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

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Where:
Begins at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street, Bristol
When:
July 4, 2023 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, 2023 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

4th of July Fireworks Cruise on the Block Island Ferry

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Where:
Newport Harbor on the Block Island Ferry
When:
July 4th, 2023 FROM 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM (Boarding at 8:00 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. Onboard concession and bar will be open during the trip.

 

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Independence Day Fireworks Cruise

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Where:
Coastal Queen Cruises, from Jamestown
When:
July 3, 2023 FROM 8:45 PM to 10:00 PM
Cost:
$55

Come aboard Coastal Queen to see Newport’s 4th of July fireworks display up close from the bay. The music of the night will be the piped-in sounds of funk and soul. 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 8:45 pm from 1 East Ferry Wharf in Jamestown and tickets are $55.

 

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Celebrate the 4th of July onboard Heritage 12 Meter

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Where:
Heritage 12 Meter, Americas Cup Charters
When:
July 4th, 2023 from 8:45 - 10:00 PM
Cost:
Adults/Children $150

Celebrate the 4th of July onboard Heritage and enjoy viewing fireworks from Narragansett Bay. This experience is only offered on July 4th with limited spots, sign up early; sail will sell out quickly.

Cruise is at 8:45 PM, try to arrive 30 minutes prior. 

 

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July 4th Fireworks Cruise Aboard Schooner Aurora

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Where:
Heritage 12 Meter, Americas Cup Charters
When:
July 4th, 2023 from 8:45 - 10:00 PM
Cost:
Adults/Children $150

Check out the Newport fireworks display this year from the water aboard Schooner Aurora! Sail starts at 8:00 PM and departs from S Dock on Goat Island.

 

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PATRIOTIC EVENTS

Bristol Fourth Concert Series

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Where:
Independence Park, Bristol
When:
June 20 - July 2, 2023

Bristol Fourth of July Concert Series in Independence Park, Bristol from June 20 - July 2, 2023. For the official lineup, click here. 

 

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Parade Viewing Event at Herreshoff Marine Museum

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Where:
Herreshoff Marine Museum, Bristol
When:
July 4, 2023 at 8:00 AM
Cost:
General: $125 / Reliance Society: $85

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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Linden Place's Annual Picnic

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Where:
Linden Place, Bristol
When:
July 4, 2023 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost:
General: $100, Linden Place Members: $90

Located at the center of the parade route, there is no place like Linden Place on the 4th of July! On Tuesday, July 4, 2023, 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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4th of July Lobster Boil

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Where:
Top of Newport, Hotel Viking, Newport
When:
July 4, 2023 from 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Cost:
$85 per person, plus tax & gratuity

Head to the Top of Newport for the annual, iconic Lobster Boil on the Fourth of July followed by, arguably, the best view of the fireworks in town!

 Lobster dinner will include a welcome glass of red, white or rose, and a traditional New England lobster bake buffet with clams, corn on the cob, pie and all the fixins’! This experience has limited spots, so book before space runs out.

 

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Newport Classical Music Festival: Fenway Quintet: Patriotic Pops

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Where:
King Park, Newport
When:
July 4, 2023 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 Roof Deck Fourth of July Celebration

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Where:
The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection
When:
July 4, 2023 from 8:00 - 10:00 PM
Cost:
$150 per ticket

Celebrate 4th of July in style at the Roof Deck at The Vanderbilt. Take in sweeping views of Newport Harbor and get a front row seat to the annual harbor fireworks show. Enjoy a two-hour open bar and light bites as you take in the sounds of live band entertainment at Newport's best 4th of July celebration.

 

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200th Anniversary of Fort Adams

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Where:
Fort Adams State Park
When:
July 4, 2023 from 6:30 - 10:30 PM
Cost:
General Ticket Price: $100, 200 Club Member Price: $75

Make your way to Fort Adams State Park for a beautiful night of fireworks, food and fun! Enjoy exclusive access to watch the fireworks show on the overlook and Parade Field of Fort Adams. Tickets include: access inside the fort, dinner, drinks and preferred parking.

All proceeds from this event benefit the Fort Adams Trust as we work to fulfill our mission to preserve, restore, and program Historic Fort Adams.

 

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