Every summer, communities across the Lower Hudson Valley mark Independence Day with fireworks, parades and hometown celebrations. This year, many events will take on added significance as part of the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th birthday.
From waterfront fireworks along the Hudson River to Revolutionary War-themed festivals and patriotic concerts, residents and visitors throughout Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties will have plenty of opportunities to celebrate the nation’s semi quincentennial.
With celebrations taking place throughout the summer, families have numerous opportunities to explore local history while joining in festivities marking America’s 250th birthday.
What to know: How Hudson Valley will celebrate America’s 250th birthday
America250 events in Westchester for June 26 through July 11
Over the next few weeks, there will be a big range of events to participate in. These are some of the events taking place throughout the region in celebration of Independence Day and America’s special anniversary over the next three weeks:
Mamaroneck Firemen’s Carnival: June 26-July 5 at Harbor Island Park, featuring rides, games and food. Fireworks are scheduled for July 4 at 9:15 p.m. More info: villageofmamaroneckny.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/50.
Caramoor Commemorates America at 250: June 28-July 5 at Caramoor Center for Music & the Arts, 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah. The center will host a five-concert series and on July 4, will also have a fireworks show. More info: visitwestchesterny.com/event/caramoor-commemorates-america-at-250/229.
Sail4th 250 Tall Ships viewing: July 1-4 along Westchester’s waterfront. Events include the arrival of the Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde in Yonkers on July 1, viewing opportunities for international tall ships along Long Island Sound on July 3 and the International Parade of Sail on the Hudson River on July 4. More info: visitwestchesterny.com/250/events/sail4th-250.
The historic 1877 tall ship Elissa, a square-rigged iron barque, is seen heading to the Atlantic Ocean at the South Causeway Beach in Fort Pierce on June 15, 2026, continuing the national Sail4th 250 voyage leading up to America’s 250th anniversary celebration in New York Harbor for the July 4th celebration. The ship stopped at Beyer Brothers Inc. Fort Pierce Marine Terminal on the morning of June 14. According to Capt. Andrew Ellers’ Facebook post, the ship stopped for “getting some more fuel, provisions, and some well-deserved rest.” The Elissa is homeported in the Galveston Historic Seaport in Texas. The ship has 10,890 square feet of sail and was built in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1877 as a merchant ship.
Colonial Music at White Plains Public Library: The event will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m., July 2 at the library located at 100 Martine Ave. Attendees can hear historic instruments and discover colonial traditions. More info: calendar.whiteplainslibrary.org/event/14677493.
Music and Fest Fireworks in Valhalla: At 5 p.m. Friday, July 3 at Kensico Dam Plaza, there will be live music and fireworks for attendees. Admission and parking are free. More info: bit.ly/3SvES8T.
New Rochelle Downtown Summer Sizzle & Spark the Sound Celebration: From 6-10 p.m., Saturday, July 4 at Hudson Park Bandshell. The city’s America 250 celebration includes entertainment and festivities leading into the Independence Day fireworks display. More info: bit.ly/4vsLYtb.
Philipse Manor Hall Celebration and Walking Tour: On July 4, Philipse Manor Hall in Yonkers will host fun activities such as a historical arcade and dunk tank for visitors to enjoy from noon to 5 p.m. More info: bit.ly/4vxBj0m.
On July 5, they will also host a walking tour which involves a 2.5-mile hike at 1 p.m. More info: bit.ly/4uYf7eQ.
Toast 250! Revolutionary Sunset Cruise: Set sail at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, July 9 at Fleischmann Pier in Peekskill. Part of Revolutionary Westchester 250’s “Toast 250! Tavern Nights” series, the event includes a pre-boarding celebration with a musket salute and a reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by a ticketed Hudson River sunset cruise. More info: rw250.org/toast-250-tavern-nights.
More Independence Day fun: What to know about July 4 fireworks at Playland Park in Rye
America250 events in Rockland for June 26 through July 4 weekend
Nyack’s 2-day Celebration for 250: On July 2 and 3, Nyack will host several activities including live music, face painting and a showing of the Disney film “Cars.” The festivities will begin at 6 p.m. on July 2 and end with a firework show on the night of July 3. For locations and more info: nyack.gov/nyack-celebrates-usa-250.
Orangetown 250 Parade and Fair: Starting at 10 a.m., Friday, July 4 in Tappan. The parade begins at William O. Schafer Middle School and concludes at German Masonic Park, where a community fair featuring food, music and family activities will continue throughout the day. More info: orangetown.com/orangetown-250-celebration-july-4-2026.
America 250 Birthday Bash at ’76 House: On Saturday, July 5 at noon, the ’76 House (110 Main Street, Tappan) will host a celebration which includes a barbecue, Revolutionary War reenactors and beer and wine tastings. More info: bit.ly/4vBsCCm.
Stony Point’s 250th Birthday Carnival: Stony Point will host a three-day celebration from July 8-11 at Patriot Hills. The multi-day celebration includes rides, food vendors, live entertainment and fireworks. More info: stonypointny.gov/america-250-events.
America250 events in Putnam County and beyond
Greenwich America250 Celebration: On Sunday June 28, join the Greenwich Historical Society from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate. The event will take place at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park and include a reading of the Declaration of Independence, Revolutionary War encampment reenactment and live demonstrations of printing press, yarn spinning etc. More info: greenwichhistory.org/america-250th.
Putnam Lake Rev250 Parade: Steps off at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 11. The parade begins at Memorial Field and concludes at the Putnam Lake Monument. More info: putnamcountyny.gov/rev250.
Residents are encouraged to check event websites before attending, as schedules, parking information and weather-related updates may change.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Celebrate America250 across Westchester, Rockland, Putnam this July
