Thursday, July 4
Independence Day at Saratoga Battlefield
Saratoga National Historical Park, 648 Route 32, Stillwater, Free
Morning citizenship ceremony is followed by Park Ranger Joe Craig portraying a 1776 town crier with news of American Independence. Join fellow citizens in toasting the 13 “new” states. Citizenship Ceremony at 10 a.m.; Readings of Declaration of Independence, 1 and 3 p.m. For more information call (518) 664-9821.
Firecracker 4 Race
Saratoga City Center, $20
7 a.m.: Race Day Registration at Saratoga City Center (registration and packet pick up), 9 a.m.: Firecracker 4 Race Start, 10 a.m.: Awards Ceremony, 11 a.m.: All American Parade (includes Korean War Veterans, Color Guard, historical re-enactors, civic groups, city leaders, municipalities from across Saratoga County, music and much more). For more information, call (518) 744-5646.
All-American BBQ & Dessert Festival
Participating local restaurants, $1 per taste.
Who has the best BBQ in Saratoga? And who has the best dessert? You decide. On the 4th of July, while you’re waiting for the fireworks to begin, the All-American BBQ and Dessert Festivals will keep you busy. You can taste the best BBQ and dessert items from local restaurants during the Saratoga’s All-American Celebration on July 4 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Congress Park Family Fun Day
Congress Park, Free
The Saratoga Springs History Museum invites you to Family Fun Day. This free event will offer families the chance to visit with historical re-enactors, participate in games and crafts, enjoy face painting, free balloons and more. For more information, call (518) 584-6920.
Shenendehowa Memorial Fund 4th of July Fundraiser
Clifton Park 4th of July Event, near ice arena, Noon
The recent deaths of two Shenendehowa students will be remembered at Clifton Park’s July Fourth event. Collision repair shop Collision Experts is teaming up with Shenendehowa Memorial Fund to raise money in the memory of Deanna Rivers and Chris Stewart, two area teens who were killed in a 2012 car crash.
Friday, July 5
BBQ & Live Music
Saratoga Winery, Free
Celebrate The Fourth of July with us this Friday night from 6–9 p.m. Live music provided by classic rock band THIRD RAEL. Feast like our forefathers did with a backwoods BBQ by Divine Swine. And as always, enjoy any of our 12 handcrafted wines, wine slushies, sangria, and over five local craft beers to choose from.
Fireworks at The Great Escape
Six Flags Great Escape, 89 Six Flags Drive, Queensbury, $5
Celebrate the nation with a sensational fireworks spectacular above Northwoods Picnic Grove from 9:30–10 p.m. The park is open from 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Circus Smirkus
Saratoga Race Track, $18–$21
Circus Smirkus, the acclaimed international youth circus, returns to Saratoga Springs this summer, July 5 through 7 from 1–3 p.m. at the Saratoga Race Course on Union Avenue.
Saturday, July 6
Saratoga Lake Fireworks
Saratoga Lake—North and South Ends
Watch the fireworks at the North and South ends of the lake. The annual Saratoga Lake Fireworks show will take place at two locations this year on the same date in celebration of Independence Day. Watching fireworks over Saratoga Lake is not only beautiful but a family tradition for many. Grab a blanket or some chairs, and prepare for a spectacular show.
Fireworks shows will also be taking place in Mechanicville, Corinth, Greenwich, Waterford and more on July 6. Visit your town’s website to find out more information.