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Annual Happenings
OCTOBER
State Street Harvest Festival
October 5 | 10 am - 4 pm
Join us on Lower State Street downtown Bristol for our annual Harvest Festival!
Organizer: Bristol Merchants Association
October 5 | 10 am - 4 pm
Join us on Lower State Street downtown Bristol for our annual Harvest Festival!
Organizer: Bristol Merchants Association
Halloween Walk-a-bout & Trunk-or-Treat
October 27, 2024
Walk throughout the Downtown Business District for a family-oriented Halloween experience! Businesses will offer candy during the walk-a-bout, and there will also be a Trunk-or-Treat! More information to come!
Organizer: Bristol Merchants Association
October 27, 2024
Walk throughout the Downtown Business District for a family-oriented Halloween experience! Businesses will offer candy during the walk-a-bout, and there will also be a Trunk-or-Treat! More information to come!
Organizer: Bristol Merchants Association
NOVEMBER
Bristol Holiday Preview
November 22-23, 2024
Walk throughout the Downtown Business District for an annual Holiday Preview! Businesses tend to have extended hours to allow patrons to explore and shop for holiday gifts!
Organizer: Bristol Merchants Association
November 22-23, 2024
Walk throughout the Downtown Business District for an annual Holiday Preview! Businesses tend to have extended hours to allow patrons to explore and shop for holiday gifts!
Organizer: Bristol Merchants Association
DECEMBER
Snowflake Raffle
December 15, 2024
During the winter season, participating Bristol businesses will offer Snowflake Raffle tickets for every $25.00 spent! There are numerous prizes to win at the Snowflake Raffle!
Organizer: Bristol Merchants Association
December 15, 2024
During the winter season, participating Bristol businesses will offer Snowflake Raffle tickets for every $25.00 spent! There are numerous prizes to win at the Snowflake Raffle!
Organizer: Bristol Merchants Association
Grand Illumination
December 7th, 2024
Christmas in Bristol starts with the Grand Illumination - children singing, music playing, Santa arriving from the North Pole and...the lighting of the town's Christmas Tree and Hope Street in downtown Bristol. It's a magical moment.
Organizer: Bristol Christmas Festival
December 7th, 2024
Christmas in Bristol starts with the Grand Illumination - children singing, music playing, Santa arriving from the North Pole and...the lighting of the town's Christmas Tree and Hope Street in downtown Bristol. It's a magical moment.
Organizer: Bristol Christmas Festival
Christmas Festival and European Market
December 7-8, 2024
We bring the entire Town of Bristol together to host an immersive celebration of Christmas. We have it all - rustic huts where vendors sell holiday pastries pretzels and holiday wine, to vendors selling holiday gifts and crafts, to entertainment on the stage and in the street on both days. You will see Santa strolling through the venues greeting our guests and you can enjoy wreath decorating and children can get creative with do-it-yourself craft projects. There will be plenty of opportunities to photograph special moments with family and friends. Plus...the town's businesses are open - ready to showcase their wares and talents.
Organizer: Bristol Christmas Festival
December 7-8, 2024
We bring the entire Town of Bristol together to host an immersive celebration of Christmas. We have it all - rustic huts where vendors sell holiday pastries pretzels and holiday wine, to vendors selling holiday gifts and crafts, to entertainment on the stage and in the street on both days. You will see Santa strolling through the venues greeting our guests and you can enjoy wreath decorating and children can get creative with do-it-yourself craft projects. There will be plenty of opportunities to photograph special moments with family and friends. Plus...the town's businesses are open - ready to showcase their wares and talents.
Organizer: Bristol Christmas Festival
Santa House
Date TBD
The Santa House is a free-of-charge holiday destination focused on creating magical Christmas experiences for those with special needs and their families. Run entirely by volunteers, it comes alive with joyful interactive moments, live performances, and Hallmark-worthy moments that provide lasting memories. As a home for community holiday spirit, we also collaborate with local charities and businesses to serve families in need.
Organizer: Bristol Christmas Festival
Date TBD
The Santa House is a free-of-charge holiday destination focused on creating magical Christmas experiences for those with special needs and their families. Run entirely by volunteers, it comes alive with joyful interactive moments, live performances, and Hallmark-worthy moments that provide lasting memories. As a home for community holiday spirit, we also collaborate with local charities and businesses to serve families in need.
Organizer: Bristol Christmas Festival
For More information, visit the following:
Town of Bristol Website, Bristol Merchant Association Events & Town of Bristol Fourth of July Committee
Town of Bristol Website, Bristol Merchant Association Events & Town of Bristol Fourth of July Committee
APRIL
State Street Spring Festival
TBD
Lower State Street will be closed to traffic to allow for dozens of vendors to set up booths to offer their crafts, artwork and other unique items for display and sale.
Organizer: Bristol Merchants Association
TBD
Lower State Street will be closed to traffic to allow for dozens of vendors to set up booths to offer their crafts, artwork and other unique items for display and sale.
Organizer: Bristol Merchants Association
MAY
State Street Art Festival
TBD
Lower State Street will be closed to traffic to allow for dozens of vendors to set up booths to offer their crafts, artwork and other unique items for display and sale.
Organizer: Bristol Merchants Association
TBD
Lower State Street will be closed to traffic to allow for dozens of vendors to set up booths to offer their crafts, artwork and other unique items for display and sale.
Organizer: Bristol Merchants Association
JUNE
British Motorcar Festival
TBA
On June 7th & 8th the BMCNE will kick off its Annual British Motorcars in Bristol car show that includes a scenic tour around Southern New England, hosting a block party in downtown Bristol, and a public Car Show in an effort to raise money for local charities through car show registrations, vendor booths, area sales, and sponsorships. The events are FREE for visitors. Bring your family and friends for an entertaining day of historic British cars, vendors and the beautiful sites of Narragansett Bay. There will be a British Car Corral, British Marketplace & Auto Jumble, and Food & Beverage Concessions are all open.
TBA
On June 7th & 8th the BMCNE will kick off its Annual British Motorcars in Bristol car show that includes a scenic tour around Southern New England, hosting a block party in downtown Bristol, and a public Car Show in an effort to raise money for local charities through car show registrations, vendor booths, area sales, and sponsorships. The events are FREE for visitors. Bring your family and friends for an entertaining day of historic British cars, vendors and the beautiful sites of Narragansett Bay. There will be a British Car Corral, British Marketplace & Auto Jumble, and Food & Beverage Concessions are all open.
Flag Day Celebration
TBA
In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day by the resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day; in August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress. ​Join us at the Town Common for the Flag Day Ceremony, the kick-off to our annual Fourth of July Celebration.
Organizer: Town of Bristol Fourth of July Committee
TBA
In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day by the resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day; in August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress. ​Join us at the Town Common for the Flag Day Ceremony, the kick-off to our annual Fourth of July Celebration.
Organizer: Town of Bristol Fourth of July Committee
Visit the Bristol Fourth of July website for a complete listing of events, activities and background on America's oldest, continuous Fourth of July Celebration in America!
4th of July Summer Concert Series
TBA
Come enjoy a variety of FREE concerts on the lawn at Independence Park!
Organizer: Town of Bristol Fourth of July Committee
TBA
Come enjoy a variety of FREE concerts on the lawn at Independence Park!
Organizer: Town of Bristol Fourth of July Committee
Rockwell Carnival
TBA
Celebrate the Bristol Fourth of July with your family and friends with the Carnival located on Bristol Town Common.
Organizer: Town of Bristol Fourth of July Committee
TBA
Celebrate the Bristol Fourth of July with your family and friends with the Carnival located on Bristol Town Common.
Organizer: Town of Bristol Fourth of July Committee
JULY
Fireworks
Thursday, July 3 | 9:30 pm
Once the sun goes down, the fireworks go up over Bristol Harbor.
Organizer: Town of Bristol Fourth of July Committee
Thursday, July 3 | 9:30 pm
Once the sun goes down, the fireworks go up over Bristol Harbor.
Organizer: Town of Bristol Fourth of July Committee
Patriotic Exercises
Friday, July 4 | 8:30 am
The oldest, continuous Fourth of July Celebration in America marks its 239th Independence Day event with the historic Patriotic Exercises. A variety of dignitaries will gather outside Colt School to reflect on the significance of the day and importance of maintaining the freedoms and government processes that define our Country.
Organizer: Town of Bristol Fourth of July Committee
Friday, July 4 | 8:30 am
The oldest, continuous Fourth of July Celebration in America marks its 239th Independence Day event with the historic Patriotic Exercises. A variety of dignitaries will gather outside Colt School to reflect on the significance of the day and importance of maintaining the freedoms and government processes that define our Country.
Organizer: Town of Bristol Fourth of July Committee
Military, Civic and Fireman's Parade
Friday, July 4 | 10:30 am
2.5 mile route starts at Hope and Chestnut Streets, ending at High and Court Streets.
Organizer: Town of Bristol Fourth of July Committee
Friday, July 4 | 10:30 am
2.5 mile route starts at Hope and Chestnut Streets, ending at High and Court Streets.
Organizer: Town of Bristol Fourth of July Committee
AUGUST
3rd Annual Community Night Out
Wednesday, August 14 | 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Come experience what Bristol is famous for on the town common - a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, filed with food, games and opportunities to get up-close with fire trucks, police vehicles and harbormaster vessels. Always a fun time!
Wednesday, August 14 | 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Come experience what Bristol is famous for on the town common - a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, filed with food, games and opportunities to get up-close with fire trucks, police vehicles and harbormaster vessels. Always a fun time!
Black Ships Festival
Friday, August 16 & Saturday, August 17
Friday: Opening Ceremony at Rockwell Park
Saturday: Festival and Drum Performance at Independence Park
Visit the Society of RI website for more info!
Friday, August 16 & Saturday, August 17
Friday: Opening Ceremony at Rockwell Park
Saturday: Festival and Drum Performance at Independence Park
Visit the Society of RI website for more info!
Harbor Festival
Saturday, August 17
Friday: Opening Ceremony at Rockwell Park
Join the town at Rockwell Park for a series of great events: Blessing of the Fleet; "Stuffie" Competition; Live Music throughout the day; Cash Beer & Wine and Raw Bar; and, the highlight - a traditional native Littleneck Boil
Saturday, August 17
Friday: Opening Ceremony at Rockwell Park
Join the town at Rockwell Park for a series of great events: Blessing of the Fleet; "Stuffie" Competition; Live Music throughout the day; Cash Beer & Wine and Raw Bar; and, the highlight - a traditional native Littleneck Boil
SEPTEMBER
State Street Art Festival
TBD
Join us on Lower State Street for a expansive arts festival!
Organizer: Bristol Merchants Association
TBD
Join us on Lower State Street for a expansive arts festival!
Organizer: Bristol Merchants Association
Bristol Porchfest
TBD
Bristol Porchfest brings local bands and musicians to neighbors' porches for a free community event! Visit Facebook.com/bristolporchfest for a map and more info!
TBD
Bristol Porchfest brings local bands and musicians to neighbors' porches for a free community event! Visit Facebook.com/bristolporchfest for a map and more info!
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