The New York State Fourth of July Celebration at the Empire State Plaza, is a free, family-friendly event featuring live music, fireworks, and activities to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Sugar Ray will headline the celebration as part of the evening’s entertainment lineup. There will also be a new exhibit by New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation (State Parks), a costume contest, American Revolution reenactors, and more.
The annual Independence Day celebration will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza in ALbany.
This year’s headliner is the multi-platinum American band Sugar Ray. With over 10 million records sold, over a billion streams, and hits including “Fly,” “Every Morning,” “Someday,” and “When It’s Over,” the band will bring their sound to the Plaza before the evening ends with a massive fireworks display by Santore’s World Famous Fireworks.
“Battlefields of Liberty” Exhibit
As the cornerstone of the commemorations, the state has unveiled a new exhibit, “Battlefields of Liberty: Revolutionary War Sites in New York,” now on display at the State Street Tunnel entrance to the State Capitol.
To ground the upcoming celebrations in New York’s rich heritage, the exhibit showcases the state’s pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War. Featuring historic paintings, images, and maps, it explores significant local moments — from the Battle of Golden Hill in New York City to the Capture of Fort Ticonderoga in the North Country.
For event updates, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov or call (518) 474-4759. For the 2026 July Fourth celebration, the public can text ESPJ4 to 888777 or sign up online here for safety alerts.
This event is hosted by the New York State Office of General Services and sponsored by Schenectady-based grocer Market 32 and Price Chopper, celebrating 50 years of historic collaboration with OGS that has upheld this beloved Capital Region tradition. Other sponsors include I LOVE NY, CDTA, Miller Lite, 99.5 The River, Fly 92.3, the Renaissance Albany Hotel, and B95.5 FM.
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