Happy 4th of July! Albany County celebrates America's birthday with dazzling firework shows, historic programs, free concerts and more. Keep reading for our guide to Albany's Independence Day events & activities.
Independence Day Aboard USS Slater
Location: USS Slater DE766
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Price: $12 for Adults, $10 for Veterans & Seniors, $8 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.
Independence Day! at Schuyler Mansion
Location: Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site
Time: 11:00 AM to 4:00 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. Children and families will have the opportunity to sign the Declaration of Independence with quill pens in the "Hands-On History" tent which will also feature crafts and colonial games and toys. Enjoy free Open House tours of the mansion, ice cream, reenactors, and 18th-century demonstrations.
Inde"pond"ence Day
Location: Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:30 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.
July 4th Oration – Civil Rights as Spiritual Pilgrimage
Location: The Stephen & Harriet Myers Residence
Time: 11 AM to 1 PM
Price: Free
The annual July 4th Oration, hosted by the Underground Railroad Education Center, will focus on how freedom seekers and activists of the past worked as agents of change and how we in turn can work to bring about an equitable and just society. The program will be accompanied by a lunch from 12 PM to 1 PM.
New York State's 4th of July Celebration
Location: Empire State Plaza
Time: 6:00 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. This annual Albany tradition captivates attendees with live entertainment from local bands, delicious food vendors, a flyover by the 109AW New York Air Guard, and more. The event features fun for the whole family with pony rides and a bounce house. Plus enjoy a headlining act from Orleans. To cap off the evening of patriotic fun, the night sky is ignited with a brilliant fireworks display. The Empire State Plaza is the place to be in Albany on the 4th of July.
4th of July Fireworks & BBQ Dinner Cruise
Location: Dutch Apple Cruises
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Price: $79.99 includes BBQ Dinner
Enjoy the best seats in town for the dazzling Empire State Plaza fireworks display aboard the 4th of July Fireworks Cruise with Dutch Apple Cruises! Dine on a delicious BBQ dinner, cheers to the summer holiday with a full bar, and relax listening to your favorite Oldies hits. Seats are limited, so sign up as soon as possible for an unforgettable evening of festivities on Albany's Riverboat!
