The Griswold Inn's Fourth of July Celebration

Fourth of July festivities in Essex with boat parade, music, and historic dining.

The Griswold Inn's Fourth of July Celebration event image

The 860 Life Take

The Griswold Inn’s Fourth of July Celebration in Essex is a festive day of patriotic fun with a boat parade, traditional music, and historic dining. This family-friendly event captures the spirit of Independence Day with a coastal New England twist, making it a perfect summer outing for locals and visitors alike.

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Event details

When

Sat, Jul 4, 2026

All Day

Venue

The Griswold Inn · Essex

36 Main Street, Essex, CT

The Griswold Inn logo

Host

The Griswold Inn

From the source

Celebrate Independence Day in historic Essex with a full day of patriotic festivities centered around The Griswold Inn and the Connecticut River Museum.

The celebration features family-friendly activities, including a special scavenger hunt, museum exhibits opening at noon, and the beloved annual boat parade sailing down the Connecticut River at 2 p.m., accompanied by ceremonial cannon fire.

Guests can also enjoy a taste of colonial America with special historic-inspired dining in The Griswold Inn’s iconic Covered Bridge dining room.

Adding to the Revolutionary spirit, the Essex Sailing Masters of 1812 will welcome visitors with traditional music and maritime pageantry, creating a festive tribute to America’s independence and Essex’s rich coastal heritage.

Good to know

  • One-time event
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Cost: See website for details
  • Family-friendly

Listing added May 22, 2026 to the 860 Life · Listing updated May 22, 2026

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