Visiting South County at any point in the summer makes for an excellent vacation, but there’s something special about the 4th of July Weekend.
After all, spending this holiday in coastal Rhode Island puts you close to some of the country’s oldest towns, and many were highly involved in the American Revolution. The festivities are always worth your while, as they’ll start on July 1 and last through the 4th.
Booking a vacation rental in South County for Independence Day ensures you don’t have to miss any of the action, and you’re always a short trip from a celebration of some sort.
Here’s a look at what’s happening in South County around the 4th of July in 2022.
Westerly Events
Westerly has a couple of large venues – Ocean House and the Weekapaug Inn – that typically host events during the summer. The 4th of July is no different, as a couple of grand oceanfront celebrations will take place throughout the weekend.
On Saturday, July 2, the Ocean House is hosting its Independence Day Beach Ball. This event costs $250 for adults and $175 for kids between 4 and 12 and is a party like no other in South County.
Your admission to the ball includes an incredible dinner featuring a traditional New England lobster boil, grilled ribeye steaks, chicken, ribs, clam chowder, salads, salmon, and dessert. You can also enjoy the Ocean House Beach all evening, including some live music and views of the fireworks over Block Island Sound.
Not to be outdone, the Weekapaug Inn is hosting the Independence Day Family Carnival from 7:00 to 9:30 PM on July 4. Admission is by the table and includes carnival games, live music, face painting, a magician, and fireworks. There’s also an included dinner featuring lobster, chicken, short ribs, salads, pasta, clam chowder, and dessert.
Both of these luxury events are worth visiting when spending your holiday weekend in Westerly.
South Kingstown
Old Mountain Field is South Kingstown’s oldest park, so it makes sense that the venue would host an Independence Day event. The park is just outside of downtown Wakefield-Peacedale, making it easily accessible, and has enough space to handle the large crowds that gather.
As for the event, the Annual South Kingstown 4th of July Celebration starts at 5:45 PM and features live music, concessions and food trucks, a 50/50 draw, and plenty of activities. The festivities conclude with a fireworks display at 9:00 PM, which might be the most spectacular in all of Rhode Island.
Remember, the roads around the park are closed to vehicle traffic starting at 5:00 PM because of the amount of pedestrian traffic expected. As a result, you’re best off parking in Wakefield or Narragansett and walking to Old Mountain Field.
Narragansett Town Beach
There are a couple of events at Narragansett Town Beach over the holiday weekend, giving you plenty of opportunities to check out this picturesque facility.
First, there’s a fireworks display at the beach on Saturday, July 2, which should start at dusk. The beach is one of the most scenic spots in Rhode Island for fireworks because you can sit in the sand and enjoy the view over Narraganset Bay.
Then, on July 4, 2022, Brass Force will host a free concert between 3:00 and 5:00 PM. Concert goers are encouraged to enjoy the music at Narraganset Beach before walking to Old Mountain Field for more live music and fireworks.
These events at Narraganset Beach are sure to keep you busy and are scheduled to ensure you don’t miss out on other nearby Independence Day events.
Enjoying Your Holiday Weekend
South County has a nice mix of free public events and luxurious private parties, depending on what you’re in the mood for on July 4. The public displays in Narraganset and South Kingstown complement each other perfectly, so you don’t have to miss one to attend the other, and it’s easy to walk between them.
The events in Westerly are more costly and include dinner and a party, making them worth the cost if you really want to live it up on Independence Day.
No matter the option you select, there’s a vacation rental nearby that makes these venues easily accessible all weekend long.