The Bristol Fourth of July Military, Civic, and Firemen's Parade is the centerpiece of America’s oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration and a beloved tradition that brings thousands of people to Bristol each year to celebrate Independence Day together.

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Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the Parade makes its way along the painted red, white, and blue centerlines of Hope Street and High Street, filling the route with marching bands, military branches, police and fire departments, community groups, floats, and more from across the country to participate. Together, participants add music, pageantry, tradition, and energy to the celebration.

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The parade begins at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street (Route 114) and continues through downtown Bristol before concluding on High Street, at the corner of State Street. Along the way, spectators line the streets to admire and cheer on participants and take part in Bristol’s most cherished tradition.​

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Parade Day Information 

 

If you plan to attend, please read our Tips, Rules and Regulations, and General Information. 

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For the safety and enjoyment of everyone, blankets, couches, towels, and/or chairs may not be placed along the route before 5:00 a.m., overnight camping is prohibited, and spectators may not rope off or block sections of the parade route. Bicycles, skateboards, and rollerblades/skates are also prohibited during the parade. Emergency medical crews will be stationed along the route.

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Traffic & Parking 

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The parade requires significant road closures throughout Bristol:

• Hope Street and High Street (Route 114), including Poppasquash Road, will close beginning at 8:00 a.m.

• Chestnut Street, Naomi Street, and Sherry Avenue will close beginning at 7:00 a.m.

 

Additionally, a parking ban along the parade route takes effect the night before the parade.

Large public parking lots are available near Hope and Gooding Streets, but parking is limited and fills quickly. If parking on residential streets, please do not block driveways.

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A map of the Parade route is available here.

 

Parade Participation

For information on parade participation, please click here. ​
 

Parade Viewing

To watch the 2026 parade live stream, please click here.