The Definitive Guide to a Newport 4th

NEWPORT, RI – As Americans get ready break out the coolers and unfold our best red, whites, and blues, here’s what you need to know to celebrate the 4th of July in Newport style. Consider this your definitive guide to the definitive American holiday.

Fireworks:

A few options around the bay. The first takes place on Saturday, July 4th above Newport Harbor. Expect the show to go off at around 9:15 p.m. Prime viewing spots can be had at King Park Beach; Long Wharf/Perrotti Park; Battery Park; Rose Island; The Officer’s Club at Naval Station Newport; and Fort Weatherill and the Dumplings in Jamestown.

Your second option can be found at Escobar’s Farm at 133 Middle Road in Portsmouth, also on the 4th. The show expected to get under way 9:30 p.m., so be sure to get there early, pack some snacks and bring the kids.

If one night of pyrotechnics isn’t enough, a second round follows Sunday, July 5th at Mackerel Cove in Jamestown at around 9 p.m. There’s really only one way to appreciate this quintessential small town event, and that’s from a blanket on the beach at Mackerel Cove. Get there early and park along Hamilton Avenue for an easy in and out.

Friday, July 3rd

The Newport Historical Society hosts an Open House Showcase of its some of its historic properties,

including recent improvements and restorations to the Museum & Shop at Brick Market, the Colony House, Great Friends Meeting House, the Wanton- Lyman-Hazard House, and the Seventh Day Baptist Meeting House. For more information or reservations call (401) 846-0813.

The Newport Gulls take on Sanford at 6:35 p.m. at Cardine’s Field in downtown Newport. Tickets are $4 for adults (half price with Military ID), $2 for seniors and children 13-18, and $1 for kids under 12. Ample parking is available at The Gateway Center.

Musically, Billy Goode’s (23 Marlborough St.) has Chelley Bill & Dyl, Jimmy’s Saloon (37 Memorial Blvd.) has Applewagon at 6p.m. and Dragonfly at 10p.m., The Newport Blues Cafe (286 Thames St.) has Never in Vegas, The Rhino Bar (337 Thames St.) has Wild Nites, and The Dockside (1 Waites Wharf) features Those Guys.

Saturday, July 4th

Polo at Glenn Farm continues with a match pitting team USA against Hungary. Refreshments are available on site and tailgates are more than welcomed. $10 will get you a seat on the lawn, $15 for box seats under the enclosure. 715 East Main Road, Portsmouth.

Louis C.K. kicks off the Newport Summer Comedy Series on with a bang at the Newport Yachting Center. The show goes off at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $26.

The Newport Gulls will also be playing on Saturday, with a game vs. North Shore beginning at 6:35 p.m. Tickets are $4 for adults (half price with Military ID), $2 for seniors and children 13-18, and $1 for kids under 12. Ample parking is available at The Gateway Center.

The Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation are the keepers of one of Narragansett Bay’s most iconic landmarks. On Saturday, July 4th they’ll be celebrating their 25th anniversary with a cookout at the light. So bring your favorite lawn chair or blanket and settle in under the stars to watch Newport Fireworks from Rose Island. Tickets cost $75 ($65 for members), with children 6-12 yrs $35 and under 5 free. Barbecue fare from Becky’s BBQ will served along with live music from Folk Support Group. Call (401) 847-4242 for reservations, or visit www.roseisland.org.

On the musical front, Journey tribute band Separate Ways plays the Newport Blues Cafe (286 Thames St.); Billy Goode’s (23 Marlborough St.) has The Ravers, Jimmy’s Saloon (37 Memorial Blvd.) features DJ Phino, the Rhino Bar (337 Thames St.) has Zoom, O’Brien’s (501 Thames St.) got DJ Curfew, and The Dockside (1 Waites Wharf) has Never in Vegas.

Sunday, July 5th

The Jamestown Fireworks Celebration lights up at around 9p.m. from Mackerel Cove Beach. More in our special Fireworks Guide.

Walk off your post-BBQ malaise with a Wildflower Walk at the Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Rd. in Middletown. Learn to identify local species, hear how they support native wildlife, and enjoy one of the most picturesque spaces on the island. The walk runs from 9-10 a.m. Tickets cost $2. For more information, call (401) 846-2577.

Check out local Raggae band The Ravers as they headline the Newport Independent Music Festival from 3-6 p.m. at

the King Park gazebo on Wellington Ave. Bring a blanket, lawn chair and a cooler and relax to the sweet sounds of the islands.

Also taking the stage, Sidewinder at 7p.m. at Jimmy’s Saloon (37 Memorial Blvd.), Phil and Buddy Kane at Billy Goode’s (23 Marlborough St.), and a second dose of The Ravers at The Dockside (1 Waites Wharf)

Ongoing July 4th & 5th

Finally, for the kids, check out the 3rd Annual Family Weekend & Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships Qualifying Tournament at the International Tennis Hall of Fame July 4-5
See world-class professional tennis in the qualifying rounds of the tournament as players compete for four coveted spots in the Main Draw.  The event includes tennis activities and live demonstrations.  Museum and Grounds Tours will also be available. Visit www.TennisFame.com for more information.

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