Be part of history with can’t-miss events across the state focusing on New York State’s role in 250 years of American history. Immersive re-enactments, workshops, cultural offerings, and musical events will engage your senses as you learn more about the people and places that shaped American history. Commemorate America 250 with events happening through 2026 and beyond.
REAL TIME REVOLUTION™ (Adirondacks)
When: Various dates through 2027
Price: Varies by event
Photo courtesy of Fort Ticonderoga
Journey back in time at Fort Ticonderoga, where REAL TIME REVOLUTION™ Signature Reenactment and Living History Events unfold the fight for independence in real-time, day to day, major event by major event. Unlike many sites that capture a single moment in history, Fort Ticonderoga tells the full story and collective experiences of an evolving war. Trace the transformation of the war from a loosely organized set of colonial objectives, through the creation of a proto-national army conducting campaigns beyond the colonies, to the emergence of a firmly national military charged with securing the independence declared in 1776. In the spring, catch events highlighting the flow of supplies and reinforcements to a beleaguered northern army in Canada, and in the summer and fall witness the grueling work of rebuilding, through reconstructed entrenchments, soldiers’ huts, and armed vessels, preparing for the British assault that would soon follow.
Fashion of the Founding Fathers (NYC)
When: May 7, 2026
Price: $35
Step into the Revolutionary era through the wardrobe of America’s first president, George Washington. Join Summer Anne Lee, fashion historian and educator at FIT, and Philip De Paola, tailor and menswear historian, to explore how George Washington used clothing to construct authority, identity, and national symbolism. Drawing on fashion history and material culture, Lee will examine how George Washington’s dress communicated emerging American identity and political authority during the Revolution and the nation’s founding. De Paola will present his meticulously researched recreation of the suit Washington wore to his first inaugural ball in 1789, revealing tensions between patriotism, power, and elegance in the early Republic.
250th at Jones Beach (Long Island)
When: May 23-24, 2026
Price: Free
Jones Beach State Park will host a series of special events this summer to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Visit their Revolutionary War Village located at Field 3½, which will feature revolutionary reenactors portraying the four signers of the Declaration of Independence from New York, Revolutionary War encampments, George Washington, Benjamin Talmadge and a Dragoon officer re-enactor on horseback, a fife and drum band, colonial cooking, Culper Spy reenactors, and much more! Beyond that, the festive weekend will highlight a drone show near the Central Mall at Jones Beach State Park.
RevCon 2026 Revolutionary War History Fair (Hudson Valley)
When: June 13, 2026
Price: Free
Commemorate America’s 250th birthday at RevCon 2026, the third annual Revolutionary War Reenactment and History Fair, hosted at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park. Step back in time with reenactors, weapons and tactics demonstrations, and exhibits showcasing military camp life, uniforms, and learn from local historians about the Hudson Valley’s role in the Revolutionary War.
Freedom Festival: America’s 250th Comes to the Bristol Hills (Finger Lakes)
When: June 13-14, 2026
Price: Free
Join the towns of Canandaigua, Bristol, and South Bristol for a two-day Finger Lakes Freedom Festival at Levi Corser Park. This lively event will honor life in the Finger Lakes region during America’s earliest days. Engage with Revolutionary War and pioneer reenactors, period craftspeople, and enjoy vintage games for all ages, alongside performances, lectures, live music, a parade, car show, and a plethora of local vendors.
Sail4th 250 (NYC)
When: July 3-8, 2026
Price: Free
Experience an unforgettable maritime moment during Sail4th 250, the six-day centerpiece of America’s Semiquincentennial. Set against the backdrop of New York Harbor, this historic event will showcase the largest international flotilla of tall ships and naval vessels ever assembled. All aboard the Grande Mariner on July 4th for the Parade of Sail Viewing Cruise. Enjoy a full buffet, open bar, and a Master of Ceremonies narrating the historic Parade of Tall Ships across New York Harbor. Additional Sail4th 250 highlights include an International Aerial Review featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, an International Naval Review, sightseeing cruises on the majestic Grande Mariner, a parade of tall ships from more than 30 nations, docked ships for public viewing, a specially scheduled Fleet Week, concerts and cultural festivals.
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks and Star Spangled Spectacle Fireworks Family Cruise (NYC)
When: July 4, 2026
Price: Free to watch fireworks, Cruise $169/person
Immerse yourself in an iconic Independence Day celebration at the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year! Watch the New York City skyline light up in a dazzling display accompanied by live entertainment. Enhance your experience when you set sail on a 4th of July Star-Spangled Spectacle Fireworks Family Cruise, offering exclusive views of the fireworks, a dinner buffet, open bar, and party favors.
FourLeaf Air Show (Long Island)
When: July 5-6, 2026
Price: Free, parking $10
Grab your spot on the sand and look up to catch the high-flying spectacle, stunts, and maneuvers of the FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach State Park. As part of America’s Semiquincentennial celebration, this specially scheduled show will take place alongside Fleet Week New York, and will feature the United States Navy Blue Angels, joined by a lineup of military performers and renowned aerobatic performers.
USA 250th & Niagara County Celebration (Greater Niagara)
When: August 1-2, 2026
Price: Free
Venture to Old Fort Niagara for a special America 250 celebration featuring a Revolutionary War encampment. This National Historic Landmark will come alive for the weekend with immersive living history programs, live music, and an exciting after-dark experience. Preserved as it stood in the 1700’s, Old Fort Niagara served as a strategic outpost for France, Britain, and the United States, was crucial in controlling access to the Great Lakes, and played a vital role during the colonial era, the French and Indian War, and the War of 1812.
Rev Fest 250 (Hudson Valley)
When: October 24-25, 2026
Price: Free
Relive history during an epic, large-scale reenactment of the Battle of White Plains, set against the beautiful backdrop of the 4,000-acre Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. This scenic park will be transformed into an immersive living-history experience, combining history, culture, and music to reenact the rebellion that occurred in the lower Hudson Valley.
Racing at the Dawn of the United States (Capital-Saratoga)
When: Through December 27, 2026
Price: $20/adults, $15/seniors, $10/ages 6-18
Make your way to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs for a special exhibit that explores the history of thoroughbred horse racing from the American colonial era to the emergence of America as a new republic in the early 19th century. Learn about the sport’s early history through its pioneering figures, races, and legendary horses. Explore the museum’s extensive collection, supplemented by items from the Keeneland Library, the New York Racing Association, Cate Masterson, and Charles V. Wait.
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