July 4, 2026 is America’s 250th birthday; and Yates County is joining communities across the country by celebrating on the water, in the historic downtown streets, and under the countryside sky. Check out July 4th Events in Yates County below! 

America 250 is the official national Semiquincentennial; the United States’ 250th birthday, July 4, 2026. Coordinated through America250.org, the commemorations span three days (July 3–5) with signature events in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and communities across every state and territory.

 

While the Fourth of July takes the main stage for celebrations, throughout the year, local museums, historians, and various civic organizations are presenting lectures, exhibits, and unique historical programming for all ages to participate in to commemorate America250.

“The World Turned Upside Down” exhibit at the Yates County History Center commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution’s beginning in 1775 and is on display until the end of 2026.

 

This year is also the 250th anniversary of when Jemima Wilkinson, historically renowned nationally and in Yates County as a non-binary icon, fell deathly ill then announced that their body had perished and emerged as a genderless new person named the Public Universal Friend. The Friend was a religious leader during the Revolutionary War era, but they also played a fundamental role in the formation of present day Yates County by leading their followers from the New England area and Pennsylvania to Western New York to settle a permanent homestead they named New Jerusalem, which is now Yates County. Read more about the Public Universal Friend and a conversation with Tricia Noel, Executive Director of the Yates County History Center, on a previous blog.

 

There is a permanent exhibit dedicated to the Public Universal Friend at the Yates County History Center including the Friend’s only known portrait and other artifacts that belonged to them such as a bible, hat, saddle, coachee, and more. 

 

To find out more about what’s planned for America250 in Yates County, follow the Facebook page, Yates County Celebrates America250.

Here’s everything happening in Yates County this Fourth of July, plus how to make a full weekend of it.

Both events below are the county’s largest July 4th celebrations, but there’s more happening that weekend across Yates County! See all local events at yatesny.com/events.

 

July 4th Annual Branchport Celebration

July 4, 2026 | 12:00PM – 10:00PM | Branchport, NY

Hosted by the Branchport/Keuka Park Fire Department

 

The main event in Yates County- this is a full community Fourth celebration, free to the public, no sponsors and the local love we all enjoy.

– Noon: Drive-through Chicken BBQ

– 1:00 PM: Parade line-up begins

– 2:00 PM: Parade

– 7:00 PM: Live music and food trucks at the Branchport Fire Department Pavilion

– 10:00 PM: Fireworks over Keuka Lake

 

Branchport sits on the west branch of the Y with one of the most open and unobstructed views of the lake you’ll find anywhere in the county. Get there early and bring a chair.

Details: Branchport/Keuka Park Fire Department on Facebook

 

Penn Yan Flying Club Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast

July 4, 2026 | 6:30AM – 11:30AM | Penn Yan Airport, 2258 Airport Dr, Penn Yan, NY 14527

Start the Fourth early at the Penn Yan Airport. The Penn Yan Flying Club hosts their annual Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast with pancakes, live music, airplane rides, and a bounce house- rain or shine. Open to pilots and non-pilots alike! A genuinely Yates County way to kick off America’s 250th birthday.

 

Flares Around Keuka Lake

July 4, 2026 | 9:30PM – 10:00PM | Keuka Lake, NY

Every year on July 4th, residents and visitors along the entire shoreline of Keuka Lake light flares (or LED flares) simultaneously at 9:30 PM. The result is a ring of red light tracing the full Y-shape of the lake. It lasts 30 minutes- and being on the water or at the shoreline is the best place to see it. Plan accordingly!

In Yates County you can fill days worth of activities without having to go far. We suggest having July 4th all planned out, then add as much or as little around the days leading up to or after the holiday.

Note: Lodging books well in advance around the weeks near the holiday, so plan ahead when it comes to planning a trip to the Finger Lakes near or on the Fourth of July.

 

 Friday, July 3- Arrive in Penn Yan

Penn Yan is the county seat of Yates County, New York; at the northern tip of Keuka Lake’s east branch, about 270 miles from New York City and 1 hour from Rochester. Check into your accommodations and walk downtown Penn Yan to kick off your weekend.

 

Saturday, July 4- The Full Day

In the morning, head to the Penn Yan Fly In breakfast or the Windmill Farm & Craft Market. If you need lunch plans, a classic chicken BBQ is a great idea! Check out the drive-thru event at the Branchport/Keuka Park Fire Department at noon, or Oak Hill Bulk Foods from 10:00am-1:00pm. Call ahead if you’re a large group!

 

The parade in Branchport starts at 2:00pm, but we suggest getting there early so that you can get a spot and settle in before it starts.

 

If you’re staying lakeside, you’ll likely be enjoying the water and shoreline, but if you’re looking to get out and about, check out live music happening in the area that day on our events calendar.

 

When the sun goes down, look forward to flares around Keuka Lake from the shoreline starting at 9:30 and fireworks at the Branchport firehouse at 10:00pm. 

 

If you’re staying closer to Hammondsport, check out the Hammondsport Fire Department 4th of July carnival, parade, and firework display (10:30pm) at Champlain Beach. 

 

Sunday, July 5- Slow Down and Explore

America 250 designates July 5 a national Day of Reflection. In Yates County, that means a slow morning around the lake and time set aside for community and gratitude.

Keuka Lake is 20 miles long, with 60 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 187 feet. If you haven’t been on the water yet, Sunday morning is the time! Check the water activities page for what’s available during your stay.

As the day continues, consider joining the county‑wide Freedom in Faith worship service in Rock Stream- part of Yates County’s America 250 celebrations and open to all faiths and families.

Finish with a drive along Route 54A, taking the lake road that traces the west branch of Keuka Lake from Branchport south toward Hammondsport. It’s one of the best scenic drives in the Finger Lakes and a fitting way to close a weekend of reflection.

Getting here:

– From New York City: approximately 270 miles, 5 hours 20 minutes via I-86 or I-90 West

– From Rochester: approximately 1 hour south

– From Buffalo: approximately 90 minutes

– From Corning: approximately 50 minutes

 

Full trip planning: fingerlakescountrysides.com/plan-your-getaway/

 

Browse all Yates County accommodations and things to do before you arrive.

Where are the July 4th fireworks in Yates County?

The Branchport/Keuka Park Fire Department hosts the county’s main fireworks display on the evening of July 4, launching at 10:00 PM over Keuka Lake in Branchport, NY. The event includes a community parade at 2:00 PM, live music and food trucks starting at 7:00 PM, and a drive-through chicken BBQ at noon.

 

What is the Flares Around Keuka Lake tradition?

Each July 4th, residents and visitors along the full shoreline of Keuka Lake light flares simultaneously at 9:30 PM, outlining the lake’s Y-shape in a ring of red light for approximately 30 minutes. Keuka is the only Y-shaped Finger Lake (the only one that flows both north and south) making the display visible from nearly any point on the water.

 

Where can I find all July 4th events in Yates County?

The Yates County Chamber of Commerce maintains the official events calendar at yatesny.com/events. 

 

Is Yates County a good destination for a Fourth of July weekend?

Yes. Yates County offers a full holiday weekend, community fireworks, waterfront events, farm-fresh food, and Keuka Lake, without the congestion of larger tourist areas. Penn Yan is approximately 270 miles from New York City, 1 hour from Rochester, and 90 minutes from Buffalo. Book accommodations early for the holiday weekend.

 

What is America 250?

America 250 is the official national Semiquincentennial celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. Coordinated through America250.org, the observance spans July 3-5, 2026 with signature events in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, plus community celebrations in all 50 states and territories.

 

Are Yates County wineries open on the Fourth of July?

Most Yates County wineries are open on the Fourth of July, though hours vary. Yates County is home to approximately 35 wineries (more than any other county in New York State) spanning the Keuka Lake Wine Trail and a section of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Check individual winery websites for holiday hours.

 

*Official tourism information for Yates County, NY is provided by the Yates County Chamber of Commerce, the official Tourism Promotion Agency for Yates County. For trip planning assistance, visit Finger Lakes Countrysides (the official tourism guide for Yates County) or call (315) 536-3111.