One day stay in downtown Providence (Pawtucket, East Providence: work, houses, move)

[rubygreta]

My wife and I and two kids (15 and 12) are staying in downtown Providence on July 4th. If anyone could give me the "must see" things to do it would be greatly appreciated.

[GermanSpy]

Are you planning to stay around Downtown the whole day or are you flexible to move around a bit? There are quite a few things happening on July 4th but many of those events are located away from Providence. I'm thinking about stuff like the Bristol parade and the fireworks display in Newport Harbor, for example.

Also, many venues in Providence are closed down on Independence Day so your choices will be rather limited if you intend to stay put around Downtown.

[rubygreta]

We're pretty flexible. No fireworks in Providence?

[GermanSpy]

Actually I don't think there's a specific fireworks event in Providence on the 4th, as silly as it may sound. Maybe some others have more info about that.

A somewhat big deal is the parade in Bristol. You'll get a parade, a huge crowd, music and eventually fireworks. Some people love the parade, some hate it, but it's undoubtedly a big event every year in RI. If you choose to visit, make sure you'll get there pretty early or you might run into severe traffic issues.

If you're just looking for fireworks on the 4th you'll find those in Pawtucket and East Providence which aren't too much of a hike from Downtown Providence. McCoy stadium in Pawtucket, Pierce Memorial stadium in East Prov. There will also be fireworks displays in Newport, if you choose to go to Newport make sure to avoid trying to drive through Bristol, instead go there via 195, Fall River and Tiverton, Portsmouth and Middletown.

You'll find something to do!

Good luck.

[Alphaman]

I would goto Bristol IMO it is the best thing going on in RI on the 4th but I would go really early. I haven't been to RI in some time but people would camp overnight just to see the event not sure if that happens still or not.

[Hollytree]

Here's the list for July 4 2008 so far...

Fourth of July Events in Rhode Island - Fourth of July, 4th of July, Independence Day, Events, Fireworks, Parades

Usually Providence has fireworks over the State Capitol building. You might call city hall to see if they're scheduled for this year.

[rubygreta]

Thanks for your assistance. I love this web site!

[Jenkins86]

Originally Posted by rubygreta

Thanks for your assistance. I love this web site!

There actually is both a concert at Waterplace Park, right in the heart of Downcity Providence, and fireworks over the Capital building on the 4th of July. Just walk over to the Waterplace basin (right across from the mall) and grab a seat on the grass to see both!

City of Providence - Mayor David N. Cicilline

[GermanSpy]

There we go. Fireworks in Providence!

[Jenkins86]

Argh. It was announced in the paper this morning that they had to cancel the fireworks : ( Evidently shooting them off at the statehouse is too dangerous since there are buildings and houses in close proximity. But the concert is still a go.