OGS Postpones 4th of July Celebration at the Empire State Plaza in Albany

In an effort to avoid large gatherings at the Empire State Plaza during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, New York State Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito today announced that New York State’s Fourth of July Celebration presented by Price Chopper/Market 32 is being postponed.

The Independence Day festival has traditionally kicked off the annual Summer at the Plaza series of free community events. With the intention to keep visitors, vendors, staff, and performers safe during the COVID-19 emergency, no concerts or festivals are currently being scheduled at the Plaza.

“Out of an abundance of caution and with the health of the community at the forefront of our minds, we have made the decision to postpone this year’s Independence Day event at the Empire State Plaza and cancel our Summer at the Plaza series of concerts and festivals,”  OGS Commissioner RoAnn Destito said. “OGS has partnered with Price Chopper/Market 32 New York State’s July 4 festivities since our country’s bicentennial in 1976, and we look forward to the day when we can come together and celebrate our country’s founding.” 

“For the past 44 years, we have collaborated with New York State to produce a Fourth of July Celebration with fireworks that traditionally draws tens of thousands of people to the Empire State Plaza,” said Mona Golub, VP public relations and consumer services for Price Chopper/Market 32. “Under the circumstances, we agree with the approach the state is taking and believe that postponing this event is in the best interest of public health and safety. When the time is right, we look forward to continuing our partnership in providing quality, family entertainment in the heart of our capital.” 

Stay tuned for updates to the Empire State Plaza events schedule by visiting empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @plazaevents on Twitter, or by calling (518) 474-4759.