OFFICE OF GENERAL SERVICES ANNOUNCES HISTORIC FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION AND NEW REVOLUTIONARY EXHIBIT AS PART OF THE CAPITAL REGION’S AMERICA 250 COMMEMORATIONS

 

Multi-Platinum Band Sugar Ray to Headline New York State’s Annual Independence Day Celebration Presented by Market 32 and Price Chopper at the Empire State Plaza 

‘Battlefields of Liberty’ Revolutionary Exhibit Now Open at the State Capitol to Honor New York’s Foundational History 

New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy announced the New York State Fourth of July Celebration presented by Market 32 and Price Chopper at the Empire State Plaza, a free, family-friendly event featuring live music, spectacular fireworks, and activities to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Multi-platinum rock band Sugar Ray will headline the celebration as part of the evening’s entertainment lineup. 

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Moy said, “New York did not just witness the birth of our nation — it helped shape the ideals, leadership, and resolve that defined America. Team OGS is proud to commemorate New York’s enduring role in our nation’s history by celebrating the people, progress, and spirit that continue to drive us forward.” 

Market 32 and Price Chopper President Blaine Bringhurst said, “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of New York State’s July 4th Celebration, Market 32 and Price Chopper are incredibly proud to have presented this cherished tradition since the very beginning in 1976. For five decades, this event has brought people together in a spirit of patriotism, pride, and community. This milestone is especially meaningful as our nation commemorates 250 years since its founding, and we’re honored to support a tradition that means so much to families across the Capital Region and beyond.” 

Empire State Plaza July Fourth Celebration 

New York State’s annual Independence Day celebration will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza. The free event features activities for the whole family, an exhibit by New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, a costume contest, American Revolution reenactors, and more. 

This year’s headliner is the multi-platinum American band Sugar Ray. With over 10 million records sold, over a billion streams, and hits including “Fly,” “Every Morning,” “Someday,” and “When It’s Over,” the band will bring their signature sound to the Plaza before the evening ends with a massive fireworks display by Santore’s World Famous Fireworks. This sensational event is proudly sponsored by Schenectady-based grocer Market 32 and Price Chopper, celebrating 50 years of historic collaboration with OGS that has upheld this beloved Capital Region tradition. 

Market 32 and Price Chopper operate 128 supermarkets, employing over 15,500 teammates in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. The American-owned company, founded by the Golub family in 1932, prides itself on longstanding traditions of innovative food merchandising, cutting-edge brand development and store design, leadership in community service, and cooperative employee relations. For additional information, please visit www.pricechopper.com. 

Honoring Our History: ‘Battlefields of Liberty’ Exhibit 

As the cornerstone of these commemorations, the state has unveiled a new exhibit, “Battlefields of Liberty: Revolutionary War Sites in New York,” now on display at the State Street Tunnel entrance to the State Capitol. To ground the upcoming celebrations in New York's rich heritage, the exhibit showcases the state's pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War. Featuring historic paintings, images, and maps, it explores significant local moments — from the Battle of Golden Hill in New York City to the Capture of Fort Ticonderoga in the North Country. 

This historic celebration is made possible through the generous support of our community partners and sponsors, including Market 32 and Price Chopper, I LOVE NY, CDTA, Miller Lite, 99.5 The River, Fly 92.3, the Renaissance Albany Hotel, and B95.5 FM. 

For the 2026 July Fourth celebration, the public can text ESPJ4 to 888777 or sign up online here for safety alerts.   

For event updates, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, on Facebook, and on Instagram, or call (518) 474-4759. 

About the New York State Office of General Services 

For 65 years, the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) has proudly served as the operational engine of New York State. The agency provides the essential foundation for government to function seamlessly, managing and leasing real property, designing modern facilities, streamlining procurement, and overseeing world-class cultural assets. Through its commitment to efficiency, innovation, and environmental sustainability, OGS handles the complex logistics of government so that its partners can dedicate their full focus to what matters most: advancing their missions to serve the people of New York. Discover how OGS continues to support New York at ogs.ny.gov and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.