Now in its 41st year, Goshen’s Great American Weekend has been a tradition celebrated by generations. The town-wide event features more than 150 craft vendors, live music, food and refreshments, kids activities, and more, spread out across two days, July 1-2. Admission is free.

July 1 & 3: Hudson Valley Renegades | Heritage Financial Park | Fishkill NY

The Hudson Valley Renegades play the Wilmington Blue Rocks at their home stadium Heritage Financial Park in Fishkill, NY. The HV Renegades are the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees in the South Atlantic League. Saturday, July 1st game will have a post game fireworks show and on Monday, July 3rd an Independence Day SUPER Fireworks Show! Both games start at 6:05 PM. Tickets start at $9.70 and up.

July 2: Foxfire Summer BBQ | Foxfire Mountain House | Mount Tremper NY

On Sunday, July 2nd from 3 pm to 8 pm, Foxfire Mountain House is hosting the 3rd Annual Summer BBQ. So, grab an ice-cold cocktail and throw the frisbee around or enjoy a friendly game of horseshoes before sitting down for a delicious plate of meat and veg grilled to perfection. The soundtrack for the day will be provided by the inimitable DJ El Michels Affair (Big Crown Records) whose latest LP with Black Thought of the Roots is one of our favorites of the summer.

July 2: Bearsville Folk Festival 2023 | Bearsville Theater & Park |  Woodstock NY

Enjoy a day of music and nature outside of the Theater at Bearsville Park during the Bearsville Folk Festival on July 2 from 12-6 pm. You’ll hear sets by local folk and bluegrass favorites including Lara Hope and the Gold Hope Duo, Jenna Nicolls and John Ladeau, and Hey Bub, all while enjoying artisan BBQ and cocktails, lawn games, and access to nature trails. Lounge on provided seating or bring your own chairs and picnic blankets. Admission is $5 for children, $10 for adults.

July 3-4: Summer of Joy | Glen Falls House | Round Top NY

Two days of live music, poolside fun, and a pop-up marketplace await at Glen Falls House’s Summer of Joy celebration. On July 3, guests can enjoy daytime poolside performances from Lauren Murada and Party Dad, followed by an evening set by Each Other (Max Pask & Justin Strauss) at the inn’s tavern. The next day, Love Tempo ft. Justin Strauss and Billy Caldwell will perform by the pool both day and night. Tickets are by suggested donation and a limited number of rooms can be booked via the event page.

July 3 & 5: Concerts at Bethel Woods | Bethel Woods Center for the Arts | Bethel NY

Although Bethel Woods Center for the Arts doesn’t have a show planned for July 4, for those who are taking an extended holiday, you can catch top names in pop the day before and after. On July 3, Shania Twain brings her ongoing tour to the historic stage, and on July 5 you can catch Tears for Fears, with opening act Cold War Kids. Lawn and pavilion seats are available.

July 4: Sunset Sightseeing Cruise | Hudson River Cruises | Kingston NY

It’s one thing to watch fireworks from the banks of the Hudson River, but it’s another to see them right from the middle of it. Hudson River Cruises offers an evening Sunset Sightseeing Cruise aboard the Rip Van Winkle II on July 4 from 8-10 pm. You’ll catch the tail-end of the sunset and watch Kingston’s fireworks display illuminate the night sky. Tickets are $30 for children; $50-$60 for adults.

July 4: Independence Day at Clermont | Clermont State Historic Site | Germantown NY

Colonial reenactors bring to life the daily lives of early settlers by showing traditional cooking, woodworking, and blacksmithing techniques, and more at Clermont State Historic Site on July 4 from 11 am-5 pm. Enjoy refreshments while hearing music and stories by Thomas Hooker Hanford, a presentation by Heather Bruegl entitled: “Freedom for Who? Indigenous Nations and America’s Independence”, and readings of Frederick Douglass’s famous speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” The event culminates with a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Admission is $15 per car.

July 6: Black and Brown Families of Hudson (BBFH) Exhibition and Opening Reception | Hudson Area Library | Hudson NY

The BBFH Exhibition highlights generations of Black and Brown families who have lived in Hudson, through the lens of historical significance. Presented by photographer David McIntyre and Operation Unite NY, the exhibit’s opening reception takes place July 6 at the Hudson Area Library and runs through August 28th. Admission is free.

Looking for community fireworks?

Here’s a quick rundown of just a few Independence Day fireworks displays happening around the Hudson Valley.

June 30: Town of Newburgh Community Day | Algonquin Park | 6 pm  – 10 pm

July 1: Middletown Stars & Stripes Celebration | Fancher Davidge Park |  7 pm

July 2: Beacon Fireworks at Memorial Park | Memorial Park | Dusk

July 4: Cornwall 4th of July | Rings Pond | Dusk

July 4: Walkway Over the Hudson Fireworks Spectacular | Poughkeepsie | 6:30 pm – 10 pm

July 4: Kingston July Fourth Celebration | T.R. Gallo Park | Activities at 4 pm + fireworks at 9 pm

Happy Fourth of July to everyone!