Valhalla
July 3
It’s one of the county’s biggest Independence Day celebrations, so don’t miss this one, taking place at the Kensico Dam. The Wanderers will be performing live at 6 pm—then, starting at 8pm, the Gerard Carelli Orchestra will begin playing patriotic music. And of course, the grand finale will be the big fireworks show, slated to begin at approximately 9:15 pm. The event is free—concession stand refreshments will be available for an additional charge. Carpooling is suggested, as thousands of people will be expected. Bring blankets and chairs. Free Parking. Kensico Dam Plaza. 1 Bronx River Parkway Rd. 914-328-1542
Katonah
July 2
The American Roots Music Festival is a day filled with all different traditional genres of music, including folk, bluegrass, country blues, gospel, jazz, and string performances. Feel free to roam the gardens and enjoy a picnic. Tickets to the event, which runs from 12:30 pm to 9 pm (on the picnic lawns in the Spanish Courtyard and Venetian Theatre of the Caramoor Center for Music and The Arts), are $20 to $40. 149 Girdle Road. 914-232-1252. Email-info@caramoor.org, caramoor.org.
Mount Vernon
July 4
There will be music, speeches, refreshments, ringing of the historical church bell (13 times), and a reading of the entire Declaration of Independence at St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site. The event, which runs from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, is free. Rain or shine. 897 South Columbus Avenue. 914-667-4116.
Rye
July 3 and 4
You won’t want to miss the annual fireworks celebration at Rye Playland. The fireworks will be shot off the pier and can be seen for free on the boardwalk or from inside the park. Parking is $7 on July 3rd and $10 on July 4th. Play some games and go on a few rides before they start. Playland Parkway. 914-813-7010
Sleepy Hollow
July 2 – 4
Philipsburg Manor will bring pirates to the Hudson. There will be pirate bands, a treasure hunt for the kids, belly dancer performances, food, and more. Festivities will take place from 3 pm to 8 pm. The tickets are $11 for adults and $7 for kids under 18 for members, and $16 adults and $12 for kids 18 and under for non-members. 381 North Broadway (Route 9). 914-631-8200.
Mamaroneck
July 4
Sparks may fly at the Fun & Fireworks Singles Dinner at La Piccola Casa, which kicks off with a 6 pm reception, a 6:45 pm dinner, and fireworks at 9 pm. Watch the show from the harbor, which is right across the street from the restaurant. The $68 cover gets you antipasto, a 3 course dinner, and soda. Reservations required. 410 Boston Post Rd. (Rt. 1). 914-600-4267. SingleGourmet-MetroNY.com.
White Plains
July 3
Swing by Elements Food & Spirits for a rooftop party starting at 6 pm until 4 am. Yankee DJ will spin the Top 40 hits that get everyone on the dance floor. $25 dollars, starting at midnight. 161 Mamaroneck Avenue. 914-358-4930.
Croton-On-Hudson
July 4
Van Cortlandt Manor will be celebrating Independence Day with cannons, speeches, dancing, military stories, food, and other activities. The experience will run from 11 am to 3 pm. Tickets are $12 for general admission, $10 for seniors, $6 for kids 5 to 7, and kids under 5 are free. 525 South Riverside Avenue. 914-271-8981.
Tarrytown
July 4
The Tarrytown Boat Club will be hosting its Annual Lobster Bake, starting at 3 pm. Enjoy lobster and other entrees, frozen tropical drinks, the classic rock band, The Bad Habits, and of course the fireworks—which can be seen from the restaurant. Pre-sale tickets are $59, which also gets you a t-shirt. 236 West Main Street. 914-366-4455.
