Independence Day

If you want to have fun this Friday (July 4)—and, as a good American, you should very much want to have fun on Independence Day—there is plenty to do. The Price Chopper Fabulous Fourth Festivities at the Empire State Plaza (Albany) kick off with food vendors opening at 2 PM and entertainment at 3 PM; Blotto will perform at 5:45 PM, with John Waite at 8 PM and the ginormous fireworks spectacular at 9:15 PM. Pittsfield, Mass., will host its much-lauded annual July 4th parade (according to USA Today, it’s one of the nation’s 10 best) beginning at 10 AM. The annual July 4 Family Fest will be held at the Columbia County Fairgrounds (Route 66, Chatham) from 3 to 11 PM. Waterford is hosting the Waterford Steamboat Meet from 10 AM to 10 PM at the Canal Front. Both Ballston Spa (6-9 PM) and Albany (5-9 PM) are having their monthly 1st Friday art parties. There will be fireworks over Lake George (Lake George Village) at 9:30 PM. A myriad of July 4th celebrations will be held on July 4, all around the region. Check the Metroland calendar listings for more events.

Fairs & Festivals

Berkshires Art Festival, Ski Butternut, Route 23, Great Barrington, Mass. 7/4-6, 10 AM-6 PM Fri-Sat; 10 AM-5 PM Sun: A wide variety of nationally acclaimed and emerging artists’ exhibits, plus demonstrations, gourmet foods and live entertainment. $10, $9 seniors, $5 students, children under 10 free. Weekend pass $13. (800) 834-9437 or berkshiresartsfestival.com.

Fireworks Over the Lake, Lake George Village. 7/4, 9:30 PM.

First Friday, downtown Ballston Spa. 7/4, 6-9 PM. Various performances, special offers, exhibitions. 884-9913, 885-6302 or ballston.org.

First Friday, downtown Albany. 7/4, 5-9 PM. Various performances, exhibitions, venues, restaurants and bars will take part in this widespread and growing celebration of the arts and culture. 1stfri dayalbany.org.

Independence Day Celebration, Schuyler Mansion, Catherine Street, Albany. 7/4, 11 AM-4 PM: A variety of 18th century-inspired activities from crafts, games, and demonstrations. Refreshments and music, too. Free. 434-0834 or nysparks.com.

July 4 Celebration, Roger’s Memorial Park, Bolton Landing. 7/4, 7 PM: Fireworks, professional DJ, and more. boltonchamber.com.

July 4 Celebration, Clifton Commons, Vischer Ferry Road, Clifton Park. 7/4: Arts and crafts, sporting events, entertainment, displays and music. Parade begins at noon. Fireworks in the evening. 371-6667.

July 4 Family Fest, Columbia County Fairgrounds, Route 66, Chatham. 7/4, 3-11 PM: Fireworks, music, free kids’ rides, magic, hay maze, and more. 392-2121.

July 4 Parade, Pittsfield, Mass. 7/4, 10 AM: At 1.4 miles, it is one of the biggest July 4 parades in the Northeast. (413) 447-7763 or pittsfieldparade.com.

Old-Fashioned Family Fourth of July, Municipal Park, Germantown. 7/4, 5-10 PM: Entertainment and fireworks. 537-4240.

Price Chopper Fabulous Fourth Festivities, Empire State Plaza, Albany. 7/4, 2-10 PM: Featuring live music by Joan Osborne, food, crafts, entertainment and fireworks display. ogs.state.ny.us.

Sand Lake SummerFest, Butler Park, Gentle Road, Averill Park. 7/3-6: A full weekend of family friendly activities including carnival rids, music, food, a parade, firworks, and more. sandlakekiwanis.org.

Wardsboro Annual Parade and Street Fair, Wardsboro, Vt. 7/4, 10 AM: Starting with a parade, this old-fashioned celebration features music, floats, antique cars, crafts, refreshments and an afternoon auction. (802) 896-6141.

Waterford Steamboat Meet, Canal front, Waterford. 7/5, 10 AM-10 PM: Fireworks and more. town.waterford.ny.us.

Wilmington Fourth of July Fireworks, Baker’s Field, Wilmington, Vt. 7/4. wilmingtonver mont.us or (802) 464-8591.

Woodstock Farm Festival, H. Houst & Son Hardware parking lot, 4 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock. Through 9/24: A wide-range of locally grown produce, meats, and more, plus music, seasonal activities, community information, and more. woodstockfarmfestival.com.