The Fourth of July is just around the corner! Towns and communities all across New England are planning special Independence Day celebrations with most featuring parades, music, food, and (best of all) fireworks! Here are just some of the Best Fourth of July Celebrations in New England.
NOTE — Event dates and activities are subject to change from year to year. Before making any plans visit the website or call to confirm.
Best Fourth of July Celebrations in New England
Boston, MA | Best Fourth of July Celebrations in New England Photo Credit : Wikimedia Commons
BOSTON, MA – Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
Boston hosts America’s most famous birthday bash, which draws thousands of visitors and is nationally televised. The Boston Pops Orchestra leads the celebration on the banks of the Charles River, including performing a rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” complete with real cannons and the live ringing of church bells. The entire event ends with a spectacular fireworks show over the river. Pack a picnic lunch and get there early for a seat! july4th.orgBristol, RI | Best Fourth of July Celebrations in New England Photo Credit : TwoSheds/Wikimedia Commons
BRISTOL, RI – America’s Oldest Independence Day Parade
Held on East Woodstock Common since 1957, the annual jamboree is a day-long celebration featuring a chicken barbecue, parade, music, games, and an old-fashioned pie eating contest. townofwoodstock.comEastport, ME | Best Fourth of July Celebrations in New England Photo Credit : Wikimedia Commons
EASTPORT, ME – Fourth of July Celebration
The largest July 4th celebration in Maine, with dozens of scheduled events over several days, including a Grand Independence Parade, fireworks, entertainment, games, antique car show, and contests. Also free tours from a visiting U.S. Navy ship. eastport4th.com
ENFIELD, CT – Fourth of July Town Celebration
This three-day celebration features a parade, road races, both a pie and spaghetti eating contest, and several big musical acts (including the Hartford Symphony Orchestra). Everything wraps up with a spectacular fireworks show that’s not to be missed! enfieldcelebration.org
FREEPORT, ME – Hometown Celebration
Freeport and L.L. Bean team up to deliver three days of patriotic entertainment and lots of outdoor fun. Everything from road races and parades to terrific live musical performances and even opportunities to see the Red Sox World Series trophies are scheduled, plus a grand finale fireworks show. llbean.com
GORHAM, NH – Fourth of July Celebration
Often spanning multiple days leading up to the 4th, this event features live music nightly, plus a carnival, road race, chili and chowder cook-off, horse drawn wagon rides, classic car parade, fireworks and more!
gorhamnh.org
MONTPELIER, VT – Montpelier Independence Day Celebration
In and around the state house, celebrate Independence Day with crafts, a pool party, road race, parade, evening fireworks, and more! montpelieralive.org/IndependenceDay
PORTSMOUTH, NH – Strawbery Banke: An American Celebration
A classic old-fashioned 4th of July featuring children’s bike and wagon parade, giant kite fly, potato sack races, kids liberty treasure hunt, garden crafts, live music, historic garden tours, costumed role-players, colonial hearth cooking, basket weaving, food, and more. strawberybanke.org
STOWE, VT – Independence Day Celebration
A day-long extravaganza of food, music, entertainers, and events. Face painting, politicians dunking booth, pet parade, magicians, clowns, balloons, and a Main Street sidewalk sale. Mayo Farm hosts a field carnival and the everyone turns out for the incredible annual fireworks display. gostowe.com
STURBRIDGE, MA – Independence Day Celebration at Old Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village portrays life in a New England village in the 1830s. Celebrate July 4 the old-fashioned way, with a two-day celebration (July 3rd and 4th) that includes a rousing patriotic reading of the Declaration of Independence (including a giant reproduction for you to sign), make a tri-cornered hat, drill with the Sturbridge Militia, learn dances, stroll the charming village, experience the firing of the museum’s reproduction cannon, and much more. osv.org
What are your picks for the best Fourth of July celebrations in New England?
This post was first published in 2013 and has been updated.
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