New York State's 4th of July Celebration | Empire State Plaza

About this event

New York State's Milestone Independence Day Celebration

• Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
• Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Location: Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY
• Cost: FREE
• Presenting Partners: Market 32, Price Chopper, and America250

Half a Century of Patriotic Tradition

Recognized as the biggest and best Independence Day event in Upstate New York, this year's festival marks a proud 50-year partnership with Market 32 and Price Chopper. The special milestone gathering aligns with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, offering a revolutionary afternoon of live entertainment, delicious food, and family-friendly activities in the historic capital city.

The Plaza will host interactive activities and games designed for children of all ages, leading up to a massive, synchronized fireworks display to cap off the holiday evening.

Live Music Performance Schedule

Main Stage Schedule

• 5:00 PM: Margo Macero Band
• 6:15 PM: The Ill Funk Ensemble
• 7:15 PM: DJ Mr. CEO
• 7:30 PM: NYS Military Color Guard & Official Program
• 8:00 PM: Sugar Ray
• 9:15 PM: Fireworks Display

North Stage Schedule

• 5:30 PM: Averill Park High School Jazz
• 6:20 PM: Albany Rock Pit

Event Activities & Entertainment

The Plaza will host interactive activities and games designed for children of all ages, including:

• America 250 Exhibits & Costume Contest
• American Revolution Reenactors
• Armed Forces Display
• Bounce Around Bounce Houses
• CDTA America 250 Bus Display
• Market 32 and Price Chopper Coloring Stations
• Red White and Tall Stilt Walkers
• Westchester Circus Arts Performance

Food Vendors

Enjoy a massive variety of delicious eats from a wide range of local food trucks and concession stands:

Traditional & Savory Eats

• A & S Spice on Wheels
• Big D's Meats
• Big John's
• Given to Fry
• PMF Concessions
• Ted's Fish Fry on Wheels

Cultural & Specialty Cuisine

• Alima's Cuisine
• Flavors of Lebanon
• Greek on the Run
• Mi Casa
• Reggae Boy
• Robles Catering

Sweet Treats & Drinks

• Cold School Ice Cream
• Dazzler Inc.
• Emack & Bolio's
• Guido's Italian Ice
• It's Just Lemonade
• Jus Kickback
• Kona Ice
• Mr. Ding-A-Ling
• The Skinny Pancake
• Times Square Catering

Travel & Parking Information

Directions & GPS Coordinates

Note: The Empire State Plaza does not have a physical address that interfaces well with GPS or online mapping systems. To get directly to the Visitor's Parking Lot, use these exact GPS coordinates: N 42.650674, W 73.7600

• From I-787: Take the Empire State Plaza Exit ramp, which leads directly to the underground Visitor’s Parking Lot on your right as you drive beneath the Plaza.
• From Downtown Albany: Use Grand Street (via Madison Avenue) or Market Street (via South Pearl Street). Once you arrive, take an elevator to the Concourse Level and follow signs to the festival.

Parking Options

Parking for this event is FREE. You can park in any of the following locations:

• Visitor and “P” lots under the Empire State Plaza
• Grand Street lot
• Elk Street lot
• East Garage (No roof access)
• Sheridan Hollow Garage (No roof access)

FAQs

Is there a ticket or admission fee for New York State's Milestone Independence Day Celebration?

No, the entire event is completely FREE to attend, including all live music performances, festival activities, and the fireworks show.

Where is the best free event parking located near the Empire State Plaza?

Parking is FREE for all attendees. Available locations include the underground visitor and "P" lots right under the Plaza, the Grand Street lot, the Elk Street lot, and the East and Sheridan Hollow garages (please note that there is no roof access at the East and Sheridan garages).

What GPS coordinates should I use for driving directions to the festival?

Because the Empire State Plaza does not have a standard address that works well with navigation systems, it is highly recommended to use the exact GPS coordinates for the Visitor's Lot: N 42.650674, W 73.7600.

What kinds of family-friendly kid activities will be at the 50th-anniversary event?

There will be plenty of family-friendly entertainment, including bounce houses, stilt walkers, circus performances, coloring stations, a 4th of July costume contest, and interactive America 250 historic exhibits.

Don't miss this landmark 50th-anniversary event at the Plaza—gather your family and friends for a historic night of legendary music, capital pride, and unforgettable fireworks!