Fireworks

July 4 / Various locations – Macy’s lights up the New York City skyline with a spectacular fireworks display on the East River set to music. And that’s not all – you can also thrill to great fireworks at Boldt Castle in the Thousand Islands-Seaway region; Jones Beach on Long Island; the Empire State Plaza in Albany; and LEGOLAND in the Hudson Valley, which will present “Red, White & Boom!” In the Adirondacks, celebrate freedom at Fort Ticonderoga by exploring the year 1775 and America’s armed fight for rights before the Declaration of Independence. Discover how Americans learned to be soldiers at Ticonderoga as armed rebellion expanded into an invasion of Canada.

Fire Island Invasion

July 4/LONG ISLAND – hundreds of drag queens and thousands of spectators come together to honor and relive the first “invasion” that took place in the summer of 1976. The lively festivities begin as drag queens parade through Cherry Grove before boarding the ferry to Pines Harbor, where they are met with enthusiastic cheers and the warm welcome of Cherry Grove’s 1976 Homecoming Queen, Thom Hansen (also known as Panzi). The celebration lasts all day, filled with performances and parties at iconic venues like The Pavilion, Pool Sip-N-Twirl, and The Blue Whale. Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines; free.

Summer Music Festival 

July 4-6/ELLICOTTVILLE – At the Holiday Valley Resort. This year’s festival features a fine art and craft market, pet parade, and spectacular performances by Marc Martel’s One Vision of Queen, Caitlin Koch, and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. They will be bringing the hits of legendary rock bands  The Who and Led Zeppelin. The event kicks off all day Friday with a Battle of the Bands, beginning at 11 a.m.The festival culminates with a grand finale featuring a patriotic tribute of America’s songs set to majestic fireworks. See more at Home | Holiday Valley Ski Resort: New York Ski Areas, Vacation Get Away .