Celebrating Fourth of July as a 5-Day Weekend in Litchfield!
Litchfield’s terrific Fourth of July fireworks take place Friday, May 30, and the festivities stretch all the way to Independence Day on Tuesday, creating a rare opportunity for a 5-day holiday weekend.
Litchfield delivers with lots of great things to do, patriotic and otherwise, culminating with the Litchfield Historical Society’s fan-favorite 4th of July Pet Parade in the Tapping Reeve Meadow on South Street.
Here’s a lineup to help you celebrate and don’t forget to stock the pantry for the long weekend at the new Bantam Community Farmers Market (4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Alain White Field on Route 209), and the Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Center School parking lot).
Friday, June 30 – Fireworks
The Town of Litchfield and Litchfield Park & Recreation present a terrific Fourth of July fireworks show each year at Litchfield High School and this year it’s taking place on Friday, June 30, with a rain date of Sunday, July 9.
Anyone can walk to the high school and enjoy the show – or you can register online to secure a parking space at the school for $20 and bring a carload of guests. Register for a space here. As of Wednesday, there were roughly 80 spots still available. Lots open at 7 p.m. and the show begins around 9 p.m.
Note that no parking will be allowed on Constitution Way.
Dim Lights Thick Smoke Concert at Litchfield Community Center
The Litchfield Community Center is featuring the live music of Dim Lights Thick Smoke on June 30 as part of its Summer Concert Series. The concert is free, though donations are welcome.
Grounds open at 6 for the BYOB & lawn Chairs event and the music starts at 7. Guests can enjoy a fresh wood fire pizza from Bill’s Mobile Pizza, and if it rains the performance will be moved inside. Those planning to attend are asked to pre-register online.
Saturday, July 1 – Weekly Walking Tour of Litchfield History
Litchfield Historical Society’s weekly walking tour is the perfect way to discover Litchfield’s vibrant history and explore the town’s celebrated Historic District. Each tour provides visitors with an overview of Litchfield’s history – from the stories behind famous landmarks to anecdotes about past residents to appreciation of prominent buildings.
Tours leave at 1 p.m. from the Litchfield History Museum (7 South Street) and last approximately an hour. They are free from members and $10 for non-members. Register here.
A Stroll through Slab Meadow with Gerri Griswold
Join Director of Administration and Development Gerri Griswold for a walk exploring a parcel acquired by the White Memorial Foundation in 2015. It’s peppered with vernal pools and features a beautiful overlook onto a marsh. Have your eyes and ears at the ready for frogs including green frogs, gray tree frogs, and bull frogs. The oak stands promise to produce an abundance of bird life like Red-eyed Vireos. Meet at 10 a.m. in front of the A. B. Ceder Room at the White Memorial Conservation Center to caravan over to the trailhead. It’s free but donations are accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses. More info here.
Sunday, July 2 – Walking Tour – Heroes of the Revolution
Celebrate Independence Day with a walking tour through Litchfield’s Revolutionary history and discover the many ways people in town contributed during the Revolutionary War. The walk will begin at the Litchfield Historical Society at 10 a.m. and lasts approximately an hour. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. It’s free for members and $10 for non-members. Register online here.
Tuesday, July 4th – Fourth of July Ceremonies + the Pet Parade
The Sons, Daughters, and Children of the American Revolution organizations (SAR, DAR, CAR) will gather at East Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. to recall the remarkable contributions made by Litchfield’s Revolutionary War heroes Oliver Wolcott Jr. and Benjamin Tallmadge, as well as their friends and families – and the First Litchfield Artillery Regiment will be on hand kick off Independence Day with a bang (cannon and musket fire). A second ceremony (also with a bang) will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the All Wars Memorial on Route 202 in Bantam.
25th Annual 4th of July Pet Parade
The Litchfield’s Historical Society’s Annual July 4th Pet Parade and Turn-of-the-Century Fest returns on Tuesday, July 4th from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Tapping Reeve Meadow.
All pets – dogs, cats, snails, or stuffed animals – are invited to the Tapping Reeve Meadow to celebrate Independence Day. Bring your pet to the judge’s booth before joining the parade. Everyone can enjoy old-fashioned amusements, including sack races, tug-of-war contests, photo booth, and an ice cream social!
Pets must be on a leash or in a cage, and if applicable, must be up to date with immunizations. Parade registration begins at 2:15. See the historical society website for details.