What’s not to love about the 4th of July?
Wearing your favorite Americana t-shirt, blasting classic rock tunes, and gathering in town to watch the parade before heading off to an afternoon barbeque. Finishing the night with s’mores, sparklers, and awaiting a grand fireworks display.
Here in the Northeast Kingdom, there are many ways to enjoy 4th of July weekend. From grand celebrations in Island Pond, Newport, and Burke, to small town activities.
Eastern Trek
Island Pond – July 1, 6pm & July 2, 11am-9:30pm
Island Pond’s 4th of July celebration gets bigger and brighter each year! The fun starts at Lakeside Park on Friday night when RaiZed by Radio hits Catamount Stage. This family-friendly concert begins at 6pm and is the perfect way to get ready for the weekend to come.
Saturday morning, the Island Pond Independence Day Parade will make its way through downtown spreading patriotic cheer! Line up starts at 10am at the Catholic Church and the parade begins at 11am.
The real show will take place Saturday night at 6pm when Decadia performs on Catamount Stage. As New York’s premiere 80s cover band, Decadia promises to bring a jam-packed show with all your favorites hits from the 80s and beyond. Best of all… they’re bringing their laser light show! Get ready to rock!
At approximately 9:30pm, following the Decadia concert, the best fireworks display in the Northeast Kingdom will light up the lake sky!
All activities are free and family friendly. Follow Visit Island Pond on Facebook or check out their website for more information.
Burke – July 2, 5-9:30pm
Burke Mountain will be hosting an Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 2 from 5 – 9:30pm. With live music, kids’ entertainment, scenic chair lift rides, Americana-cuisine, and of course, fireworks!
Bring the family and enjoy an evening soaking in the views of Burke Mountain. The John Lackard Blues Band will be performing from 6:30 – 9:30pm and kids can enjoy the free bounce house all night long! Rocky’s New York Style Hot Dogs will be serving hot dogs, chili dogs, and soft serve pretzels to keep you in the 4th of July spirit! Fireworks begin at dusk. Bring your own chair or blanket and find your perfect viewing spot.
Tickets for this Burke’s Independence Day Celebration are $5.
Willoughby Lake – July 3, 3pm
The 22nd Annual Willoughby Lake Boat Parade will hit the waters on Sunday, July 3rd at 3pm. Decorate your boat in red, white, and blue or cheer on participants from the shorelines. No registration is required to participate, just line up at Crescent Beach on the west side of the lake at 2:45pm.
Westmore – July 4, 8-11am
The Westmore Community Church will host their 16th annual Pancake Breakfast on July 4th from 8 – 11am. Start Independence Day off right with homemade pancakes, VT maple syrup, scrambled eggs, sausage, juice and coffee.
St. Johnsbury – July 4, 7:30-8:30pm
The St. Johnsbury Band will entertain crowds on July 4th with a special patriotic music program and a free ice cream social! Both are free and open to the public. Bring your lawn chair or blanket, make a sundae, and listen to the tunes! The band will perform on the bandstand in Courthouse Park on Main Street.
Lyndon – July 16, 10am
Independence Day celebrations continue throughout the month of July, so mark your calendar for Lyndon’s 42nd Annual Stars and Stripes Festival and Parade on Saturday, July 16!
Head to downtown Lyndonville early and get a good spot for the parade, beginning at 10am. Afterwards, head to Bandstand Park for live music and entertainment all afternoon. The Lyndonville Rotary will be hosting a BBQ under the tent and plenty of vendors will be selling local art and craft. If you’re in the NEK during the weekend of July 16, you won’t want to miss this decades-old summer celebration.
Farm & Field
Barton – July 2 & 3, 9am
Join the Orleans County Fair Association in Roaring Brook Park to celebrate Independence Day on Saturday, July 2 & 3. Festivities get underway with the Tractor pull at 9am, followed by a variety of other events. Please visit their website as details unfold.
Brownington – July 3, 9am-1pm
Head to the Old Stone House Museum & Historic Village to celebrate our nation’s Independence on Sunday, July 3 from 1 – 4pm. During this free event, there will be readings from essay submissions from a contest with local schools. Light refreshments served; no reservation required.
Craftsbury – July 3, 4-9pm
Enjoy a delicious BBQ buffet, live music from Hat Creek Outfit and The Stabilizers, and a live performance from Punch and Judy during Craftsbury’s Annual Block Party. Enjoy hanging with friends and neighbors while enjoying good food and fun. The Block Party takes place in Craftsbury Village, 85 South Craftsbury Road.
Danville – July 3, Dusk
End the evening at Joe’s Pond in West Danville watching a fireworks display hosted by Joe’s Pond Association. Fireworks begin at dusk.
Danville – July 4, 10am-3pm
Danville’s 73rd Annual 4th of July Parade is back! The theme for this year’s event is “Making Lasting Memories,” with plenty of opportunities to do just that, beginning with the parade at 10am. Following the parade, enjoy live music, tractor roulette, concessions, historic displays, a pie eating contest and the Dickie Vance Memorial Run. Festivities take place at the North Danville Community Club.
Peacham – July 3-4, 10am-5pm
Celebrate Independence Day at Peacham’s Annual July 4th Gala. Festivities begin on July 3rd at 10am with the Children’s Bike Parade. On July 4th, enjoy a variety of activities including a horseshoe contest, live music, a parade of tractors and firetrucks, and a variety of shopping and lunch options. End the day at Peacham Congressional Church for the Pulled Pork dinner from 3-5pm.
Mountain & Lake Getaway
Newport – July 4, 8am-10pm
Newport is celebrating Independence Day in a big way! Head down to Gardner Memorial Park all day on July 4th for free, family-friendly activities.
The day begins with the Harry Corrow Freedom Run hosted by Kingdom Games. Run or walk a 5k, 10k, 10 miles or 1 mile along the shores and woods of Lake Memphremagog. The race begins at 8:30am at North Country Hospital – registration still open!
Following the Freedom Run, take a quick ride down the road to Derby to enjoy the Derby Independence Day Parade. The parade begins at 10am! Cheer and wave as local businesses and organization are drive by decked out in red, white and blue.
Make your way back into Newport and over to Garden Memorial Park for the evening festivities. The famous Evansville Transit Authority will be performing at the waterfront from 6 – 9pm and food concessions will be served from 5 – 10pm.
Fireworks will light up Lake Memphremagog beginning at 9:30pm. Fireworks are launched from the Veteran’s Memorial Long Bridge with great views all throughout downtown Newport. Or watch by boat along the bay!
Visit Newport Parks and Recreation website for complete details on their 4th of July celebration.