The Best Fourth of July Celebrations in Vermont!

School is out and the Summer season has begun! Now it’s time to kick it off right by spending time with your friends and family, enjoying the outdoors and, of course, planning for a spectacular Fourth of July! But wait - you don’t have to plan alone - if you're staying local, we've put together a list of all of the best Independence Day celebrations for you and your family to enjoy this year! 

Burlington

Events: Drone light show, food vendors, live music, fireworks

When: July 3rd, 2023. All activities begin at 5:30 pm. Fireworks begin at 9:40 pm.

Additional details:

Burlington’s fireworks show is the largest firework display in the state! This celebration also features vendors such as Ben and Jerry’s, Church St Cheesesteaks, South End Sliders, Maudite Poutine, and more! The event starts at 5:00 pm and kicks off with music from Sambatucada - an Afro-Brazilian Percussion Group. Followed by The Mott’s, a cover band who knows all of your favorite classics from 6:30 to 8:30. Then, what we’re all excited for - the drone show kicks off at 9:30, just 10 minutes before the fireworks show starts. If you’re looking for great food, music, and a visually stunning show, you won’t want to miss this!

Colchester

Events: Parade, 5k fun run, food vendors, live music, and fireworks

When: July 4th, 2023. The fun run starts at 8:15 am. The parade begins at 10:00. Bouncy houses and food vendors start at 5:00.

Additional details:

Colchester is the location to go to if you love 1970s and 1980s party rock & roll! This celebration begins with the fun run at 8:15 am on Middle Road followed by the parade at 10:00. Bouncy houses for the children will open at 5:00pm, followed by El Gato, Pizza Bottega, Waffley Good, and more providing everyone with yummy food to enjoy throughout the night. The Hitmen will be adding a classic rock and roll feel to this event with live music starting at 6:45. The fireworks display will be the grand finale to this fun-filled day. Parking and fireworks info here. For all our music lovers out there, this one is for you!

Essex

Events: Mini golf, live music, face painting, balloon artists, bouncy houses, food vendors, and fireworks.

When: July 4th, 2023. All activities and vendors start at 6:00 pm. Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm.

Additional details:

Essex will be hosting their event at the Champlain Valley Fairgrounds Midway Lawn! Games and activities begin at 6:00 pm with all activities readily accessible for everyone. There will be over 12 food vendors, including by not limited to - Sausage Shack, Mark BBQ, East Coast Ice, and more! The fireworks show will begin at 9:30 pm.

Williston

Events: 7/01 - 5k walk/race. 7/03 - Book sale, ice cream social, and live music. 7/04 - Book sale, parade, Fire Dept. open house, food vendors, and fireworks.

When: July 1st, July 3rd, and July 4th, 2023. On the first, the 5k starts at 8:15 am. On the third, the book sale starts at 4:00 pm and the ice cream social starts at 6:30. On the fourth, book sale begins at 9:00 am, parade starts at 10:00. Vendors start serving food at 6:00, and fireworks are at 9:30. 

Additional details:

If you’re someone who likes to celebrate for more than just one day, Williston is an amazing fit! Separated into a three-day celebration, this location has everything. The 5k on 7/01 starts at 8:15 am. On 7/03, the book sale kicks off the event at 4:00pm at the Williston Central School, followed by the ice cream social on the village green at 6:30. The Town Band concert will complete that day with their music played on the village green as well. On 7/04, the book sale continues at 9:00 which will lead into the parade at 10:00. Activities for everyone start on the green at 11:00 followed by different open houses. Finally, the food vendors will set up and be ready to go at 6:00 pm and fireworks will finish this three-day event at 9:30 at the Village Community Park.

Montpelier

Events: Free Family Fun Day at the Montpelier Pool, photos at the Montpelier Fire Department, FamilyFest, food vendors, live music, mile race, parade, and fireworks.

When: July 3rd, 2023. Food vendors, Family Fun Day and firetruck photos starts at 3:00. Parade starts at 6:15, and fireworks are at 9:30.

Additional details:

Montpelier is an excellent spot for food, music, and family activities. If it’s feeling like a hot day, the Montpelier Pool has a Free Family Fun Day for everyone! You can also stop by the Montpelier Fire Department anytime between 3:00 and 5:30 to take photos on the firetruck! Montpelier begins their official event with FamilyFest at 3:00 - the perfect event for all ages. This includes access to large bouncy houses, games for children with New Horizons - a local Child Care Organization, and the opportunity for children to dance and sing. There is also a mile race that runs right through downtown Montpelier at 6:00! You can register the same day by clicking here for more information. The parade will start at 6:15 and live music will take place from 7:00 until the fireworks show at 9:30. This is the perfect place for families looking for a fun-filled day!

Stowe

Events: Live music, short marathon, parade, food vendors, fireworks.

When: July 4th, 2023. Parade starts at 12:00 and fireworks start after dusk.

Additional details:

Stowe holds their celebration at the Mayo fields and provides a great amount of space for everyone to enjoy! Beginning at 11:00 am, live performances are held at the village green along with “The World’s Shortest Marathon” - an event held in honor of Lt. Ryan Casey, a first Lieutenant in the U.S Marine Corps. The parade begins shortly after, from 12:00 to 1:00. Stowe provides a spacious outdoor area that will allow you to enjoy quality time with family and friends, eat delicious food, while having a great view of the fireworks show that starts at dusk. If you’re looking for a relaxing day with a great fireworks show, this is for you!

Bristol

Events: 7/03 - Chicken dinner BBQ, fireworks. 7/04 - races, parade, pony rides, food vendors

When: July 3rd and July 4th. On the 3rd, food and craft vendors start at 6:00pm. Fireworks start after dusk. On the 4th, the races start at 9:00 am followed by the parade at 10:30.

Additional details:

Bristol is a great location for games and crafts! On 7/03, The DJ Jam Man is playing music. 6:00 pm marks the start of the food and craft vendors, and games raffle tickets. And of course, the grand finale with fireworks beginning after dusk. On 7/04, the 5k road race starts at 7:00am and outhouse race starts at 9:00am. These are great activities for individuals looking for competitive activities! The parade begins at 10:30am and is followed by the food and craft vendors, pony rides, and bouncy houses at noon. This is a great location for children and families!

Hinesburg

Events: 7/03 - Book sale, races (see below for different groups). 7/04 - Book sale, parade, ice cream social, fireworks

When: July 3rd and July 4th. On the 3rd, the book sale starts at 5:00 pm and races begin at 6:30 pm. On the 4th, the book sale starts at 9:00 am. Parade starts at 11:00 am. Fireworks start after dusk.

Additional details:

Hinesburg is a fantastic event for socializing with the community! Their theme for this year is “family reunion” and it kicks off in the evening on the 3rd with the 10k at 6:30 pm, the 5k begins at 7:00 pm, and the children’s 2k starts at 7:10 pm at Veteran Park - Good Times Cafe. The book sale begins the morning of the fourth at St. Jude, but don’t worry! There is a break to watch the parade at 11:00 am. The ice cream social takes place in front of the Hinesburg Nursery School and the fireworks start at dusk. If you’re looking to make connections and have conversations with others, this is the perfect fit! For a full schedule of this event, click here.

With all this information, we hope you'll have everything you need to decide where you want to enjoy and celebrate the upcoming holiday! It is a great opportunity to get outside, meet our community members, appreciate what our local towns have to offer, and spend time with loved ones. We hope you have a wonderful, safe and FUN celebration! Happy Fourth of July!