Where to celebrate the Fourth of July on Long Island

The Fourth of July is a great community holiday. Whereas other major holidays can be more focused around family, religion and small get-togethers, the Fourth of July is a celebration of everyone in the U.S.

The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It was signed by 56 members of the Continental Congress on July 4 and other dates throughout the summer of 1776. The document explained to the world that the U.S., its thirteen colonies and 2.5 million citizens were independent from British rule.

Now, more than 230 years later, with a population of more than 315 million, the U.S. celebrates that continued independence with parades, cookouts and fireworks. If you’re interested in partaking in some of these American festivities, but aren’t sure where on Long Island has the best events, here are a few of the best Fourth of July extravaganzas around the island. 

Peconic Bay Medical Center Family Festival 
Running from July 2 through the 5th, the Peconic Bay Medical Center Family Festival is a great option for more than fireworks. In Wading River, off Route 25A, this multiday carnival experience has all of the favorites including food, games and rides. It also features an early showing of fireworks on July 2 at 9 p.m. for anyone who just can’t wait. LongIsland.com advised that the carnival parking lot has the best view of the fireworks.

Pennysaver Amphitheater at Bald Hill
Held at the Pennysaver Amphitheater at Bald Hill, this free family-friendly event features a concert by Captain Jack and Uncovered. The concert starts at 5:30, while the fireworks aren’t until 9:15 p.m. There are plenty of seats at this Farmingville fireworks location, so don’t worry if you show up late. The hill also makes for a great fireworks viewing experience.

Stars Over Montauk 
Stars Over Montauk is a nice simple fireworks celebration. Without a concert or fair, people can just come down to this free event and enjoy the show, sponsored by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce. Since fireworks are illegal in New York, this is a great – and safe – way to take part in the festivities. Starting at about 9 p.m., people can come to Umbrella Beach – or any town beach – and scope out a space to look up at the exploding stars over this beach town.

Parades
The Southampton 4th of July Parade and Port Jefferson 4th of July Parade are two great options for families who want to kick of their day with a morning of floats, fire engines and patriotic banners. Both start at 10 a.m. and travel down the respective Main Streets. If you’re running late, take the parade’s route through Main Street into account so that you don’t end up in blocked in on a road.

There are tons of Fourth of July celebrations in Long Island, and too many to list here. LongIsland.com features some of the other fun fireworks, races, festivals and parades around the area to help you figure out where to celebrate the birthday of the United States!