CALENDAR: This

The most patriotic town in the country puts on a parade to remember

e Must List

10 essential events this month

July 4:

Follow the red, white, and blue-striped roads for the ultimate patriotic display at Bristol’s historic Fourth of July Parade, the oldest in the country, featuring marching bands and drum corps from across the US. Bristol, FourthOfJulyBristolRI.com

For a statewide listing of events visit us online! HeyRhody.com

July 1 & 3: Many Independence Day fireworks happen at dusk and before the fourth! On July 1 head to Block Island or Smithfield. On July 3, catch displays at Bristol, Jamestown, North Kingstown, Watch Hill, or Woonsocket. Check town websites for rain dates.

July 2: Grammy-nominated, seven-time Blues Music Awards recipient, and the 2009 BB King Entertainer of the Year (the industry’s highest honor) Janiva Magness brings her unflinching and soulful songs to Chans. Woonsocket, ChansEggRollandJazz.com

July 4: Catch the revolutionary spirit at the

96th Ancients & Horribles Independence

Day Parade, where everyone is invited to parade their artistic talents, craziest outfits, and outlandish floats down Chepachet’s main drag. Glocester, GlocesterRI.org/Parade July 4: Have a Narragansett-style July 4th at Family Beach Day. After a day in the surf, catch evening performances by the Brass Force Band and the US Coast Guard Band; fireworks at 9pm. Rain date: July 5. NarragansettRI.gov

July 7, 15, 23 & 26: The Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse invite visitors aboard the Lady Pomham II to set sail for the island on select days for guided Lighthouse Tours. Riverside, PomhamRocksLighthouse.org

July 15: Bring your Wellies and wade into Narragansett Bay for RIDEM’s hands-on Come Clam with Me! recreational clamming class, taught by longtime Rhody quahogger Jody King at Rocky Point State Park. Warwick, DEM.RI.gov

July 24: Catch the newportFILM screening of Sheryl, a rock-doc probing musical icon Sheryl Crow’s career, including archival tour footage and interviews with Crow and friends Keith Richards, Laura Dern, Emmylou Harris, and more. NewportFilm.com

July 28-30: What would a Rhody summer be without the Blessing of the Fleet? The celebration includes games and rides, plus a 10-mile road race, before clergy bestow blessings on the boats. Narragansett, NarragansettLionsClub.org

July 30: A signature Providence event, WaterFire is back this summer with a schedule of partial and full lightings. Take in the scents, sounds, and sights of the city as braziers are set aglow along the river. WaterFire.org

Please note that events may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test and mask-wearing regardless of vaccination status.