With nearly 400 years of history under our belts, you better believe we celebrate the Fourth of July in a big way here on The Classic Coast.

Each year, the city puts on an Independence Day celebration complete with a 21 gun salute, tours of the historic Old Colony House, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and more.

Not to mention the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the country in Bristol, three different firework shows, and plus, get the best seat in the house for fireworks aboard a number of harbor cruises.

Our top picks for your seaside Fourth of July below.

MAJOR CELEBRATIONS

Annual Bristol Fourth of July Parade
Newport Independence Day Celebration
Jamestown Independence Day Celebration

Annual Bristol Fourth of July Parade

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Where:: Begins at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street, Bristol
When:: July 4, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Cost:: Free

The oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the country, the Bristol Fourth of July Parade begins at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street (Rt. 114) and ends on High Street, between State Street and Bradford Streets.

Bristol Fourth of July Parade

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Newport Independence Day Celebration

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Where:: Colony House, Newport
When:: July 4, 2025
Cost:: Free

A celebration of our country's independence, featuring:

11:00 AM: Recreation of the first Rhode Island reading of the Declaration of Independence from the steps of the Colony House. Washington Square
11:30 AM: Twenty-one Gun Salute to the Nation by the Artillery Company of Newport using their cannons cast by Paul Revere.

Continuing a years long tradition, The Colony House will be open from 9:00 am for visitors to explore the first floor.

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Jamestown Independence Day Celebration

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Where:: East Ferry, Jamestown
When:: July 6, 2025
Cost:: Free

Make your way to East Ferry in Jamestown for their annual Independence Day Celebration. Think: fireworks show, live music from The Next Stop and the Jamestown Community Band, patriotic fun, and so much more!

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FIREWORK DISPLAYS

FIREWORK CRUISES

Independence Day Fireworks Cruise
Jamestown’s Independence Day Celebration Fireworks, from Newport
July 4th Fireworks Cruise With Newport Classic Cruises

Independence Day Fireworks Cruise

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Where:: Coastal Queen Cruises, from Newport
When:: July 4th
Cost:: $80

Come aboard Coastal Queen to see Newport’s fireworks display up close from the Bay. Enjoy a summer beverage from Coastal Queen's grand center bar while watching the show and listening to some wonderful funk and soul music.

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Jamestown’s Independence Day Celebration Fireworks, from Newport

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Where:: Coastal Queen Cruises, from Newport
When:: July 6th
Cost:: $81

Come aboard Coastal Queen to see Jamestown’s Independence Day Celebration fireworks display up close from the Bay. Enjoy a summer beverage from Coastal Queen's grand center bar while watching the show.

Seating is limited, reserve your seat today! Cruise is 75 minutes, departs at 8:30pm from 5 Bowen’s Landing on Bowen’s Wharf in Newport and tickets are $81.

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July 4th Fireworks Cruise With Newport Classic Cruises

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Where:: Newport Classic Cruises
Cost:: $130

Check out the fireworks display this year from the water aboard Newport Classic Cruises various vessels.

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PATRIOTIC EVENTS

Bristol Fourth Concert Series
Linden Place's Annual Picnic
Newport Classical Music Festival: Fenway Quintet: Patriotic Pops
The Vanderbilt Fourth of July Roof Deck Soirée

Bristol Fourth Concert Series

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Where:: Roger Williams University, Bristol
When:: June 21 - July 2, 2025

Bristol Fourth of July Concert Series at Roger Williams University in Bristol from June 21 - July 2, 2025.

July Official Lineup

Tuesday, July 1st

6:30 PM: 88th Army Band
8:00 PM: Timeless

Wednesday, July 2nd

6:00 PM: Back in the Day

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Linden Place's Annual Picnic

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Where:: Linden Place, Bristol
When:: July 4, 2025
Cost:: Adult: $125, Adult (Member): $100, Ages 4-12, with no lunch included: $25, Ages 3 and under: Free

Located at the center of the parade route, there is no place like Linden Place on the 4th of July! On Friday, July 4, 2025, Linden Place Mansion, a historic mansion in the heart of Bristol, will host its annual Fourth of July Parade Picnic, a tradition for over 30 years!

Picnic-goers will enjoy bleacher-style seating, tables and chairs under the shade of the Linden trees, a continental breakfast and picnic lunch, restroom facilities and plenty of elbow room! Tour the mansion, stroll the gardens and enjoy every moment of Bristol’s festive atmosphere. This picnic always sells out so don’t miss Bristol’s biggest event of the year.

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Crop of Linden Place Fourth of July

Newport Classical Music Festival: Fenway Quintet: Patriotic Pops

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Where:: King Park, Newport
When:: July 4, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Cost:: Free

Make your way to Kings Park for a relaxed open-air concert to kick off your Fourth of July festivities (and the Newport Classical Music festival!).

Fenway Quintet is one of the Boston Area’s most esteemed professional brass quintets. Come celebrate America’s birthday by listening to instruments that helped define this country’s sound. Bring your whole family, get cozy, and stay for the fireworks right after.

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The Vanderbilt Fourth of July Roof Deck Soirée

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Where:: The Vanderbilt, Newport
When:: July 4, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Cost:: $300 per ticket

Get into the Fourth of July spirit with a perfect summer night spent on our Roof Deck. Take in sweeping views of Newport Harbor and get a front row seat to the annual harbor fireworks show. Enjoy an open bar and light bites as you take in the sounds of live DJ entertainment at Newport's best 4th of July celebration.