Come FOURTH and Celebrate Independence in Albany:
Discover a city that really heats up in summertime!
Albany, NY – Celebrate Independence Day in style in New York's Capital City! From festivals to fireworks, the Albany area has a Fourth of July celebration for every age and style. Albany provides the perfect historic backdrop to a truly memorable Independence Day experience.
Every city and town has an interesting history, but what makes Albany truly unique is that our history began more than 400 years ago. Since then, we’ve changed “ownership” a few times, and we eventually established ourselves as an important and pivotal political town. Here are a few examples:
- In1754, Benjamin Franklin proposed the Albany Plan of Union- the first formal proposal to unite the thirteen colonies- at the Albany Congress. Though it was never adopted, it served as an important precursor to the United States Constitution.
- Albany native Philip Livingston signed the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA, in 1776.
- American statesman, Alexander Hamilton was married in 1780 to Philip Schuyler’s daughter Elizabeth at the Schuyler Mansion in Albany.
Celebrating the 4thof July in Washington, D.C., or Philadelphia are obvious choices, but if you’d like to celebrate in another historic city, why not choose Albany or one of our quaint surrounding towns?
Travel to Cooperstown, about 75 miles from Albany, and visit the Farmer’s Museum where you can enjoy a typical 1845 celebration complete with bunting, patriotic music, games, dances, and orations! Or travel to nearby Schoharie to the Old Stone Fort Museum where you can experience a Living History program centered on the events surrounding the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Looking to stay in Albany? Not a problem- we’ve got plenty! Aside from the assortment of city and state parks that offer picnicking, fishing, swimming, and more, you can visit the Schuyler Mansion for a patriotic celebration featuring music, re-enactors, demonstrations, and even magic! (Nothing says Independence Day like some good, old-fashioned magic!)
After spending the morning at the Schuyler Mansion, head over to the pièce de résistance: a celebration on the Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza. This celebration of music, food, and fun is free and open to the public. Stay all evening and enjoy an incredible display of fireworks that some say is the best in Upstate New York!
So, when thinking of where to celebrate your independence, exercise your freedom and travel to Albany, An Amazing Discovery!
About the ACCVB:
The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. was established in 1976 to promote the civic and commercial progress of the community through increased development of conventions and tourism. ACCVB currently represents more than 300 member businesses and assists each year in hundreds of regional meetings. ACCVB also operates the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, Henry Hudson Planetarium, and the Albany International Airport Information Center. For more information, call 518-434-1217 or 800-258-3582 or visit www.albany.org.
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