Summer is a time to take your thoughts, energy and loved ones outside to enjoy the timeless pleasures of a lively season. If picking ripe berries or wildflowers in a mountain meadow sounds unrealistic, it’s no exaggeration — that’s every summer in Ulster County.
This pastoral haven for camping, hiking, boating, fishing, and agritourism is the perfect summer destination for any couple, family, or group looking for a “classic Americana” holiday worthy of their most beloved photo album. And Ulster County starts summer right with a Fourth of July booming with activities! As you’ll see below, Ulster County is marking summer with a full schedule of free and fun events and also plenty of firework fun on the Fourth!
It buzzes in Ulster County with arts, culture and fun all summer long. Vocalists, musicians, actors, painters, sculptors and cinephiles of all ages take their hard work and passion to the streets and audiences of Ulster, as the local communities stage a wide selection of art-focused festivals or events all summer.
The Hudson Valley’s natural beauty and wildlife are on full display throughout the summer. This is the ideal time for exploring the beautiful waterways and river itself on a kayak tour, paddleboard, canoe or rental boat. Warm weather is also the prime time for roaming forest trails to find gorgeous waterfalls or cliff vistas, and for those needing less physical exertion, Rail Explorers and the Catskill Mountain Railroad offer one- to two-hour rides along similar paths.
Beat the city heat and discover your perfect summer in Ulster County!
Fourth of July Weekend in Ulster County
Friday, June 30
Firework Extravaganza @ Accord Speedway
Saturday, July 1
Highland Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks
Town Park
Vendors, food - 6 p.m. | Fireworks - Dusk
Sunday, July 2
Phoenicia Annual 4th of July Parade: Main Street Phoenicia. 11 a.m.
Tuesday, July 4
Kingston July Fourth Celebration
Food, music and activities 4 p.m. Fireworks 9:30 p.m. Free. T.R. Gallo Park, Kingston.
Saugerties Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks
11 a.m. Parade. Join the fun at the parade in town. Fireworks 10 p.m., after Saugerties Stallions game.
Ellenville Wawarsing Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks
Parade at noon. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at Joseph Y. Resnick Airport
Walkway Over the Hudson Fireworks Over the Hudson
Tickets are $25. Bridge open - 4:30 p.m. | Fireworks - 9:30 p.m.
Friday, July 7
Town of Marlborough – Concert in the Park and Fireworks Display
Concert 6:30 p.m. Fireworks 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 8
Red, White & Blue Fireworks Extravaganza
5 p.m. Thomas Felten Memorial Park, 11 Patura Road, Modena.
Summer Festivals to Note
July 9
Sawyer Motors Car Show
At “The Best Little Car Show in the Northeast,” Main and Partition Streets are closed to traffic and lined with more than 500 vintage cars. A day of fun for all ages with live music on every corner.
July 21-24
Upstate Art Weekend
Three-day, self-directed event celebrates the cultural vibrancy of Upstate New York with hundreds of exhibitions and artist studio tours. Free and ticketed events.
July 29
Borscht Belt Fest
Created by the Catskills Borscht Belt Museum, the festival celebrates the Borscht Belt era, pays homage to its vibrant past, and showcases its legacy and wide-ranging influence on contemporary American culture. It features stand-up comedy, live music, film, educational programming – and, of course, food!
August 1-6
Ulster County Fair
The annual family event promotes local agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and good old-fashioned fun since 1886. Entertainment shows and exhibits.
August 12
Caribbean Carnival
Authentic Caribbean food, music and live performances; costume contest, games and family fun. Donations suggested.
