Fourth of July 2018 Fireworks & Festivities
Cape Cod Life / July 2018 / Recreation & Activities
Writer: Sarah Mullahy
Fourth of July 2018 Fireworks & Festivities
Cape Cod Life / July 2018 / Recreation & Activities
Writer: Sarah Mullahy
Submission from our annual photo contest • Fireworks in Falmouth. Photo by Andy Robinson
Find out where you can celebrate the holiday across the region
Although the Fourth falls mid-week this year, don’t expect that to stop patriotic locals and vacationers from celebrating the holiday in true Cape fashion—with plenty of food, family and friends. Grab your red, white and blue apparel and enjoy a quintessential Independence Day with a dazzling fireworks display. Check out our list of this year’s fireworks festivities to find an event nearest you. With all of these fabulous options, our nation’s 242nd birthday won’t be one to forget.
Sunday, July 1 (rain date: Monday, July 2)
Mashpee’s Annual Community Picnic & Fireworks kicks off at 4 p.m. at Mashpee High School with festivities for the whole family to enjoy. Expect plenty to do, including carnival-style games and activities such as dunk tanks, face painting, pony rides and more kid-friendly fun. Take a break from the action and enjoy the live music and many food vendors. The fireworks are set to begin around 9 p.m.
Sunday, July 1 (rain date: Thursday, July 5)
Orleans’ popular fireworks display begins at dusk on Rock Harbor Beach. Known for its spectacular sunsets, the beach provides a perfect location to take in the full experience. If you can’t make it to Rock Harbor, or don’t arrive in time to secure a spot, you can watch the show up close at Skaket Beach. Be sure to check out the town’s annual parade on Wednesday, July 4, beginning at 10 a.m.
Wednesday, July 4th (rain date: Thursday, July 5)
The annual Fireworks Spectacular will take place at the State Pier on Wednesday, July 4 at 9 p.m. Spectators can view the fireworks over New Bedford Harbor from lower Union Street in downtown New Bedford.
Wednesday, July 4 (rain date: Thursday, July 5)
This historic town is set to celebrate Independence Day in grand fashion with a fireworks show beginning at 9 p.m. on the Plymouth Waterfront (Pilgrim Memorial State Park). Save your spot for the fireworks early and enjoy a free concert by the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. A Fourth of July parade and 5k road race will be held in town earlier in the day.
Wednesday, July 4th
Falmouth’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display gets underway on Falmouth Heights Beach around 8:45 p.m. This year, the town is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the song “God Bless America” by Irvin Berlin. There will be a special pre-fireworks performance by American Idol finalist and Massachusetts native Ayla Brown. Tune in to PIXY 103 (102.9 FM) to listen along to music that accompanies the fireworks show. These patriotic tunes make it an interactive experience for the whole family to enjoy. For even more fun, start your day by heading over to Woods Hole for a Fourth of July parade, beginning at noon on the corner of Water and School streets.
Wednesday, July 4 (rain date: Saturday, September 1)
The Town of Barnstable’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. at Lewis Bay in Hyannis. Watch the fireworks from the beaches along Lewis Bay or from any of the main viewing locations, including Aselton Park, Bismore Park and Veterans Memorial Park. Aselton Park will also host a pre-fireworks concert featuring JO&CO at 7 p.m. Several parades will take place earlier in the day throughout the town of Barnstable. All events are free and family-friendly.
Wednesday, July 4
The Peter Beauchemin Memorial Fireworks Display will light up the night sky over Shawme Pond at 10 p.m. Peter Beauchemin, a Sandwich selectman who died this past December, lead the effort last summer to bring fireworks back to Shawme Pond after 30 years without. The fireworks will cap off a day brimming with activities, including a road race, the Spirit of Sandwich parade, Picnic in the Park, field games, a band concert and the boat parade.
Wednesday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day where the Pilgrims first discovered America. The Pilgrim Momument will host its Monumental 4th of July Picnic starting at 3 p.m., followed by fireworks over Provincetown Harbor at dusk. To learn more and purchase tickets to the picnic, visit pilgrim-monument.org.
For adventure seekers, the Dolphin Fleet is offering whale watch and fireworks cruises throughout the evening of the Fourth. To learn more and make a reservation, visit whalewatch.com.
Wednesday, July 4
If you’re planning to be on Martha’s Vineyard for the holiday, Edgartown will be hosting a day of Fourth of July events for all to enjoy, beginning with the annual parade at 5 p.m. Afterward, head to Main Street to the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust Barbeque, held on the Dr. Daniel Fisher house front lawn. End a fun-filled day by hunkering down along Memorial Wharf or any other location with harbor views to see the fireworks display that begins at dusk.
Thursday, July 5 (rain date: Friday, July 6)
Nantucket’s annual fireworks show is one not to be missed. Bring a towel or beach chair and stake out a spot along Jetties Beach to watch the sun set. Soon after, the hour-long fireworks spectacular will begin.
Saturday, July 7 (rain date: Sunday, July 8)
Bring family and friends to enjoy the tradition that is the Onset-Wareham Fireworks, beginning at dusk on Onset Beach. Be sure to arrive early to claim a spot and take advantage of the street vendors selling light-up toys, horns, hats, glowing glasses and more fun accessories.
Not around during the holiday week? Luckily you can get still get in on the excitement at these post-Fourth fireworks events on the Cape and Islands.
Friday, July 13 (rain date: Saturday, July 14)
The Sandwich Town Fair is a five-day-long event guaranteed to have something for everyone. Enjoy amusement rides and games at Sandwich High School from Tuesday, July 10 through Saturday, July 14. The carnival attractions are only part of the fun, as the fireworks display takes center stage on Friday night, beginning at dusk.
Friday, August 17
A great option for those who plan on spending some vacation time on the Vineyard this summer is the fireworks show at Ocean Park. Although the fireworks begin at dark, get a spot early and watch to the Vineyard Haven Band perform in the gazebo starting at 8 p.m.
Saturday, August 25
The All American Town of Dennis Fireworks show will take place on West Dennis Beach. Extend your beach day or arrive after dinner for an exciting night. Pre-fireworks activities begin at 6:45 p.m. and include a bonfire, marshmallow roasting and music.
Saturday, September 15
End your summer on a high note at the Cran Jam, part of the annual Harwich Cranberry Arts & Music Festival, being held at the Harwich Community Center. Enjoy an afternoon of music, and be sure to stay until the end to see the fireworks.
Sunday, October 7
Just because summer ends doesn’t mean the fireworks fun ends too. Day two of the 40th annual Yarmouth Seaside Festival will go out with a bang at Seagull Beach. Fireworks are set to start at 8 p.m.
To find out about more events taking place this Fourth of July weekend, explore our online events calendar.
