Celebrate Independence Day: What to Do on Long Island for July 4th, 2026 – Fireworks, Family Festivals, And Summer Fun (Updated)

By Jessica Mcfadyen Last updated Jun 29, 2026

With Independence Day falling on a Saturday, Long Islanders can look forward to a festive celebration filled with fireworks, parades, concerts, and family-friendly events across the region. From seaside gatherings to classic summer traditions, the Fourth of July offers something for everyone. File photo: David Buzzard, licensed.

BABYLON, NY – Long Island New York is gearing up for another festive Independence Day celebration filled with fireworks, patriotic parades, concerts, family festivals, and classic summer fun. With communities across Nassau and Suffolk counties hosting events before, during, and after the Fourth of July, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate throughout the holiday weekend and beyond.

From world-famous beachfront fireworks and historic village parades to family attractions, baseball, and unique traditions found nowhere else, Long Island offers something for every age and interest. Whether you’re planning a day at the beach, an evening under the fireworks, or a weekend getaway, here are some of the best Fourth of July events happening across the Island in 2026.

Top Fourth of July Events on Long Island

Jones Beach State Park (Wantagh) will host one of Long Island’s largest Independence Day celebrations on Saturday, July 4, as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at approximately 9:30 p.m., with a spectacular 25-minute synchronized display launched from an offshore barge. The celebration continues on July 5 and 6 with the FourLeaf Air Show, featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and other military and civilian performers. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early due to heavy holiday crowds. Admission: Free (New York State Park parking fee applies for vehicles.)

Long Island Ducks Post-Game Fireworks (Central Islip) kick off the Independence Day weekend celebration on Friday, July 3, at Fairfield Properties Ballpark. Fans can enjoy an exciting evening of baseball followed by one of the Ducks’ signature postgame Fireworks Spectaculars, part of the team’s special America 250 celebration. Fireworks are included with the price of game admission, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Admission: Requires a game ticket.

Celebrate America at Eisenhower Park (East Meadow) returns on Thursday, July 2, with one of Long Island’s largest Independence Day celebrations. The free family-friendly event features live entertainment, a spectacular drone show, and a dazzling fireworks display over Eisenhower Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and arrive early, as large crowds are expected for this America 250 celebration. Admission: Free.

Freedom Fest at Bald Hill Amphitheater (Farmingville) celebrates America’s 250th birthday on Friday, July 3, with a special concert headlined by country music star Brett Young, followed by a spectacular Fireworks by Grucci display. The celebration takes place at the Catholic Health Amphitheater at Bald Hill and is one of Suffolk County’s signature America 250 events. Advance tickets are required, and attendees should arrive early. Admission: Ticket required for the concert/fireworks event.

Amityville Fourth of July Parade One of Long Island’s longest-running Independence Day traditions returns on Saturday, July 4, as decorated floats, marching bands, veterans, community organizations, and local fire departments parade through the Village of Amityville. Beginning at 10:00 a.m., this family-friendly celebration offers a classic small-town patriotic experience that has delighted generations of residents and visitors alike. Admission: Free.

Port Jefferson Village Parade & Fireworks celebrates Independence Day over two days, with the annual harbor fireworks lighting up the waterfront on Friday, July 3, followed by the Port Jefferson Fire Department’s traditional Fourth of July Parade through the village at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. Admission: Parade is free. Fireworks viewing is limited to Port Jefferson Village residents and Port Jefferson Country Club members.

Glen Cove Fireworks & Nassau Pops Concert Celebrate Independence Day on Saturday, July 4, at Morgan Memorial Park in Glen Cove. The annual celebration features a live performance by the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra followed by a spectacular fireworks display over Hempstead Harbor, making it one of the North Shore’s premier Fourth of July traditions. Admission: Free.

Shelter Island Fireworks (Crescent Beach) The 67th Annual Shelter Island Fireworks will light up the skies over Crescent Beach on Saturday, July 11, with the display beginning at approximately 9:00 p.m. One of Long Island’s most beloved summer traditions, the show can also be viewed from portions of the North Fork shoreline, including Greenport. Visitors traveling from Long Island can reach Shelter Island via the North Ferry from Greenport or the South Ferry from North Haven. Admission: Free (Ferry fare applies if traveling to Shelter Island.)

Riverhead Raceway Fireworks Celebrate Independence Day weekend on Friday, July 3, during Riverhead Raceway’s 76th Year Celebration. The evening features exciting stock car racing, a special Flying Dutchman tribute, and a spectacular post-race fireworks display, making it one of Long Island’s premier Fourth of July weekend events for motorsports fans and families alike. Admission: Raceway admission required.

Invasion of the Pines – Fire Island Pines One of Long Island’s most colorful and distinctive Independence Day traditions returns on Saturday, July 4, as hundreds of drag performers travel by ferry from Cherry Grove to Fire Island Pines in a spirited recreation of the original 1976 “Invasion.” The annual celebration attracts thousands of spectators and continues with festivities, entertainment, and celebrations throughout the Pines. Admission: Free.

Other top displays across Long Island include:

Montauk – Stars Over Montauk Fireworks: A spectacular Grucci fireworks display begins at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. For 2026, the fireworks will be launched from a barge off Montauk Inlet, with complimentary shuttle service and excellent viewing from the harbor area. Admission: Free.
East Hampton Fireworks: Celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks display over Main Beach in East Hampton on Saturday, July 4. The annual show is one of the Hamptons‘ signature holiday traditions and draws visitors from across the East End. Admission: Free.
Town of Oyster Bay – Salute to America: The Town’s annual fireworks spectacular returns to John J. Burns Town Park on Tuesday, July 7, extending the Independence Day celebration beyond the holiday weekend. Admission: Free.
Long Beach Boardwalk Fireworks: The City of Long Beach’s annual beachfront fireworks display takes place after dark on Friday, July 10. The show is visible from locations along the boardwalk and beachfront, making it one of Nassau County’s most popular summer fireworks events on Long Island’s South Shore. Admission: Free (Beach admission may apply for certain viewing locations.)

Other Festive Options

Other festive holiday options include:

Adventureland Amusement Park (East Farmingdale): Long Island’s iconic amusement park is open throughout the Independence Day weekend, offering classic rides, family attractions, games, and seasonal entertainment for visitors of all ages. Admission: Park admission or ride credentials required.
Old Bethpage Village Restoration (Old Bethpage): Step back in time during the annual Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration, featuring patriotic ceremonies, historical reenactments, period games, live music, and demonstrations that recreate how Americans celebrated Independence Day during the 19th century. Admission: Museum admission required.

Tips & Travel

Parking and Transit: Expect heavy traffic at popular fireworks venues such as Jones Beach State Park, Eisenhower Park, Port Jefferson, and Montauk. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides convenient service to many celebration destinations, though some events may require connecting shuttle buses, taxis, or rideshare services.
Plan Ahead: With Independence Day falling on Saturday, July 4 in 2026, many celebrations begin as early as Thursday or Friday. Parking lots often reach capacity well before fireworks begin, so arriving several hours early is recommended.
Know the Rules: Many parks and beaches prohibit alcohol, glass containers, personal fireworks, grills, or oversized coolers. Check the official event website before attending, follow local safety guidelines, and be prepared for security screenings at larger venues.

From spectacular fireworks displays over the water to patriotic parades, concerts, historic celebrations, and family-friendly festivals, Long Island offers no shortage of ways to celebrate Independence Day. Whether you’re watching fireworks at Jones Beach, strolling through a village parade, enjoying a baseball game, or spending the day at the beach, the Fourth of July weekend provides something for every age and interest. Be sure to plan ahead, arrive early, and enjoy one of Long Island’s most festive weekends of the summer.

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