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
  2. Newport Independence Day Celebration
  3. Jamestown Independence Day Celebration
  4. Celebrate the Fourth at Fort Adams

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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Celebrate the Fourth at Fort Adams

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Where:
Fort Adams State Park, Newport
When:
July 4, 2025
Cost:
Admission is free, but capacity is limited. Organizers recommend registering early to secure a spot.

The Fort is simply the best place from which to watch Newport’s spectacular fireworks display. So pack a picnic and join us to enjoy live music with The Ravers, family friendly lawn games (including bouncy houses) and a great community celebration!

Schedule

Doors Open: 6:00 pm
Live Music: 6:30 – 9:00 pm
Fireworks: 9:15 pm

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FIREWORK DISPLAYS

 

FIREWORK CRUISES

  1. Independence Day Fireworks Cruise
  2. Jamestown’s Independence Day Celebration Fireworks, from Newport
  3. July 4th Fireworks Cruise With Newport Classic Cruises
  4. Newport Fireworks Cruise on The Block Island Ferry

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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Newport Fireworks Cruise on The Block Island Ferry

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Where:
Block Island Ferry
When:
July 4th from 8:30 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. 

Onboard concession and bar will be open during the trip.

 

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PATRIOTIC EVENTS

  1. Bristol Fourth Concert Series
  2. Linden Place's Annual Picnic
  3. Newport Classical Music Festival: Fenway Quintet: Patriotic Pops
  4. The Vanderbilt Fourth of July Roof Deck Soirée
  5. Fourth of July at Hotel Viking
  6. Fourth of July at Newport Harbor Island Resort
  7. The Fourth at The Gardiner House
  8. Herreshoff July 4th Parade Viewing
  9. Guided tour of Patriots and Loyalists in the Common Burying Ground

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.

 

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Fourth of July at Hotel Viking

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Where:
Hotel Viking, Newport
When:
July 4, 2025
Cost:
$48 adults | $24 children (5-12) | children under 5 are free

Celebrate Independence Day in style at Hotel Viking with a collection of Fourth of July festivities!

What to expect? An afternoon pig roast at One Bellevue or a relaxing afternoon at the Top of Newport. Classic.

 

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Fourth of July at Newport Harbor Island Resort

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Where:
Newport Harbor Island Resort, Newport
When:
July 4, 2025

Join in on a classic New England Lobster Boil at Newport Harbor Island Resort this 4th of July. Savor the flavors of summer with an evening of fresh seafood, live music, and panoramic water views.

Not into lobster? Kick off July 4th Weekend at our American Cookout at The Pavilion. Enjoy a delicious spread, live grilling, and music from the band Witzend, all set against the backdrop of the Newport Bridge. The city's fireworks display over Narragansett Bay start at 9:15 PM.

 

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The Fourth at The Gardiner House

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Where:
Gardiner House, Newport
When:
July 4, 2025 from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost:
$125 (+tax and fees) per person

An evening made for gathering — with good food, good music, and the kind of fun that happens when good people fill a room. From the Ballroom to the Sunroom to the Harbor Lawn, the night moves with you.

Come early, stay late, and watch the fireworks over the harbor with a drink in hand.

 

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Herreshoff July 4th Parade Viewing

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Where:
Herreshoff Marine Museum, Bristol
When:
July 4, 2025 from 7:45 AM to 3:00 PM

Get a front row seat for one of Bristol’s most beloved traditions—head to Herreshoff Marine Museum's annual 4th of July Parade Viewing Event!

Located along the historic parade route, the Museum offers a front-row seat to the oldest continuously celebrated Independence Day parade in the country.

 

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Guided tour of Patriots and Loyalists in the Common Burying Ground

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Where:
Island Cemetery, Newport
When:
July 4, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Cost:
Free to Attend

This tour in Newport’s Common Burying Ground will take place on July 4th following the 9:00 AM ceremony at the grave of William Ellery.

Everyone in Newport was directly involved in the war years and the tour will feature selected people that reflect what many were experiencing.

The free tour will start after the ceremony ends at the Ellery grave, about 9:30 AM.

 

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MORE PATRIOTIC EVENTS

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