Saturday, July 4th, 2026
Independence Day
ALL DAY
⭐ Featured Event: Colony House Open House – 9:00am-11:00am ⭐
The Newport Historical Society is pleased to announce that on Saturday, July 4th the Colony House will once again be open to the public, continuing a years long tradition. Join us & the Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the American Revolution for a celebration of our country’s independence, featuring:
9:00 AM: A Ceremony by the Aquidneck Island Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution at the grave site of Willam Ellery, Newport signer of the Declaration of Independence. Wreath laying and musket firing by the Artillery Company of Newport Common Burying Ground on Farewell Street.
9:00 AM: Opening of the Colony House for inspection from 9:00 – 11:00 AM. The Colony House will open the first and second floors to explore.
10:00 AM: A Patriotic Band Concert by the Newport Community Band, Eisenhower Park in Washington Square. Bring a chair and enjoy the music.
11:00 AM: Recreation of the first Rhode Island reading of the Declaration of Independence from the steps of the Colony House by Roy Lauth, President of the Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
11:30 AM: Concert of traditional Colonial music by the Pawtuxet Rangers fife line in Eisenhower Park.
12:00 PM: Twenty-one gun salute to the Nation by the Artillery Company of Newport using cannons cast by Paul Revere. Bells will ring from the Colony House and churches throughout the City of Newport. Cannons will fire from Fort Adams and other locations throughout the city.
⭐ Featured Event: Fourth of July Fireworks at Fort Adams ⭐
Celebrate America’s 250th at Fort Adams State Park with an unforgettable evening of live music, family fun, and the best view of Newport’s spectacular harbor fireworks.
Event Details:
Saturday, July 4
Gates Open: 6:00 PM
Live Music: 6:30 – 9:00 PM
Fireworks ~ 9:15 PM
For more information about Independence Week events visit DiscoverNewport.org/250th