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

1 ANNUAL BRISTOL FOURTH OF JULY PARADE

Where:
Begins at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street, Bristol
When:
July 4, 2022 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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2 NEWPORT INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

Where:
Colony House, Newport
When:
July 4, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Cost:
Free

A celebration of our country's independence, featuring:

9:00 AM: A ceremony at the grave of William Ellery Newport's signer of the Declaration of Independence. Common Burying Ground, Farewell St.
10:00 AM: A patriotic concert performed by the Salve Regina Newport Community Band under the direction of Peter Davis. Eisenhower Park in Washington Sq.
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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FIREWORK DISPLAYS

 

FIREWORK CRUISES

1 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS CRUISE ON THE BLOCK ISLAND FERRY

Where:
Newport Harbor on the Block Island Ferry
When:
July 4th, 2022 FROM 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Cost:
Adults (ages 12+) $50, Children (ages 0-11) $35

Enjoy the 4th of July firework festivities as you sail Narragansett Bay on the high speed ferry, M/V Islander. Cruise Newport harbor while you view the extravagant fireworks display from multiple outdoor viewing decks. Our onboard concession & bar will be open during the trip.

 

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2 Independence Day Fireworks Cruise

Where:
Coastal Queen Cruises, from Newport
When:
July 3, 2022 FROM 8:45 PM to 10:00 PM
Cost:
$50

Come aboard Coastal Queen in Newport, to see the Jamestown Rocket Hog’s Independence Day fireworks 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 8:45pm from Bowen’s Wharf, Newport and tickets are $50.

 

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3 July 4th Fireworks Cruise on Schooner Aurora

Where:
Schooner Aurora
When:
July 4, 2022 FROM 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Cost:
$75

Check out the Newport July 4th fireworks from the best seat in town, aboard Schooner Aurora! BYOB and complimentary cheese and crackers will be provided. Departs from S Dock on Goat Island.

 

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4 Celebrate the 4th of July onboard Heritage 12 Meter

Where:
Heritage 12 Meter, Americas Cup Charters
When:
July 3rd + 4th, 2022
Cost:
Adults/Children $125

Celebrate the 4th of July onboard Heritage and enjoy viewing fireworks from Narragansett Bay. This experience is only offered for 2 dates–July 3rd and July 4th with limited spots, sign up early; dates sell out quickly.

Cruise is at 8:00 PM, try to arrive 30 minutes prior. 

 

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5 Newport 4th of July Fireworks Cruise

Where:
Coastal Queen Cruises, from Newport
When:
July 4, 2022 FROM 8:45 PM to 10:00 PM
Cost:
$50

Come aboard Coastal Queen to see Newport’s 4th of July 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 8:45pm from Bowen’s Wharf, Newport and tickets are $50.

 

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PATRIOTIC EVENTS

1 Bristol Fourth Concert Series

Where:
Independence Park, Bristol
When:
June 19 - July 2, 2022

Bristol Fourth of July Concert Series in Independence Park, Bristol from June 19 - July 2, 2022. For the official lineup, click here. 

 

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2 Independence Day Open House at the Colony House

Where:
Colony House, Newport
When:
July 4, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Cost:
Free

The Newport Historical Society is pleased to announce that on Monday, July 4th the Colony House will once again be open to the public, continuing a years long tradition.

The Colony House will be open from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM for visitors to explore the first floor. A slate of free events are also scheduled to take place in Washington Square. 

 

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3 Parade Viewing Event at Herreshoff Marine Museum

Where:
Herreshoff Marine Museum, Bristol
When:
July 4, 2022 at 8:00 AM
Cost:
General: $100 / Reliance Society: $90

Guests can enjoy raised seating to get the best view of the parade while still being out of the sun. Boxed breakfast and lunch will be provided with a ticket.  Restrooms and parking will be available as well.

Breakfast will be served beginning at 8:00am.

 

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4 LINDEN PLACE’S ANNUAL PICNIC

Where:
Linden Place, Bristol
When:
July 4, 2022 from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost:
General: $95, Linden Place Members: $85

Located at the center of the parade route, there is no place like Linden Place on the 4th of July! On Monday, July 4, 2022, 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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