America is turning 250 years old, and historic sites across New York are celebrating in a big way this summer. From live music and historical reenactments to stewardship projects and outdoor adventures, there are plenty of opportunities to commemorate this milestone while exploring some of New York’s most remarkable places.
We rounded up a few events worth adding to your calendar. If you’re looking for even more check out the New York State Parks event calendar for additional America 250 celebrations and programming happening throughout the summer.
Grant Cottage Community Day: America’s 250th
Grant Cottage State Historic Site | June 13
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a day of family-friendly activities, local vendors, and historical programming at Grant Cottage State Historic Site. Best known as the place where President Ulysses S. Grant completed his memoirs during the final weeks of his life, the site also offers one of the most spectacular views in the region, with the Adirondacks, Green Mountains, and Catskills stretching out in the distance.
Toast 250! Scarsdale
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site | June 14
Kick off America’s 250th anniversary celebrations with an afternoon of live music, costumed reenactors, and traditional tavern games. Hosted in partnership with Revolutionary Westchester 250 and the 5th New York Regiment, this lively event brings Revolutionary-era history to life while highlighting the rich colonial history preserved at nearby Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site.
America250: Planting 250 Trees for America’s Semiquincentennial
Rockefeller State Park Preserve | June 27
Celebrate America’s anniversary by helping shape the next 250 years. Join stewardship staff for a tree-planting project along the Pocantico River and contribute to the long-term health of one of New York’s most treasured landscapes. Known for its carriage roads, stone bridges, and miles of scenic trails, Rockefeller State Park Preserve offers a beautiful setting to give back to the outdoors.
Barn Quilt Workshop: Patriotic
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center | June 27
Get creative while celebrating America’s 250th anniversary at this patriotic barn quilt workshop. Participants will create a decorative piece to take home while enjoying the natural beauty of Wellesley Island State Park in the Thousand Islands region, an area known for its scenic waterways, wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
July Fourth Living Painting & 250th Commemoration
Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site | July 4
Take part in a living recreation of John Trumbull’s iconic Declaration of Independence painting and step into a moment of American history. The celebration takes place at Bennington Battlefield, the site of a pivotal Revolutionary War victory that helped shift momentum in favor of the American cause and set the stage for success at Saratoga.
Bald Eagle Walk
Looking for a Fourth of July celebration with a little more fresh air and a little less noise? Join a guided walk through Evangola State Park in search of bald eagles while taking in sweeping views of Lake Erie from one of western New York’s most scenic parks.
Syracuse University Brass Ensemble Celebrates the 250th
Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site | July 5
What better way to celebrate Independence Day than with patriotic music performed by the Syracuse University Brass Ensemble? Set along the shores of Lake Ontario, Sackets Harbor played a critical role during the War of 1812 and remains one of New York’s most fascinating military history sites.
FourLeaf Air Show and Fireworks
Jones Beach State Park | July 5-6
The skies over Jones Beach will come alive as the Navy Blue Angels return for one of the country’s premier air shows. With military demonstrations, civilian performers, and breathtaking aerial displays, this America 250 celebration promises to be one of the biggest events of the summer. There’s no shortage of things to see at Jones Beach, but watching world-class pilots soar above one of New York’s most iconic shorelines is tough to beat.