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“Let Freedom Ring” is the theme of this year’s Fourth of July activities, organized as usual by the all-volunteer by July 4 Plymouth group. And as usual, Independence Day will feature a road race, parade, concert, food, and fireworks. What better way than to celebrate the nation’s birth than in “America’s Hometown?”
There is no rain date for the events, so organizers are hoping the weather will be agreeable. Matt Tavares, one of the Fourth organizers told the Select Board last week that he (optimistically) expects “sunny skies, no fog, and no rain.” Partly because the day falls on a Friday, not a Saturday – spring weekends, as you know, have been damp.
With multiple road closures and restrictions in place, you should check here to find out where to park.
The day will start at 7 a.m. when members of the Old Colony Club read the Declaration of Independence from atop Cole’s Hill.
Runners will gather at Pilgrim Memorial State Park for the 5K race that starts at 7:30 a.m. Information about registration, awards, the course map, and more is available here.
The parade steps off from Cordage Park Circle at 9 a.m. and makes its way south on Court Street to downtown along Main Street and Main Street Extension, turning left onto Water Street, and finishing at Plymouth Rock.
Grand marshals Chris and Diane Hart, whose Nathan Hale Foundation provides supports for veterans, will lead the parade.
There will be marching bands, floats, and marchers representing a variety of groups, neighborhoods, clubs, businesses, politicians, and more. Expect the parade to go on for a couple of hours or more, depending on the pace of marchers.
After an afternoon of backyard gatherings, come to the Esther and Alcide Ruffini Fourth of July Concert, performed by the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra. It begins at 7:30 p.m. at Pilgrim Memorial Park on the waterfront. Conductor Steven Karidoyanes will lead the launch of the orchestra’s 110th season with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” a medley of Billy Joel hits, selections from “Wicked,” and the main theme from “Jaws,” a movie that was released 50 years ago this summer.
The fireworks blast off at dusk – around 9:15 p.m. – when the concert concludes. Suggested viewing spots are Pilgrim Memorial Park, Burial Hill, and Nelson Memorial Park, but many people have their own special spots for watching the pyrotechnics.
Most everything you need to know about the events, and how to donate if you wish to, is available here.
Monday, June 23
“The Materialist,” a romantic comedy starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pablo Pascal, continues at Plimoth Cinema at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave. “The Life of Chuck,” starring Tom Hiddleston, based on a novella written by Stephen King, also screens at the cinema. Both films will continue showing through Thursday, June 26. Film times are 4:30 and 7 p.m., and tickets are $12.50, $11 with a club card, $10 for seniors or members, and $8.50 for seniors with a club card.
Make your own piece of beach art with guidance by artists from Tides and Co! while sipping wine at Uva wine bar, 46 Main St. The workshop starts at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. The artists will help you create a painted beach scene which will be attached to a whitewashed wooden board and finished with a glaze. Tickets – which include the workshop and materials – are $49.87 and available here.
Tuesday, June 24
Kids, teens, and tweens can attend a virtual book talk titled “Living the Otter Life,” with author Katherine Applegate at Plymouth Public Library from 4 to 5 p.m. Applegate will talk to readers about her book in verse, “Odder,” inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers. This event is virtual, and you can find the link for it here.
Wednesday, June 25
Project Arts kicks off its free summer concert series at Pilgrim Memorial State Park, 79 Water St., from 6:30 to 9 p.m., featuring local band Pickpockets. Bring your folding chairs and blankets to enjoy the show. Food trucks will include Alden Park, Plymouth Party, The Artisan Pig, Dillon’s Local, and Loco Larry’s Tacos. There will be a raffle and chances to win gift cards from local businesses that support the concerts. For more information, check the Project Arts website for upcoming shows, or visit its Facebook page.
Hello, it’s him! Todd Rundgren brings his “Still Me (Still We)” tour to Memorial Hall at 7:30 p.m. Rundgren, a legendary multi-talented songwriter, video pioneer, producer, recording artist, computer software developer, conceptualist, and interactive artist, started in Philadelphia with The Nazz, a ‘60s psychedelic group, but left for a solo career. He was lauded as “rock’s new wunderkind” by the press after releasing his double album, “Something/Anything?” on which he playing all the instruments, sang every vocal, and produced himself. Tickets are $55 and $143, or $54 and $141 for Spectacle Live members, and are available here.
Plymouth Pride will hold a planning meeting at Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., at 7 p.m. The meetings take place every fourth Wednesday at the library. Everyone is invited to come and help plan the group’s annual events.
Thursday, June 26
There will be an opening reception for “A Different Vision 2.0,” the latest exhibit at Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., from 6 to 8 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public.
The Spire Lobby Series presents Boston-based singer/songwriter Les Sampou, performing at the Spire at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Sampou has toured for decades and has appeared at the Montreal Jazz Festival, Toronto Blues Festival, SXSW, Kerrville (winning first prize for songwriting) and the Philadelphia Folk Festival. Her latest album is “I Like Your Vibe,” featuring collaborations with writers from around the world. Tickets are $17. You can buy them here.
In recognition of “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day,” which was June 15, the “Plymouth March Against Elder Abuse” will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning at the Tavern on the Wharf, 6 Town Wharf. Day-of registration is required, and starts at 10:30 a.m. The slow, one-mile march proceeds up to and along Main Street, followed by a light lunch. The marches in both Plymouth and Brockton hosted by Old Colony Elder Services in partnership with the Brockton Council on Aging, the Plymouth Center for Active Living, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. The event aims to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of elder abuse, and promote a safer, more supportive environment for older adults in our community. You can register here.
The Plymouth Farmers Market at West Plymouth Square, 101 Carver Road, takes place every Thursday from 2:30 to 6 p.m., through October. The market offers fresh, local, seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods. Learn more about the market and sign up for its newsletter here.
The Comedy Coop presents an evening of standup at Untold Brewing, 2 Loring Blvd., from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Joe Fenti will host comics from around the region, delivering their jokes for a laugh-filled night. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. They’re available here.
Friday, June 27
“F1: The Movie,” a “formula” sports film starring Brad Pitt as an aging racecar driver (does Brad really age?), and featuring Javier Bardem, begins screening through Thursday, July 3. “Everything is Going to Be Great” with Allison Janney, Bryan Cranston, and featuring local Academy Award-winning actor Chris Cooper, will also be screening through July 3. It’s the story of a family that moves from Ohio to New Jersey to open a theater. Film times are 4:30 and 7 p.m., and tickets are $12.50, $11 with a club card, $10 for seniors or members, and $8.50 for seniors with a club card.
Floydian Trip, a Pink Floyd tribute band, will play at the Spire at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. The seven-member band aims to recreate the band’s otherworldly sound. This tour focuses on the 25th anniversary of the classic album “Wish You Were Here.” Tickets are $35.50 and $39. You can buy them here.
Saturday, June 28
Mayflower Brewing Company is back for the beer garden on the Village Green in the Pinehills, from 2 to 8 p.m. Along with fresh beer, there will be live music by Chris Ferrante, food from Alden Park, and artisan pop-up shops. Well-behaved dogs on leashes with their owners are welcome. Well-behaved people are welcome, too. Check out the schedule here. This event has become a mainstay of summer in the Pinehillls.
The Fat City Band will perform at the Spire at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. The Boston-based, seven-piece band will play its version of jump blues, swing, New Orleans, and roots style music. The band was inducted into the New England Museum Music Hall of Fame in 2018. Tickets are $31 and $34, and you can get them here.
Sunday, June 29
The free Plymouth Pride Festival will take place at Nelson Memorial Park, 235 Water St., from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event starts with a Wampanoag land acknowledgment presented by Melissa Ferretti, and an interfaith blessing from Emily Bruce of the First Parish Church in Kingston. The day will feature local LGBTQIA+ musical groups and solo acts, speakers, drag story time, vendors, helpful resources, and even Zumba. Among other fun activities, there will be a competition for the “Most Prideful Pet.” For adults over 21, Mayflower Brewing Company will host a beer garden, and there will be food trucks available for all. Parking at Nelson Park is limited, but check out this map for other locations, and grab a free Ride Circuit electric shuttle to bring you back and forth. Find out more about the festival here.
Capping off Pride month, the 1620 Winery, 55 Loring Blvd., will host the Trailer Park Girls for a Pride Month Finale Drag Show and cocktail party from 1 to 4 p.m. The cocktail party starts at 1 p.m., and the drag show begins at 2 p.m., for adults over 21. Tickets are $60.54 (with fees) and include the show, hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail party, plus tax and gratuity. The cash bar will be open during the event. You can get tickets here.
Monday, June 30
A live show for kids who are 5 and older, “Historical Women: Abigail Adams,” will be presented at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Fehlow Meeting Room. The fun and educational show will give the audience information about the positive impact “our first second lady” had on the country. The program was developed through a donation from the Jennifer Kane Scholarship and Charitable Trust. Each child who attends will receive a free book about Adams. The program is free, and registration is encouraged, which you can do here.
Tuesday, July 1
Kids age 2 and older may bring their stuffed animals for a “sleepover” at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., and enjoy pajama story time in the Fehlow Meeting Room from 5 to 5:45 p.m. After story time, kids will decorate tags to identify their stuffed animals and tuck them into bed. If you can’t make it to story time, drop off the stuffed animals at the library for the sleepover anytime between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., or email childrens@plymouth.ocln.org. Pick up your well-rested stuffed animals after 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Register here.
Wednesday, July 2
Project Arts continues its free summer concert series from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Larsen, a local singer/songwriter will perform, as well as Chris Ballerini. Bring your chairs, blankets, and settle in for some music by the waterfront. More information about Project Arts is available here.
Thursday, July 3
It’s not much of a stretch to start your day and holiday weekend with yoga sponsored by the Plymouth Public Library Foundation, from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m., at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. Enter through the rear entrance, bringing your own mat, and you will be directed to the Fehlow Meeting Room, where a certified yoga instructor will lead you through various poses and relaxation. The suggested donation is $10.
The Plymouth Antiquarian Society welcomes the public to join local historian Joyce Poremski on a guided walk of North Street, exploring the town’s Revolutionary War history, key sites, and the impact of the war on local residents. Meet at the Spooner House Museum, 27 North Street, at 1 p.m. Tickets are $15; $10 for members. You can buy them here. Members can email info@plymouthantiquarian.org to get a discount code.
Friday, July 4
Plymouth’s Fourth of July events begin at Pilgrim Memorial State Park, 79 Water St., at 7:30 a.m. See the lead item in this column for more details.