12 Ways to Celebrate the Fourth of July in Rhode Island This Year

Show off your red, white and blue pride with these fun activities.

June 27, 2024

Ashlyn Messier, Leah Popovic,

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Photo from the Bristol 4th of July Facebook page. Photo by Bristol Fourth of July Committee.

Fourth of July festivities are back in full force this year with many events taking place across Rhode Island to celebrate our country’s independence. From parades to fireworks displays and concerts, there is something for everyone this Fourth of July.

Independence Day at the Dalia Seaside Terrace

Celebrate the birth of our nation in style with Ocean House’s Annual Independence Day Beach Ball! Enjoy sweeping ocean views and take advantage of the perfect fireworks-viewing vantage point. Specialty cocktails, beer and wine will pair perfectly with the traditional New England lobster boil.

How to get a reservation: Reservations can be made online here. Tickets are $175 per adult and $75 per child.

The details: Saturday, July 6. 7–10pm. 1 Bluff Ave., Watch Hill, 888-853-2919, oceanhouseevents.com

Independence Day Lobster Boil at Weekapaug Inn

Head to the Weekapaug Inn for a classic, family-friendly New England lobster boil. The chef and his team will be on site boiling the fresh lobster over the fire pit. Guests can also indulge in a buffet filled with more summery seafood, barbecue fare and sides as well as an open bar equipped with house wine, beer and cocktails. The evening will finish off with a breathtaking fireworks display and s’mores by the fire pit.

How to get a reservation: Reservations can be made online here. Tickets are $195 per adult, $95 per child ages four to twelve.

The details: Wednesday, July 3. 7–9:30 p.m. 25 Spray Rock Rd., Westerly, 888-565-5023, oceanhouseevents.com

Bristol Fourth of July Parade

The Bristol Fourth of July Parade will retain its title as the oldest continuous fourth of July celebration in America with a parade on Thursday, July 4. Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the parade will step-off at the corner of Chestnut and Hope streets and end on High Street between State Street and Bradford Street. The parade will feature fun floats, marching bands, local personalities and more.

The details: Thursday, July 4. 10:30 a.m., Bristol, fourthofjulybristolri.com/parade

Bristol Fourth of July Concert Series

The Bristol Fourth of July Concert series kicks off Friday, June 21 and goes all the way through Sunday, July 2. Free to the public, the series lineup includes everything from instrumental performers like the 88th Army Band to ’80s rock tribute band Back In the Day. Guests can set up their chairs and blankets prior to the show. Times for each show vary, so check the website to see when each show starts.

The details: Friday, June 21–Tuesday, July 2. Various times. Independence Park, Bristol, fourthofjulybristolri.com/concert-series

South Kingstown Annual Fourth of July Celebration at Old Mountain Field

There will be a free event at Old Mountain Field in Wakefield on Thursday, July 4. There will be a concert by Take it to the Bridge, a variety of food and novelty concessions in the park, a 50/50 raffle and a grand finale fireworks display at 9 p.m. Guests are welcome to bring blankets and folding chairs.

The details: Tuesday, July 4. 5–10 p.m. 875 Kingstown Rd., South Kingstown, southkingstownri.com

Family Beach Day and Fourth of July Celebration at Narragansett Town Beach

Head over to Narragansett Town Beach on the fourth for a day full of fun, fireworks and music. There will be a free performance by RI Stage Band Alumni (directed by Ted Collins) from 3–5 p.m. followed by a free concert by the Night Life Orchestra from 6:30–8 p.m. Fireworks will launch from the beach at dusk.

The details: Thursday, July 4. 3–10 p.m. 79 Boston Neck Rd., Narragansett. 401-782-0658, narragansettri.gov/333/Upcoming-Events

Walking Tour: Road to Independence

On Thursday, July 4, the Newport Historical Society presents a Road to Independence tour which highlights Newport’s role during the American Revolution. Visitors are provided with an educational experience that will give them a deeper appreciation for the local area.

How to get a reservation: Tickets are available online here and must be purchased in advance.

The details: Thursday, July 4. 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m., Colony House Washington Sq., Newport, 401-841-8770, newporthistorytours.com

Independence Day Open House

Stick around at the Colony House on July 4, where the Newport Historical Society will continue a years long tradition and once again open its doors to the public. Starting at 9 a.m. visitors will have the chance to explore the first floor. At 11 a.m., the Sons of the Revolution will read the Declaration of Independence from the house’s front steps. Following the reading, the Artillery Company of Newport will fire a 21 Gun Salute in Washington Square.

The details: Thursday, July 4. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Old Colony House, Washington Sq., Newport, 401-846-0813, newporthistory.org

Annual July 4th Parade on Block Island

Featuring floats, bands and marching, Block Island’s 38th annual Independence Day Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. It will depart from Veterans Park, across from the Oar, and will come to an end at the Statue of Rebecca in Old Harbor. The theme for the parade this year is “Time Travel–Our History and Our Future.” A small committee will judge the parade and award prizes for grand prize, first place, second place, and honorable mention in the categories of business or organization, and family or individual.

The details: Thursday, July 4, 11 a.m., New Harbor, Ocean Ave., Block Island, 401-466-2474, blockisland4th.com

Have a Picnic at a Local State Park

Pack a meal of sandwiches, snacks and desserts and spend the day picnicking at a nearby park. For places with both water views and a woodsy feel, try Colt State Park, Goddard Memorial State Park or Burlingame State Park. Don’t forget games for you and your family and friends to play during your outing.

The Details: Colt State Park, Rt. 114, Bristol, 401-253-7482; Goddard Memorial State Park, 1095 Ives Rd., Warwick, 401-884-2010; Burlingame State Park, Rt. 1, Charlestown, 401-322-8910; riparks.com

Visit a Rhode Island State Beach

Spend the day playing in the water and building sandcastles with loved ones. Rhode Island State beaches are extremely popular and are a great way to get outdoors. Beach rates and parking availability differ so be sure to check online for costs.

The details: riparks.com