Get a bang out of your season with some of Upstate New York’s biggest, brightest fireworks shows.
The skies over Niagara Falls are lit up many nights throughout the summer, starting at 10 p.m. Regardless of which side of the border you’re on, you can see the brilliant lights. www.niagarafallstourism.com/fireworks.
In Rochester, a traditional Independence Day show lights up the night each July. Prime viewing spots include Main Street Bridge, Broad Street Bridge, and Chestnut Street near the Washington Square Garage. Check www.cityofrochester.gov/july4 to verify date and time.
Lake Placid’s celebration at 9:30 p.m. offers a mirrored view of the fireworks on–what else?–Mirror Lake. Radio station 93.3 FM WSLP provides music that’s choreographed to the lights. www.lakeplacid.com/events/4th-july-celebration.
Poughkeepsie also offers a waterfront display over the Hudson, beginning at 9 p.m. https://walkway.org/4th-of-july-fireworks-spectacular.
Lyons’ display bursts over the Erie Canal. “Thunder Over the Erie” is impressively large for a largely rural county. The event is in mid-July and is part of Peppermint Days, so check www.lyonsny.com/peppermintdays.html as details emerge.
The show at Darien Lake (9993 Allegheny Road, Darien Center, darienlake.com/special-events) is one of the region’s largest fireworks shows. Since the price of the show is equivalent to the theme park’s admission, visitors might as well enjoy rides, too.
Albany’s Independence Day fireworks in Empire State Plaza provide a bright, booming show starting at dusk. Check www.albany.com/event/fireworks-festival-35517.
Oswego’s Harborfest provides the Saturday Night Fireworks Spectacular on July 29. This will be the 30-year celebration of the festival and a large fireworks show is expected. The Harborfest website recommends the best view areas span from Fort Ontario on the east side of Oswego to the inner harbor and Breitbeck Park on the west side. www.oswegoharborfest.com.