This summer, our community is coming together in a new and exciting way to celebrate a major milestone in our nation’s history — the 250th anniversary of the United States.
For more than 40 years, Ravena’s Friendship Festival has been a beloved tradition, marking the close of summer with a day of fun at Mosher Park. But in 2026, the Village of Ravena and the Town of Coeymans are pressing pause on that tradition to create something even bigger: a three-day, community-wide celebration in mid-July.
The Friendship Festival attracts many vendors and thousands of attendees. In 2026, the community will host a 250th Celebration in lieu of the Friendship Festival. But, not to worry, the Friendship Festival will return in 2027!
As first reported by the Ravena News-Herald, Village Trustee Caitlin Appleby shared the news during a February village board meeting:
“There will be no Friendship Festival this year held in August. Instead, the Village of Ravena and the Town of Coeymans are working together to do a three-day celebration for America’s 250th anniversary this year.”
While longtime festival goers may miss the familiar August event, the change is only temporary.
“It’s just for this year,” Appleby noted, with the Friendship Festival expected to return in 2027.
A Weekend of Celebration and Community
The three-day event, planned for the weekend following Independence Day, promises something for everyone—while also honoring the rich history of our nation and our local community.
According to the Ravena News-Herald, the festivities will kick off on Friday, July 10, with a tentative block party at Mosher Park.
Saturday, July 11, will bring the heart of the celebration to Coeymans Landing, featuring a festival with a historical twist.
“We have re-enactors coming, and hopefully we will have some flat-bottom boats coming,” Appleby said.
While the theme may lean into history, attendees can still expect the elements that make community events so special:
“We will still have a festival-like feel to it with kids’ activities and vendors and food,” Appleby added.
The evening will conclude with fireworks over the Hudson River — a highlight that’s sure to draw families and visitors from across the region.
On Sunday, July 12, the focus will shift to more relaxed, community-based activities, including potential firehouse breakfasts, historical scavenger hunts, and self-guided experiences throughout the area.
Timing Designed for Maximum Participation
Organizers intentionally scheduled the event for the weekend after the Fourth of July to give the celebration room to shine.
“We wanted to do it the weekend after because we know people have things going on for the Fourth of July,” Appleby explained. “There’s lots of other celebrations going on around the county, so we figured it would be best and would be most attended if we did it the weekend after.”
Calling All Vendors
As planning continues, organizers are actively seeking vendors to be part of Saturday’s festival at Coeymans Landing. This is a great opportunity for local businesses, artisans, and food vendors to showcase their offerings during what is expected to be a well-attended, high-energy community event. You can complete a vendor application. Reach out to Caitlin Appleby with additional questions.
Looking Ahead
While this year’s celebration marks a departure from tradition, it also reflects something deeper — what’s possible when neighboring communities collaborate to create something meaningful together.
The Friendship Festival will return in 2027, but for now, Ravena and Coeymans are inviting everyone to be part of a once-in-a-generation celebration honoring 250 years of American history, right here at home.
Author: Rebecca Flach
I'm passionate about Ravena Coeymans Selkirk and believe these communities are poised for great things. I'm a founding member of the RCS Community Business Association. I also manage Hope Full Life Center Inc., a local charity. I'm a mom, avid gardener and audiobook fanatic.
