Independence Day and America’s 250th will be a red-white-and-blue party in historic Newport! From the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence (since 1776!) to the biggest, brightest fireworks, you can find all the happenings and information HERE – thanks to Discover Newport.
Check out all the Get There By Bike partners, including Community Cookery, Newport Mansions, and Black History Walking Tours!
If you’re coming from off-island, take advantage of the Park & Bike locations and ride the final miles into Newport.
🚲❤️ Wherever you’re going – ditch the stress and the cost of car travel and parking on this busy day – and Get There By Bike ❤️🚲
For bike routes, Park & Bike locations, bike rack locations, and tips to help you plan your trip, visit the Get There By Bike page.
Get There By Bike
RI250 Night with the Newport Gulls vs Ocean State Waves
📅July 3rd
⌚6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍Cardines Field, Newport
🚲Bike Parking: Bike racks are located at Long Wharf Mall, between Mother Pizza and Yagi Noodles
This family-friendly evening will honor Rhode Island’s unique role as the true spark of the American Revolution with the burning of the Gaspee and the first colony to renounce allegiance to the British Crown – blending America’s pastime with our state’s revolutionary history. Fans can enjoy themed programming, special recognitions, and opportunities to engage with RI250 initiatives that connect our past to the present.
Newport Independence Day Celebration
📅July 4th
⌚9:00 AM to Noon
📍Colony House, Newport
🚲Bike Parking: Bike racks are located in Touro Park
Continuing the years long tradition, the Newport Historical Society is opening the Colony House to the public for a celebration of our country’s independence, featuring patriotic ceremonies, music, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and 21 gun salute.
Fourth of July Fireworks at Fort Adams
📅July 4th
⌚6:00 Gates Open, 6:30 Live Music, 9:15 Fireworks
📍Fort Adams
🚲Bike Parking: Bike racks are available at the park entrance
Celebrate America’s 250th at Fort Adams State Park with an unforgettable evening of live music, family fun, food trucks, and the best view of Newport’s spectacular harbor fireworks.
Newport Classical Music Festival: Patriotic Pops with Fenway Brass and Percussion
📅July 4th
⌚8:00 PM
📍King Park, Newport
🚲Where to Park Your Bike: Bike racks are available near the sidewalk along King Park
Enjoy a relaxed open-air concert with Fenway Quintet, one of the Boston area’s most esteemed professional brass quintets. Plan for a joyous patriotic program celebrating America’s birthday with the stunning backdrop of the Pell Bridge and fireworks. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs!
Guided tour of Patriots and Loyalists in the Common Burying Ground
📅July 4th
⌚9:00 AM
📍Island Cemetery, Newport
🚲Bike Parking: The closest bike racks are a short walk away – near Bike Newport HQ at 62 Broadway.
Learn about loyalists, patriots, soldiers and politicians who lived and died in the fight for independence.
Veterans Appreciation Day & Picnic Day at the Fort
📅July 5th
⌚9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
📍Fort Adams State Park
🚲Bike Parking: Bike racks are available at the park entrance
Spend a summer day at Fort Adams with a relaxed, bring-your-own picnic. Pack your favorite food, grab a blanket or chairs, and enjoy waterfront views, open green space, and fresh ocean air. In partnership with the Newport Historical Society and Newport VFW Post 406, Fort Adams Trust will honor veterans with a with a special performance by the Navy Band Northeast Trident Brass Quintet at Fort Adams starting at 6:00 PM. Free tours for veterans and active military will be offered from 9:30-4:30.
Bike Newport