July is party time on Block Island. There’s so much to see, do, eat, and celebrate on the island this month. In fact, I think it’s one of the best, if not best, times to be there. Here’s what happening all about town this month (and it’s really sunny this time of year on the island so don’t forget to lather up on sunscreen).
Fireworks at Dusk – July 2
Block Island’s annual July 4th fireworks display kicks off a few days in advance of the holiday. Head to Town Beach Pavilion to catch the awesome fireworks display. Live music starts at 7:30PM and the fireworks go off when the sun goes down probably around 9PM.
July 4th Parade – July 4
The 2018 parade theme is “Favorite Movies”. Hopefully one of your favorites will be featured in the floats, band music, clowns or kid marching formations! Come early and claim a prime viewing spot on the parade route, which starts at 11am from Veterans Park.
Steak Fry – July 4
If you want mouth-watering summer BBQ food then after the parade is over make your way to the Fire Barn on Beach Ave. for the Annual Steak Fry benefiting the Block Island fire department. The event runs from 12:30 to 3:30 PM and includes a feast of steak, corn on the cob, watermelon, and salad.
Hot Dog Eating Contest – July 4
Hot dogs equal summer and 4th of July to me. What better way to show your love for this classic food and America than to enter a hot dog eating contest?
After the parade is over go the Poor People’s Pub to compete for the ultimate bragging rights and custom Narragansett surf board!
Country Fest at Ballards – July 5
Bring your cowboy boots and get ready for some line dancing. Or just bring yourself to Ballards to listen to some great live country music. This year the lineup is hot and kicks off at 10AM.
- Love and Theft will be headlining this year
- Nashville resident Wildee
- New England based country artist Timmy Brown
- New England singer-songwriter John Brazile
Block Island Wedding Show – July 8
What bigger party in life is there than a wedding? And where better to have it than on Block Island? If you want to see all that Block Island has to offer for your dream wedding than make sure you’re on the guest list at this annual event held at The Sullivan House.
The event is $24 for two guests and runs from noon- 3pm. During the event you can meet many different wedding vendors from caterers to photographers to florists and even hair and makeup professionals. Plus enjoy some live entertainment, food and drinks at the same time.
Bingo at the Fire Barn – July 10-August 7
Another way to support the Block Island Fire Department is to try your hand at bingo every Tuesday. Kicking off on July 10th you can play this popular game Tuesday evenings starting at 6:30PM at the Block Island Fire Barn. Admission is $5 per persona and proceeds go to the local fire department.
Blues on the Block – July 11-August 15
So now that your Tuesday nights are booked, what about Wednesday? Well Block Island has you covered. Make your way to Fred Benson Town Beach to hear live blues music every Wednesday around 6PM. Best of all, this event is free! In case of rain the event moves to Captain Nick’s.
Block Island Barbershop Quartet Festival – July 21
Be transported back in time at the 54th Annual Block Island Barbershop Quartet Festival at Saint Andrew’s Church. Listen to some fantastic voices while also supporting Block Island community groups. Proceeds from the event benefit local island groups and the event starts at 8 PM.
American Legion Picnic – July 22
Block Island is all about supporting its community and enjoying yummy food while doing so. This annual picnic hosted by the American Legion (a veterans’ organization with the mission to serve veterans, military personnel and the communities) feature delicious summer tastes and treats and is held on Sunday afternoon.
Enjoy all you can eat at these affordable prices: $10 for adults in advance (tickets will be sold at Farmer’s Markets and in front of BI Grocery), $12 at the door, $5 for kids 7-12, and free for children under 7.
The Great Salt Pond Swim 4 – July 28
Show off your swimming skills and support the Great Salt Pond. For $55/person you can swim a half-mile out and back against other swimmers. The event goes off at 11 AM and all proceeds benefit the Great Salt Pond. Register early (www.cgspblockisland.org) as the event is limited to only 150 swimmers.
Annual Harbor Church Fair & Auction – July 28
If you love a good sale and searching for unique finds than stop by Harbor Church for their Annual Church Fair & Auction. Running from 9 AM - 12 PM the event features food and fun activities for kids. So bring the whole family.
Summer Long Events
There’s a ton of other stuff to do on a weekly basis. Activities like Marsh Mucking, kayak tours, and guided twilight walks start in June and run through August / September. For a full list of them check out our Discovering Block Island: June’s Can’t Miss Events… article.
Discovering Block Island
July is the best but just the tip of iceberg if you will. There’s so much more to do year-round. Check out our Discovering Block Island blog series to see all that the island has to offer.