Cities and towns across Connecticut are gearing up for the Fourth of July. Celebrations including parades, live music and fireworks shows are planned to commemorate the nation’s 249th birthday.
Here’s an updated list of ways to join in on the festivities across the state.
Branford
June 21
- Branford Fireworks
- Beach, bocce, playscape, picnic dinner
- Branford Point Beach, 4 Harbor Street, Branford, CT
- Shuttle buses will be available at Branford High School & Cherry Hill Commuter Lot starting at 5:30 p.m.
- Fireworks start at 9:00 p.m.
- https://www.facebook.com/people/Branford-Fireworks/100064778644441/
Bridgeport
June 27
The Barnum Festival
- Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.
- Seaside Park, 1 Barnum Dyke, Bridgeport, CT
- https://www.barnumfestival.org/fireworks
June 29
- Great Street Parade at 11:00 a.m.
- The parade will start at the corner of Fairfield Avenue and Ash Creek, and will end at the Food Bazaar.
- https://www.barnumfestival.org/great-street-parade
Bristol
July 5 and 6
Fourth of July at Lake Compounce Amusement Park
- Concerts from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. – “Simply Swifties” (July 5)
- “Electric Country” (July 6)
- Fireworks at 9:00 p.m. both nights
- https://www.lakecompounce.com/discover-the-park/seasons-n-special-days
Derby-Shelton
July 3
- Derby-Shelton Fireworks
- Concert by Darik & the Funbags from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. outside of Derby City Hall
- 1 Elizabeth Street, Derby, CT
- https://www.derbyct.gov/calendar/225/
East Haven
June 28
Fireworks & Beach Bash
- Music, food, and games
- Low Darts will play from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- The Rum Runners will play from 7:00 p.m. until fireworks, then return again around 9:45 p.m.
- East Haven Town Beach, 80-4 Cosey Beach Avenue, East Haven, CT
- https://tinyurl.com/yc4bvnn4
Enfield
July 11
Enfield Fourth of July Town Celebration
- Taste of Enfield, a bonanza of “local flavors, global cuisine, and community spirit,” opens at 5:00 p.m.
- The parade starts at 11:00 a.m. It will take off from Enfield Town Hall (820 Enfield Street) and march down two miles to the Town Green.
- Music by High Noon, Trailer Trash, and Shovelhead.
July 12
- 5K Road Race. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at the corner of Old Main Street and Town Hall. Access road on Higgins Green
- Taste of Enfield opens at 11:00 a.m.
- Music by Draw the Line, Hoekstra and Gibbs, Eliminator, Forjoury, and Black Cadillac
July 13
- Taste of Enfield opens at 11:00 a.m.
- Fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Choreographed by the “World Famous Zambelli’s Family”
Essex
July 4
Independence Day Boat Parade (Connecticut River Museum)
- The Connecticut River Museum has a scavenger hunt until 2:00 p.m. Then, boat displays and cannon demonstrations run until 3:00 p.m.
- https://ctrivermuseum.org/events/independence-day-boat-parade/
Fairfield
July 5
Fairfield Parks & Recreation Independence Day Fireworks
- Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. Viewing points at Jennings Beach (880 South Bennings Road) and Penfield Beach (323 Fairfield Beach Road).
- Rain date July 6
Greenwich
July 5
Greenwich Fireworks
- Viewing points at Binney Park (Binney Park Drive at Wesskum Wood Road) and Greenwich Point (11 Tods Driftway).
- Fireworks begin at dusk.
- Parking access closes at 8 p.m. or earlier, depending on capacity.
- Hear the Sound Beach Community Band at Binney Park or a live DJ set at Greenwich Point.
- https://www.greenwichct.gov/2085/Fireworks
Hamden
June 27
Hamden Fireworks
- Town Center Park (2761 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT)
- Food trucks open at 6:00 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:20 p.m.
- Admission is free of charge.
- Rain date June 28
- https://visitnewhaven.com/events/hamden-annual-fireworks/
Hartford
July 5
Hartford Bonanza
- Bushnell Park (1 Jewell Street, Hartford, CT)
- Featuring: music, entertainment, beer garden, local food, a carousel, and more.
- The festival runs from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.
- https://www.hartfordbonanza.org/
Madison
Madison Fireworks & Independence Day Parade
July 2
- Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.
- Recommended viewing points: Surf Club (87 Surf Club Road), East Wharf (122 Middle Beach Road), West Wharf (99 West Wharf Road)
- https://www.madisonct.org/712/Independence-Day-Events
July 4
- The Independence Day Parade starts at 10:00 a.m., at the intersection of Samson Rock Drive and Boston Post Road, and ends at Surf Club.
- Expect significant road closures. See the Madison website for more information.
July 5
- Concert on the Green
- Opening act: Lancraft Fife & Drums Corps, 6:00 p.m.
- Wallingford Symphony Orchestra, 7:00 p.m.
- Rain date July 6
- https://madisonculturalarts.org/
Manchester
July 5
- Dutch Fogarty Independence Day Celebration
- Manchester Band Shell, 60 Bidwell St., Manchester, CT
- Festival starts at 4:00 p.m., with marketplace food, music, and children’s activities.
- Fireworks start at 9:55 p.m.
- Rain date July 6
- https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1G7oHuGU65/
Middlebury
- 3D Fireworks at Quassy Amusement Park
- Lake Quassapaug, Rt. 64 (2132 Middlebury Road), Middlebury, CT 06762
- Fireworks begin after dark. 3D viewing glasses are available for $2.
- https://www.quassy.com/special-events
Middletown
June 28
- 5:00 p.m. festival commencement along DeKoven Drive
- Live music, food trucks, and entertainment at DeKoven Drive and Harbor Park from 5:00 to 9:30 p.m.
- Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.
- Rain date June 29
- https://www.middletownct.gov/1313/Fireworks-Festival
Milford
June 21
“Kickoff to Summer” Fireworks
- Lisman Landing, 37 Helwig Street, Milford, CT
- Music from Sapphire starting at 4:00 p.m., Rum Runners at 7:30 p.m.
- Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.
- Kick Off to Summer Fireworks at Lisman Landing.
- https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Fxy3tXL2Q/
New Britain
July 4
Great American Boom
- Willow Brook Park, 200 Mill Street, New Britain, CT
- Festival from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., featuring a DJ dance party, food vendors, family activities, and games.
- Fireworks start around 9:30 p.m.
- Rain date July 5
- https://newbritainprogressive.com/events/2022-new-britain-4th-of-july-fireworks-great-american-boom/
New Canaan
July 4
New Canaan Fireworks
- Waveny Park, 677 South Avenue, New Canaan, CT
- Rain dates July 5 or July 12
- https://newcanaanct.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=31079
New Haven
July 4
New Haven Fireworks
- Wilbur Cross High School, 181 Mitchell Drive, New Haven, CT
- Fireworks launch from East Rock Park at 9:00 p.m.
- https://visitnewhaven.com/events/new-haven-fireworks/
Norwalk
July 3
- Fireworks start at 9:00 p.m.
- Calf Pasture Beach, 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT
- Concert at Shady Beach, with Soul Amazing ft. DJ Jimmy Nuzzo
- Rain date July 5
- https://www.hamlethub.com/norwalk-connecticut/45456-city-of-norwalk-annual-fireworks-display-on-july-3
Orange
July 5
Orange Fireworks with Cricket
- Orange Fairgrounds, 525 Orange Center Road, Orange, CT
- Fairgrounds open at 3:00 p.m. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by fireworks at dusk.
- Food trucks and novelties
- Free admission
- Rain date July 6
- https://www.facebook.com/events/orange-ct-fairgrounds/orange-fireworks-with-cricket/1643192189632781/
Stamford
July 2
Stamford Fireworks
- Cummings Beach, Shippan Avenue, Stamford, CT
- Entertainment and food trucks open at 6:00 p.m.
- Fireworks start at 9:00 p.m.
- Rain date July 3
- https://www.stamfordct.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/124/507
Vernon
July 9
July in the Sky Fireworks
- Henry Park, 120 South Street, Vernon, CT
- Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and close at 9:00 p.m. or when the park is full.
- Food vendors including ice cream, BBQ, fried dough. Music by TOP starts at 7:00 p.m.
- “Fun Zone” from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Games, activities, face paint, and more.
- Rain date July 10
- https://vernonct.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30032
