Celebrate 4th of July in Albany, NY

Location: USS Slater DE766
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Price: $14 for Adults, $12 for Veterans & Seniors, $10 for Children 6-17, Children under 5 are free

Celebrate the United States' independence on a vessel that was used to defend our nation during World War II. The USS Slater, the last WWII destroyer escort left afloat in the country, is open for tours on Independence Day.

Location: Port of Albany-Rensselaer; remote parking with shuttle at 13 Binghamton Street, Albany
Time: July 4, 10 AM–2:30 PM | July 5, 9 AM–4:30 PM | July 6, 9 AM–4:30 PM | July 7, 9–11:30 AM
Price: Free, advance registration required (no walk-ins)

As part of Navy250/Rev250 commemorations, the Port of Albany-Rensselaer is hosting the active-duty USS Marinette (LCS-25), a Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship built by Fincantieri Marinette Marine and homeported in Mayport, Florida — the first major active-duty Navy ship to visit the Port since the USS Capodanno's stop in July 1993. Tours run 25 minutes, cap at 20 people, and are first-come, first-served with required advance registration through Eventbrite; there is no fee. All adults 18+ need valid government-issued ID, and visitors should travel light and wear closed-toe, rubber-soled shoes, since the tour includes ladders and narrow spaces. Arrive 15 minutes before your tour time to allow for parking and the shuttle.

Location: Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site
Time: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Price: Free

Spend this 4th of July at a historic home that stood in Albany during Revolutionary times. Take part in a series of 18th century inspired activities at the site of Revolutionary War General Philip J. Schuyler's home. Activities include candle-dipping and tin-smithing demonstrations, a magic show and storytelling, an 18th-century “raree show” (a traveling exhibition of pictures and objects), and Historic Cherry Hill's Hudson River Trading Game. Children and families can sign the Declaration of Independence with quill pens, learn spy techniques used in the Revolutionary War, and play colonial games and toys. This year's special exhibit, “To Sink or Swim: Choosing Revolution,” is part of a series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Self-guided tours of the mansion run noon to 5 PM, free of charge.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Preserve Trailhead #3 Six Mile Waterworks
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Price: Suggested Donation $5

Children ages 6 and older can enjoy a morning of nature exploration and observation at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Learn about the creatures who call the pond their home. Make sure to wear long pants and appropriate footwear for mud and water. Pond sampling materials will be provided.

Location: Empire State Plaza
Time: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Price: Free

Rock your red, white and blue at New York State's 4th of July Celebration at the Empire State Plaza, celebrating its 50th year and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This annual Albany tradition captivates attendees with live entertainment from local bands including the Ill Funk Ensemble and Margo Macero Band, delicious food vendors, a flyover by the 109th Airlift Wing New York Air Guard, and more. The event features fun for the whole family with pony rides, a bounce house, American Revolution reenactors, a costume contest, and a new exhibit from NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation on Revolutionary War battle sites. Plus enjoy a headlining performance by multi-platinum rock band Sugar Ray, bringing high-energy hits like “Fly,” “Every Morning,” and “Someday” to the main stage. To cap off the evening, the night sky is ignited with a brilliant fireworks display by Santore's World Famous Fireworks. The Empire State Plaza is the place to be in Albany on the 4th of July.

STEAM: Waterways — Free Family Program
Location: Ten Broeck Mansion
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 AM
Price: Free

Featuring the New York State Museum, this free family program explores the waterways that shaped Albany and our nation. Kids can make a splash by building and testing their own boat. Registration required. Free Cider Belly Doughnuts while supplies last.

Free Guided Tours
Location: Ten Broeck Mansion
Time: 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM
Price: Free

Ten Broeck Mansion also offers free guided tours throughout the afternoon. Registration required. Free Cider Belly Doughnuts while supplies last.

This Fourth of July is just one chapter in a much bigger story. Albany County is marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution all year long, with historic sites, exhibits, and commemorations happening across the county. Visit albany.org/albany-rev250 for the full lineup of Rev250 events and to plan your own trip through Albany County's Revolutionary War history.

Details are accurate as of publication and may change. Confirm times, ticket availability, and any closures directly with each venue before you go.