Where to see the fireworks this 4th of July weekend
Sparkle. Sparkle. Sparkle. / photo: Crystal Capritta
America celebrates 241 years of independence on Tuesday. There will be festivals, there will be picnics, there will be barbecues, and most important of all -- there will be fireworks.
There's a list below of where you can see fireworks displays in the Capital Region over the extended holiday weekend, Friday on through Tuesday.
Checking out a display that you don't see listed here? Let us know about it in the comment section.
Happy Independence Day!
Friday, June 30
Update: Jumpin' Jack's has postponed the Friday fireworks display because of the weather forecast. New date to be announced..
Scotia
Jumpin' Jack's Drive-in in Scotia hosts a a fireworks night. Fireworks start at dusk but there's a pre-show with music and waterski performances.
Saturday, July 1
Waterford
There will be fireworks during the annual Steamboat Meet at the Waterford Harbor Visitors Center. The steamboat meet starts at 10 am that day -- fireworks are at dusk.
Monday, July 3
Saratoga lake
There will be a fireworks show at both the north and the south ends of Saratoga Lake. A good viewing spot is Brown's Beach on the southern end of the lake along Route 9P.
Glens Falls
The Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra has its annual free summer pops concert in Crandall Park, featuring works by New York composers. The concert starts at 7:30 pm followed by a fireworks display.
Tuesday, July 4
Empire State Plaza
The annual 4th of July Celebration at the Empire State Plaza begins at 3 pm, featuring music from the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band and the alt rock band Tonic. The big fireworks display starts around 9:15 pm.
Troy
The Tri-City ValleyCats will host a fireworks display following their July 4 game against the Brooklyn Cyclones at The Joe. The game starts at 7 pm, and fireworks will follow.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga's All-American Celebration will wrap up with a live reading of the Declaration of Independence and fireworks. The fireworks start at 9:30 pm and they'll be launched behind the carousel in Congress Park. Suggested viewing spots: Spring Street, Henry Street, Putnam Street, and the Phila Street Parking Deck. Here's a list of the festivities
Clifton Park
Clifton Park's July 4th Celebration at Clifton Common starts at noon and runs into the evening with amusement rides, a craft fair, live music, and a parade. The fireworks show will be around 9:30 pm.
Lake George
There will be fireworks at dusk on Lake George at Shepard Park and in Bolton Landing at dusk. You can view them from the shore or from a boat on the lake. There will also be live music, festivities, and entertainment the surrounding areas.
Adirondacks
The annual 4th of July celebration in Speculator includes a parade and fireworks at the Speculator Public Beach. Rides, games, and food. Parade at 7 pm, fireworks at 9:30 pm.
Compiled for 2017 by Dasey Taylor.
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Comments
There will also be fireworks at the Mabee Farm Historic Site on Monday, July 3rd along with a concert by the Albany Symphony Orchestra.
... said Mike on Jun 29, 2017 at 12:50 PM | link
There will be fireworks after the Water Music NY with the Albany Symphony performance at the Corning Preserve/Jennings Landing Amphitheatre on Sunday 7/2.
... said Shawn on Jun 29, 2017 at 3:41 PM | link
Can anyone suggest a spot for people that hate loud noises? That is, some place close enough to see, but far enough that they aren't too noisy.
... said Zed on Jun 29, 2017 at 8:10 PM | link
Zed, check out Thatcher Park on the 4th - you can see fireworks from all over (including Albany) but you would be far enough to minimize the sound.
... said Andrea on Jun 30, 2017 at 11:06 AM | link
One year we went to check out the vantage point from Thatcher Park based on the recommendations on AOA and we couldn't see a thing from Albany! We did get a good view of some folks setting off fireworks in their backyards, but we were disappointed in the view from Albany.
... said Dairy Princess on Jul 2, 2017 at 1:39 PM | link
Fireworks Night at Jumpin' Jacks was moved to July 22.
... said Dasey on Jul 2, 2017 at 3:14 PM | link
Alot of people park along Route 4 in East Greenbush you can see well but it wouldn't be very loud.
... said Nancy on Jul 4, 2017 at 10:18 AM | link
We checked out the scene at Thacher Park and found it very underwhelming. You can dress up the experience a lot by showing up early and making it into a sort of tailgate event with friends + family. However, when it comes to the fireworks, the description of the event is 10x cooler than the experience. Yes, you can see lots of different fireworks shows all going off at once in every direction. However, each one is so far away that it's INCREDIBLY tiny to the eye, and the sound is non-existent. It was also quite crowded and parking is limited, which meant many folks had to walk quite a ways (1-2 miles) to/from their cars.
3/10 - Would not recommend.
... said Sean on Jul 5, 2017 at 2:52 PM | link