Thursday, July 23, 2022
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism and the Providence Tourism Council today announced that the City’s annual Independence Day Celebration will return for the first time since 2019, held this year at India Point Park on Sunday, July 3 at 7:00 PM. The event, which will feature family fun, live entertainment, and a fireworks display, is free and open to the public.
“Together with our Department of Art, Culture + Tourism and the Providence Tourism Council, we are thrilled to continue bringing back our most treasured summer events with the return of our spectacular Independence Day Celebration,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “I look forward to joining our community members at India Point Park to celebrate the Fourth of July together again.”
The City of Providence’s Independence Day Celebration main stage kicks off at 7:00 PM with a live performance show curated by local artist Becky Bass, a renowned vocalist, steel drummer, and actor. A two-time New England Urban Music Award winner, Becky’s beautiful, angelic voice and skillful steel pan playing can be heard while performing her Caribbean Soul music as a solo artist as well as with several bands all over the New England area, such as Zili Musik, Natural Element, and Sidy Maiga & Afrimanding. The event will also feature a showstopping performance by the Blackout Drum Squad, just weeks after their triumphant return to PVDFest.
The City of Providence recognizes that while fireworks provide enjoyment for many, loud noises and bright, flashing lights can cause discomfort or pose health concerns for some people and animals. The fireworks display is expected to last from 9:00 PM until 9:45 PM. Residents that live near India Point Park and are sensitive to firework displays should plan accordingly.
The 2022 Independence Day celebration is made possible with support from the City of Providence and the Providence Tourism Council.
The rain date will be July 4, 2022.
We are working closely with our public safety agencies to ensure that this year’s event is fun and secure.
- Spectators are asked to be aware of their surroundings. To report suspicious activities or items (such as a suspicious backpack, package or container), please call (401) 272-3121 or notify nearby law enforcement personnel.
- Do not store or leave any personal items, backpacks, or packages unattended in the park.
- Bags may be subject to random search.
- No fireworks of any kind are allowed in the park.
- No open flames of any kind are allowed in the park.
- No drones.
- Expect delays when leaving after the fireworks.
- The public is strongly encouraged to access the park by the India Point Park Walking Bridge located at East and Wickenden Streets.
- Boats are permitted in the Bay but safety regulations will be strictly enforced, including requiring navigational lights, life jackets, and a 200 yard security zone around the fireworks barge. For more information on boat safety laws, please visit: http://www.uscgboating.org/
The City will also be observing the following traffic plan to ensure easy access in and out of India Point Park:
- There will be restricted parking along India Street. India Street will be closed after 8:00 AM from Newport Ferry Landing to the I-195 off-ramp.
- India Street will be one-way (South then West) from Point Street along South Main under the I-Way Bridge underpass West to the Hilton Garden Inn (Gano Street).
- India Street/Gano Street exits off I-195 East will be closed from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
- Customers of the Hilton Garden Inn will be allowed to enter from Gano Street.
- No stopping will be allowed on Route 95 or Route 195. The Rhode Island State Police will be posted on the highway.