Let freedom ring! New York's Capital City celebrates America's birthday with dazzling firework shows, patriotic festivities, historic programs, free concerts and more! Keep reading for our complete guide to Albany's can't-miss Independence Day events & activities.
New York State's 4th of July Celebration
Location: Empire State Plaza
Date: Wednesday, July 4
Time: 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Price: Free
Rock your red, white and blue at New York State 4th of July Celebration presented by Price Chopper & Market 32. Over 20,000 people gather on the Empire State Plaza and in the surrounding neighborhoods to celebrate the holiday, making this celebration one of the biggest in Upstate New York. This annual Albany tradition captivates visitors with live entertainment (this year Smash Mouth is headlining the show!), delicious food vendors, kid-friendly activities, and more! To end the day of patriotic fun, the night sky is lit up with a brilliant fireworks display. The Empire State Plaza is the place to be in Albany on the 4th of July!
Independence Day at the Schuyler Mansion
Location: Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site
Date: Wednesday, July 4
Time: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Price: Free / $3 per person (mansion admission)
Step back in time for an old-fashioned Independence Day celebration on the grounds of the beautiful Schuyler Mansion! Enjoy 18th century-inspired games, hands-on activities and performances on the scenic mansion grounds. Cool off from the summer sun with free Stewart's Shops ice cream! If you want to explore the famed halls of the historic mansion, from noon to 4:00 PM the doors will be open for self-guided tours. This is perfect 4th of July event for history buffs to embrace old-fashioned patriotic fun!
USS Slater Open for Independence Day
Location: USS Slater DE766, 1 Quay St, Intersection of Broadway & Quay Street
Date: Wednesday, July 4
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Price: $9 for Adults, $8 for Seniors, and $7 for Children 6-14
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. This is a great opportunity to celebrate freedom by honoring the men who served on this historic ship to protect our nation.
4th of July Fireworks Cruise
Location: Dutch Apple Cruises, 141 Broadway
Date: Wednesday, July 4
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Price: $50
Let freedom ring with a spectacular view of the fireworks from the Hudson River! You'll have the best seats in town for the show on a 4th of July Fireworks Cruise with Dutch Apple Cruises. Watch fireworks ignite the Albany sky to the tune of smooth jazz and blues from "The Pat Viglucci Trio." Hors d'oeuvres will be served for guests to sip and sample while cruising along the Hudson River for an unforgettable evening of festivities.
July 4th Oration
Location: Myers Residence, 194 Livingston Ave.
Date: Wednesday, July 4
Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
The 10th annual July 4th Oration at the Myers Residence is a thought-provoking activity for Independence Day. Presented by the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, the program is framed by Frederick Douglass’s 1852 speech, What to the Slave is Your Fourth of July? Congressman Paul Tonko will serve as this year's featured speaker for the program that will reflect on the meaning of July 4th in the context of our current political and social climate. Bring a dessert and stick around following the presentation and conversation for a lunch.
Independence Day Celebration! ValleyCats vs. Lake Monsters
Location: Joe Bruno Stadium, 80 Vandenburgh Ave
Date: Wednesday, July 4
Time: 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Price: Tickets starting at $6
What better way to celebrate the United States' birthday than enjoying America's favorite pastime? Bring your whole family to cheer on the Tri-City ValleyCats, an affiliate of the Houston Astros, as the team takes on the Vermont Lake Monsters. Following the baseball game, fireworks will illuminate the night's sky in a brilliant display. This family-friendly event is a great option for sports fans to get in the patriotic spirit!
4th of July Rooftop Fireworks Party
Location: Hilton Albany, 40 Lodge Street, Albany, NY 12207
Date: July 4
Time: 6:00 PM
Price: $20
Take your 4th of July to new heights at the Hilton Albany with the 4th of July Rooftop Fireworks Party! The rooftop celebration is one of the best ways to see the fireworks extravaganza light up the city skyline. The $20 admission includes parking for the event, one drink from the bar and access to the Hilton's rooftop! Plus, show your wrist band after the firework party in Sessions Lounge located in the Lobby and receive 20% off well drinks to continue to festive fun!
