With so much history under our belt (379 years to be exact!) we celebrate the Fourth of July in a big way here in Newport. Each year, the city puts on an Independence Day celebration complete with a 21 gun salute, Old Colony House tours, annual reading of the Declaration of Independence, pie eating contest and more. Not to mention three different firework shows, the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the country in Bristol, and much more. 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.
FIREWORK DISPLAYS
PATRIOTIC EVENTS
When: 2:00 - 10:00 PM
Where: Top of Newport, Hotel Viking
Admission: Free
Enjoy seasonal seafood and BBQ specials in addition to regular Top of Newport menu items, specialty cocktails and more while watching the fireworks from Hotel Viking's rooftop venue.
When: July 3 6:30 PM & July 4, 3:00 PM
Where: Hereshoff Marine Museum
Admission: Prices vary
The party begins July 3 with dinner, beer & wine including chowder by Blount Fine Foods, BBQ by Russell Morin Catering & Events, and cocktails by Fishers Island Lemonade. Live music by Digg It Band & dancing on the waterfront. View fireworks on the dock & enjoy s'mores on the beach. On July 4, enjoy raised seating to get the best view of the parade while still being out of the sun. Breakfast and lunch by Russell Morin Catering & Events will be provided with a ticket.
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Washington Square
Admission: Free
Details: Visit the Colony House and Washington Square for a morning of patriotic activities, including a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Throughout the day, celebrate religious freedom and the First Amendment when more than a dozen houses of worship will be open to the public for tours. Learn how the building or the congregation that worships there symbolizes Newport's commitment to freedom of religion and religious diversity.
When: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Linden Place Mansion
Admission: $80 for adults, $55 for children and include breakfast and lunch. Linden Place members receive a $10 discount on tickets
Located directly on the historic Bristol Fourth of July Parade route, Linden Place will be offering bleacher-style seating, and tables and chairs under the shade of the Linden trees, and a continental breakfast and picnic lunch. Tour the mansion, stroll the gardens and enjoy Bristol’s festive atmosphere. Have access to shady viewing spots and conveniently located restrooms.
When: 7:30 - 9:30 PM
Where: King Park
Admission: Free
Boston Brass opens Newport Music Festival’s 50th Anniversary Season with a rousing Fourth of July Extravaganza to celebrate America’s birthday. It begins with the National Anthem and includes an array of familiar tunes honoring members of the U.S. Military – Armed Forces Salute – and presents selections from composers whose experiences in this country are reflected in their music.
MAJOR CELEBRATIONS
233rd ANNUAL BRISTOL FOURTH OF JULY PARADE
When: 10:30 AM
Where: Begins at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street
Admission: Free
The oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the country, the 233rd 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.
NEWPORT INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
When: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Washington Square
Admission: Free
- 9:00 AM: A salute to William Ellery, Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Rhode Island will be hosted by the RISSR, Newport Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution and Artillery Company of Newport at his grave site in the Common Burying Ground on Farewell Street.
- 10:00 AM: A rousing patriotic band concert by the Newport Community Band at Salve Regina University.
- 10:00 AM: Members of the Sons of the Revolution will distribute flags and copies of our Nation’s founding documents (while supplies last).
- 10:00 AM: The Old Colony House will be open for public inspection and tours hosted by the Newport Historical Society. Historic Churches in the area will be open celebrating Religious Freedom courtesy of the Newport Historical Society.
- 11:00 AM: The 143rd annual reading of the Declaration of Independence will take place on the steps of the Old Colony House recreating the original reading by Major John Handy in 1776 and again 50 years later in 1876.
- 12:00 PM: A 21 gun salute celebrating our Nation’s birthday will be rendered by the Artillery Company of Newport using four original cannons cast by Paul Revere in 1798.
GET SOCIAL
Tag your photos #NPTrightnow for the chance to be featured on our accounts.
