Celebrate Independence Day Weekend in Watervliet
Watervliet is gearing up for a full weekend of hometown celebration, community fun, and patriotic pride with the Watervliet Independence Day Festival. This year’s festival brings together classic favorites, family activities, live music, food, fireworks, and several special events honoring America’s 250th birthday.
From Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5, the community will come alive with activities throughout town, including Oasis Park, Main Street, the Watervliet Airport, Library Park, Mill Creek, and more.
Friday, July 3
The celebration kicks off Friday evening with the Carnival at the 1st Street and Dollar Tree lot.
At 6:00 p.m., families can enjoy the Kiddy Parade, with lineup beginning at Saylor’s Pizza. Later that evening, the community will gather for a special 250th Birthday Time Capsule Celebration at 6:30 p.m. in Oasis Park.
Sports and classic cars will also be part of the Friday fun. A 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament begins at 7:00 p.m. at Library Park, while the Open Header Cruise starts with lineup at 7:00 p.m. at the Watervliet Fire Department, followed by the cruise at 7:30 p.m.
The evening continues with the Decorated Golf Cart Parade at 8:00 p.m., beginning at North School and ending at Oasis Park. A Parking Lot Party will follow from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. at Oasis Park after the parade.
Saturday, July 4
Independence Day starts bright and early with the Watervliet Fire Department Pancake Breakfast from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Watervliet Fire Department.
Runners and walkers can take part in the Bednarowski Run 5K & 10K Run/Walk at 8:00 a.m. Registration and lineup will take place at the Watervliet High School property, near the corner of Red Arrow and Main. Participants can register at runsignup.com.
The 22nd Annual Veterans Car Show will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Oasis Park parking lot. The Farmer’s Market will also run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Lot Across Oasis Park.
Families can enjoy the Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker Contest at 11:00 a.m. in Main Street Oasis Park.
The Kids Zone, featuring Vertical Edge Rock Wall and more, will be open at the corner of Main and Red Arrow Highway. Later in the day, the excitement continues with Stars, Stripes & Dirt Bikes SuperCross, brought to you by MXR Productions LLC, at 2:00 p.m. on the old high school property at the corner of Main and Red Arrow.
Also at 2:00 p.m., another 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament will take place at Library Park.
The Grand Parade begins at 1:00 p.m., with registration starting at 11:15 a.m. on Myrtle Street.
Saturday will also include the Time Capsule Burial after the parade, with location to be announced, as well as a Corn Hole Tournament at 3:00 p.m. at Main Street Oasis Park.
Food lovers can head to the Watervliet Airport Steak Fry from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Watervliet Airport.
As evening settles in, The All Niters will perform live music at 9:00 p.m. on the Main Stage at Oasis Park. The night will end with fireworks at dusk, followed by more live music from The All Niters after the fireworks.
Sunday, July 5
The celebration continues Sunday morning with the Airport Pancake Breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to noon at the Watervliet Airport.
A Community Church Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Main Street Oasis Park.
The weekend wraps up with the annual Duck Race at 2:00 p.m. at Mill Creek.
A Full Weekend of Community Celebration
The Watervliet Independence Day Festival is more than a holiday weekend — it is a celebration of community, tradition, and the people who make Watervliet special. With events for all ages, from parades and pancakes to motorcycles, music, fireworks, and family fun, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you are a longtime local, returning home for the holiday, or visiting Watervliet for the first time, this is the perfect weekend to experience the heart of our community.
Mark your calendars, bring the family, and join us in Watervliet for a memorable Independence Day weekend.
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