The beating of drums will mark the beginning of the Independence Day celebration in Peekskill on Friday, July 4th. Lined up along Crompond Road, bands, security forces, floats, and community groups will prepare for the parade from 9:30 a.m. One hour later, they will march along a one-mile route heading to South Division Street, First Street, Union Avenue, South Street, North Division Street, Main Street, and North Broad Street, concluding in front of the Central Fire House.

This will be the 63rd annual Independence Day parade, organized by the Peekskill Volunteer Firefighters Association through its Parade Committee. The event preparation begins months in advance with applications, coordinating every logistical aspect such as refreshments for participants and communicating the rules of conduct during the day. The distribution of candy or gifts to attendees is also prohibited for safety reasons.

The organizers, from early on, coordinate with local authorities the closure of streets to vehicular traffic, in accordance with a resolution approved by the Peekskill Common Council on April 28, 2025. On Friday, city police will manage detours and control vehicle flow on parallel routes. The event will be free and open to the public. At least 250 people will participate in the parade, including musical bands, community organizations, classic vehicles, and pageant queens. The event is scheduled to conclude by 12 p.m.

In the evening, Riverfront Green Park will become the next gathering point. Starting at 7 p.m., the free concert by Ladies of the ’80s, a tribute band performing an exclusively female repertoire from that decade, will begin. The sounds of keyboards, guitars, drums, and vocals will take attendees on a journey back in time. The show will last until 9 p.m. and is part of the Summer Concert Series organized by the Peekskill Recreation Department.

Once the last musical note fades, all eyes will turn to the sky above the Hudson, where the fireworks display is scheduled to begin between 9:15 and 9:30 p.m. The pyrotechnic show will be launched from a barge anchored in the river and is expected to last approximately 15 minutes. It will be visible from various points within Riverfront Green Park and the waterfront area. Should weather conditions prevent the show, the fireworks will be postponed to Saturday, July 5.

Organizers recommend that the public arrive early, bring chairs or blankets, and consider the high attendance that these outdoor concerts typically attract. With this interactive agenda—including the morning parade, the evening concert, and the thunderous fireworks finale—July 4th in Peekskill promises to be an unforgettable and entertaining day for the whole family. Complete details, including traffic resolutions and the official fire department announcement, are available on the city’s website.