New Musical Headliner to be Announced 

Information on Media Access to New York State Museum Terrace for July 4 Celebration at the Empire State Plaza 

What:         New York State’s July 4 Celebration Presented by Price Chopper/Market 32 

Where:        Empire State Plaza 

When:         Thursday, July 4

                    5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers were scheduled to perform at this year’s July 4 celebration, but due to a vocal issue that has limited Bruce’s ability to sing and speak, the performance has been canceled. OGS will soon announce a new performer.

Parking: Grounds open at 4 p.m., and free parking for the general public (& media) is available in the visitor and “P” lots under the Empire State Plaza, the Grand Street lot, and the Elk Street lot. Free parking will also be available in the East, and Sheridan Hollow garages, but no vehicles will be permitted to park on the roof level of either garage.  

Media Access to NYS Museum Terrace: As in years past, the NYS Office of General Services will provide photographers and videographers with access to the museum’s fourth-floor terrace, which provides an excellent vantage point for capturing the fireworks display. To be added to the access list for the terrace, you must email OGSPressOffice@ogs.ny.gov by noon on Thursday, July 4. 

Beginning at 7 p.m. on July 4, those on the press access list will be granted entry to the terrace, which can be accessed by entering the NYS Museum through the main Madison Avenue entrance and taking the elevator to the terrace level. A museum employee will escort representatives of the media to the elevator. The museum and the terrace will not be open to the general public. 

Performance Schedule 

5:00 p.m.     Welcome – Naturalization Ceremony

6:00 p.m.     Performance by Soul Session

7:30 p.m.     Official program and military flyover

8:00 p.m.     Performer to be announced

9:15 p.m.     Fireworks

9:45 p.m.     Event Ends

OGS is implementing a new emergency text alert system, which the public can use at Summer at the Plaza events to receive emergency notifications specific to the event they are attending. For the 2024 July 4 celebration, the public can text ESPJ4 to 888777 to opt in and receive emergency messages.