NEW HOPE, PA — Fireworks, drones, parades, concerts, Revolutionary War reenactors, dragon boat races, and thousands of visitors are expected to fill the Delaware River waterfront next summer as New Hope and Lambertville join forces for what organizers say will be their largest shared celebration in recent memory.
The New Hope-Lambertville America 250 Festival will take place July 3-5, 2026, transforming the neighboring river towns into a three-day celebration marking the nation’s 250th birthday. More than 50 community organizations, nonprofits, tourism groups, and local businesses are participating in the event, which will stretch across both sides of the Delaware River.
The festival carries special significance for the region. New Hope, then known as Coryell’s Ferry, served as a strategic crossing point during the Revolutionary War. George Washington and other Continental Army leaders were frequent visitors to the area, and historic sites connected to that era remain part of the towns’ landscape today.
“As you walk down Main Street, you are walking where George Washington walked 250 years ago,” said 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.”
Organizers say the weekend is designed to blend history, entertainment, and community involvement while showcasing the unique relationship between the Pennsylvania and New Jersey towns.
Fireworks, Drones, and Revolutionary History
The festivities begin Friday, July 3, with performances and historical programming along both riverfronts.
Children’s author Abigale Readlinger will host a discussion of The Young Federalists at 1 p.m. on the New Hope River Promenade, with complimentary copies of the book available to attendees.
Throughout the day, professional actors portraying George Washington, Martha Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Admiral DeGrasse, General Henry Knox, and other historical figures will interact with visitors.
Roxey Ballet will present NJ Ballad, a performance depicting Washington’s Crossing and the road to Trenton, while Music Mountain Theatre will perform Stars and Stripes.
The evening concludes with what organizers describe as the largest fireworks display in New Hope history. Beginning at 9 p.m., fireworks launched from two barges in the Delaware River will be synchronized with a 200-drone patriotic light show and musical soundtrack broadcast throughout both downtown districts.
Concert and Revolutionary Pub Crawl Highlight July 4
The nation’s 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4, will feature a mix of historical programming and live entertainment.
A ticketed Revolutionary Pub Crawl begins at 2 p.m. in Lambertville and crosses into New Hope, led by reenactors portraying George Washington, Anna Strong, Samuel Adams, and a Continental Army soldier. Participants will hear stories about Revolutionary-era leadership, espionage, and tavern culture before arriving at the New Hope American Legion grounds.
Later that evening, the America 250 Concert takes center stage at the American Legion lot on New Street.
The lineup includes The Sam Ryan Band, led by New Hope native and Blood, Sweat & Tears vocalist Sam Ryan, followed by Forever Donna, a Donna Summer tribute act, and Dancing Dream, an ABBA tribute band known for appearances across the country.
Food vendors and a full bar will be available during the concert.
“We have planned three days of wonderful educational and celebratory events over the July 4th weekend,” said Dick Creter, president of America Celebrates Inc. “We are especially excited for the America 250 pub crawl from Lambertville to New Hope and the ‘revolutionary tavern’ set up at the concert area.”
Freedom Parade and Dragon Boat Race Close the Weekend
The festival concludes Sunday, July 5, with a community-wide Freedom Parade beginning at 10 a.m.
The parade route starts at the New Hope American Legion lot, crosses the bridge into Lambertville, and ends at Lambertville Station. Participants will include veterans organizations, scout troops, marching musicians, local firefighters, and historical reenactors accompanied by fife-and-drum performers.
At 11:30 a.m., teams representing America and Great Britain will face off in the Relentless Dragon Boat Race beneath the bridge connecting the two towns.
At noon, current and former mayors from both communities will participate in public readings of the Declaration of Independence while performers from Bucks County Playhouse and Music Mountain Theatre join voices across the river for a performance of “God Bless America.” Church bells in both towns will ring simultaneously to mark the nation’s semiquincentennial.
Local Businesses Join the Celebration
Beyond the official programming, dozens of restaurants, shops, galleries, and attractions throughout New Hope and Lambertville will offer special promotions, themed menu items, discounts, contests, and patriotic displays throughout the weekend.
Participating businesses include restaurants, distilleries, bookstores, boutiques, galleries, candy shops, and specialty retailers on both sides of the river.
Organizers say additional businesses continue to join the celebration as the event approaches.
Event Details
- What: New Hope-Lambertville America 250 Festival
- When: Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5, 2026
- Where: Downtown New Hope, PA, and Lambertville, NJ, along both sides of the Delaware River
- Cost/Tickets: Most events are free and family-friendly; the July 4 concert ($10 admission) and Revolutionary Pub Crawl require separate tickets
- More Info: visitnewhope.com | americacelebrates.org | Follow @visitnewhope on social media
With fireworks over the Delaware, historical reenactments in the streets, concerts, parades, and community celebrations spanning two states, organizers hope the festival will create a memorable tribute to America’s 250th birthday while highlighting the historic communities that helped shape the nation’s story.
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