Are you itching to get out and try something new, but aren’t sure where to look and what to do? Have no fear, “Spontaneity” is here! We provide a region-by-region breakdown of events and activities from across the Granite State that you won’t want to miss. In this extra- special edition, we’re ready for some Fourth of July fun! From Declaration of Independence readings, to naturalization ceremonies, to weekend long celebrations and more, there’s oh-so-much to do. Here are some events that we declare are worth checking out!
Looking for fireworks? Here’s our full fireworks schedule, so you can make sure you don’t miss any of the fun!
Seacoast:
U.S. Naturalization Ceremony
July 4, 10 a.m.
Strawbery Banke Museum
14 Hancock St. Portsmouth
Strawbery Banke Museum in partnership with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) celebrates Independence Day by welcoming new citizens in a Naturalization Ceremony on July 4. Experience the joy of citizenship at a U.S. Naturalization Ceremony on Puddle Dock, the heart of the “neighborhood of newcomers.” Help Strawbery Banke welcome and celebrate these new citizens as they take the Oath of Allegiance on their new nation’s birthday.
Rye Historical Trolley Tour
July 4, 9:45 a.m.- noon
Rye Historical Society
10 Olde Parish Rd., Rye
Enjoy a tour of Rye as we celebrate the Fourth of July. Sit back & enjoy a glimpse into Rye’s rich history and environment through farming, fishing, tourism and civic life. The tour, with ongoing historical narration, will leave the museum and proceed up Washington Road to Brown Lane Farm, work its way down to Rye Beach, before heading up the coast on Ocean Blvd. to Odiorne Point, and back to the museum via Sagamore, Wallis, Brackett and Washington Roads. There are many pullovers with narration including Garland Tavern and Rye Harbor, and opportunities to disembark at St. Andrew’s Church, the Drake House, and Goss Farm. The tour will end at The Rye Town Museum.
Merrimack Valley:
New Boston 4th of July Celebration
July 4, Fairgrounds open at 4 p.m.
New Boston
The day commences with the tolling of church bells as the famed parade steps-off from High Street and winds down thru the middle of town. The award-winning parade features patriotic bands, antique cars and hand-pumped fire engines, New Boston’s infamous street floats and much more! The beer tent is back again, and there will be classic field games, contests, live music and raffles! The jam-packed fun-filled day concludes with a fireworks display that you won’t want to miss!
Celebrate the Forth with the Fisher Cats
July 4-6
Manchester
The future Red Sox roll into town to take on the Fisher Cats! Come spend some time with the family under the bright lights of Delta Dental Stadium! Make your 4th of July weekend a BLAST!
Merrimack Sparkler 5k
July 4, 8 a.m.
Merrimack High School Track
38 McElwain St., Merrimack
The Sparkler 5K is held every 4th of July as a holiday tradition for many families. The course starts and ends on the track at the Merrimack High School in Merrimack. The race starts at 8 a.m., followed by light refreshments and awards. Preceding the race, there is a kids race on the track. The Merrimack Road Runners Booster Club is a volunteer organization that proudly supports all running programs in Merrimack, both at the Middle School and High School levels. The Merrimack Sparkler 5K is our largest fundraiser of the year. All money raised goes directly to the kids participating in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track and field. With the past support of our community we have been able to give money towards coaching stipends, clothing stipends, replacement of equipment and travel expenses. The Booster Club also gives out five $500 scholarships at the end of the year to graduating seniors.
Monadnock:
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
July 4, 8:30 a.m.- 10 a.m.
Antrim Bandstand
Jameson Avenue, Antrim
The Antrim Historical Society invites one and all to partake in a cherished local tradition – the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence. Festivities will kick off with complimentary coffee, tea, and delectable baked goods, ensuring a delightful start to the morning’s proceedings. At 9:00 am, the Antrim Area Songsters will grace the occasion with a rousing repertoire of patriotic melodies, setting the stage for the main event. Once the music fades, the Boy Scout Color Guard of Troop 2 will take center stage, leading attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and conducting a ceremonial presentation of the colors. This solemn moment will be followed by a spirited rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, before culminating in the eagerly anticipated reading of the Declaration of Independence. Join the Antrim Historical Society in celebrating the hard-won freedoms that define our nation. Immerse yourself in this time-honored tradition and revel in the spirit of Independence Day with your fellow community members.
Lakes:
Red, White and BOOM!
July 3 through July 6
Ashland
This three-day Independence Day celebration is one you’ll get serious FOMO from if you miss it. The jam-packed weekend is full of activities and fun for the whole family. From food trucks, to corn hole tournaments, to movies in the park and so much more, this is THE Fourth of July event of the season.
Fourth of July Parade and Family Fun Day
July 4 and July 5
Tamworth
Have fun with the whole family with Tamworth’s two-day Fourth of July celebration! A 5k at 8 a.m. on July 4 will kick off the event, followed by a parade on Main Street with music, food trucks, face painting and more! July 5 will have a full evening of music, food trucks and (of course) fireworks!
Dartmouth/Sunapee:
Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration
July 4, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Hanover
This patriotic event features a hometown parade which steps off at Hanover High School and finishes on the Dartmouth Green. The parade is followed by live entertainment, classic games on the Green, touch-a-truck activities, food, pony rides, and an apple pie eating contest. This year’s theme is Sweet Summertime, which highlights summer’s favorite sweet treats such as watermelon, ice cream, popsicles, and of course, parade candy! Look for this theme throughout the parade and in other details of our celebration.
White Mountains and Great North Woods:
Lincoln-Woodstock Fourth of July Celebrations
July 4 through July 6
North Woodstock
With three-days of Fourth of July fun, this celebration is one you won’t want to miss! This weekend long event features parades, fireworks, summer concerts and so much more!
Gorham Fourth of July Celebration
July 3 through July 7
Gorham
The longest running Independence Day Celebration in the state takes place on the Town Common. Miller Amusements Carnival on the midway, a live concert every night, Classic Car Show, sidewalk vendors, music and Karioke, Kiddie Parade and Main Parade on Main Street with fireworks at 10 p.m.
Celebrate Independence
July 3 through July 7
Omni Mount Washington Resort
Bretton Woods
Join the Omni Mount Washington Resort for a five-day celebration filled with spirted fun for all! Wave your American flag as you enjoy delicious food prepared by our chefs, participate in our daily activities, and simply enjoy time with family and friends. The excitement never stops, with our annual pie eating contest, an epic water balloon fight, and of course our fantastic firework display! This will be a weekend of memories that you will not forget!
Have an event we should know about or that should be considered for the next edition of “Spontaneity”? Shoot me an email at [email protected]