If you haven’t been to Block Island in July – you’re missing out on one of the best times of your life. There’s nothing better than July on the Block. It’s festive, fun, and fabulous. Whether you want to check out some major fireworks or be the champion hot dog eater or just bury you feet in the sand, you can do any of that this month. Here’s what July has to offer…
BIMI Harbor Tours – July 2-August 29
Take a tour of the Great Salt Pond on a historic 30 foot Oldport Launch and learn about the history, folklore and ecology of this magnificent body of water. The Great Salt Pond is home to so many activities including clamming, kayaking, sailing, and much more.
Every Monday and Wednesday at 10AM starting July 2 through August 29 you can reserve your spot on the tour. Be sure to make advance reservations, as space is limited. Tours are $20 per person but free for children under 5. Check out the Block Island Maritime Institute for more info.
Fireworks at Dusk – July 3
This year the fireworks come early on Block Island. The island’s July 4th fireworks celebration will take place at dusk on July 3rd at Town Beach Pavilion.
Live music kicks off the celebration at 7:30 PM. Plan for the fireworks to light up the sky after the sun goes down. A great way to do it is to find your favorite spot on the beach and enjoy the evening with friends and family.
Annual July 4th Parade & Steak Fry – July 4
The 4th of July party continues on the 4th with Block Island’s annual July 4th parade kicking off at 11 AM at Veterans Park. The parade then runs along West Side Road to Ocean Avenue and along Dodge Street on to Water Street and finally to the statue of Rebecca where the parade ends.
Come see floats, bands, clowns, and kids dressed up as your “Favorite TV Shows, Past and Present” – the 2019 parade theme.
Once the parade is done head to the Fire Barn on Beach Avenue for the annual Steak Fry benefiting the Block Island Fire Department. Here you can munch on some delicious BBQ favorites like steak, corn on the cob, watermelon, and more.
Hot Dog Eating Contest – July 4
If BBQ doesn’t interest you and you’re looking for something even more filling, then put your stomach to the test at the Poor People’s Pub Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Not only does the winner win bragging rights but he/she also gets a custom Narragansett Lager Surf Board!
If you think you’ve got what it takes to win, signups start in July at the pub (or you can call them) and end the morning of the contest.
Country Fest at Ballard’s with Big & Rich – July 7
Want to sample a little bit of Americana on Block Island? Well, if your thing is cowboy boots and line dancing then check out Ballard’s Block Island Country Fest on July 7 from 10AM-6PM.
Country superstars Big & Rich headline this year’s fest. So head to Ballard’s for a day of great music, food, drink, and above all dancing.
Bingo at the Fire Barn – July 9-August 6
Be a part of the most happening place on Tuesday night - Bingo Night at the Fire Barn. On July 9, July 23, and August 6 come play some bingo!
It’s not only about fun and games – Bingo Night is also an important fundraiser for the Block Island Fire Department. So have a little fun on Tuesday nights and support a wonderful cause. Doors open at 6:30PM and the first card is called at 7PM. Admission is just $5 per person.
Blues on the Block – July 10-August 4
Block Island really offers it all – if country music isn’t your thing then head to Town Beach on Wednesday evenings (July 10, July 24, August 7, and August 14) to hear some free blues.
The music starts around 6PM so bring a chair or blanket and relax to soothing beats on the beach.
Night Market on Dodge – July 11-August 29
You’ve now got plans for Tuesdays and Wednesdays – what about Thursdays? We have something for then as well and it’s brand new. Starting on July 11 and running every Thursday until August 29 – the Night Market on Dodge Street offers something for everyone.
From 6-8PM all the shops, inns, restaurants, and participating businesses will open their doors and welcome people into their establishments with refreshments, workshops, games, live music, crafts for kids, and much more.
Some participating businesses include: The Darius Inn, Blue Dory Inn, Island Free Library, Beachcomber, Bird's Nest, Lazy Fish, Persephone's Kitchen, Gothic Inn, Traveling Seamstress, and Diamond Blue.
Block Island Wedding Show – July 14
If you’re planning a wedding on Block Island or just need some inspiration for your wedding, check out the annual Block Island Wedding Show.
Held at the gorgeous Sullivan House from noon-3PM, come meet vendors of every kind from photographers to caterers to florists to makeup artists and more. Plus enjoy live entertainment, food, and drinks at the event.
The event is popular so register ahead of time at the BlockIslandWeddingShow.com. Entry is $24 for two people.
Block Island Barbershop Quartet Festival – July 20
There is so much awesome music on Block Island in July. For some live a capella harmony come by the 55th Annual Island Barbershop Quartet Festival at Saint Andrew’s Church. It’s actually one of the oldest barbershop festivals in the country.
The event not only features some great live vocal music but also benefit the Mary D. Fund, a charitable organization that helps islanders in need. The show starts at 8PM and for more info and tickets, contact Mike Maino at [email protected].
The Great Salt Pond Swim 5 – July 27
The 5th Annual Great Salt Pond Swim is a fantastic fundraising event to protect this Block Island treasure.
It’s also a way for anyone that wants to try out swimming in the open water. The swim is a half-mile out and a half-mile back in protected waters.
It all starts at 11AM, is $55/person, and is limited to 150 swimmers – so reserve your spot. You can register for the event on The Committee for the Great Salt Pond’s website here.
Discovering Block Island
See there’s so much happening on Block Island in July. You still have one week left before the start of July – so book a ticket and don't forget to pack some sunscreen!
Always check our Discovering Block Island blog series, we’ll have updates on the latest and greatest on the island this summer and all year-round.
