On Saturday, July 4th, 2026, Playland will host it’s annual firework show in honor of America’s 250th birthday. It’s one of the busiest days of the year at Playland and Rye Town Park, and that means lots of traffic. It is not uncommon for cars to be backed up from Playland all the way up Playland Parkway to the Interstate 95 exit ramps.
Here is what you need to know:
TRAFFIC
In anticipation of the crowds attending the firework display, the City of Rye Police Department is working with other policing authorities, including the New York State Police, to take steps to alleviate the traffic.
“We’re building off some of the changes that we tried to implement last year, and this year we’re hoping that it’s going to minimize the blockages on Milton, Midland, as well as cars getting off Playland Parkway, and going and parking illegally in areas around Playland,” Rye Public Safety Commissioner Mike Kopy told MyRye.com.
Kopy told MyRye.com that the police department is working with the New York State Police, the Thruway Authority, and Troop T so if Playland Park can’t handle the number of cars that are trying to enter, the police will divert people looking to come off to the Rye train station and have them take the county bus. Authorities are prepared to close Exit 19 on Interstate 95 and divert traffic to Exit 20 to the Boston Post Road and loop park-goers right to the train station to take a shuttle bus.
Live nearby? Consider walking.
FIREWORKS VIEWING
Playland fireworks can be viewed from the park. They can also be viewed from the boardwalk along Playland Beach, and from Rye Town Park. The Tiki Beach Pier Restaurant, Barley Beach House or just sitting on the grassy embankment on the approach to the Playland parking lot will all afford clear views. The fireworks typically launch from the end of the Playland pier. Boaters can anchor off the pier (the Rye PD Marine unit will typically patrol the area and set a perimeter.)
HOURS & FEES
The park will open at 12 noon each day and close at 10pm on Friday, July 3rd and Sunday, July 5th. On Saturday, July 4th the park will open at 11am and close at 11pm. After this weekend, fireworks will continue every Friday night through September 4th. Admission to the park is free; $27 ride all day wristbands; $15 parking. Playland Beach and Playland Pool are open daily through Labor Day, Monday, September 7th. Hours are 11am to 6:30pm; last entry at 6 p.m. Parking and admission fees apply.
Have fun, be safe and keep on the lookout for Coaster the Dragon.
