NiagaraUSA250

Saturday, August 1, 2026
Old Fort Niagara

Thank you for reserving a parking pass for the America250 Drone Show at Old Fort Niagara on Saturday, August 1!
Please remember these important tips:

Enter through the North Entrance off the Niagara Scenic Parkway.
Follow directions from our parking volunteers. They will help everyone park safely.
Handicap parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis with a valid handicap permit.
Bring a flashlight! You will be walking back to your car after dark.
Wear comfortable shoes and be ready to walk.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Please leave large backpacks at home.

For additional information including the August 1 Event Program Schedule, please click on the following links:

Most of all enjoy Old Fort Niagara and celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with family and friends. Please be patient as you arrive and leave, and follow directions from volunteers and law enforcement.
We look forward to celebrating with you!

Niagara County USA 250 Committee

PLEASE review the following information carefully before attending.
Please view our FAQs section for additional information.

IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION

Parking Passes Required

A valid parking pass is required for every vehicle entering the event.
Parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Each parking pass admits one vehicle only.

State Park & Walking Conditions
Please remember:

Old Fort Niagara historic site is located inside Fort Niagara State Park.
There will be a fair amount of walking from parking areas to the event area.
Terrain may include pavement, gravel, and grass surfaces.
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.

What to Bring
We encourage guests to bring:

Lawn chairs or blankets
Flashlights for walking back to vehicles after dark
Comfortable clothing and footwear
Small rain umbrellas if needed

Food & Refreshments

Food and refreshments will be available for purchase inside the event area.
Souvenirs and commemorative items may also be available.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Take note of prohibited items while planning your visit. Prohibited items may be confiscated and/or result in denial of entry. All vehicles, individuals, bags, coolers, and containers are subject to search.

The following items are prohibited:

Weapons of any kind including firearms, knives, box cutters, clubs, tasers, pepper spray, mace, or self-defense weapons
Multi-tools or cutting devices
Large chains or heavy chain-link jewelry
Clothing resembling active military or law enforcement uniforms
Offensive or obscene clothing or signage
Signs or banners mounted on poles
Laser pointers
RC aircraft, drones, or balloons
Fireworks or flammable materials
Alcohol or illegal drugs
Glass containers
Large coolers or grills
Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, roller skates, or hoverboards
Walkie-talkies, scanners, or HAM radios
Spray paint or silly string
Pets (except trained service animals)
Large bags or oversized items
Any item deemed unsafe by event security personnel

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What time do festivities begin?

Musical activities inside the fort begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. The drone show will begin at dusk.

Do I need a parking pass?

Yes. Every vehicle must have a valid parking pass to enter event parking areas.

Is parking free?

Yes. Parking is included with your vehicle parking pass.

Will there be handicapped parking?

Limited accessible parking will be available as close as possible to the event area.

Will there be a lot of walking?

Yes. Guests should expect a moderate amount of walking from parking areas into the fort grounds

Will there be shuttle service?

No, shuttling service from parking to event site is not available.

I have a parking pass and will be driving. Will both north and south entrances be open to enter the park?

No. The south entrance near the Village of Youngstown will be closed to all vehicle traffic. All attendees with parking passes must enter the park through the north entrance. Event signage and staff will guide drivers to the appropriate parking areas.

Both north and south entrances will be open for exiting after the show.

I was not able to secure a parking pass. Can I park outside of Fort Niagara and walk in?

Yes. Visitors may park outside Fort Niagara State Park and walk in. Please allow extra time, as the walk from outside parking areas can be a considerable distance. For your safety, we recommend bringing a flashlight for the walk back after the show, as the park will be dark when exiting.

Can I bring lawn chairs or blankets?

Absolutely. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged.

Can I bring food or drinks?

Small personal snacks and sealed beverages may be permitted subject to security screening.

No glass containers or large coolers.

Will food be available?

Yes. Refreshments and concessions will be available for purchase.

Can I bring a camera or cell phone?

Yes. Cameras and phones are permitted. All bags and equipment are subject to inspection.

Are pets allowed?

Only trained service animals are permitted.

What happens if it rains?

Event organizers will monitor weather conditions closely. Updates will be provided through official event social media and media outlets if weather impacts the event schedule.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking may only be permitted in designated areas in accordance with State Park policies.

Should I bring a flashlight?

YES! Since the event concludes after dark, guests are strongly encouraged to bring a flashlight for safely returning to their vehicles.

Can you see the drone show from outside of Old Fort Niagara?

Yes — the drone show will be visible from areas outside of Old Fort Niagara. The display can typically be seen from up to approximately two miles away, provided that trees, buildings, or other structures do not obstruct the line of sight.

Please note that while the visual portion of the show may be seen from surrounding locations, the full experience — which includes audio — will only be available within the official viewing area inside Old Fort Niagara. Guests watching from outside locations will see the lights but may not hear the accompanying music.

Who can I contact for additional information?

Additional event information will be distributed through official NiagaraUSA250 and Fort Niagara event communications.