Celebrate America’s birthday all throughout Addison County with these free, family-friendly events!
Brandon Independence Day Celebration
Friday. July 3 | All Day | Downtown Brandon
Brandon knows how to celebrate! This beloved community tradition features a full day of free family fun from morning until fireworks at dusk.
Highlights:
- 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Tiny train rides
- 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Family games and bouncy house
- 10 a.m. Independence Day Parade
- Noon Little Debbie Swiss Roll Eating Contest
- 1 p.m. Duck Race over Neshobe Falls
- 2 p.m. Apple Pie Recipe Contest & Bake Sale
- 4 p.m. “Brandon’s 4th of July – A History” with historian Jim Peck
- All afternoon Beer Garden featuring live music
- 6:30 p.m. Street Dance
- Dusk Fireworks
Middlebury America 250 Block Party & First Friday
Friday, July 3 | 3-8 p.m. | Town Hall Theater & Downtown Middlebury
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an afternoon and evening packed with music, art, food, and family fun!
Highlights:
- 3 p.m. Heroes: A Musical Journey of Courage performed by Vermont’s Own 40th Army Band
- 4:30 p.m. Decorated Bike Parade with prizes
- 5:30 p.m. Live concert by Appalachian folk-grass band Redd & The Paper Flowers
- Kids’ art activities and America 250 Poetry & Art Contest
- Student poetry readings exploring “What Does Freedom Mean to Me?”
- Food trucks, sweet treats, and refreshments
The celebration continues throughout downtown with First Friday festivities featuring late-night shopping, galleries, live music, pop-up events, restaurants, and family activities.
Vergennes Fireworks
Friday, July 3 | Dusk | Vergennes Union High School
Kick off the holiday weekend with one of Addison County’s favorite fireworks displays. Fireworks launch from the ballfields at Vergennes Union High School and can be viewed from many locations throughout the city. Rain date: July 5.
Bristol Independence Day Celebration
Saturday, July 4 | All Day | Downtown Bristol
Spend the Fourth in Bristol with a full day of festivities.
Highlights:
- 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Festivities on the Park including food and craft vendors, pony rides, inflatables, live music, and a dunk tank
- 9-10 a.m. Great Bristol Outhouse Race
- 10 a.m. Fourth of July Parade
- Dusk Fireworks
Independence Day at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
Saturday, July 4 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.| 4472 Basin Harbor Road, Vergennes
Celebrate America’s birthday while exploring the history of the American Revolution on Lake Champlain.
Highlights:
- 10:30 a.m. Reading of the Declaration of Independence
- Guided tours of the Fragments: Voices of the American Revolution on Lake Champlain exhibit
- Hands-on educational activities and games for all ages
- Screening of excerpts from Ken Burns’ The American Revolution
- Food available for purchase from Viva El Sabor