If you'd like to get a jump on celebrating Independence Day, visit Pawtuxet Village on the Warwick/Cranston line this spring. Since 1965, this Colonial-era neighborhood, now a trendy destination for restaurants and shops, has hosted Gaspee Days, a commemoration of the burning in the cove of the British schooner HMS Gaspee by patriotic Rhode Islanders. Gaspee Days features numerous events, including an arts and crafts festival, a Colonial encampment, concerts, fireworks and an iconic Colonial-themed parade.
Head to Pawtuxet Park for an evening of drinks, music and neighborhood fun. Admission is $5 and drink tickets can be purchased for beer, wine and bottled water. This event is adults only and outside beverages are not permitted.
The festival features outdoor shopping, eating, music and family-friendly fun on Memorial Day Weekend. Stroll Narragansett Parkway and shop from over 100 artisans, community groups and nonprofits. Then take a break from shopping with a bite to eat and live music from local bands in Pawtuxet Park.
Enjoy a relaxing evening as the Warwick Symphony Orchestra performs a collection of musical masterpieces, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Bring a chair or blanket and claim your spot to enjoy the show.
The Gaspee Days Parade is not to be missed! With Colonial groups, fife and drum corps, fire trucks and even the Shriners in their miniature cars, there's something for everyone as friends and neighbors celebrate Rhode Island's revolutionary history. Want to be a part of things and get some exercise? Register for the 5K Foot Race before the parade. More than 1,600 runners race each year for prizes or just for fun. Proceeds from the race support funding for the Gaspee Days Parade.
Gaspee Days wraps up with Sunday in the Park, featuring live music, Colonial encampment and maneuvers, children's games and live music. The event culminates with the annual reenactment of the burning of the HMS Gaspee. Bring a blanket and a picnic and watch the cannons fire!
Head to Providence, RI and immerse yourself in our nation's history. Founded in 1636, Providence is filled with beautifully preserved architecture, historic attractions, cobblestone streets, fascinating stories and iconic characters from the past.
Author
Alissa Bateman
Alissa Bateman is the vice president of marketing & communications at GoProvidence. Though she spends most of her time in Providence, she lives in Hope, Rhode Island, with her husband and two sons. When she's not tripping over Legos, cleaning up mud pies or playing superheroes, you can find her cooking, drawing or jogging. She's also a pretty good 80s style rapper.
