ITHACA, N.Y. — Fireworks and Fourth of July celebrations are happening all around Cayuga Lake this week and weekend. You can catch live music, barbecues, and celebrations at several locations. Here’s a quick peek at what events are planned in and around Tompkins County this week.
As a reminder, the Ithaca Fire Department says to leave fireworks to the pros. In the City of Ithaca, residents must have a permit to use fireworks. In a news release, the IFD said more than 8,000 people in the U.S. were treated for fireworks-related injuries and children younger than 15 accounted for more than a third of the injuries. In Tompkins County, sparklers are not permitted.
Wednesday, July 3
Ithaca Rotary Community Fireworks Celebration — The annual celebration will begin at 6 p.m. with musical entertainment and a variety of food vendors in Stewart Park. The fireworks will launch at 9:45 p.m. Though there will be lots of festivities at Stewart Park, other prime viewing spots for this show include Cass Park, Cornell University and Ithaca College, Cayuga Heights’ Sunset Park and anywhere with a good view of the lake.
• The BoatYard Grill is also having a BBQ & Fireworks viewing party from 7 to 10 p.m. There will be live music and a barbecue buffet. Advance registration is required. Tickets are $30.
How to get to Stewart Park for the fireworks: Vehicle access is strictly limited the day and evening of the event at Stewart Park. Parking will be available at Ithaca High School and free TCAT bus shuttles will circulate through Downtown Ithaca, Ithaca High School and the Stewart Park entrance.
TCAT is offering free bus service July 3, or July 5 if the rain date is needed. Look for the buses that say “fireworks.” Bus service will begin about every 10 minutes starting at 7:30 p.m., from Albany Street at State Street (Salvation Army), Green Street Station and Seneca Street Station to Stewart Park and will end at 9:30 p.m., just before the fireworks are scheduled to begin. TCAT says it will provide return service from the entryway circle in Stewart Park until 11:15 p.m. For more information, visit www.tcatbus.com.
Admission: Free, though donations are appreciated.
Rain date? July 5.
Gallery: ‘Ooh’s and ‘Ahh’s of Ithaca fireworks show
Friday, July 5
Groton Community Fireworks — There will be live entertainment at Groton Elementary School by DJ Dale and concessions available by youth baseball/softball. Rain date is July 7.
Lansing Fireworks — The fireworks show from Myers Park will kick off at 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 6
Americana Vineyards 4th of July Birthday BBQ Bash — Americana Vineyards Winery is hosting its annual fireworks show and all-day celebration at the winery at 4367 E. Covert Rd., Interlaken. The party starts at noon Saturday, July 6, and will go all day until the big fireworks show at 10 p.m. The music lineup includes:
- Noon to 2 p.m. The Uncommons
- 2 to 4 p.m. Backtalk Band
- 4 to 6 p.m. NEO Project
- 6 to 8 p.m. City Limits
- 8 to 10 p.m. Iron Horse
- 10 p.m. Fireworks Finale
Coolers are allowed but are subject to search as no outside alcohol is allowed. Pop-up tents are also allowed but must be placed against the back fence and taken down in time for the fireworks finale at 10 p.m.
How to get there: The winery is located at 4367 E. Covert Rd., Interlaken, about 20 minutes north of Ithaca.
Admission: $5 per person, with kids under 13 and pets free.
Inn at Taughannock — The festivities begin at noon with an all-day barbecue, with beer and wine available. The fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
How to get there: The inn is located at 2030 Gorge Rd., Trumansburg.
Admission: Free, with food and beverages available to purchase.
Rain date: July 7.
Correction – An earlier version of this article said the Groton fireworks were July 6, but they are Friday, July 5.