As the first American colony to eschew British rule in favor of domestic governments and an autonomous Constitution, it’s no surprise that the Fourth of July celebrations in the Granite State are outstanding! Get ready for parades, carnivals, flea markets, fireworks, and even outdoor movies, all aimed at celebrating our sacred independence, and paying tribute to those who gave everything so we could have so much.
For an all-around good time this Fourth of July, venture to Bretton Woods for the Star Spangled Spectacular. An all-evening affair, this celebration includes a “Family Fun Zone,” featuring a bouncy house, games, and face painting. Then, enjoy a country-style barbecue with all the mains and fixings to fill you up like a patriot. The night goes on to include incredible live music, and culminates with a fabulously festive firework display. Enjoy the majesty of our country in one of the most beautiful corners of the Granite State, a magical experience for the whole family.
Merrimack embraces the old-fashioned spirit of the Fourth, and offers a jam-packed roster of activities to commemorate the occasion. Start your day with a Sparkler 5K Road Race and work off some of those holiday calories! Then, move onto a well-deserved pancake breakfast, followed immediately by a midway of games and family fun on the Mastricola School Fields, all hosted by the Merrimack Rotary Club. Continue with a classic Fourth of July parade, and finish out the day strong with a fantastic firework display!
There is something especially American about Fourth of July fireworks over the water, and there are few waterfront places as iconic as Hampton Beach! Bring a blanket and cuddle up with the kids or that special someone for the 9:30 p.m. display. This incredible event is hosted each year by the Hampton Beach Village District and proves a special community event every time!
For a full day jammed-packed with patriotic, summertime fun, visit Holman Stadium in downtown Nashua. Children’s Field Day begins at 10 a.m., and includes games, face painting, races, and so much more. In the afternoon, enjoy a rock concert, followed by a performance by the New Hampshire Symphony, an incredible organization. At 8 p.m., watch the inductions into the Nashua Hall of Fame, followed by the Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps. At dusk, enjoy one of the best firework displays in the state. All events are free and appropriate for the whole family.
The day begins when the church bells toll, marking the beginning of the famed New Boston parade. Experience live music, antique cars, and old school fire engines as the procession winds through town. After the parade, witness the firing of a Revolutionary War Cannon at the Hillsborough County Youth Center Foundation Fairgrounds, followed immediately by a day filled with games (think mud volleyball and children’s watermelon eating contests) entertainment, and incredible food. When night falls, snuggle up for a festive bonfire and firework display.
A multi-day celebration of all things America, the Fourth of July festivities at Strawbery Banke are simply not to be missed. The kickoff brings a Timeline of Living History, a fascinating tableau as interesting as it is informative, spanning 1602 to 1945. After that, enjoy a celebration of swing dance, with performance by the Beantown Swing Orchestra. Dance lessons are included in the $20 ticket price, and are followed by several hours of sensational swing. After you’re all swung out, enjoy the Portsmouth city fireworks.
Pittsburg celebrates Independence Day with a quintessentially American weekend featuring a flea market, craft fair, vintage car show, antique tractor displays, and children’s fishing derby! Join the Pittsburg community on the Murphy Dam ballpark to celebrate our nation the way only New Hampshirites can. Cap off the evening with a dazzling firework display, the way our founders intended!
Since 1961, Ashland has been a premier New Hampshire destination to celebrate our national independence, and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Start out with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Common Man. Burn off those delicious carbs with a mid-morning parade (enter your own float for a change at great prizes!), followed by a good old fashioned dance and evening fireworks display. The festivities continue into the evening with entertainment followed by another incredible pyrotechnics show.
The perfect place to bring the family for a truly festive Fourth, the Independence Day Family Carnival in Waterville Valley is out of this world. Start the day with classic carnival entertainment, from games to tie-dying, and follow it up with live music.