Bristol Rhode Island's 250th Celebration in 2026
Celebrate 250 years of American history, culture, and community in Bristol, Rhode Island! This once-in-a-lifetime event is a community-wide celebration of our collective historic milestone!
On July 4, 2026, America turns 250—and Bristol is ready to celebrate in true patriotic style!
Before the Boston Tea Party, there was the Gaspee Affair—right here in Rhode Island. In 1772, the daring attack on the HMS Gaspee became the first act of open defiance against British rule, lighting the spark that would grow into the American Revolution. In Bristol—the home of America’s oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration—the spirit of that defiance lives on, a lasting tribute to the fight for freedom and independence.
As the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the nation, our town offers the perfect place to honor this milestone. Join us in reflecting on our nation’s journey, recognizing the contributions of Americans across generations, and envisioning the future we’ll build together. History comes alive here, come be part of it!
As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, this moment invites Rhode Islanders and visitors alike to explore the diverse stories, bold acts, and shared dreams that shaped the birth of our nation.
Calendar of Events for Spring 2026
Join us throughout the town and celebrate 250 with our amazing venues and partners!
Click to download the calendar with active links!
Bristol Historic and Preservation Society Book Club Returns, with a 250 Twist!
Saturday, April 4, 1pm • Rogers Free Library, 525 Hope Street, Bristol, RI
We're partnering with our friends at the Rogers Free Library to offer a special, 3-session book club to commemorate the RI250!
Join us for a conversation about Revolutionary Summer: The Birth of America by bestselling author Joseph Ellis. This thoughtful book explores how the continental army improvised as they made consequential decisions and maneuvers. Taking a deep dive into the very early history of the Revolutionary War, Ellis explains how the Continental Army and the Continental Congress were challenged to defend a newly created nation in the summer of 1776.
Book Club is free and open to the public!
Visit bhpsri.org for more information.
Bristol 250 News & Upcoming Events
Keep an eye on local business windows, community newsletters, and be sure to sign up for Explore Bristol’s own Bristol Blast below to stay updated on all the festivities! A vibrant lineup of events will take place throughout the community, including live music, engaging lectures, historian-led tours, dramatic retellings, and inspiring art, poetry, and culinary experiences.
More Events To Come!
The Bristol Historic and Preservation Society wants to tell your family's story in 2026!
The BH&PS Exhibit for 2026 is going to be all about immigration with a focus on the years from 1850 to 1940. And our collections do not include many letters, artifacts, or ephemera of immigrant families from this time period. If your family settled here in Bristol and you have stories, correspondence, photographs, or anything that you are willing to let us borrow to display or to copy/digitize, please reach out to us! This 2026 exhibit will run from February through December 2026 and will incorporate corresponding programming including books clubs, lectures, walking tours, and kids’ crafts and activities.
If you have a story to share, please reach out to the HBH&PS Curator:
Lisa Decesare
curator@bhpsri.org
401-253-7223
In partnership with EastBayRI and the Bristol Phoenix, tap into your creativity and write 250 words on what gives you joy!
