4th of July is one of the biggest holidays on the island. Whether you are coming over just for the day or making a weeklong stay out of it, there is a lot to do - fireworks, parades, beaches, BBQs, and more. Of course, you have to get to the island first and our post "Discovering Block Island: How to Get There - Planes, Trains, (Ferries) & Automobiles" has you covered. Don’t forget your sunblock too!
4th of July Weekend to Do’s
Shop at the BIMI Silent Auction
BIMI (the Block Island Maritime Institute) will hold a silent auction at their Great Salt Pond BBQ. But if you can’t make the BBQ, you can still bid on items. From 10 AM to 4 PM July 1 through July 3rd head over to the BIMI Center at 216 Ocean Avenue to bid on local artworks, jewelry, sunset sails, fishing charters, surfing lessons, air tours, and kayak tours of the Great Salt Pond to name a few.
Chow Down at the Great Salt Pond BBQ
Put on by BIMI this BBQ will take place on the 3rd before the fireworks. It’s scheduled to run from 5 PM to 8 PM at the BIMI Center which is at 216 Ocean Avenue on the island.
Attend the Pre-Fireworks Concert
On the 3rd get the family together a little early and head over to Town Beach to hear some tunes. A live band will be performing at the pavilion starting around 7:30 PM prior to the fireworks.
See Fireworks on the Beach
4th of July fireworks at the beach is a tradition on the island. Everyone heads to Town Beach, sets up their chairs, and looks skywards. The beach is long and pretty wide so you should be able to find a spot. This year the fireworks will be on Sunday night (the 3rd) so you won’t have to take a day off to enjoy them and they’ll start at dark, likely around 9 PM.
Watch the Annual July 4th Parade
Great for families, this event is on Monday the 4th and kicks off at 11 AM. The route starts at Veterans Park (this is a little south of The Great Salt Pond) and winds it’s way towards town / Old Harbor. There will be floats, bands, marching kids and clowns to see all under this year’s “Sports & Games” theme.
Fill up at the Fireman’s Annual Steak Fry
After the parade there’s always a steak fry. Proceeds from it benefit the Block Island Fire Department and it runs on Monday the 4th from 12:30 to 2 PM at the Fire Barn on Beach Avenue. At this annual event you can dig into steak, corn on the cob, salad and fresh watermelon. Definitely one of the tastier events around town!
Don’t Forget the Rest!
From 17 miles of beaches to clamming in The Great Salt Pond to shopping on Water Street there is a ton more to do, see, and eat all year round. Check out our Discovering Block Island series for more on these great activities or head over to the Block Island Tourism Council website.
See ya at the beach!!
