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It's time to celebrate America's 250th birthday on Long Island! Nothing says “freedom” like fireworks, live music, and historic reenactments. Long Island is a northeast classic destination to celebrate Independence Day, especially during this year's major milestone anniversary, with festivities from shoreline to vineyard and everywhere in between. Whether you're a beachgoer, history buff, or just here for the hotdogs, there’s no shortage of ways celebrate the Fourth of July across the Island.

Here’s your ultimate guide to Long Island fun for the Fourth of July (and beyond):

Different color fireworks going off at night

FIREWORKS & PARADES

JULY 2:

  • Long Island Ducks Postgame Fireworks
    • Fireworks at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip. Join Discover Long Island for our sponsorship night including free DLI x Long Island 250 T-shirts given to the first 1,000 game attendees! Fireworks will also occur after the games on July 3rd & 4th.
  • Greenport Fire Department Fireworks
    • ​As part of the Greenport FD Carnival, running June 30 - July 4. Fireworks will occur on July 2 & July 4 at 10pm.​

JULY 3:

  • Riverhead Raceway 
    • Racing action followed by one of Long Island's most crowd-pleasing fireworks displays. Get there early.
  • Long Island Freedom Fest – Bald Hill
    • Live entertainment, food vendors, family activities, and one of the Island's largest fireworks shows at the Catholic Health Amphitheater.
  • Annual July 3rd Celebration – Amityville
    • A South Shore tradition featuring live music, family fun, and a spectacular fireworks display over the water.

JULY 4:

  • Riverhead America 250 Parade & Fireworks
    • A patriotic downtown Riverhead parade celebrating Independence Day and America's 250th anniversary, followed by fireworks over the Peconic River. Free admission.
  • Southampton Village Parade
    • The village kicks off Independence Day with a patriotic parade at 10am through one of Long Island's most beloved communities.
  • Jones Beach & FourLeaf Airshow (July 4 – 6)
    • Fireworks over the Atlantic on July 4th, followed by two days of thrilling aerial performances from the Fourleaf Airshow on July 5th and 6th. A full long-weekend spectacle.
  • East Hampton
    • A classic Hamptons Fourth — fireworks best enjoyed after a stroll through the village.
  • Port Jefferson Parade & Fireworks
    • Watch the Long Island Sound light up at dusk. Take the LIRR or ferry for a car-free holiday - parade at 10am, fireworks at dusk.
  • Stars Over Montauk Fireworks Viewing Cruise
    • Watch Montauk's fireworks from the water, hosted by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce. $150 per person.
  • Orient Harbor
    • A beloved North Fork tradition over the harbor, run by the nonprofit Orient Harbor July 4th Festivities Inc.

JULY 11:

  • Shelter Island
    • A charming island getaway with waterfront fireworks. Take the ferry from Greenport or North Haven.

JULY 13:

  • Jamesport Firemen's Carnival
    • Carnival rides, games, food, and fireworks on the North Fork supporting your local fire department.

AUGUST 22:

  • Amityville Blast on the Beach
    • The summer's final fireworks hurrah — Amityville closes out the season in style over the water.

 

LI 250

 

OTHER CELEBRATIONS

JULY 2:

  • Alive After Five – Patchogue
    • Downtown Patchogue's beloved outdoor summer series transforms Main Street into a block party with live music, local food, and drinks. The perfect holiday week kickoff.

JULY 3:

  • Long Island History Hunt (Multiple Locations)
    • Explore 26+ historic sites across Long Island as part of this interactive experience celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
  • Halsey House Gala 
    • An elegant evening at the Southampton History Museum, one of the oldest English colonial homes in New York State, supporting local history.
  • Fire Island Invasion – Cherry Grove (July 3–5)
    • One of Long Island's most iconic traditions since 1976. Drag queens parade through Cherry Grove, board the ferry, and "invade" The Pines over the long weekend, with thousands cheering from the shoreline.

JULY 4:

  • Neon Nights at Splish Splash
    • Experience Long Island's largest water park after dark with illuminated attractions and music. A unique way to spend Independence Day evening.
  • Huntington Pet Contest
    • Fun community event featuring pet competitions, prizes, and family-friendly entertainment.

JULY 5:

  • Port Jefferson 250 Block Party
    • Live music, local vendors, and family activities throughout downtown Port Jefferson continuing the America 250 celebrations.

Insider's Tip: Headed to the East End for any of these events? Take the Long Island Rail Road and miss any potential traffic.