Kingston
Ulster County’s main fireworks event is 4th of July on the Rondout in Kingston at sundown. Sponsored by The Cornell, Brickmen Kitchen + Bar, and O’Connor & Partners, the evening features a live pre-show at T.R. Gallo Park, starting with the NY Funk Alliance, a high-energy seven-piece band blending R&B, disco, classic rock, and more. The Center for Creative Education’s Energy Dancers and Drummers will also take the stage before the fireworks. Pro tip: take the UCAT free shuttle as parking will be scarce. Rain date is July 5. Bonus: Friends of the four-legged can check out the first annual Pet Spangled Party on July 5 at 11am at Wall St. between North Front St. and John St.
Saugerties
Cantine Memorial Field hosts the famous Saugerties fireworks on July 4th. The festivities start early at 11am with a parade through the village, and the grand sky show starts at 10pm, so there’s plenty of time to relax with your community as the town’s shops and restaurants welcome revelers. One great idea: Swing by the Summer Concert Series at Tina Chorvas Park, featuring live music from Allie Chip and Tyler Dezago, starting at 6:30pm.
Rosendale
On Friday, July 4th, raise your voice and carry a tune at “Singing For Our Lives,” a free community singalong led by local musician and songleader Debbie Lan. Taking place in Rosendale’s Willow Kiln Park, this hour-long gathering invites folks to join in protest and unity songs—think “We Shall Not Be Moved” and “Bella Ciao”—in a spirit of togetherness and resilience.
Lloyd / Highland
The Walkway Over the Hudson might be the most spectacular place to witness fireworks in Ulster County this July 4th – you’ll already be halfway in the sky. At 6pm, the promenade will open exclusively to ticket holders – buy online at walkway.org/fireworks. There’s also an “Old Fashioned Fireworks” display set for Saturday the 5th at 6pm at Town Field in Highland.
New Paltz
Mohonk Mountain House has an eye-dropping parade, carnival, fireworks and light show display and a full week of fun activities for the 4th, but you’ve got to make a reservation in order to join in. Most New Paltz fireworks hounds will be making their way to the Walkway Over the Hudson.
Ellenville
Ellenville’s parade starts at noon on the 4th and moves through Canal and Center Streets. Catch fireworks in Napanoch at Joseph Y. Resnick Airport at 9:30pm.
Marlborough
Cluett Schantz Memorial Park is the site of Milton’s Independence Day celebration, beginning at 2pm. Expect live music, food, and of course, colorful explosions in the sky. Just remember – this one’s scheduled for Saturday, July 5th!
Shandaken
This is another Saturday, July 5th affair – the parade starts early at 10:30am at the old Phoenicia Elementary School. No big booms in the night sky for Phoenicia, but the floats will be spectacular and the whole shebang wraps up around noon.
Plattekill
Live tunes and plenty of food and beverages will be on hand for Modena’s “Red White and Blue Celebration” – but this one’s on Saturday, July 12 at 5:30pm. Fireworks will pop off at Thomas Felten Community Park, a perfect stop if you didn’t get enough explosions on July 4th proper.
Join the family! 
