Capital Region Independence Day To-Do List

July 4th is almost here, and if you live anywhere near me you’ve probably heard fireworks going off since the 1st. We’re just so dang patriotic! And, well, we enjoy a good explosion every now and again. If you’re the type of person who loves fireworks (who doesn’t, honestly) then there are a ton of opportunities to witness these marvels of ancient innovation (the earliest documentation of fireworks was in 9th century China!) in the Capital Region this July. Check them out below!

First of all, we have the ever-popular fireworks show on the Empire State Plaza on July 4th. It’s been sponsored by Price Chopper since 1976 and every year they’ve outdone themselves!
Protip: arrive early, because there are a TON of people, and bring a lawn chair or blanket. Don’t forget earplugs for the kids, because the pyrotechnics echo off of the Plaza buildings and get very loud.
Admission is free! The event is from 3pm-10pm.

If you’re a baseball fan, the ValleyCats are playing the Vermont Lake Monsters at the Joe at 6:30pm on the 4th. Not only will this be a great game of baseball, but the ValleyCats are known for their amazing postgame fireworks shows and their Independence Day show is the crème de la crème.
Protip: come hungry and enjoy those ballpark franks!

Do you live in the Clifton Park area? You’ve got a great fireworks show of your own at the Clifton Common starting at 12pm on the 4th! A parade is the first order of the day, and the Common will host rides, games, food, and various vendors, and musical guests will be the soundtrack to your Independence Day fun. This is the largest locally-sponsored fireworks display in the Capital Region!
Protip: slather on the sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes or sandals!

Are you a history buff? Then you should head down to Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site and enjoy historic games, music, and fun colonial activities to celebrate our country’s independence. Oh, and there’ll be free Stewart’s ice cream. You can beat the heat and take a tour of the mansion and see the room where Alexander Hamilton was married (did you know that President Millard Fillmore was married in the same room?) as well as other rooms that show what life was like for our founding fathers.
Protip: bring the kids and a sense of fun, and then hit the Plaza fireworks show after spending the day at Schuyler Mansion!

These are some of the best events our region has to offer – enjoy them this holiday and have a fantastic Independence Day!