It’s a party in the USA! Grab your friends and family, book a room with a lake view and celebrate our nation the Finger Lakes way. If you're craving small-town parades, lakeside fireworks, or live music under the stars, Ontario County has you covered with a variety of ways to celebrate this 4th of July.
Canandaigua: Classic Parade & Lakeside Fireworks
Start your holiday in downtown Canandaigua! The beloved 4th of July Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. on Main Street, running from City Hall through the heart of the business district. Expect colorful floats, community groups, marching bands, and special appearances—perfect for families and anyone who loves a hometown celebration.
Local tip: Don’t rush out of town, because the celebration continues! On July 5, head to Kershaw Park (155 Lakeshore Dr, Canandaigua) to catch a stunning fireworks display over Canandaigua Lake starting at 9:45 p.m. Bring a blanket, find a spot by the water, and enjoy a wonderful summer night show.
Farmington: Live Music & Fireworks Fun
Kick off the celebrations early in Farmington with an evening of fun on July 3 at Farmington Town Park (1000 County Road 8). The festivities begin at 6 p.m., with live music, food vendors, and plenty of space to relax with friends and family. After the sun sets, stay for the fireworks show lighting up the night sky.
What to bring: Lawn chairs, blankets, and your favorite Finger Lakes snacks.
Honeoye: Fireworks with a Lake View
For a more laid-back but equally beautiful celebration, head to Honeoye Lake. The annual Ring of Fire fireworks show can be seen from all around the lake, with Sandy Bottom Park (County Road 36 off Route 20A, Honeoye) open for visitors and offering parking access.
Expert tip: Arrive early to find the perfect lakeside viewing spot.
Grilling time
One of the highlights of a great 4th of July celebration is the food, and a family cookout is a much-loved tradition. Pack up your cooler with fruits, vegetables, meats, and baked goods from one of our farmers markets, and head to the lake for an afternoon of summer fun. Deep Run Beach (4279-4281 East Lake Road, Canandaigua), Seneca Lake State Park (1 Lakefront Drive, Geneva), Onanda Beach & Park (4965 West Lake Road, Canandaigua), and Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill (6475 Gannett Hill Park Drive, Naples) all have grills available for your cookout needs.
On the Water
The cool, clean waters of the Finger Lakes warm up around the 4th of July, making it the perfect time to enjoy activities in, on, and around the water. If you have a boat, there are plenty of launch sites on each of the lakes. If you're not a boat owner, you're still in good shape with all the options for kayaking, paddleboard, and boat rentals available at businesses such as Canandaigua Sailboard and Seager Marine in Canandaigua, or Sail Seneca in Geneva. Just make sure to plan ahead, as this weekend is a very popular one—especially for water sport enthusiasts!
Additionally, Roseland Waterpark and Roseland Wake Park, both in Canandaigua, offer state-of-the-art water-based fun! If it happens to rain, you can take your fun inside to Roseland Bowl and Family Fun Center. That’s great family fun!
Let us know how you're celebrating the 4th of July this year by tagging us @VisitFLX during your adventure and using #FLXperience. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know with all things FLX!
