Governor Hochul Highlights America 250 Events Happening Across New York State

Special Events Planned for State Parks, Historic Sites and Communities Throughout the State

Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted events happening across New York State to commemorate America's 250th birthday, encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore the state's diverse attractions and regions. More than 200 immersive activities and exhibitions are planned across the state, from tall ships converging on New York City and authentic Revolutionary War reenactments, to exhibits presenting the Black and Indigenous perspective on the Revolution and the continued efforts for equal rights. A comprehensive list of events statewide — with new opportunities added daily — can be found on the I LOVE NY website.

“The 250th birthday of our country has given us the opportunity to unite with our neighbors and communities and celebrate,” Governor Hochul said. “We are bringing attractions and activities to every region to highlight the profound impact that New York State has had on our nation’s history and culture. From our scenic state parks to Revolutionary War sites, there is something for every resident and visitor of our great state to enjoy.”

Here are some of the events happening across New York State:

• Sail4th 250 (New York City): From July 3-9, the largest international flotilla of tall ships ever assembled will arrive in New York Harbor, accompanied by fireworks, Fleet Week programming and culinary festivals, and an International Aerial Review.
• FourLeaf Air Show (Long Island): Timed to coincide with America 250, the July 5-6 show at Jones Beach State Park will feature military and civilian aerobatic performers, headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
• USA 250th and Niagara County Celebration (Western New York): Old Fort Niagara will mark the 300th anniversary of its iconic French Castle on June 6. Visitors can step into the past through immersive living history programs, hands-on demonstrations of traditional trades, and ceremonial musket and artillery salutes. The Fort will also host Niagara County's official America 250 celebration on August 1 and 2 with a Revolutionary War encampment, living history programs, and music.
• America's 250th Anniversary at the Webster Arboretum (Finger Lakes): On June 24, this family-friendly event will feature a reading of the Declaration of Independence, Ganondagan stories and tales of the Senecas for children, historical games, and two distinctly American music performances: barbershop harmonies and Dixieland.
• The Binghamton Philharmonic Presents America250 (Southern Tier): A free Fourth of July concert begins at 4:00 p.m. in Downtown Binghamton with the Grenadiers Alumni Drum Line. At 5:00 p.m., the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra takes the stage to perform American classics, including music by Aaron Copland, John Philip Sousa, and Irving Berlin, culminating with the 1812 Overture and Stars and Stripes Forever.
• America250 Celebration at Fort Ontario (Central New York): Visitors can explore the unique star-shaped Fort Ontario State Historic Site on the shores of Lake Ontario, which dates to the early 1840s. The fourth and current Fort Ontario was built on the ruins of three previous forts, which saw battle during the French and Indian War and the War of 1812. In the mid-1940s, it served as a refugee camp — mostly for Jewish Holocaust victims — by order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and opened as a state historic site in 1949.
• Independence Day the 18th Century Way (Mohawk Valley): Fort Stanwix National Monument will commemorate the nation's 250th birthday on July 4 with the annual ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldiers. The day's events continue with cannon and musket salutes and Declaration of Independence readings. Visitors can sign their own Declaration of Independence or British loyalty oaths, make tricorn hats, and dress in a soldier’s uniform.
• Empire State Plaza Fireworks Show (Capital Region): On July 4, enjoy your historic capital city with a revolutionary afternoon of live music, delicious eats, and fun for all ages. Kids can dive into interactive activities and games throughout the Plaza while the whole family soaks in the festive atmosphere. Sing and dance along to your favorite throwback songs and cap off the night with the most brilliant fireworks display in the area.
• Fort Ticonderoga Real Time Revolution™ Event Series (North Country): Living-history programming reenacting key Revolutionary War moments on the original grounds, including the signature “Return of an Army” event during Independence Day weekend.
• Turning Point Festival (Capital Region): Commemorating the American victory Battle of Saratoga, seen as the turning point of the Revolutionary War, the festival on August 8 will feature music, food and fireworks. The annual Turning Point Parade will step off on August 2 in Schuylerville with more than 100 different units walking the route where British General John Burgoyne surrendered in 1777.
• Rev Fest 250 Remembers the Battle of White Plains (Mid-Hudson): On October 24-25, the more than 4,000-acre Ward Pound Ridge Reservation will be transformed for a reenactment of this battle between General George Washington's Continental Army and British and Hessian troops.

Additional opportunities to commemorate New York's role in America's 250th anniversary include:

• Traveling Exhibition: The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s touring Revisit the Revolution Traveling Exhibition has gathered historically significant artifacts from across the state historic site system to tell the story of New York’s influential role in the Revolutionary War. The exhibition is available for loan to historic sites, parks, libraries and more across New York State.
• Experience Revolutionary history at New York State Parks: New York manages 45 state historic sites and parks connected to the American Revolution, including Washington’s Headquarters in Newburgh — the nation’s first state historic site. These sites are hosting special exhibitions, offering dynamic programs, showcasing preservation projects, sharing digital resources and more.
• Interactive Kiosks: The interactive video displays highlighting New York's rich history in the American Revolution are available at 18 historic sites and state parks. Visitors can explore 28 different themes involving high-profile players like George Washington and French allies while also examining the perspectives of women, Indigenous communities, enslaved and free Black people, and Loyalists.
• New York State Park at the Fair: With Revisit the Revolution: New York 250th Showcase at the State Fair, the State Park at the Great New York State Fair will provide visitors with the chance to interact with interpreters and artifacts from across the historic site system to encourage visitors to experience this history first-hand at historic sites throughout the state.
• Access to Online Collections: Discover historic objects from New York state historic sites and state parks, with more are being added every day. Collections include numerous materials connected to the Revolution in New York State.