One River, Two States, 250 Years: Inside the Giant New Hope and Lambertville July 4th Festival

Given the towns' deep historical roots, the location couldn't be more fitting. New Hope—then known as Coryell's Ferry—was a strategic Delaware River crossing defended by order of Congress in 1777. The area famously hosted George Washington during the Revolutionary War, and the Continental Army established its headquarters at the historic Logan Inn, which still pours drinks for locals and travelers today.

"As you walk down Main Street, you are walking where George Washington walked 250 years ago," says Michael Sklar, President of the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce. "You can be part of history again as we join forces to bring a giant celebration to the Delaware River."

Whether you're looking to grab a themed drink or watch a drone show light up the sky, here is the ultimate guide to the weekend's events.

Friday, July 3: Drones, Dance, and Sky-High Celebrations

The festival kicks off with a mix of literature, theater, and a massive aerial spectacle. Platform stages on both riverbanks will host afternoon and evening performances, while professional actors portraying figures such as George and Martha Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and General Henry Knox will roam the crowds.

• 1:00 PM: Children's author Abigale Readlinger discusses The Young Federalists on the New Hope River Promenade (complimentary books provided).
• 5:00 PM & 8:15 PM: Roxey Ballet performs NJ Ballad, a 30-minute recreation of Washington's Crossing, at the Lambertville Station stage. Music Mountain Theatre will perform "Stars and Stripes" between the ballet sets.
• 9:00 PM: The night culminates in a massive, 20-minute fireworks and drone show. Two boats anchored mid-river will launch the fireworks alongside a 200-drone light show. In a first for the towns, stadium-quality speakers will blanket both downtowns, synchronizing the patriotic soundtrack so viewers on both sides of the river experience the same show at the same time.

Saturday, July 4: Pub Crawls and Pop Hits

America's official 250th birthday leans into the towns' vibrant social scenes, blending revolutionary history with a massive outdoor concert.

• 2:00 PM: A ticketed Revolutionary Pub Crawl kicks off at Lambertville Station. Reenactors playing figures like Samuel Adams and Anna Strong will lead the crawl across the bridge and into New Hope, stopping for first-person accounts of the Culper spy ring and wartime tavern culture.
• 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM: The crawl concludes at the New Hope American Legion (41 New Street) just in time for the America 250 Celebrates Concert. Entry is $10 and includes food tents and a full bar.
• The Lineup: DJ Wodi kicks things off, followed by The Sam Ryan Band (fronted by the lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears). The night closes out with two massive tribute acts: Forever Donna (Donna Summer Tribute) and Dancing Dream (a nationally recognized ABBA tribute band).

Sunday, July 5: Parades and Rivalries

The festival concludes with a day dedicated to community spirit, historical reflections, and a little friendly transatlantic competition.

• 10:00 PM - Freedom Parade: The march steps off from the New Hope American Legion lot, crossing the bridge to end at Lambertville Station. The procession features period actors with fife and drum, veterans from both local American Legion posts, scout troops, the Tri-County Band, and antique fire engines.
• 11:30 AM - Relentless Dragon Boat Race: Two crews will compete under the bridge connecting the towns on the very river that shaped the nation's founding. One boat races under the colors of America; the other under those of Great Britain.
• 12:00 PM - A Unified Salute: Mayors and dignitaries will deliver dramatic readings of the Declaration of Independence from platform stages on both shores. As Church bells ring in unison across both towns, singers from Bucks County Playhouse and Music Mountain Theatre will perform "God Bless America" simultaneously across the water.

All Weekend Long: Local Business Specials

Over three dozen local restaurants and retailers are joining the celebration with deep discounts, themed drinks, and patriotic promotions. Keep an eye out for red, white, and blue decorations throughout town.

Food & Drink Highlights:

• Ferry's End: Serving up $2.50 "Redcoats/Bluecoats" Bud & Bud Light, and a $12.50 "Ben's Elixir" made with Traveler Whiskey and Linvilla cider.
• Cellar Pub: Slinging $1 hot dogs and $8 Adult Lemonade Water Ice (complete with a complimentary sparkler).
• Nomad Distillery: Pouring the "1776" (corn Whiskey, root beer, cherry) and the "Founding Father's Old Fashioned."
• Spatola's Pizza: Slinging the "Star Spangled Parm Pizza" topped with chicken parmesan, vodka sauce, and fresh mozzarella.
• Country Fair Chocolates: Serving their 48-year tradition, "Red, White & Blueberries," blending white chocolate, blueberries, and raspberries.

Retail Highlights:

• Dress the Part: Score 10% off at Sunbeam General Store, Syn Boutique, and the Gelato Shop just for wearing red, white, and blue.
• Shop & Win: Enter to win gift cards by spending $25 or more at local favorites like Farley's Bookshop, New Hope Apparel Co., Olive & Grape, and The Creeper Gallery.
• God Save the Qweens: Donate an unopened bag of cat or dog food and get $25 off any pair of Dr. Marten's boots.

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For concert tickets, pub crawl registration, and real-time updates, follow @visitnewhope on social media or visit visitnewhope.com and americacelebrates.org.