These Small New York State Towns Are celebrating Big Birthdays In 2025

From the scenic shores of Long Island to the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for small-town anniversaries in New York State. Whether they’re celebrating their centennial (100 years), sesquicentennial (150 years), or even a bicentennial (200 years), these fun towns are marking the occasion with traditional American pride and patriotism.

And as much fun as they are for locals, these anniversary celebrations also provide visitors a chance to discover lesser-known destinations throughout the Empire State. From scenic waterfront villages to canal towns that helped shape America's industrial revolution, these celebrations promise the kind of summer fun that can only be experienced in small-town USA.

Valley Stream

The third-largest incorporated village in New York State (population 40,200), Valley Stream has changed dramatically over the years. What began as Dutch-purchased land on Long Island in 1640 experienced significant growth in the early 20th century, eventually leading to its then-population of 7,500 residents voting in 1925 to break from the Town of Hempstead. Careful planning and forethought soon saw Valley Stream become a model suburban village, with its current 105 acres of parkland earning it a designation as a Tree City USA Community.

Little wonder, then, that Valley Stream wants to celebrate its big birthday. Centennial celebrations kicked off with a flag-raising ceremony in January, exactly 100 years after incorporation, with the village Mayor, a third-generation “Valley Streamer,” unveiling a special anniversary flag. The big birthday bash takes place on July 5 with a Fireworks Spectacular marking the village centenary and Independence Day. It’s worth noting that admission to this very popular event is $15, with tickets available at Firemen’s Memorial Field from 6 pm.

Lockport

While the town of Lockport celebrated its 200th birthday in 2024, residents have another important event to celebrate in 2025: the bicentennial of the Erie Canal. Completed in 1825, it’s considered one of the most important engineering feats in American history.

Lockport was to play a significant role in this 365-mile-long marvel, with the town centering around the famous "Flight of Five" locks, which raised boats 60 feet over the Niagara Escarpment. Deemed one of the canal's most impressive achievements, the locks are still in use today for demonstrations on weekends and are a must-visit. In fact, Lockport is the only place in the USA where you can see both 19th-century canal locks alongside modern operating locks.

A great time to visit is during the Lockport in Bloom festival from July 11 to 13, when the town’s parks and gardens are open to the public for free. Things kick off with a self-guided twilight tour on Friday, July 11, while Saturday and Sunday are perfect times to enjoy the spectacular plantings along Canal Street and to wander along the canal itself. The festival coincides with other bicentennial events, including the arrival of a replica canal boat, Seneca Chief, on its cross-state voyage.

Speculator

Speculator celebrates its 100th birthday with true Adirondack flair and is planning a Centennial-themed July 4 Parade & Fireworks on July 5, 2025. Considered the gateway to the Adirondack wilderness, the village is also marking 100 years since its incorporation and evolution from a remote lumber town to one of New York’s most popular tourist destinations.

The July 5 Independence Day parade promises to be the region's big centennial event with floats celebrating each decade of village history, with participants dressed in period costumes representing different eras of village life. The fireworks will launch from the village’s public beach, while Speculator Ball Field will have day-long fun, including food and bouncy castles for the kids.

Asharoken

The village of Asharoken is another Long Island destination celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025. Incorporated in 1925 to gain greater control over local beaches and roadways, this North Shore community of just 600 residents occupies one of Long Island's most distinctive geographic features, a narrow isthmus connecting Northport to Eatons Neck (it also separates Northport Bay from Long Island Sound). Asharoken's history, however, reaches back to 1656 when Chief Asharoken, head of the Matinecock Native American tribe, sold the land to European settlers

The village is marking its centennial with a July 4 fireworks display over the water that will be visible from both the bay and sound sides of the village. Additional celebrations include historical tours highlighting the village's maritime heritage, nature walks, and exhibitions.

The Final Word

Whether you’re on a day trip or a road trip, 2025 is definitely a good year to visit these small New York towns. In addition to the always-authentic experiences on offer, these communities are pulling out all the stops to ensure residents and visitors alike can join in the fun as they celebrate milestone anniversaries. Whether you’re interested in carnival-like festivals and Independence Day parades that heavily feature local traditions and heritage, these small town birthdays will provide no end of authentic experiences in New York State throughout 2025.