Let Freedom Ring: 4th of July Fireworks & Celebrations in Rhode Island 2025 (UPDATES)

Firework schedule – * keep checking back as we add and modify due to weather, etc:

Where to watch fireworks in RI and nearby

Attleboro

July 3rd – 9pm – Hayward Field – Laser Show & Fireworks

Bellingham

July 4th – 6pm – Bellingham High School – concert.  9pm – Fireworks

Bristol

July 1st – 6:30pm – Roger Williams University – The 88th Army Band, part of the Rhode Island Army National Guard, performs for Bristol’s Fourth of July Summer Concert Series. The concert will feature the band’s music performance teams, Commanders Tonic and Coyote Brass Band. July 3rd – 9:30pm – Bristol Harbor – Fireworks July 4th – 10:30am – Fourth of July Parade and Celebration

Block Island

July 1st – dusk – Block Island Sound – Fireworks July 4th – Parade

Coventry

July 4th – 9:30pm – Johnson’s Pond Civic Association Fireworks

Cumberland

July 3rd – 5-9pm – Tucker Field – Food Trucks, Games, Music, Entertainment. 9pm – Fireworks

East Providence

July 3rd – Pierce Field – 6pm for food concessions, live music – dusk: Fireworks (Rain Date July 6th)

Fall River

July 4th – 5pm – Waterfront Celebration with music, food trucks. 9pm – Fireworks over Taunton River

Freetown

July 3rd – 9:30pm – Hathaway Park – Fireworks July 4th – South Main St – Parade

Glocester

July 4th – 9am – Road Race. 4pm – Ancients and Horribles Parade

Hope

July 3rd – 5pm – Activities, food. Dusk – fireworks

Jamestown

July 4 – Dusk – Beavertail State Park, Jamestown – “Quiet Fireworks” July 6th – 7pm – East Ferry Beach – Concert. 9pm – Fireworks

Narragansett

July 3rd – Town Beach celebration during the day. Dusk – Fireworks. Rain Date: July 13th

New Bedford

July 3rd – 9pm – State Pier – Fireworks

Newport

July 4th – 9am to 11am – Newport Colony House, Washington Square – Open House, reading of the Declaration of Independence from the steps at 11am – free, open to public. July 4th – 6pm – Fort Adams – food, music, activities for families. Spot to watch fireworks. Bring chairs, blankets July 5th – 9:15pm – Harbor – Fireworks. Rain Date, July 5th July 4th – Wayfinder Newport Hotel special deal for Independence Day, with rooms available for just $17.76 per night. Offer is part of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels‘ Independent Hotel Sale. Promotion runs June 27 to July 11, 2025, and includes over 35 Benchmark properties.

North Kingstown

July 3rd – 4:30pm – North Kingstown Town Beach – Concert. 7pm – Lafayette Band. Dusk – fireworks. Rain date, July 7th.

North Providence

July 3rd – 9pm – Notte Park – Fireworks

Pawtucket

July 5th – Dusk – Rhode Island FC, Centreville Bank Stadium – Fireworks – Tix start at $32 includes game. Recommended non-game public viewing locations: Festival Pier & Division Street Bridge (bridge will be closed starting at 7:30pm

Portsmouth

July 5th – 9:15pm – Escobar Farm – Fireworks.

Providence

July 2nd – 5:30pm – India Point Park – Independence Day Celebration with music, food trucks. 9pm: Fireworks. July 4th – 6:30pm to midnight – Waterplace Park – full lighting – NO fireworks

Putnam, CT

July 5th – 7-9pm – Rotary Park. 7-9 food, music, activities. 9pm – Fireworks. Rain Date: July 13th

Scituate

July 3rd – 5pm – Hope & Jackson Fire Comopany – food and activities. Dusk: Fireworks.

Seekonk

July 5th, 5pm – Seekonk Speedway Show. Dusk – Firework. $25/adults. $12/children. Free under age 5.

Smithfield ***

RESCHEDULED to July 2nd – originally July 1st – 4pm – Deerfield Park – Food trucks and live music. 9pm: Fireworks. Rain date: July 2nd

South Kingstown

July 4th – 5pm Old Mountain Field, Wakefield. Celebration with concert, food, concessions, raffle. 9pm – Fireworks. Rain Date: July 5th.

Warwick

July 3rd – 9pm – Oakland Beach – Fireworks. Rain Date: July 5th.

Woonsocket

July 3rd – 4pm – World War II Veterans Memorial Park – celebration with music, activities, food trucks. 9pm – fireworks. Rain date: July 6th. ___

Quiet Fireworks

Jamestown – July 4 – Dusk – Beavertail State Park, Jamestown – “Quiet Fireworks”

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Fireworks on Television…

Two selections for those staying at home holding their puppy’s ears! Macy’s 4th – NBC Network and Peacock – Starts at 8pm – music and entertainment – goes into 25 minute firework presentation at the Brooklyn Bridge Boston Pops at the Hatch Shell – 7pm starts with entertainment – 9 to 10pm, Fireworks – in-person or on The CW Network or WHDH-TV Channel 7, locally. ___

Fireworks Safety Ahead of July 4th Holiday

The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC)  estimates there were 14,700 injuries, and 11 Deaths in 2024 related to firework activities. In 2024, there were 11 reported fireworks-related deaths, most involving misuse and device misfire/malfunctions. An estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks last year – a sharp increase of about 38% in deaths and about 52% in injuries respectively compared to 2023. There were an estimated 1,700 emergency room treated injuries in 2024 involving sparklers.

Stay Safe This Holiday: CPSC’s Fireworks Safety Tips:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Follow all instructions and warnings on fireworks and never hold them in hand unless instructions specify to do so.

For more fireworks safety tips, visit Fireworks | CPSC.gov.

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Staying Home – DIY Fireworks – Know the Rhode Island Law!

Fireworks – Legal vs. Illegal Fireworks

Legal Fireworks

From the RI State Fire Marshal: In Rhode Island, only ground and hand-held sparkling devices (“sparklers”) are legal for use by the general public, sixteen years of age or older. These devices are ground based or hand-held devices that produce a shower of white, gold, or colored sparks as their primary pyrotechnic effect. Additional effects may include a colored flame, an audible crackling effect, an audible whistle effect, and smoke. These devices do not rise into the air, do not fire inserts or projectiles into the air, and do not explode or produce a report. (A mild audible crackling-type effect is not considered to be a report.) Ground-based or hand-held devices that produce a cloud of smoke as their sole pyrotechnic effect are also included in this category. Rhode Island General Law § 11-13-1 states that no one can sell, use or possess display fireworks or aerial consumer fireworks. Certain fireworks and devices that are exempt from the definitions of display fireworks and aerial consumer fireworks include but are not limited to:

• Ground-based & hand-held sparkling devices
• Fountains
• Illuminating torches, wheels, spinners, flitter sparklers
• Sparklers, party poppers, snappers, toy smoke devices, snakes, glow worms, wire sparklers & dipped sticks

Illegal Fireworks

Any firecrackers, rockets, mortars, or any other device that launches a projectile and/or makes a “bang”/detonation/report are illegal per RIGL § 11-13-1. To file a complaint or report the use of illegal fireworks, contact your local police department. DO NOT call 9-1-1 to report fireworks or loud noises.

Fireworks – Legal vs. Illegal Fireworks

Legal Fireworks

In Rhode Island, only ground and hand-held sparkling devices (“sparklers”) are legal for use by the general public, sixteen years of age or older. These devices are ground based or hand-held devices that produce a shower of white, gold, or colored sparks as their primary pyrotechnic effect. Additional effects may include a colored flame, an audible crackling effect, an audible whistle effect, and smoke. These devices do not rise into the air, do not fire inserts or projectiles into the air, and do not explode or produce a report. (A mild audible crackling-type effect is not considered to be a report.) Ground-based or hand-held devices that produce a cloud of smoke as their sole pyrotechnic effect are also included in this category. Rhode Island General Law § 11-13-1 states that no one can sell, use or possess display fireworks or aerial consumer fireworks. Certain fireworks and devices that are exempt from the definitions of display fireworks and aerial consumer fireworks include but are not limited to:

• Ground-based & hand-held sparkling devices
• Fountains
• Illuminating torches, wheels, spinners, flitter sparklers
• Sparklers, party poppers, snappers, toy smoke devices, snakes, glow worms, wire sparklers & dipped sticks

Illegal Fireworks

Any firecrackers, rockets, mortars, or any other device that launches a projectile and/or makes a “bang”/detonation/report are illegal per RIGL § 11-13-1. To file a complaint or report the use of illegal fireworks, contact your local police department. DO NOT call 9-1-1 to report fireworks or loud noises.

RI State Archives – Declaration of Independence(s)

From 9 a.m. until noon on July 4, the State Archives – located at 82 Smith Street, Providence – will display its three versions of the Declaration of Independence: the Southwick Printing (1776), the Goddard Printing (1777), and the Stone Printing (1823). In addition, a new banner exhibit telling the story of each of Rhode Island’s three copies can be viewed in the windows of the State Archives from Broad Street. This exhibit will remain on display through the month of July.

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RIPTA Bus Schedule for July 4th

RIPTA to Run Holiday Schedule in Observance of Fourth of July, Friday, July 4, 2025 – check RIPTA.com for details

Check out the Beach Bus schedule too – last year nearly 900 boards were counted and this program is up for cutting for 2026 – increased use will protect it from being cut.

https://www.ripta.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025-Beach-Bus-Flyer-ENG-SPN.pdf

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From the RI State Fire Marshal

In advance of the July Fourth holiday, the Office of the State Fire Marshal is providing important safety tips and reminders about fireworks. Rhode Island state law (RIGL § 11-13-1) prohibits the sale, use, or possession of display fireworks and aerial consumer fireworks. Only ground and handheld “sparklers” are legal for use by the general public 16 years of age or older, who should still exercise extreme caution when handling. However, the best way to stay safe from fireworks is to not use them. Instead, attend one of the many professional public fireworks displays scheduled across Rhode Island. “The Office of the State Fire Marshal reminds the public that improper or careless use of fireworks can be dangerous and cause significant injuries and property damage,” said Rhode Island State Fire Marshal Tim McLaughlin. “We understand fireworks are a big part of celebrating the Fourth of July and want all Rhode Islanders to enjoy the holiday, but to do so safely by leaving the fireworks to the professionals.” ___

From the RI Police Chiefs Association

Today, Rhode Island traffic safety leaders joined together to urge motorists to enjoy a safe holiday by driving sober this Fourth of July. Police departments across the state will have increased impaired driving patrols on the roads actively working to identify and arrest drivers under the influence, with the support of funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the RIDOT Office of Highway Safety, as part of a statewide initiative to keep roads safe during the busy holiday travel period.

“While we get just as excited as everyone else for the holiday, we know all too well that it’s a time of the year when there’s an increased chance of crashes with serious injuries and fatalities,” said Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti, Jr. “And the Fourth this year comes right after we’ve seen a spike in crashes involving fatalities – five in the last two weeks alone. But we don’t look at the numbers as statistics – we look at them as people. We ask all drivers to think about these crashes the same way and remember that they have the power to prevent such an outcome by driving safe, buckling up, avoiding distractions, reducing their speed, and never driving while impaired.”

“Too often, we see celebrations end in tragedy,” said Kevin Lynch, Chief of Police for the Town of Bristol. “Impaired driving continues to be one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities during the holiday weekend. These are preventable incidents. Every single one. So today, I want to offer a simple reminder: If you’re going out to celebrate and plan to use alcohol or cannabis, make a plan before you go. Designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or stay where you are if that’s the safest option. Whatever your plan is, just make sure you have one.”

“Every year, we respond to accidents where boating under the influence is a factor,” said Dean Hoxsie, Chief of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Law Enforcement. “It’s not just dangerous—it’s illegal. And let me be very clear about this: a BUI is just as serious as a DUI. The legal blood alcohol limit is the same. The fines, penalties, and potential jail time are just as serious. It’s the same impairment, the same consequences, and unfortunately, often the same tragic outcomes.”

“Through its Safe Summer campaign, MADD is raising awareness about the increased risks on roads and waterways during major summer holidays, including the 4th of July and Labor Day,” said Jennifer O’Neil, Program Manager. “With more people traveling, gathering, and enjoying recreational activities, planning ahead for a safe ride is more important than ever.”

According to NHTSA, from 2019 to 2023, 2,653 people died in motor vehicle crashes during the holiday period, and 38% of those drivers were drunk. In 2023 alone, 617 people died in traffic crashes during the holiday period, and 40% of those fatalities were in drunk driving crashes.

As part of these DUI enforcement efforts, the BAT Mobile will be deployed at 655 Metacom Avenue in Bristol on Thursday, July 3, from 8 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The Bristol, Barrington, Warren, and Portsmouth Police Departments, as well as the Rhode Island State Police, will be working together to identify and arrest impaired drivers. The BAT Mobile will also be in Providence on Saturday, July 5, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., where Point Street meets Wickenden Street. This deployment will assist the Providence Police and the Rhode Island State Police. Please call Cara Cromwell to arrange an interview at the BAT Mobile. Alternatively, we have BAT Mobile B-roll available for media use: BAT Mobile B Roll.

The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and police departments around the state will be highlighting impaired driving messages on social media throughout the holiday week and urge Rhode Islanders to share posts to remind friends and family to celebrate responsibly.

Facebook: @RICHIEFSOFPOLICE – Instagram: @ripolicechiefs – X: @ripolicechiefs

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