Many towns across Rhode Island are planning fireworks shows, concerts, parades and celebrations in honor of Independence Day.
While some towns’ celebrations are state traditions, such as Bristol or Block Island, others are brand new to the Independence Day scene, such as North Providence. Some offer multi-day, jam-packed celebrations, such as Scituate, while others focus solely on fireworks, such as Newport’s scenic display over the Newport Bridge.
One event – the Pawtucket fireworks – will mark the end of the era, as it is planned to be the last time people will be invited into McCoy Stadium before construction begins to turn it into a school.
Whichever one you choose, these celebrations offer a fun time for the whole family. Below is a list of free Fourth of July celebrations happening around the state, in chronological order.
Bristol’s Fourth of July Celebration
When: Continuing until Tuesday, July 4
Where: Independence Park, 419-459 Thames St. in Bristol
Details: As America’s oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration, Bristol’s Independence Day festivities are well-known throughout the state. Kicking off on Flag Day with a ceremony and the annual Fourth of July Ball, the town anticipates the holiday with a concert series on the waterfront of Independence Park, with local live music and food trucks daily through July 2. Fireworks will be set off over the Bristol Harbor at 9:30 p.m. on July 3. On July 4, patriotic exercises begin at 8:30 a.m. at Colt Memorial School. The annual parade starts at 10:30 a.m. on the Corner of Chestnut and Hope streets, and ends on High Street between State and Bradford streets. The newly crowned Miss and Little Miss Fourth of July will walk through the parade alongside many floats, which are eligible for awards for most beautiful, patriotic or original.
Central Falls Fourth of July celebration
When: Thursday, June 29, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 416 Hunt St. in Central Falls
Details: The town of Central Falls will celebrate the holiday with music, refreshments, and a fireworks show at Veterans Memorial Park.
Smithfield Independence Day fireworks and food trucks
When: Saturday, July 1, 4-9:30 p.m.
Where: Deerfield Park, 39 Lisa Ann Circle in Greenville
Details: Deerfield Park hosts a festive celebration complete with over 20 food trucks, a beer garden and music from a live band and a DJ. The night ends with a fireworks display around 9:15 p.m.
97th Ancients & Horribles Independence Day festivities
When: Saturday, July 1, 5-9 p.m. and Tuesday, July 4, 4 p.m.
Where: Glocester Memorial Park, 52 Adelaide Road in Chepachet
Details:Glocester’s celebration with music and fireworks on Saturday night is the perfect way to ring in the holiday weekend. On July 4, Glocester puts on an Ancients & Horribles parade, complete with unique artistic talents, crazy outfits, and eccentric homemade floats. Watch the mayhem of the parade from the sidelines, or register to walk and compete for awards such as most ancient & horrible or most patriotic.
Block Island Fourth of July
When: Saturday, July 1, 9 p.m. and Tuesday, July 4, 11 a.m.
Where: Block Island Sound (fireworks visible all across the island)
Details: The Double Ender Committee is putting on a themed celebration at Block Island titled “Your Favorite American Hero.” Fireworks will happen on Saturday night, and a parade will take place Tuesday morning along West Side Road. Head down to the Poor People’s Pub at noon on Tuesday for the infamous Block Island hot dog eating contest.
Woonsocket Independence Day celebration
When: Sunday, July 2, 4-10 p.m.
Where: WWII Veterans Memorial Park, on Social Street in Woonsocket
Details: Woonsocket Parks & Recreation is hosting a Fourth of July celebration featuring food trucks, live music from two bands and fireworks at 9 p.m.
Providence Independence Day celebration
When: Sunday, July 2, 6 p.m.
Where: India Point Park, 201 India St. in Providence
Details: The City of Providence Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism is hosting the city’s annual celebration at India Point Park. Live music from local artist Becky Bass starts at 6 p.m., and the fireworks display starts at 9 p.m.
Jamestown fireworks
When: Sunday, July 2, 7:30 p.m.
Where: East Ferry Beach
Details: Enjoy music beginning at 7:30 p.m. and a fireworks display over the harbor from East Ferry Beach at 9:05 p.m.
Pawtucket fireworks
When: Monday, July 3, 3 p.m.
Where: McCoy Stadium, 1 Columbus Ave. in Pawtucket
Details: This Independence Day, McCoy Stadium, which has been vacant since 2019, will host its final fireworks display. PawSox fans will be allowed on the field starting at 3 p.m., where they can enjoy food, games and music until the fireworks start at 9:20 p.m. This celebration gives locals a chance to celebrate the holiday as well as say goodbye to the stadium before renovations begin to turn it into a school.
What's happening with McCoy:$300M Pawtucket high school proposed to replace 'sadly vacant' McCoy Stadium. What we know
Narragansett Fourth of July Celebration
When: Monday, July 3, 3 p.m.
Where: Narragansett Town Beach, 39 Boston Neck Road in Narragansett
Details: The town beach in Narragansett will host live music from the Rhode Island Stage Band Alumni from 3-5 p.m. and the Night Life Orchestra from 6:30-8 p.m., to be followed by a fireworks display over the water.
Independence Day Celebration in North Providence
When: Monday, July 3, 4 p.m.
Where: Governor John Notte Memorial Park, 1801 Douglas Ave. in North Providence
Details: This year, North Providence is hosting its first-ever Fourth of July celebration at John Notte Memorial Park, complete with food trucks, live music from local band Classic Blend, and a fireworks display after dusk.
Scituate celebration
When: Monday, July 3, 5 p.m. and Tuesday, July 4, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Hope and Jackson Fire Co., 117 Main St. in Hope; North Scituate Congregational Church, 619 W. Greenville Road in North Scituate
Details: The Town of Scituate will celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks and an Olde Home Days celebration. On July 3, activities and food will be available starting at 5 p.m. before the fireworks show at dusk at Hope and Jackson Fire Company. On July 4, the lawn of the North Scituate Congregational Church will host Olde Home Days from 10 a.m.–1 p.m., full of fun activities such as a pie eating contest, a water balloon toss and face painting.
Warwick fireworks
When: Monday, July 3, 9 p.m.
Where: Oakland Beach Seawall, 869 Oakland Beach Ave. in Warwick
Details: Enjoy a fireworks display by the water at Warwick’s historic Oakland Beach. The fireworks can be viewed along Oakland Beach Avenue, Sea View Drive, and Pequot Avenue, as well as from Warwick City Park.
July 4th in Arnold Mills
When: Tuesday, July 4, 9 a.m.
Where: Route 120 in Cumberland
Details: On July 4th, the town of Cumberland celebrates with a historic road race followed by a parade. The Arnold Mills Road Race starts at 9 a.m. at the North Cumberland Fire Station and travels down Nate Whipple Highway. The parade, complete with food, music, and awards, starts at 11 a.m. on Route 120 and ends between Nate Whipple Highway and Abbott Run Valley Road.
What and Why RI:How did Nate Whipple Highway gets its name
South Kingstown Fourth of July celebration
When: Tuesday, July 4, 5-10 p.m.
Where: Old Mountain Field, 831 Kingstown Road in Wakefield
Details: The 300th annual South Kingstown celebration will include food trucks, a 50/50 raffle, and live music from local bands. A fireworks display will start around 9 p.m. after the concert.
North Kingstown Summer Concert Series
When: Tuesday, July 4, 6:30 p.m.
Where: North Kingstown Town Beach, 36 Beach St. in North Kingstown
Details: North Kingstown is hosting a summer concert series with live music from local bands and food trucks every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. A fireworks show will follow the concert on July 4th.
Portsmouth fireworks
When: Tuesday, July 4, after dusk
Where: Escobar Farm, 2072 East Main Road in Portsmouth
Details: The Escobar family celebrates the Fourth of July each year with a fireworks display over their scenic farm.
Newport fireworks
When: Tuesday, July 4, 9:15 p.m.
Where: Newport Harbor
Details: Newport’s annual fireworks show takes place over Newport Harbor, lighting up the Pell Bridge. Best viewing locations are King Park, Perrotti Park, or Queen Anne Square.
Coventry fireworks
When: Tuesday, July 4, 9:30 p.m.
Where: Johnson’s Pond in Coventry
Details: The Johnson’s Pond Civic Association will be putting on its annual fireworks celebration over the pond on July 4th.
East Providence Independence Day fireworks and concert
When: Wednesday, July 5, 6 p.m.
Where: Pierce Stadium, 201 Mercer St. in East Providence
Details: East Providence’s celebration includes a concert with eight different musical acts followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
North Smithfield fireworks
When: Saturday, July 8, 6:30 p.m.
Where: North Smithfield High School, 412 Greenville Road in North Smithfield
Details: This belated Independence Day celebration will feature food trucks, a DJ, and a fireworks show at dusk.
Source: The Providence Journal
