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, a 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.
PATRIOTIC EVENTS
When: July 3 6:30 PM & July 4, 8:00 AM
Where: Hereshoff Marine Museum
Admission: Prices vary
The party begins July 3 with open bar, clam chowder by Blount Fine Foods and dinner by Boru Barbecue. Enjoy live music by Digg-It Band and dancing on the waterfront. View fireworks on the dock & savor s'mores on the beach. On Fourth of July, guests can enjoy raised seating to get the best view of the parade while still being out of the sun. Breakfast and lunch will also be provided with a ticket, catered by Russell Morin Catering & Events.
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Washington Square
Admission: Free
Visit the Colony House and Washington Square for a morning of patriotic activities, including a reading of the Declaration of Independence. The Colony House will be open for tours for free throughout the day.
When: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Linden Place Mansion
Admission: $85 for adults, $55 for children and include breakfast and lunch
Located at the center of the parade route, Linden Place Mansion, a historic mansion in the heart of Bristol, will host its annual Fourth of July Parade Picnic, a tradition for over 25 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.
When: 11:00 AM
Where: Rail Explorers
On July 4, Rail Explorers hosts a special day of VIP tours on the 'Southern Circuit'. A limited number of guests will ride to our secluded waterfront picnic area and join us at the clifftop mimosa bar, serving mimosas, Catering by the amazing food truck "My Rolling Cafe" will provide homemade pastries, gelato, coffee, sodas - all included with the ticket. Enjoy the expansive 270 degree views encompassing the islands of Narragansett Bay, Jamestown and the Newport Pell Bridge this is a truly magical location. No crowds, free parking included.
When: 7:30 PM
Where: Rail Explorers
Enjoy a secluded waterfront picnic area and join us at the clifftop wine bar with wine & beer provided. Catering by the amazing food truck "My Rolling Cafe" will provide homemade burgers, gourmet hotdogs, amazing salads followed by apple pie, gelato, coffee, sodas - all included with the ticket. Enjoy the expansive 270 degree views encompassing the islands of Narragansett Bay, Jamestown and the Newport Pell Bridge this is a truly magical location. No crowds, free parking included.
When: 7:30 PM
Where: King Park
Admission: Free
The Alliance Brass opens Newport Music Festival’s 2019 Summer Season with a free 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, and presents selections from composers whose experiences in this country are reflected in their music.
MAJOR CELEBRATIONS
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 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.
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, 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 Newport Community Band at Washington Square.
- 10:00 AM: The Old Colony House will be open for public inspection and tours hosted by the Newport Historical Society.
- 11:00 AM: The 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.
