How to Spend Fourth of July Weekend in Watervliet

There is nothing quite like Independence Day weekend in Watervliet. For three days, the community fills with hometown pride, family traditions, music, food, parades, fireworks, and plenty of reasons to spend a little extra time in town.

Whether you are visiting for the weekend, coming home for the holiday, or looking for a full schedule of family-friendly fun, the Watervliet Independence Day Festival offers something for everyone from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5.

Friday: Kick Off the Weekend

Start the celebration Friday evening with the festival carnival at the 1st Street and Dollar Tree lot. It is a great first stop for families, kids, and anyone looking to ease into the holiday weekend with classic summer fun.

At 6:00 p.m., the Kiddy Parade begins, with lineup at Saylor’s Pizza. This hometown favorite is a sweet way to let the youngest festival-goers be part of the celebration.

Later that evening, head to Oasis Park for the 250th Birthday Time Capsule Celebration at 6:30 p.m. As Watervliet joins communities across the country in recognizing America’s 250th birthday, this special event gives residents and visitors a chance to be part of a meaningful community moment.

Friday night also brings plenty of action around town. A 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament begins at 7:00 p.m. at Library Park, while the Open Header Cruise lines up at the Watervliet Fire Department at 7:00 p.m. before cruising at 7:30 p.m. The Decorated Golf Cart Parade follows at 8:00 p.m., beginning at North School and ending at Oasis Park.

After the parade, stick around for the Parking Lot Party from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. at Oasis Park.

Saturday: A Full Day of Festival Fun

Independence Day begins bright and early with the Watervliet Fire Department Pancake Breakfast from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the fire department. It is the perfect way to fuel up before a full day of celebration.

Runners and walkers can take part in the Bednarowski Run 5K and 10K Run/Walk at 8:00 a.m., with registration and lineup at the Watervliet High School property near the corner of Red Arrow and Main. Participants may register at runsignup.com.

From 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., take time to explore the 22nd Annual Veterans Car Show in the Oasis Park parking lot. Nearby, the Farmer’s Market will also run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the lot across from Oasis Park.

Families can enjoy the Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker Contest at 11:00 a.m. in Main Street Oasis Park, along with the Kids Zone by Vertical Edge at the corner of Main and Red Arrow Highway, featuring a rock wall and more.

One of the biggest highlights of the day is the Grand Parade at 1:00 p.m., with registration beginning at 11:15 a.m. on Myrtle Street. Find a good spot, bring your flags, and enjoy one of Watervliet’s favorite community traditions.

After the parade, the Time Capsule Burial will take place, with location to be announced. This special America 250 event will help mark the moment for future generations.

The afternoon continues with the Stars, Stripes & Dirt Bikes SuperCross event, 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. A second 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament also begins at 2:00 p.m. at Library Park.

For more food and fun, visit the Watervliet Airport Steak Fry from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Watervliet Airport, or join the Corn Hole Tournament at 3:00 p.m. at Main Street Oasis Park.

As evening arrives, gather at Oasis Park for live music by The All Niters at 9:00 p.m. on the Main Stage. Fireworks will light up the sky at dusk, followed by more live music from The All Niters after the show.

Sunday: Wind Down with Community Favorites

The weekend continues Sunday morning with the Airport Pancake Breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to noon at the Watervliet Airport.

At 11:00 a.m., the community is invited to gather for a Community Church Service at Main Street Oasis Park.

The festival wraps up with the Duck Race at 2:00 p.m. at Mill Creek — a fun and lighthearted way to close out a weekend full of celebration.

Make a Weekend of It

The Watervliet Independence Day Festival is a great reason to spend time in town, support local businesses, and enjoy the heart of the community. Grab a meal, visit local shops, explore downtown, take in the parks, and invite friends and family to experience Watervliet during one of its most festive weekends of the year.

From pancakes and parades to dirt bikes, live music, fireworks, and America 250 events, Fourth of July weekend in Watervliet is packed with hometown charm and summer memories waiting to be made.