Albany’s Empire State Plaza Independence Day celebration returns for its 45th annual fireworks display this year. The festivities will include musical performances from local favorites, as well as food and drink vendors on Sunday, July 4.
The night begins with a pop up COVID-19 vaccination site, while supplies last, from 5:30 to 8 PM at the Empire State Plaza. Later, attendees can enjoy food and drink vendors from 6-10 PM while watching the sunset around Albany’s cityscape. Alcohol will be served from 6 to 9:15 PM by vendors to adults with proper identification.
The Fourth of July festivities will also feature two Capital Region bands throughout the night. Classic rock band Graham Tichy and the New Lowdown will take the stage at 6:30 PM, followed by the Powerhouse Funk Band at 8 PM after an official July Fourth Ceremony.
The official ceremony will begin at 7:45 with a color guard and singing of the national anthem by Air National Guard Master Sargeant Samantha Marquette. Fireworks will close out the night, beginning at 9:15 PM.
Free parking begins at 5:30 PM in the Visitor, “P” Lot, Grand Street, and Elk Street Lots. No tickets are required, entrance to the event as well as firework viewing is free. For a list of ground rules, visit the New York State website.
For more information about the event, including a list of vendors, see the event webpage or keep up with updates on the Empire State Plaza Facebook page.
Empire State Plaza’s July Fourth Schedule:
5:30 PM: Empire State Plaza parking lots open and registration begins at pop-up vaccination site.
6:00 PM: Start of event and vaccination site opens
6:30 PM: Performance by Graham Tichy and the New Lowdown
7:45 PM: Official July 4 ceremony with color guard, national anthem, and remarks.
8:00 PM: Performance by Powerhouse Funk Band
9:15 PM: Fireworks
10:00 PM: Event Ends
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