Westport, NY | America’s 250th Celebration | July 3-5, 2026
- Westport, New York, 12993 United States (map)
Celebrate America's 250th on the Shores of Lake Champlain in Westport
All photos courtesy gowestportny.com.
Westport's Fourth of July & America's 250th Celebration is set to transform the village, Lee Park, Ballard Park, and the downtown waterfront into a three-day festival of food, music, fireworks, and hometown traditions from July 3–5, 2026.
Set along the western shore of Lake Champlain, this family-friendly celebration combines classic Fourth of July fun with America's 250th anniversary, creating one of the Adirondack Coast's signature holiday weekends.
One thing becomes clear almost immediately: come hungry.
Friday night's celebration serves up complimentary sweet sauce Michigans—a North Country favorite—alongside desserts, campfire s'mores, and other treats while supplies last. Smoky campfire aromas drift across the lake as families gather with lawn chairs, children chase glowing beach balls, and fireworks await just across the water.
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Friday night lights over the lake.
The weekend begins on Friday, July 3, from 7–9:30 pm at Lee Park with one of the area's most relaxed waterfront celebrations.
Hosted by the Westport Wadhams Community Alliance, the free evening features live entertainment by Overtime Events, lawn games, giveaways, surprise performances, complimentary food, glow sticks for kids, and the annual commemorative event stamp T-shirt activity.
As darkness settles over Lake Champlain, everyone turns east toward Vermont, where Basin Harbor's fireworks reflect across the water in one of the Adirondacks' most scenic Independence Day displays.
Alcohol and swimming are not permitted, helping keep the evening focused on families and community.
Small-town traditions shine on the Fourth.
Saturday keeps the celebration rolling from morning through evening.
Children can bounce their way through the day on the library lawn while shoppers browse the Pop-up Maker's Market and the Friends of the Library book sale. By late morning, excitement shifts to the fairgrounds as parade participants line up before the noon parade winds through downtown Westport.
4th of July Parade.
Afterward, the aroma of Westport Federated Church's famous Michigans welcomes hungry spectators before attention turns back to Lee Park for an afternoon of cardboard boat building—a wonderfully Adirondack blend of creativity, engineering, and just enough optimism.
The evening wraps up at nearby Ballard Park with live music from Mountain Echo Band from 4–6 pm, followed by Russ Bailey from 6–8 pm.
Sunday's floating finale.
The fun continues into Sunday with one of the weekend's quirkiest traditions.
Teams launch their homemade cardboard boats during the 9:30 am Float Challenge at Lee Park, where engineering dreams often meet the reality of Lake Champlain's waters. Volleyball begins at 10 am, while the library's book sale continues through the afternoon.
It's a fitting finale for a weekend built around laughter, neighbors, and timeless summer traditions.
Why Westport feels different.
Many Adirondack Independence Day celebrations culminate with fireworks.
Westport stretches the experience into an entire holiday weekend that feels less like a festival and more like joining an extended family reunion. Visitors can stroll the waterfront, explore nearby Essex, discover hiking trails in the Champlain Valley, or enjoy one of the Adirondacks' most picturesque villages between activities.
ADK Taste pick.
The float challenge happens on Sunday.
The cardboard boat events may be the weekend's hidden gem. Watching homemade vessels attempt to stay afloat is equal parts engineering competition, comedy show, and community tradition.
ADK Taste recommendation.
Arrive early Friday evening to grab complimentary food before supplies run out and claim a lakeside spot for the fireworks. If staying for Saturday's parade, park once and explore downtown on foot. Bring lawn chairs, sunscreen, and a camera—the Lake Champlain waterfront provides some of the most photogenic Fourth of July scenery in the Adirondacks.
Event details.
Dates: July 3–5, 2026
Main locations:
Lee Park
Ballard Park
Westport Library Lawn
Downtown Westport, NY
Admission: Free
Visitors should check the event's official website or Facebook page before traveling for any schedule updates or weather-related changes.
Westport is a haven for boaters of all stripes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Westport's Fourth of July celebration?
July 3–5, 2026.
Where are the fireworks?
Fireworks are viewed from Lee Park as Basin Harbor's display lights up the sky across Lake Champlain around 9 pm on Friday, July 3.
Is the event family-friendly?
Yes. Activities include bouncy houses, games, music, the parade, cardboard boat events, and free treats.
Is there food available?
Yes. Complimentary sweet sauce Michigans, desserts, s'mores, and other treats are available Friday while supplies last, with additional Michigan lunches available Saturday through the Westport Federated Church.
Is parking available?
Yes. Visitors should arrive early, especially Friday evening and before Saturday's parade, as waterfront parking fills quickly.
Can visitors swim or bring alcohol?
No. Swimming and alcohol are not permitted during Friday's Lee Park celebration.
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