America the Beautiful Festival Returns to Port Jervis June 13–14 With Fireworks, Live Music, History, Food Trucks, Carnival Rides, and America's 250th Birthday Celebration
- Hudson Valley Happenings
- 37 minutes ago
- 4 min read
America turns 250 this year, and Port Jervis is throwing one hell of a birthday party.
Fireworks. Live music. George Washington and Ben Franklin walking the grounds. A giant car show. Chainsaw carving by a world champion. Carnival rides. Lobster rolls. Slow-smoked barbecue. A birthday cake cut with a saber.
The America the Beautiful Festival returns June 13-14 for a weekend that feels part county fair, part history lesson, part concert, and part community celebration.
Free admission. $5 parking. No excuses.
Live Music All Weekend
The festival brings in two headliners who fit the spirit of the weekend perfectly.
Saturday night, Coffey Anderson takes the main stage. The country singer and star of Netflix's Country Ever After headlines a day already packed with music, food, history, and family activities before fireworks close out the night over Port Jervis.
Sunday, Navy and Marine Corps veteran Dave Bray USA closes out the weekend. His performances have earned a devoted following among veterans, military families, and patriotic audiences across the country. On a weekend dedicated to service, sacrifice, and American history, his appearance feels especially fitting.
Beyond the headliners, live country, folk, and Americana music runs throughout both days.
History Comes to Life
Most summer festivals give you live music and food trucks.
Very few give you George Washington, Ben Franklin, Revolutionary War reenactors, and a full Battle of Minisink reenactment.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can interact with historical figures walking the grounds, learn about one of the Hudson Valley's most significant Revolutionary War battles, and experience living history demonstrations that connect directly to the region's past.
Saturday also includes appearances by Honorary Speaker General Donald C. Bolduc, America's 250th Birthday Celebration, and a ceremonial birthday cake-cutting.
With a saber.
It is exactly the kind of detail that makes this festival memorable.
The festival will also include a Celebration of Life honoring Staff Sgt. Eugene J. Darrigan, a World War II hero whose remains are finally returning home after more than 80 years. It is expected to be one of the most moving moments of the entire weekend.
Watch a World Champion Chainsaw Carver at Work
If you've never watched a world-class chainsaw artist work, this is your chance.
Dennis Beach, a two-time World Champion Chainsaw Woodcarver, will be carving live throughout the festival.
Crowds tend to gather quickly once the saw starts running. Even people who had no intention of watching chainsaw carving usually end up standing there longer than they expected. Watching a massive piece of raw wood slowly transform into a finished sculpture is surprisingly hard to walk away from.
The Center of Influence Car Show
The Center of Influence Car Show brings together classics, muscle cars, EVs, trucks, Jeeps, motorcycles, and custom builds competing across multiple People's Choice Award categories.
Whether you're deeply involved in car culture or simply appreciate seeing beautifully maintained machines up close, this is worth spending some time exploring.
Food Trucks, Beer, Lemonade, and Festival Favorites
Award-winning food trucks will be serving everything from slow-smoked barbecue and lobster rolls to festival favorites and sweet treats throughout the weekend.
Visitors can grab fresh-squeezed lemonade, ice-cold beer, snacks, desserts, and enough options to make choosing lunch unexpectedly difficult.
Come hungry.
You're going to want more than one meal.
Family Activities and Carnival Fun
If you're bringing kids, this may be the easiest Father's Day weekend decision you'll make all year.
The festival features 14 bouncy houses, Power Wheels ride-on cars, face painting, games, DIY activities, and family programming throughout the weekend.
The carnival adds even more entertainment with rides, games, and enough activity to keep kids occupied from morning until evening.
Parents should plan accordingly.
Contests and Cash Prizes
Writing and art contests will take place throughout the festival weekend, with a $3,000 cash prize pool along with additional awards, gift cards, and special recognition opportunities.
For families, students, artists, and aspiring writers, it adds another interactive layer to an already packed weekend schedule.
VIP Experiences and Sponsor a Hero
Visitors looking for a more elevated experience can purchase VIP packages that include premium parking, access to the Special Guest Area, complimentary appetizers, and meet-and-greet opportunities with Coffey Anderson and Dave Bray USA.
The festival also offers a Sponsor a Hero program that allows attendees to provide access for veterans, military members, first responders, educators, and others who deserve recognition.
It's a fitting addition to a weekend built around honoring service and community.
Event Details:
America the Beautiful Festival
June 13–14, 2026
Saturday, 11am - 9pm
Fireworks Spectacular: Saturday at 9PM
Sunday, 10am - 7pm
New Century Festival Grounds
517 Neversink Drive
Port Jervis, NY 12771
Free Admission
Parking: $5
Final Thoughts
You can come for the fireworks.
You can come for the live music.
You can come for the history, the food trucks, the carnival, or the car show.
Chances are you'll end up staying for all of it.
The America the Beautiful Festival is shaping up to be one of the biggest festival weekends of the summer and one of the most unique ways to celebrate America's 250th birthday anywhere in the Hudson Valley.
