NH July Fourth and America 250 events | New Hampshire

Celebrate Independence Day in Alton Bay with an evening of live music and fireworks on Friday, July 3. The festivities begin with a free concert by Alton native Dakota Smart and Band from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Alton Bay Land Bandstand, followed by a tribute to America’s 250th anniversary featuring Taps before fireworks light up the sky at approximately 9:20 p.m.

Fireworks will be launched from a barge in Alton Bay and can be viewed from the shore or by boat. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. The rain date is Sunday, July 5.

Amherst kicks off America’s 250th Anniversary festivities on Thursday, July 2, at Souhegan High School. Doors open at 5 p.m., with food vendors, music, activities and community organizations on hand before fireworks light up the sky at 9:30 p.m.

The celebration continues Saturday, July 4, with the traditional Fourth of July Parade stepping off at 10 a.m. from Wilkins Elementary School, 80 Boston Post Road. The procession winds through the Historic Village before concluding at Town Hall, featuring decorated floats, classic cars, marching bands, historical exhibits and a children’s bicycle parade along the way.

Following the parade, the festivities move to the Village Green, where family-friendly games, live entertainment, clowns, local food vendors and artisan demonstrations carry the celebration into the early afternoon.

For the latest schedule details, go to the Town of Amherst’s 250th Anniversary page at amherstnh.gov.

Ashland is celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary with three days of festivities, including live music, family activities, a parade, fireworks and community traditions from July 3-5.

The celebration begins Friday, July 3, from 4 to 9:30 p.m. at the ballfield with a food truck festival, historical society exhibit, bounce houses, rock wall, bungee jumping, games, a 50/50 raffle and a “Concert in the Park” featuring Chris White, Red Daisy Revival, Peter Downing and Rock the Park. Following a tribute to America’s 250th anniversary, fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

On Saturday, July 4, a pancake breakfast at the Common Man runs from 7:30 to 10 a.m., followed by the Fourth of July parade at 10 a.m. The parade travels from the fire station to the ballfield, where the celebration continues with a community kickball game, free ice cream and a historical society exhibit.

The festivities wrap up Sunday, July 5, with the Independence Day 5K. Registration opens at 8 a.m. at Ashland Town Beach, the race begins at 9 a.m., and the popular “If It Floats” race and other swim races start at 11 a.m.

Celebrate with a parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday July 4. The parade begins at the Freudenberg NOK (FNOK) parking lot. Parade organizers encourage kids, teens, adults, and families of all ages to join the parade on their bicycles – decorate your bikes in red, white, and blue, add streamers, flags and signs. Fireworks are Saturday, July 11, at dusk at Newfound Lake (rain date July 10).

The parade on July 4 begins at 10 a.m. (lineup 9:30 a.m. on South Main Street), ending at RMMS. After the parade, enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, watermelon and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at Francis Drive ballfield. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. viewable from The Grove (town beach).

Claremont Parks & Recreation is hosting a 250^th birthday celebration for America with an evening of family fun, entertainment, and fireworks on Friday, July 3, at Monadnock Park.

Before heading to the park, check out the City of Claremont’s Block Party on Pleasant Street from 1 to 5 p.m., featuring community activities and festivities in downtown Claremont.

The celebration continues at Monadnock Park at 6 p.m. with live entertainment, dunk tank, family games and activities, crafts for kids and food trucks. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

Don’t miss Concord’s historic America 250 / Concord 300 Fourth of July Parade as the city celebrates the 250th anniversary of America and Concord’s 300th anniversary. Parde step off is 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. The parade will travel through downtown Concord and conclude at the State House lawn, where the community celebration continues with live entertainment, historical programming, family activities, and patriotic festivities throughout the day.

10 a.m. – State House Lawn programs

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – State Hours Tours throughout the day

11 a.m. – Open House at the New Hampshire Historical Society

2 p.m. – Old Fashioned Baseball Game at Memorial Field

6 p.m. – Food Trucks roll in to Memorial Field

9:20 p.m. (dusk) – Fireworks Celebration at Memorial Field hosted by the City of Concord & Concord Parks and Recreation

Conway’s annual Fourth of July celebration returns with a parade, live entertainment, vendors and fireworks on Saturday, July 4.

The festivities begin with the Fourth of July Parade at 1:15 p.m. The route starts at Olympic Lane near Kennett Middle School, travels north on Route 16 through downtown Conway, turns onto Washington Street and West Side Road, and concludes at Hillside Avenue.

The celebration continues at Schouler Park with vendors and live entertainment beginning at 5 p.m. Bands scheduled to perform include Rek’Lis, Generations and the 39th Army National Guard Band before the evening concludes with a fireworks display at 9:45 p.m.

The Town of Derry Parks & Recreation Department is sponsoring this year’s fireworks, which will be launched at dusk (9 p.m.) on Saturday July 4. Best viewing spots are Tsienneto Road, Folsom Road and Crystal Avenue. Rain date is Sunday, July 5.

Celebrate Independence Day in Dover with live music and fireworks on Thursday, July 2.

The evening begins with a performance by the 39th Army Band from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Rotary Arts Pavilion in Henry Law Park. At dusk, around 9:15 p.m., the city’s annual fireworks display will launch from Garrison Hill. The best viewing locations are areas with a direct line of sight to Garrison Hill and Garrison Hill Tower. The rain date is Friday, July 10.

Errol’s Fourth of July celebration features a full day of family-friendly activities on Saturday, July 4, including vendors, a parade, children’s fishing event and fireworks.

The day begins with local vendors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Errol School lawn. The annual Kids’ Fishing Fun Day, held in honor of Miranda Lee Sweatt, starts with registration and homemade fishing pole building from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at Kid’s Pond, followed by fishing at 11 a.m. and prizes at noon.

The Fourth of July Parade steps off at 1 p.m. along Main Street. This year’s theme is “U.S. Landmarks,” with participants lining up at noon at the state garage on Route 16.

The celebration concludes at dusk with a fireworks display from the bridge on Route 26.

Gorham’s July 4th Spectacular features five days of festivities from July 1-5, including concerts, a carnival, parades, live entertainment and fireworks.

The celebration includes nightly concerts July 1-4, a Miller Amusements carnival July 2-5, and the annual Fourth of July festivities on Saturday, July 4. Highlights include the Kiddies Parade at 11 a.m., the Main Parade at 2 p.m., live music throughout the afternoon and evening, and a fireworks display at 10 p.m.

The celebration concludes Sunday, July 5, with a classic car parade at 11:30 a.m., a classic car show from noon to 2 p.m., live music and the final day of the carnival.

The town welcomes all residents, business, and civic organizations to participate in the annual Pots and Pans Parade at midnight July 3 into the Fourth.   The theme this year is “Happy 250th Birthday America! Light Up Greenville”. Trophies and prizes will be awarded.

The fun begins hours before the parade. Head down to Town Field starting at 8 p.m. for food, fun and music.   Bring a chair, blanket and the family.   Fireworks go off at approximately 11:20 p.m. 

Children’s July 4th Bike Parade

Tune up and decorate your bike for the annual Children’s Bike Parade down Main Street on July 4. Parade route is down Main Street to the fire station on River Street. Parade steps off at noon. Bikes, scooters, strollers, wagons, anything with wheels!  Children will receive a treat bag or ice cream novelty at the fire station following the parade.

Celebrate Independence Day with one of New Hampshire’s signature beach traditions as Hampton Beach hosts a special Fourth of July fireworks display on Saturday, July 4.

The fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. and are launched from the beach at the top of B and C streets. 

Hanover’s 30th Annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration returns Saturday, July 4, with a hometown parade and family-friendly activities as the community wraps up its America 250 festivities.

The parade steps off from Hanover High School at 10 a.m. and travels through downtown before ending on the Dartmouth Green. The celebration continues until 1 p.m. with live music, lawn games, pony and wagon rides, arts and crafts, touch-a-truck activities, food vendors and the annual pie-eating contest. 

Hinsdale’s “Night Before the Fourth” celebration returns Friday, July 3, with an evening of family fun, live entertainment and fireworks.

The festivities run from 5 to 9 p.m. and feature food vendors, games, local vendors and live music by Big Dogs. The evening concludes with a fireworks display at dusk, weather permitting.

Celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks display over Jackson Village on Sunday, July 5.

Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. from Jackson Village Park, with viewing available throughout the village. Local vendors will be selling ice cream, popcorn, glow necklaces, balloons and other treats. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, as parking in the village is limited. The rain date is Sunday, July 12.

The Park Theatre is hosting the America 250 Cultural Fair. The fair that commemorates America’s 250th birthday will run from July 2-4. The fair will feature movies, a Salute To America live variety entertainment show, historical exhibits, and a cookout on July 3.

Festivities begin Thursday, July 2 at 6:30pm on the big screen in the Eppes Auditorium with an advance screening of the new movie, Young Washington.

Friday, July 3 features the Monadnock 250 Main Street Cookout from 3pm to 7pm. This outdoor cookout will offer a wide variety of traditional Independence Day foods for sale, including hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst sausage, homemade chili, salads, chips, sweets, and more.

Later Friday at 7 p.m, the theatre presents a variety show salute to America hosted by “Fred Marple” (Ken Sheldon), the fictional New England character who has charmed audiences for decades with his stories of the mythical town “Frost Heaves.”

At 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, the theatre will present on its giant screen, the restored classic musical movie, 1776. Originally a highly successful Broadway musical that debuted in 1969, it was produced as a movie in 1972.

Additionally, the fair will include an exhibit of the key documents concerning the birth of America. The National Archives’ “Freedom Plane National Tour” is taking original Founding-Era documents around the U.S. this summer. The Park Theatre has obtained copies of the documents and large blow-up posters of the items will be put on display in the theatre lobby from July 2-4.

Keene’s Monadnock 250 celebration marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a full day of patriotic festivities on Saturday, July 4.

The day begins with the annual Four on the Fourth road race, followed by an 11 a.m. parade through downtown featuring communities from across the Monadnock Region. A community festival begins at noon with live music, dance performances, historical demonstrations at Wyman Tavern, a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, food vendors and family activities. The holiday weekend also includes the SwampBats’ Independence Eve game and fireworks on Friday, July 3. 

On Saturday, July 4, Laconia’s Independence Day Parade begins at 4:30 p.m. before the action shifts to Opechee Park for music and festivities, while Weirs Beach hosts fireworks over Lake Winnipesaukee at 9 p.m. Admission is free.

Lancaster is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of Colonel Town Recreation with a full day of festivities on Saturday, July 4.

The celebration begins with the annual Fourth of July Parade at 10 a.m., followed by events throughout downtown including a craft fair, live music, food vendors, family activities and historical programming. The day concludes with a concert at 7:30 p.m. and a fireworks display at dusk. For those looking to extend the celebration, additional events continue Sunday, July 5, with a community church service and historical presentations. 

Lebanon is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with two days of festivities featuring live entertainment, family activities, a parade, a road race and fireworks.

The celebration begins Thursday, July 2, at Colburn Park with the Lebanon Farmers Market, live performances, a community barn dance, a Front Porch concert and a fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. launched from Storrs Hill Ski Area.

On Saturday, July 4, festivities continue with the Red, White and Blue 6.2 race at 9 a.m., the Colburn Park Parade at 11:30 a.m., followed by live music, carnival games, a community cookout and family activities throughout the afternoon.

Celebrate Independence Day in the Western White Mountains with a full weekend of festivities in Lincoln and North Woodstock, including fireworks, a parade, live music and family activities.

Fireworks light up the sky at dusk on Friday, July 3, along Main Street near the Hobo Railroad. On Saturday, July 4, the Lincoln-Woodstock Rotary Club hosts a cookout at 11 a.m. in Soldier’s Park, followed by the annual Fourth of July Parade at 2 p.m. The parade begins at Alpine Village Resort in North Woodstock, travels down Main Street and Route 112, and concludes behind Lincoln Town Hall. The celebration wraps up with a free patriotic concert by the St. Johnsbury Band at 7 p.m. in Soldier’s Park. 

On Wednesday, July 1, families of all ages are invited to join a special guest to celebrate the country’s milestone birthday at the Manchester City Library. There will be old-time games such as Graces and sack races on the lawn, along with other fun birthday activities and crafts. There will be refreshments and, of course, birthday cake. This is a drop-in program that starts at 10 a.m.

Manchester is throwing a massive party for America’s 250th Birthday, and you’re invited.

Head to Arms Park on July 3 for a milestone Independence Day celebration. Bring your lawn chairs, your family, and your patriotic spirit. DJ, food and fun. Festivities and entertainment kick off at 6 p.m.

A spectacular fireworks show over the river starts at 9 p.m.

The Meredith Historical Society invites the public to a program highlighting local participation in the American Revolution during the year 1776. Focusing on contrasting optimistic and pessimistic feelings during the year, the program is titled “Let Freedom Ring? or The Times that Try Men’s Souls?”

This original program will be presented Tuesday, July 7, by local historian Rudy VanVeghten, a member of the society’s Executive Board. It is part of an ongoing series of America 250 programs this year presented in partnership with the Meredith Public Library.

This program will be held at the Meredith Community Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the program begins at 7 p.m. All programs of the society are free, and all are welcome.

Merrimack’s Independence Day celebration kicks off early at Merrimack High School, 38 McElwain St., where young runners take to the course at 7:40 a.m. for the Kids’ Fun Run before the Sparkler 5K gets underway at 8 a.m. After the race, the Merrimack Rotary hosts a pancake breakfast at the high school from 8 to 11 a.m. — a perfect way to refuel before the day’s festivities continue.

At 1 p.m., the Salute to Independence Parade steps off from O’Gara Drive, winding right onto Baboosic Lake Road, down Daniel Webster Highway and concluding at Front Street over the course of its 1.1-mile route.

The evening brings everything together at Kollsman Athletic Fields, 220 Daniel Webster Hwy., where the festival grounds open at 5 p.m. with food trucks, face painting and carnival games leading up to the fireworks and music show.

For those driving in, parking is available directly at 220 Daniel Webster Hwy., with shuttle buses running from the Merrimack Premium Outlets for added convenience. Spectators who prefer to watch the fireworks from a distance can also find viewing spots in the parking lots of the outlets, Mastricola Elementary School or Watson Park.

Milton celebrates Independence Day on Saturday, July 4, with a patriotic parade honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Participants line up at the Milton Free Public Library beginning at 9 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. and features a costume contest sponsored by Ira Miller’s, with awards for best float, best vehicle, best bicycle, best costume and most patriotic pet.

Moultonborough celebrates Independence Day on Saturday, July 4, with its annual Fourth of July Parade through the village.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. at Blake Road and travels along Route 25 to Moultonborough Central School. This year’s celebration honors the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and welcomes decorated floats, classic cars, marching groups and community organizations. 

Nashua’s Fourth of July begins at City Hall Plaza, where Nashua VFW Post 483 holds its third annual Independence Day ceremony at 9 a.m. The public is invited to attend the event, which runs no more than one hour.

The action then shifts to Holman Stadium, where the Nashua Silver Knights host a Futures Collegiate Baseball League game at 10:30 a.m. Admission is free for children 12 and under, as well as for the first 500 adults — tickets can be reserved in advance at nashuasilverknights.com.

At 2 p.m., a free, all-day Community Rock Show gets underway at Centennial Pool on Sargents Avenue, featuring multiple bands spanning rock, hip-hop and indie genres, along with a flag twirling performance.

The evening returns to Holman Stadium with a free rock and roll concert featuring local favorites The Slakas at 5:30 p.m., followed at 8 p.m. by Hall of Fame inductions and a performance by the Spartans Drum & Bugle Corps. The night wraps up at dusk with a fireworks display over the stadium.

Nashua’s First Church concert

A Sunday morning concert featuring Gerald Martindale, carillonneur of Toronto’s historic Metropolitan United Church from 1997-2016, will take place on the grounds of Nashua’s First Church on July 5, as part of its months-long celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The 30-minute concert, free and open to all, will begin at 10:15 a.m.

Central to the concert will be the church’s historic Vanduzen and Tift Chime, the 15-bell instrument the church acquired from the 1893 Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition and dedicated to longtime parishioner Mary Park Nutt in June 1894. Attendees are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket and set up on the church lawn or across Concord Street on the Sailors and Soldiers Monument park.

Celebrate with the award-winning Fourth of July Parade at 10 a.m. The parade, whose theme is “Moments in American History”, starts at the intersection of 136 & 77 and goes through town to the fairgrounds.

The parade is followed by fairgrounds fun at 4 p.m. with food, games, live music, a kids’ show, and opening ceremonies including the firing of the Molly Stark Cannonat 5 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

North Conway’s Fourth of July celebration returns Saturday, July 4, with a parade, live entertainment, vendors and fireworks.

The festivities begin with the annual parade through Conway Village at 1:15 p.m. The celebration then moves to Schouler Park, where vendors, family activities, dance performances, live music and entertainment continue throughout the afternoon and evening. The day concludes with a fireworks display at 9:45 p.m. in Schouler Park. 

Celebrate Independence Day in Peterborough at the town’s Fourth of July celebration and the 10^th annual Art Walk in the Parks. The two events feature a variety of activities that will make July 4th a festive day to be in Peterborough.

‘An Old-Fashioned Fourth of July,’ presented by the Town of Peterborough and the Monadnock Center for History and Culture, begins with a classic car cruise-in at 10 a.m. and the 100^th annual flag raising and reading of the Declaration of Independence at 10:30. This year, the Declaration will be read by descendants of Revolutionary War Patriots and a descendant of a signer of the Declaration.

The day’s events continue with an ice cream social, old-fashioned games like three-legged races at 11 a.m., and a pop-up contra dance on Grove Street at noon. The patriotic festivities conclude with an 1876-style baseball game at Adams Playground at 1 p.m. presented by the Peterborough Base Ball Club.

The 10^th Annual Art Walk in the Park opens at 11 a.m. with 50 artists presenting their creations in Putnam Park and Depot Park. In addition, a farmer’s market will be held in Depot Square. Live music will fill the air with musicians playing on Grove Street, in Depot Park and in Depot Square. All Art Walk activities end at 4 p.m. In the event of rain, the Art Walk will happen on July 5.

All events are free, accessible and open to the public.

As communities across the country commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the City of Portsmouth will mark the occasion with its annual Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 3, at South Mill Pond, with a rain date of Sunday, July 5. The alcohol-free, family-friendly event is sponsored by Wilcox Industries and will feature a new laser show sponsored by Key Auto Group of Portsmouth in addition to the annual fireworks display.

Portsmouth’s deep colonial and Revolutionary-era roots make this year’s celebration a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the City’s place in the nation’s founding story. The event is dedicated to honoring veterans and begins at Leary Field at 1:30 p.m. with opening ceremonies, followed by live music from Black Sheep, Texas Pete, and the Redemption Band, along with food trucks and family activities. At approximately 9 p.m., Ally White will sing the national anthem, followed by the Independence Day fireworks and laser show at 9:15 p.m. For more information, go to portsnh.co/250.

Strawbery Banke Museum, in partnership with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), proudly celebrates Independence Day by welcoming new citizens during a Naturalization Ceremony on July 4 at 10 a.m.. The public is invited to attend and explore Strawbery Banke’s historic houses and landscapes for free.

Raymond is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 12. Listed below are some of the highlights. The full schedule can be found at raymondnh.gov/250.

Friday, July 3: Raymond Arts Presentation, Town Common from 4 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, July 4: Independence Day Parade, Epping Street, from 9 to 10 a.m., with ceremony and celebration on the town common from 10 a.m. to noon. (Fireworks are funded by the Town Fair Committee and will be held Saturday, July 11 at 9:30 p.m.)

Sunday, July 5: Time Capsule sealed and buried, Raymond Historical Society at 4pm

Wednesday, July 8: Tucker Lodge Musket Drill, Town Common from 6 to7:30 p.m.

Friday, July 10 through Sunday, July 12: Raymond Town Fair

An Independence Day celebration at Tuscan Village will be held on Thursday, July 2. Highlights include food trucks at 4 p.m., live music at 6 p.m. followed by a grand firework show at 9 p.m.

A special fireworks display is scheduled for July 4 at Canobie Lake Park.

Sunapee’s Independence Day celebration spans three days, featuring family activities, a parade, live music and fireworks.

The festivities begin Friday, July 3, with the Great Watermelon Derby at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 4, includes a pancake breakfast, an Abbott Library book sale and the annual Independence Day Parade at noon through Sunapee Harbor. The celebration concludes Sunday, July 5, with live music at Ben Mere Park from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9:30 p.m., followed by fireworks over Sunapee Harbor at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Tamworth’s Independence Day celebration spans two days, featuring a road race, parade, family activities, live music and fireworks.

On Saturday, July 4, the festivities begin with the Ordination Rock Run at 8 a.m., followed by the annual parade through downtown at 11 a.m. Family activities, food trucks, a craft fair and live music continue through the afternoon. The celebration concludes Sunday, July 5, with an evening of food trucks, live music and a fireworks display at dusk at Kenneth A. Brett School.

Temple celebrates Independence Day with one of the town’s favorite traditions on Saturday, July 4.

The annual Temple Band Concert and Ladies Aid Ice Cream Social begin at 6 p.m. on the Town Common. Enjoy patriotic music by the Temple Band, Connolly Brothers ice cream with toppings, and an old-fashioned community gathering. 

Wakefield kicks off the Independence Day holiday with an evening of family fun and fireworks on Thursday, July 2.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. at the Ballpark Complex with food vendors, family activities and live entertainment, followed by a fireworks display at dusk. 

The Waterville Valley Independence Day Parade, which starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, is like no other – join in on your bike, scooter or feet and walk the parade or watch from anywhere along the parade route. Waterville Valley businesses and community members create and decorate floats in a friendly competition for the highly coveted Spirit Cup.

Don’t miss the fireworks show on Sunday, July 5, at 9:30 p.m.

Celebrate America’s 250th in Wolfeboro over several days.

Wednesday, July 1: Opening Day of the Clark Museum. Free admission, cookies, and lemonade. 10-4 pm

Thursday, July 2: Join Wolfeboro Historical Society at Wolfeboro Town Hall as we ring the town’s bell, cast by Paul Revere’s Foundry, 25 times. This date marks the day the Continental Congress declared independence from Great Britain. 4 pm SHARP!

Saturday, July 4: Reading of Declaration of Independence with American Legion Post #18, Town Hall steps, 9:30 a.m. The Fourth of July Parade on Main Street, organized by American Legion Post #18, starts at 10 a.m. The parade theme is We the People. Fireworks over Wolfeboro Bay takes place at dusk (9:30-ish). Rain date for parade and fireworks is July 5.

Sunday, July 5: Wolfeboro Lions Club 6th annual Car Show at The Nick, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain or shine)

Some towns and cities in New Hampshire may have already celebrated America’s 250^th birthday at events held earlier this year or have plans to celebrate later on this year in conjunction with old home day events. If your town is having an event on July 4^th weekend and you don’t see it here, email [email protected].