Fourth of July Events in Norwalk

Written by Kathleen Reilly and updated by Liz Young

Happy July 2!  Huh?

Although Independence Day is officially July 4th, if our second president, John Adams, had his way, we would be celebrating on the 2nd rather than the 4th. During the Second Continental Congress, our founding fathers actually approved a resolution of independence from Great Britain on July 2nd, but Americans  honor July 4th, the date actually inscribed on the world famous Declaration of Independence—the day it was officially recognized.

Details, details.

Nowadays, the real question isn’t when to celebrate Independence Day, but how, where, and with whom.

More than likely, the first celebratory event that comes to mind is a colorful—and loud—fireworks demonstration.  Although Adams may not have been right about the specific day of celebration, he did get the celebration format right, allegedly predicting that such an auspicious day would be annually observed with illuminations.

Though the fireworks at Calf Pasture Beach were held last night, there's still a show close to home on the Fourth itself. Head to Bayley Beach in Rowayton to see the fireworks at about 9:15 p.m. The rain date for the event is Friday, July 5.

But pyrotechnics are best to behold at night.  So how can you honor July 4th during the day?

Start the activities off with a Revolutionary War walking tour of historic Norwalk Green and neighborhood at noon at Mill Historic Park's Town House Museum, located at 2 East Wall Street.

From noon until 1:30 p.m., the museum is also open for touring and speaking with Revolutionary War re-enactors. After that, there will be a Let Freedom Ring! National Bell-Ringing Ceremony at 1:30 p.m. where the Declaration of Independence will be read aloud, followed by music in the Town House by the Crystal Theater singers and a brief history lesson. To wrap it all up, there will be historically themed refreshments.

If you want to enjoy your own celebration in the afternoon, host your friends and family at home—or export the fun to a local park—with a picnic or barbeque replete with tasty food and lawn games. Outfit your backyard with outdoor amusements such as badminton, corn-hole  or croquet—to name just a few—that can delight party attendees throughout the day.

Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk is also a good place to hold your picnic.

Perhaps a bit of Yankee Doodle Dandy?

What better time of year to attend a carnival, or even a concert with musical pieces specifically tailored to this summer holiday. This might be your opportunity to hear “God Bless America,”  “America the Beautiful,” and even George M. Cohan’s “I’m a Yankee Doodle Boy,” plus other melodies performed by talented professionals. 

Before the Bayley Beach fireworks, there will be a MOJO! concert from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

And if Independence Day doesn’t give you enough cause to set off a few firecrackers?

This July also marks the 150 anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, a major turning point in the Civil War – a war which many consider the re-birth of our nation.