Your Guide to Fourth of July in Rhode Island

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Rachel Eides, GoLocalProv Contributor

One could argue that Rhode Island, the first colony to declare independence from England, has bragging rights to the best Independence Day celebrations in the country. And that might be right. From tours and road races to fireworks, concerts and parades, get your patriot on with this statewide guide, plus special guides to celebrations in Bristol and Newport. Happy Fourth, Rhode Island!

Block Island

JULY 3 Concert and Fireworks: varied times, free, Fred Benson Town Beach Pavilion on Crescent Beach, 7 Corn Neck Road, 466-7717. Band performing at 7:30pm, fireworks at 9pm.

JULY 4 Block Island Fourth of July Parade, 11am Legion Park, 800-383-2474. The patriotic parade travels along The Block’s main street and ends at the statue of Rebecca in Old Harbor. The Block Island Fire Department Steak Fry is at 12:30pm at the Fire Barn.

Bristol

Rhode Island is proud to have Bristol host the oldest Fourth of July parade in the country. The 226th parade will be a special celebration in the East Bay with numerous exciting festivities. For the list of historic and wonderful Independence Day celebrations in Bristol, click here.

Cumberland

JULY 3 Fireworks: 9pm at Tucker Field, Mendon Road, across from Cumberland High School. Rain Date July 5 9pm.

JULY 4 Arnold Mills July 4th Race, Parade and Concert. Road race 9am. Parade 11am on Nate Whipple Highway (Route 120). Beginning in 1927, this local village celebration of America's Independence Day has been a family tradition. Concert On The Green following at 1pm in front of the Arnold Mills United Methodist Church. 333-1381.

East Providence

JULY 3 Concert and Fireworks: Gates open 6:30pm, fireworks 9pm, free, Pierce Field, 201 Mercer St, 435-7514. Gates open at 6:30pm for the concert and food concessions. (No coolers or pets!)

Glocester

JULY 4 85th Annual 4th of July Ancients and Horribles Parade: 4pm at the intersection of Route 198 at 200 Money Hill Road. In this famous parade, Glocester locals spoof issues in the news, politics, pop culture and celebrities. Beginning in 1926, this ongoing tradition is a must-see. 864-8239.

Newport

Newport celebrates Independence Day with festivities on land and sea. Click here for the complete list of all the fun July 4th events in one of Rhode Island's most historic towns.

North Kingstown

JULY 4 Fireworks: 9pm, North Kingstown Town Beach, 15 Beach St, 294-3331.

Pawtucket

JULY 1-3 Post-game Fireworks after PawSox games each night, McCoy Stadium, 1 Columbus Ave, 724-7300. A patriotic display following the Pawsox game.

Portsmouth

JULY 4 Fireworks: 9:30pm, Escobar's Farm, 133 Middle Rd, 683-1444.

Providence

JULY 2 George M. Cohan Walking Tour: 11am, George M. Cohan Plaza, 8 Governor Street. A patriotic stroll through the Fox Point neighborhood to celebrate the life and works of Providence native George M. Cohan, the original Yankee Doodle Dandy. $10, reservations requested. 331-8575 x45.

JULY 4 Concert and Fireworks: India Point Park, 109 India St, 7:30pm RI Philharmonic Orchestra Summer Pops, 9pm fireworks.

Scituate

JULY 3 Fireworks Display with Chowder and Clam Cakes: 5-10pm, free, Hope Jackson Fire Department, 117 Main St. Free chowder will be provided from 5-8pm, fireworks 9pm, 647-3366.

Smithfield

JULY 1 Concert and Fireworks: 7-9pm, Bryant University. Concert followed by patriotic fireworks, 401-233-1051 extension 0.

South Kingstown

JULY 4 Snug Harbor Parade: 6-7pm, Gooseberry Rd. and Hartford Ave. Reviewing Stand at the Snug Harbor Marina. The Snug Harbor Volunteer Fire Co. will lead the parade and show their new 2011 fire engine along with other engines and rescue boat.