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Welcome to the The Suffolk 250 Newsletter

Message from Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine

Happy Independence Day!

As we celebrate the Fourth of July and America’s 250th Anniversary, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and vision of those who secured our nation’s freedom. Here in Suffolk County, we’re proud to preserve and share the stories that shaped our communities and our country.

May your Independence Day be filled with family, friends, gratitude, and patriotism as we continue this historic year-long celebration together.

Together, we will celebrate our past and help shape Suffolk County’s future.

Sincerely,

Edward P. Romaine

Suffolk County Executive

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Images and Events from Around our Towns

The Town of Smithtown is bursting with patriotic spirit. There will be a free Drone Show and Concert featuring NY to Boston live at Callahan’s Beach on Friday, July 3rd at 6:00 PM. Gates open at 3:00 PM.

Photo Credit: Nicole Gargiulo, Town of Smithtown

Babylon Town Councilman Anthony Manetta highlights the town’s 250th Anniversary banner and celebrations.

Celebrating Suffolk’s Past.

Shaping Its Future.

Suffolk County played a vital role in the American Revolution, and in 2026, that story comes alive through a year-long series of events across the region. From reenactments and lectures to festivals, tours, and family-friendly experiences, residents and visitors alike are invited to step into the world of 1776 and beyond.

Featured Events & Experiences

SUFFOLK 250

Upcoming Events | July 1–14, 2026

As we continue celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary, communities across Suffolk County are bringing history to life through concerts, exhibits, lectures, family activities, festivals, and commemorative events. Whether you’re exploring our Revolutionary War heritage or enjoying an Independence Day celebration, there’s something for everyone to experience.

Featured Events & Experiences

Freedom Fest 2026 Featuring Brett Young

Celebrate Independence Day at Freedom Fest 2026, Suffolk County’s signature America250 celebration! TICKETS REQUIRED.

Country music superstar Brett Young headlines an unforgettable evening at the Catholic Health Amphitheater at Bald Hill in Farmingville. Guests will enjoy live music, patriotic festivities, and a spectacular Fireworks by Grucci finale.

📅 Friday, July 3

📍 Catholic Health Amphitheater at Bald Hill

🕓 Doors Open: 4:00 p.m.

🎵 Concert Series Begins: 6:00 p.m.

Admission is free. Be sure to arrive early for parking (free at Brookhaven Town Hall and for a fee at Bald Hill).

Learn more about Freedom Fest at https://www.licountry.com/freedom-fest-2026/

⚾ America’s 250th Fireworks Spectacular & Long Island Ducks Baseball

Celebrate America’s birthday with three unforgettable nights of Long Island Ducks baseball followed by the largest fireworks spectacular in Ducks history!

📅July 2–4

📍 Fairfield Properties Ballpark, Central Islip

⚾ First Pitch: 6:35 p.m.

Each evening concludes with a breathtaking patriotic fireworks display celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary, making this one of Long Island’s premier Independence Day traditions. Watch George Washington throw out the first pitch on July 4th!

🚔 Visit the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office America250 History Exhibit

Step inside the history of one of Suffolk County’s oldest public institutions.

The Sheriff’s Office America250 Exhibit features historic artifacts, photographs, landmark cases, and displays highlighting more than three centuries of service to Suffolk County residents.

📍 Riverhead Free Library

A wonderful opportunity to learn about the evolution of law enforcement and its role in protecting our communities.

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Upcoming Suffolk 250 Events

July 1 – August 31

Long Island Public Arts Festival: The Liberty Trail

Heckscher Park • Huntington

Explore an outdoor exhibit featuring original artwork from New York artists inspired by the themes of Heritage, Unity, and Liberty.

July 3

Huzzah! 250th Brewery Crawl

Lindenhurst

Take a guided walking tour through local breweries while discovering fascinating stories from Lindenhurst’s Revolutionary-era history. Colonial attire encouraged. Ages 21+.

July 8

The Birth and Challenges of American Independence and Government

6:00–7:30 p.m.

Babylon Public Library

Historian Rich Acritelli explores the American Revolution, the founding of our nation, and the development of the United States Constitution.

July 9

The American Revolution on Long Island

6:00 p.m.

Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum

Dr. Joanne Grasso discusses how Long Island experienced seven years of British occupation and how the Revolutionary War divided local communities.

July 11

Free America250 Concert

Middle Island Fire Department Headquarters

Enjoy a free community concert featuring Synchronicity – The Police & Sting Tribute Band, patriotic festivities, and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

July 11

Nikola Tesla Expo 2026

Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe • Shoreham

Celebrate Nikola Tesla’s birthday and America’s 250th Anniversary with STEM exhibits, family activities, food trucks, live entertainment, and an exciting drone light show.

Stay Connected

Visit www.suffolk250.org to explore the complete calendar of events, discover Passport locations, and find even more ways to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary throughout Suffolk County.

Additional places to see:

Tri-Spy Walking Tour

Location: Setauket

Dates: Ongoing

Description: Self-guided walking tour highlighting sites connected to the Culper Spy Ring and Revolutionary War history.

Website: www.tvhs.org/tri-spy-tours

William Floyd Estate

Location: Mastic Beach

Description: Visit the home of Declaration of Independence signer William Floyd.

Website: www.nps.gov/fiis/planyourvisit/williamfloydestate.htm

Sagtikos Manor

Location: Bay Shore

Description: One of Suffolk County’s most important colonial homes with deep Revolutionary War connections.

Website: www.sagtikosmanor.org

Southampton History Museum

Location: Southampton

Description: Revolutionary-era exhibits and historic structures interpreting local history.

Website: www.southamptonhistory.org

Hallockville Museum Farm

Location: Riverhead

Description: Historic farmstead offering a glimpse into Long Island’s agricultural heritage.

Website: www.hallockville.org

Sag Harbor Historical Museum

Location: Sag Harbor

Description: Exhibits and collections documenting Sag Harbor’s colonial and maritime history.

Website: www.sagharborhistoricalmuseum.org

Maple Lane Museum Campus

Location: Southold

Description: Historic buildings and exhibits highlighting the history of Southold Town.

Website: www.southoldhistorical.org

Mulford Farm

Location: East Hampton

Description: One of the best-preserved English colonial farmsteads in America.

Website: www.easthamptonhistory.org

Digital Tapestry Exhibit

Location: Shelter Island Historical Society

Description: Interactive exhibit exploring Shelter Island’s history through digital storytelling.

Website: www.shelterislandhistorical.org

Explore with the Suffolk 250 Passport Book

Residents and visitors can deepen their experience through the Suffolk 250 Passport Book, a county-wide guide to Revolutionary War sites, museums, and historic landmarks.

Travel across Long Island, visit participating locations, and collect commemorative stamps along the way; creating a personal keepsake of this historic milestone. (suffolk250.org)

The Suffolk County 250th “Passport Book” is now available online through AmazonLulu.com, and as a free download.

This book was published through the collective efforts of the Suffolk County 250th Commemorative Planning Committee.

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Learn more about Suffolk250 at www.suffolk250.org
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Suffolk County Government

725 Veterans Memorial Highway

Hauppauge, NY 11788 US

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