(Photo via 12 Metre Charters)

Good morning, Newport! Today is Friday, July 4, the 185th day of 2025. There are 180 days left in the year. This is Independence Day.

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by delegates to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia.

🚨 You need to know

Newport County is pulling out all the stops for Independence Day 2025, offering residents and visitors a full day of patriotic celebrations that blend the area’s rich Revolutionary War history with modern entertainment. The festivities begin early at the historic Colony House on Washington Square, where the Newport Historical Society will host an Independence Day Open House from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., culminating with a reading of the Declaration of Independence from the building’s steps at 11 a.m. by the Sons of the Revolution, followed by a 21-gun salute by the Artillery Company of Newport at 11:30 a.m.

The celebration continues throughout the day with activities designed to honor both Newport’s pivotal role in American independence and the community’s enduring patriotic spirit. History enthusiasts can join a guided “Patriots and Loyalists” tour at the Common Burying Ground at 9:30 a.m., while families can enjoy the 4th of July festivities at Hotel Viking starting at 11 a.m. Adventure seekers can climb Beavertail Lighthouse at 1:30 p.m. for spectacular ocean views, and sports fans can catch the Newport Gulls home game at Cardines Field beginning at 6:35 p.m.

As evening approaches, the county transforms into a hub of culinary and cultural celebrations. Multiple venues are hosting special Independence Day events, including a cookout and fireworks at Newport Harbor Island Resort, festivities at The Vanderbilt, and a gathering at the historic Gardiner House, all beginning at various times between 6 and 7 p.m. The Newport Classical Music Festival adds an elegant touch with their Patriotic Pops concert at King Park at 8 p.m.

The day’s celebrations reach their crescendo with Newport’s annual fireworks display at 9:15 p.m., with prime viewing available along the scenic waterfront, King Park, and Fort Adams State Park. The Newport Police Department has implemented parking restrictions on West Narragansett Avenue between Thames Street and Marchant Street from 6 to 11 p.m. to manage the expected crowds.

🗓️ On tap this week/weekend: Fourth of July festivities, Newport Classical, Newport Gulls, Newport Polo, and more. Here’s a look at what’s on tap for events, live music, and entertainment this week and weekend.

📰 The Latest from What’sUpNewp

Newport School Committee to review superintendent applications

Newport’s School Committee will begin reviewing applications for an interim school superintendent on Wednesday to replace Colleen Burns Jermain, who announced in October that she will be leaving at the end of the school year.

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📈 Yesterday’s most-read

The following were yesterday’s most-read What’sUpNewp articles.

  1. Newport area’s under-18 population declining significantly
  2. DEM keeps hush on promotion of quiet July 4 fireworks in Jamestown
  3. Record-breaking golf tournament raises $150,000 for Newport Mental Health
  4. What’s Up in Newport County this week and weekend: June 30 – July 6
  5. Morning Notes: Queen Mary 2 graces Newport Harbor today
  6. ESPN SportsCenter to broadcast live from International Tennis Hall of Fame
  7. Newport City Council to consider adopting a resolution that revises the Rules of Council
  8. Obituary: Richard Morgan
  9. Newport Restoration Foundation announces 2025 Historic Preservation Award winners
  10. Newport Police announce parking restrictions for July 4th Fireworks display

📅 What’s Up Today

Weather Forecast

  • Today: Sunny, with a high near 80. West wind 7 to 9 mph.
  • Tonight: Clear, with a low around 62. North wind around 6 mph.

Marine Forecast

  • Today: NW wind 6 to 8 kt becoming W in the afternoon. Sunny. Seas 1 ft or less.
  • Tonight: Variable winds 5 kt or less. Clear. Seas 1 ft or less.
  • The coastal water temperature is 64 degrees.

Sun, Moon & Tide

  • Sunrise at 5:17 am. Sunset at 8:22 pm. 15 hours & 5 minutes of sun.
  • High tide at 3:13 am & 3:52 pm. Low tide at 8:43 am & 10:12 pm.
  • The lunar phase is a Waxing Gibbous.

Things To Do

Live Music & Entertainment

Newport County Public Meetings

  • No meetings are scheduled.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...