July 4th 2018 Independence Day Celebration
West Point Military Academy, New York
Saturday July 7th 2018 at 7:30pm Rain date is July 8th 2018
This is my very favorite place to watch the July 4th Fireworks Display. As long as it is not raining or miserable outside, my plans this year are to visit WEST POINT for THE Best Fireworks ever!

July 4th Fireworks Trophy Point at West Point Military Academy
BBQ’s, pool parties or a day at the beach are among some of the more popular ways to celebrate the 4th of July. A nostalgic day that reminds me of my childhood, and a day to make new memories that lasts a lifetime. When the sun drops down over the mountainside and the skies turn from sunset yellow and orange to pale pink and blue it’s time to get ready for an old time summer tradition and watch July 4th Fireworks. Deciding where to go and what is available isn’t always that easy to decide.
Growing up I remember spending time on the beaches of Connecticut watching fireworks scooping up some wonderful family memories. Since I have been living in the Hudson Valley finding the perfect location for watching the fireworks over the years has kept me busy. I do remember how excited my daughters would get every year. I have seen them from many vantage points. Some include a display over the Hudson River while others have been at local parks. They are typically small town events that are most enjoyable each and every year.
A few years ago I found something a bit more compelling. I found West Point. An absolutely spectacular display of fireworks that truly embraces the spirit of the celebration. Beginning before sundown is a parade of our newest cadets of the class of 2021 at West Point. The community welcomes these men and women that protect our country as they enter Trophy Point. 50 cadets from the class of 2021 participate in the “Salute to the States” representing his or her home state, announcing each and every state of the union.
The concert provided by the talented West Point Band is always well received by the crowd with a varied mix of old and new music. As the music continues the skies darken from pale blue and pink to a deeper shade of navy blue and midnight. And then, when you least expect it, the lights on the stage go off and BAM… the fireworks begin. Up up and over the river the fireworks explode almost on top of us. The vantage point is perfect and along with the continuous music it is simply the best place to watch the fireworks. I will say, that until I attended the event I had my doubts that it was anything above average. I was wrong. The only way to find out is to come visit with me this year and see for yourself. The concert and fireworks are free. It doesn’t get much better!
Bring your picnic, a blanket, folding chairs and a bottle of wine and join me on Trophy Point! The event begins around 8 pm, but going much earlier is recommended. I usually get there between 4 and 5 pm and enjoy the views, the people and hike the campus of West Point. There are always some wonderful photo opportunities to keep you busy. It is a relaxing day to sit in the shade and enjoy some Hudson River views and chat with others that have been attending for years.
You will be in for a treat with music and a display of fireworks that can only be seen at this vantage point of the Hudson River. In my book a truly missed opportunity for more years than I care to count. This will be my 5th season going as long as the rain doesn’t ruin our day. The rain date is July 5th, same time same place and they announce the morning of the event on their facebook page if they decide to reschedule. I hope you will look for me and say hello!
Of course not everyone can spend the day at West Point, and that doesn’t’ mean there aren’t some awesome locations to see the fireworks closer to home. All the fireworks in town seem to be scheduled for July the weekend of 4th 2018 at allowing for the opportunity to see more than one venue on more than one day. day. Many choices for sure, but knowing where they are is always a challenge to find out.
My schedule below is from the local towns. Find a place to go, make the commitment to get there early and stay calm after with any traffic or crowds involved. Fun for all where ever you pick. My second favorite is Beacon at Long Dock. Less crowded than most spots and great views over the Hudson. What ever you choose, please be safe and enjoy!
July 1st 2018
Beacon, NY: Their Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks is held on July 1, 2018 beginning at 3 p.m. with the fireworks starting at dusk, Memorial Park, Wilkes Street, Beacon. Food, live music. Sponsored by City of Beacon, Beacon-Fishkill Kiwanis Club, the Costellos and I Am Beacon. You can also see the same spectacular show from Long Dock Park with a great view and less crowds. This is one of my favorites!
Woodbury: Independence Day Celebration, Monroe Woodbury Middle School, 199 Dunderberg Rd., at dusk.
Brewster, NY: Brewster’s Independence Day celebration will include a concert and fireworks at dusk. They are held at 111 Independent Way, Brewster, NY, and are free.
July 3rd, 2018
The Town of Newburgh NY: Community Day & Independence Day Celebration is the first display around the area from 6-10 p.m. at Algonquin Park/Cronomer Park on Powder Mill Rd. in the Town of NewburghJuly 85h. Entertainment by the Sassn’ Brass Band. 845-564-7815 can get you additional info.
Bannerman Island Picnic Bash: Enjoy a tour of Bannerman Island, part of Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, followed by a cruise on the Hudson River to see the Fireworks. Boat departs Beacon at 7pm lasts about 2.5 hours. $40/person. Visit www.bannermancastle.org to reserve tickets. This is a must venue at some time in your fireworks viewing
July 4th, 2018
Town of Wallkill, NY: Fireworks display is July 4, 2018 from 6-9 p.m at the Town of Wallkill Golf Course, 40 Sands Road, Town of Wallkill. Parking at Circleville Elementary School (no parking at the golf course). Fireworks begin at dusk 845-692-7826. http://townofwallkill.com
Walkway Over the Hudson Firework Spectacular: July 4, 2018 celebration is a great way to spend the evening. It is the only place that you will need to buy tickets ($12.50) to see the fireworks, but the walkway has a great vantage point unlike any others. The walkway is a nonprofit and proceeds go back to maintaining the park. 6:30-10 p.m. Walkway will close at 5:30 p.m. to the public and reopen at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks to begin between 9 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets $12.50; children age 5 and under admitted for free,
Cornwall, NY: NO small town does the 4th like Cornwall NY. The quintessential small town feel with all the right festivities to celebrate the 4th as it should be celebrated. YAY For Cornwall for all the efforts and fabulous all day events. The Fourth of July Festivities for 2018 begin early in Cornwall. Start with breakfast at 7 a.m. at Highland Engine Company located at 1 Quaker Ave., followed by a pet show, craft fair, pony rides, children’s games, entertainment by Nick Logerfo, raffle, Declaration of Independence. Cornwall’s parade starts at 5 p.m.and a reunion band at 7:30 p.m. Complete the day with the Fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
Highland Falls, NY: Begin with the Firecracker Run in the morning and return in the evening for their Fireworks display. July 4 2018. Family activities from 5-9 p.m. at Roe Park on Roe Avenue, in Highland Falls NY. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. with a light show.
Monroe, NY: Independence Day Festival & Fireworks 6-9 p.m., Millpond Park, Monroe. Fireworks start at about 9 p.m. 782-8341. villageofmonroe.org.
New York City: THE Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks The 40th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks begins at 8m over the Brooklyn Bridge. Not the easiest venue to attend as the crowds are enormous and getting there quite a journey. Best to plan ahead for locations, access, transportation etc. Not up for the challenge? They are always on TV. My take, watch the reruns and stay local!
Tarrytown, NY: in Westchester County along with Sleepy Hollow, is planning for their fireworks on Wednessday, July 4, 2018. They begin around 9 p.m. and run about 30 minutes long that seems to pass in a flash. The best viewing is from either Pierson Park in Tarrytown or Kingsland Point Park in Sleepy Hollow. Take a blanket and plan to work a few blocks as parking is limited. This location is well work planning ahead for. This is one of the favorites for watching the fireworks every year.
The City of Newburgh, NY: Independence Day Fireworks are on July 4, 2018 at 9 p.m. Seen from many great vantage points, along the waterfront. Spend the the evening at the Newburgh waterfront at one of the local restaurants, or walk along the pier. The afternoon festivities of food vendors, crafts and music are entertainment for the whole family. Events begin at noon at UNICO Park. Fireworks begin at sundown.
July 6th 2018
Middletown: The annual Stars and Stripes Celebration, Fancher Davidge Park, 130 Lake Ave., Middletown, Party in the Park at 4 p.m., and fireworks begin at dusk as always
New Paltz, NY: The festivities begin at 5 p.m.
249 Libertyville Road in New Paltz, NY They are free and the event will include music, food, festivities, and fireworks at dusk. This all takes place at the Ulster County Fairgrounds.
July 7th 2018
Greenwood Lake, NY: Fireworks, July 7, 8:30-9:30 p.m., Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park, Greenwood Lake. Fireworks at dusk. 477-9215. villageofgreenwoodlake.org.
The BEST July 4th Fireworks in the Hudson Valley
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