The Fourth of July is a great time to visit South County, Rhode Island, because it’s when summer gets into full swing. The beaches start filling up around this time, and some first-class events are taking place throughout the region for the holiday.
Booking a vacation rental allows you to host a July 4th BBQ for friends and family, so you don’t have to worry about heading out. However, you might want to check out at least one of the fireworks displays in the area sometime around Independence Day.
Here’s a look at some of the fireworks shows you’ll find in South County, Rhode Island, for the 4th of July in 2023.
Independence Day Beach Ball at Ocean House
For a little bit of luxury in the days leading up to July 4th, consider attending the Independence Day Beach Ball at Ocean House. This event takes place on Saturday, July 1, on a private beach in Watch Hill and features live music, dancing, beer, wine, and dinner. Your dinner will include multiple salad options, a taco station, various sides, salmon, chicken, and ribs. The event will also feature a traditional New England lobster boil and dessert.
The evening will finish with a fireworks display over the ocean at about 10:00 PM. If you attend this event, you’ll have the best seats in the house for the show. Tickets are $250 per person, or you can book a private cabana on the beach for up to 10 people for $3,000.
Independence Day Clambake at the Weekapaug Inn
Monday, July 3, will bring the Independence Day Clambake to The Lawn at the Weekapaug Inn in Westerly. This event features live music, s’mores by the fire, and a dinner menu with favorites like oysters, New England clam chowder, lobster, mussels, pulled pork, chicken, sides, and dessert. You won’t go hungry while experiencing this Weekapaug Inn tradition and everything it includes.
Of course, no Fourth of July celebration is complete without some fireworks, and organizers hope to get them started by about 9:30 PM that evening. Tickets are $200 for adults, $125 for kids ages six through 12, and free for children five and under.
Concerts on the Beach 2023 in Narragansett
The Concerts on the Beach series is a great excuse to visit Narragansett Beach in the evening, as there will be music starting at 6:30 every Monday throughout the summer. July 3 falls on a Monday in 2023, and there will be an early Independence Day celebration taking place on the beach that evening.
The festivities begin at 3:00 PM with a performance by the Rhode Island Youth Stage Band Alumni, directed by Ted Collins. The Nightlife Orchestra will then take the stage from 6:30 until 8:00, and the fireworks will start at dusk.
There’s nothing like enjoying a fireworks display over Narragansett Bay with the sand between your toes, and Concerts on the Beach makes that a possibility for you during your South County vacation.
Independence Day at Old Mountain Field
The most highly-anticipated 4th of July event in South County is usually the festival at Old Mountain Field in Wakefield. In 2023, the celebration will kick off on July 4th at 5:45 with a concert by the local band Take It To The Bridge, followed by fireworks at 8:45.
You’ll also find concessions at the park, so you can have some dinner while you’re there. You should be aware, though, that the streets near the field will be closed to traffic for most of the evening. As a result, you’ll have to park elsewhere and walk to the event if you wish to attend.
Make the Most of Your Independence Day Weekend
You can attend as many of these events as you wish during your time in South County because they take place over a span of three days. The result is a thoroughly enjoyable holiday weekend and the ability to do things at your own pace.
South County’s colonial history and connection to the country’s past make it an interesting place to be for Independence Day. Book your vacation rental early to ensure you get one in the ideal location in coastal Rhode Island.