What to expect
This is a long-standing Portsmouth tradition: fire on the beach, costumes welcome, spectators encouraged and no charge to participate.
The beach bonfire is scheduled for around 11:15 a.m. Come early to warm up before the plunge.
New Year's Day tradition
Island Park Polar Dive 2027
Sprint into the Atlantic at noon with your neighbors or cheer from the beach. Either way, you start 2027 with Island Park pride.
Volunteer or ask a questionEvent details
Benefiting
- Island Park Coastal Community
Event details
Island Park Polar Dive
- Date
- New Year's Day 2027
- Time
- Plunge at noon · Bonfire around 11:15 a.m.
- Place
- Island Park Beach, Portsmouth, RI
- Free and open to all ages
- Family-friendly crowd on the beach
- Costumes welcome — spectators encouraged
- Facebook event link will be posted here when available
Start the year together
The Polar Dive is one of the ways IPCC helps Island Park stay connected through the seasons. Whether you plunge or cheer from the sand, you're part of the tradition.
Annual Portsmouth Polar Dive 2023
Polar Dive photos
Scenes from recent New Year's Day plunges at Island Park Beach.