If you’re going to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday, you might as well do it right — on 81 acres of historic gardens in Katonah with world-class music, gourmet picnic provisions, and a fireworks show. Caramoor is delivering exactly that with a five-concert run from June 28 through July 5, and honestly? This is the most interesting Fourth of July programming in Westchester.
Here’s what’s happening and why each night is worth your time.
June 28 | The Knights + Conrad Tao – Rhapsody in Blue
Sunday at 4pm | Venetian Theater
Kick off the series with GRAMMY-nominated orchestra The Knights and pianist Conrad Tao — whose interpretation of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue has been called explosive (in the best way). The program weaves together Copland’s Appalachian Spring, Margaret Bonds’ Troubled Water, and new works by Jessie Montgomery and The Knights’ own Christina Courtin. It’s a Sunday afternoon that actually lives up to the word “iconic.”
July 2 | Poiesis Quartet – A Love Letter to the Queer Community
Thursday at 7:30pm | Rosen House Music Room
The Poiesis Quartet — whose November Caramoor concert was named one of the best classical performances of 2025 by The New York Times — closes out their residency with a bold, moving program. The centerpiece is the world premiere of GRAMMY-winning composer Jeff Scott’s Tapestry of the Beloved Beatified, commissioned by Caramoor and honoring the lives of Marsha P. Johnson, Harvey Milk, Xulhaz Mannan, and Jeanne Manford. Intimate, powerful, and not to be missed.
July 3 | Centennial Celebration of Louis Armstrong’s Hot Five
Friday at 7:30pm | Friends Field
The eve of what Louis Armstrong always called his birthday (July 4) is the perfect moment for this. Presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, this celebration of Armstrong’s groundbreaking 1920s Hot Five recordings features GRAMMY-winning trumpeter Alphonso Horne, pianist Ricky Riccardi, and an all-star lineup. Pack a blanket, grab something from the Bravo Bar, and let the music do the rest.
Your Ultimate Guide to Caramoor’s America at 250 Concerts (And Yes, There Are Fireworks)
If you’re going to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday, you might as well do it right — on 81 acres of historic gardens in Katonah with world-class music, gourmet picnic provisions, and a fireworks show. Caramoor is delivering exactly that with a five-concert run from June 28 through July 5, and honestly? This is the most interesting Fourth of July programming in Westchester.
Here’s what’s happening and why each night is worth your time.
June 28 | The Knights + Conrad Tao – Rhapsody in Blue
Sunday at 4pm | Venetian Theater
Kick off the series with GRAMMY-nominated orchestra The Knights and pianist Conrad Tao — whose interpretation of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue has been called explosive (in the best way). The program weaves together Copland’s Appalachian Spring, Margaret Bonds’ Troubled Water, and new works by Jessie Montgomery and The Knights’ own Christina Courtin. It’s a Sunday afternoon that actually lives up to the word “iconic.”
July 2 | Poiesis Quartet – A Love Letter to the Queer Community
Thursday at 7:30pm | Rosen House Music Room
The Poiesis Quartet — whose November Caramoor concert was named one of the best classical performances of 2025 by The New York Times — closes out their residency with a bold, moving program. The centerpiece is the world premiere of GRAMMY-winning composer Jeff Scott’s Tapestry of the Beloved Beatified, commissioned by Caramoor and honoring the lives of Marsha P. Johnson, Harvey Milk, Xulhaz Mannan, and Jeanne Manford. Intimate, powerful, and not to be missed.
July 3 | Centennial Celebration of Louis Armstrong’s Hot Five
Friday at 7:30pm | Friends Field
The eve of what Louis Armstrong always called his birthday (July 4) is the perfect moment for this. Presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, this celebration of Armstrong’s groundbreaking 1920s Hot Five recordings features GRAMMY-winning trumpeter Alphonso Horne, pianist Ricky Riccardi, and an all-star lineup. Pack a blanket, grab something from the Bravo Bar, and let the music do the rest.
July 4 | Pops, Patriots, and Fireworks
Saturday at 8pm | Venetian Theater
Caramoor’s most festive night of the year hits different when it falls on an actual 250th anniversary. The Westchester Symphonic Winds, conducted by Curt Ebersole, performs all the classics — from Sousa to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture — plus a special appearance from MaryKay Messenger, who first performed with the West Point Band at age 12 and recently retired after 29 years of military service. The whole thing ends with fireworks. Bring the family, bring snacks, bring your most patriotic outfit.
July 5 | Johnny Gandelsman – This is America
Sunday at 1pm (Sunken Garden) and 3pm (Spanish Courtyard)
This one is special. Violinist, producer, and 2024 MacArthur Fellow Johnny Gandelsman performs selections from his project This is America — over 20 works for solo violin he commissioned in 2020 from composers reflecting on pandemic life, uncertainty, joy, and isolation. The program includes the New York premiere of a new piece by Pulitzer Prize-winner Tyshawn Sorey, co-commissioned by Caramoor. There’s also a 2:15pm talk with Gandelsman, Dana Lyn, and Christina Courtin. Two performances, two stunning outdoor settings — this is the kind of afternoon that stays with you.
While You’re There: The Food Situation
Caramoor has actually figured out the picnic thing. Pre-order a gourmet picnic from G.E. Brown (order by the Tuesday before your concert) or graze the Bravo Bar, which opens two hours before each show with wine, cocktails, and rotating local vendors including
Walter’s Hot Dogs, Pizza Girls, Second Mouse Cheese Shop, and Miss Mona Makes Ice Cream. Yes, all of this exists on a 81-acre estate in Westchester.
Plan Your Visit
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah, NY
Tickets and full schedule: caramoor.org/events
Pre-order picnics: caramoor.org/visit-us/amenities
July 4 | Pops, Patriots, and Fireworks
Saturday at 8pm | Venetian Theater
Caramoor’s most festive night of the year hits different when it falls on an actual 250th anniversary. The Westchester Symphonic Winds, conducted by Curt Ebersole, performs all the classics — from Sousa to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture — plus a special appearance from MaryKay Messenger, who first performed with the West Point Band at age 12 and recently retired after 29 years of military service. The whole thing ends with fireworks. Bring the family, bring snacks, bring your most patriotic outfit.
July 5 | Johnny Gandelsman – This is America
Sunday at 1pm (Sunken Garden) and 3pm (Spanish Courtyard)
This one is special. Violinist, producer, and 2024 MacArthur Fellow Johnny Gandelsman performs selections from his project This is America — over 20 works for solo violin he commissioned in 2020 from composers reflecting on pandemic life, uncertainty, joy, and isolation. The program includes the New York premiere of a new piece by Pulitzer Prize-winner Tyshawn Sorey, co-commissioned by Caramoor. There’s also a 2:15pm talk with Gandelsman, Dana Lyn, and Christina Courtin. Two performances, two stunning outdoor settings — this is the kind of afternoon that stays with you.
While You’re There: The Food Situation
Caramoor has actually figured out the picnic thing. Pre-order a gourmet picnic from G.E. Brown (order by the Tuesday before your concert) or graze the Bravo Bar, which opens two hours before each show with wine, cocktails, and rotating local vendors including Walter’s Hot Dogs, Pizza Girls, Second Mouse Cheese Shop, and Miss Mona Makes Ice Cream. Yes, all of this exists on a 81-acre estate in Westchester.
Plan Your Visit
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah, NY
Tickets and full schedule: caramoor.org/events
Pre-order picnics: caramoor.org/visit-us/amenities
