The 4th of July is the unofficial kickoff to the summer in New England. While some of our celebrations have historical significance, most people look for the annual fireworks displays to cap off the day. You’ve most likely got the cookouts covered, but if you’re looking for the “rocket’s red glare and bombs bursting in air” to schedule around the hot-dogs, we’ve compiled a list of the locations throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts lighting up the sky. Here’s what we have.

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At least in our opinion, there is nothing like summer in Rhode Island. There are beautiful seaside attractions throughout the state, but for centuries, Newport has been the place to be in the summertime. And in line with this reputation, which has been carefully cultivated since the rich and famous used the island as their favorite summer colony, the town is kicking off the first official days of summer with a bang. This weekend, Newport will be the host to several exciting events geared towards a variety of “summertime interests” such as sailing, comedy, and gardening.

Sailors and lovers of the nautical lifestyle will be pleased to learn that it’s currently Bacardi Sailing Week. This is the first time the event has been held in Newport, and each day until the 26th, visitors can flock to Fort Adams State Park to watch sailors from across the world compete in exciting races. The park is beautiful as well, so even just going to see the scenery would be worthwhile.

If you’re going to be in the area but aren’t that into sailing, you may enjoy going to see the Newport Summer Comedy Series at the Newport Yachting Center. The featured performer will be Aziz Ansari, from the hit comedy Parks and Recreation on NBC. His show will start at 7:30 on Friday, the 24th and looks like a good opportunity to start the summer off with a laugh.

Gardeners and lovers of beautiful homes will love America’s premier summer flower show, The Newport Flower Show, which will be open Friday-Sunday. This beloved Newport staple for the past sixteen years will be held in the beautiful gardens of Rosecliff mansion on Bellevue Ave. Even more, proceeds from the event are going to support a good cause, the Newport Preservation Society, the organization that makes mansion tours possible for thousand of Rhode Islanders each year.

Perhaps the most attractive characteristic of Newport is its ability to appeal to a variety of lifestyles and interests, and we can see this in the variety of events that will be there this weekend. So if you have the opportunity to get on the island, check out some of the above opportunities.

Newport is legendary and has been the summer home to the rich and famous since the age when America’s industrial barons built their “cottages”. With the renewed interest in Newport during the “America’s Cup” siting for the next challenge (Larry Ellison’s defender syndicate ultimately chose San Francisco), light was again shining on our city in the bay. But this interest has been growing for years, a reprise from the days when Newport sagged.

In 2009, Deborah Davis published a book titled “Gilded – How Newport Became America’s Richest Resort” which highlighted the history of this fabled town’s past from the 1900 century to the present day. In it she recalls a story told to her from our Narragansett Realtor, Judy Chace, about the beginning of the invasion by the “modern day buccanneer[s] who [are] as high-rolling and freewheeling as any of the Gilded Age tycoons.”

Recently, the Red Carpet Gala added some sparkle to the city once again. Held by the Friends of Jane Pickens Theater, many of Newport’s residents watched the 2011 Oscar’s, while wining and dining at the Theater and Event Center on Sunday the 27th of February. The event included two comedians who guided the people through the evening and an auction for additional fund raising.  According to Board member Marisa Ferris, also a Narragansett Agent, the fundraising evening was a fantastic way to view the pageantry of the Oscar ceremonies, with Hollywood’s Stars decked out to the nines and parading down the real “Red Carpet.” The “Friends” is a 501(c)(3) non-profit created to help preserve the 178 year old building and allow the center to function. Besides movies or live screenings, like that of the Bolshoi Ballet and the upcoming royal wedding in England, the venue can be booked for special events.

With such a close proximity to the sea, how could our “Ocean State” not have a torrid love affair with all things seafood? This weekend, Newport will be home to the 20th annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival. In an area known to have some of the best seafood in the state, this yearly celebration honors local restaurants and fisherman’s associations by celebrating their commitment to the “Harvest of the Sea.”  This event is known as one of the best fall festivals in all of New England and will feature live music, face painting, games, cider and more for you to enjoy while delighting in the copious amounts of seafood.

For those of us scattered across the state, we don’t always get to enjoy Aquidneck Island as much as we would like. However, this local is always a great day trip and the Bowens Wharf Seafood Festival gives us a perfect excuse to go over the bridge and experience all that Newport has to offer. The Island and it’s traditions contain an essential part of Rhode Island’s history and traveling to the area reminds us of our roots. If you have any free time this weekend, we encourage you to venture across the bridge and take in all the splendor that Aquidneck Island has to offer.