Updated for 2026! This year’s Fourth of July celebrations are especially meaningful as communities across the country commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. With so many ways to celebrate Independence Day, the hardest part is choosing where to go. We’ve rounded up some of the best Fourth of July events across Cape Cod, the South Coast, and Boston—complete with local favorites and longtime traditions. Whether you’re catching a hometown parade, enjoying a classic band concert, or ending the night with a spectacular fireworks display, this guide will help you plan a day to remember.

Upper Cape Fourth of July Events

Falmouth Fireworks

One of Cape Cod’s most anticipated fireworks displays returns to Falmouth Heights Beach on July 4. Fireworks begin at 9:00 PM over Vineyard Sound, creating a spectacular waterfront celebration. The best place to view the fireworks is at Falmouth Heights Beach and ballfield.

When: July 4, 9:00 PM
Where: Falmouth Heights Beach

Mashpee Community Picnic and Fireworks

The annual Mashpee Community Picnic and Fireworks brings residents and visitors together for an evening of family-friendly fun, food, entertainment, and fireworks at dusk.

When: June 27, 5:00 PM | Fireworks begin at dusk
Where: Mashpee High School

Sandwich 4th of July Events

Sandwich’s Fourth of July celebration spans multiple days and includes several beloved traditions.

June 27th at Wing School Fields | 33 Water Street

• Moonlighters Concert – 7:00 PM
• Fireworks – 9:00 PM

July 4th

• Road Race – 8:00 AM | Beginning and finishing on Morse Road behind Wing School
• Fourth of July Parade – 10:30 AM | Through downtown Sandwich and finishing on Morse Road behind Wing School
• Picnic in the Park & Famous Egg Toss – 11:00 AM featuring food trucks, activities, and a DJ | Behind Wing School

Mid Cape Celebrations

Hyannis 4th of July Celebration

Hyannis offers a lively 4th of July celebration filled with waterfront charm and family fun.

July 4

• Hyannisport Parade & Road Race – 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Hyannis Harbor Boat Parade – 2:30 PM at Bismore Park and Gateway Marina
• Drone Light Show at Dusk

Popular viewing locations for the drone show include Aselton Park, Bismore Park, McKeon Park, and the Harbor Overlook.

West Barnstable Parade

The annual West Barnstable Parade returns to Main Street for a morning of community spirit and patriotic celebration.

When: July 4, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Barnstable Village Main Street

Cotuit Fourth of July Parade

The Cotuit Fourth of July Parade is a longtime village tradition featuring decorated floats, community groups, and local organizations.

When: July 4, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Cotuit Village Green

Lower Cape Fireworks & Parades

Chatham 4th of July Events

Chatham’s Fourth of July festivities include a morning parade, family activities, and one of Cape Cod’s most popular fireworks displays.

Fireworks: July 2nd

• Family Activities – 7:00 PM | Veterans Field
• Fireworks – 9:00 PM | Veterans Field

Parade: July 4th, 9:00 AM | Main Street

Orleans Parade and Fireworks

Celebrate Independence Day with a classic Cape Cod parade and waterfront fireworks.

Fireworks

• July 2 at dusk | Rock Harbor

Parade

• July 4, 10:00 AM | Begins on Eldredge Parkway and travels along Route 6A

Outer Cape

Provincetown Parade and Fireworks

Provincetown’s Fourth of July celebration combines a lively parade through town with fireworks over Provincetown Harbor.

When: July 4

• Parade – 11:00 AM
• Fireworks – 9:00 PM

The parade begins in the East End and proceeds down Commercial Street before the evening fireworks display launches from MacMillan Pier.

Wellfleet Parade

The Wellfleet Hometown Holiday Parade is a cherished community tradition that winds through downtown before returning to the Town Pier.

When: July 4, 9:30 AM

South Coast Celebrations

Marion Independence Day Parade

The annual Independence Day Parade brings the community together for a festive morning celebration.

When: July 4, 9:00 AM

The parade begins at the ball field behind Marion Town House and adjacent to Sippican School.

New Bedford Live Music and Fireworks

New Bedford’s Independence Day celebration returns on July 3 with live music and fireworks over the harbor.

When: July 3

• Summer Sound Block Party Concert – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM | Purchase Street between Union Street and William Street
• Fireworks – 9:00 PM | New Bedford Harbor

The best viewing area for the fireworks is Lower Union Street between Route 18 and Second Street.

Fall River 4th of July Fireworks

Enjoy a waterfront fireworks display aboard one of the South Coast’s most iconic attractions.

When: July 4, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Battleship Cove

Tickets are required for this event.

Wareham Parade

The Swifts Beach Improvement Association Parade returns for another year of patriotic fun.

When: July 4, 10:00 AM
Where: Begins at the Swifts Beach Clubhouse

Mattapoisett Road Race

Lace up your running shoes for one of the South Coast’s favorite Fourth of July traditions: the Mattapoisett Road Race.

When: July 4, 9:00 AM
Where: Shipyard Park

Boston Fourth of July Events

Boston Harborfest

Running from July 2–4, Boston Harborfest is one of the country’s largest Independence Day festivals. The event features live music, historical reenactments, family activities, waterfront entertainment, Chowderfest, and more throughout downtown Boston and the harbor.

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

Boston’s iconic Fourth of July celebration returns to the Charles River Esplanade with a star-studded concert and spectacular fireworks finale.

The 2026 event will feature special guest artists Lainey Wilson, Chance the Rapper, Trombone Shorty, and Megan Hilty, with Jane Lynch serving as host as part of the Massachusetts and America 250 celebration.

When: July 4

• Concert – 7 PM
• Drone Show – Approximately 9:00 PM
• Fireworks – Approximately 9:15 PM

Where: DCR Hatch Shell, 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston

Plan Your Perfect 4th of July

Whether you’re drawn to the small-town charm of a local parade, the thrill of a coastal fireworks show, or the excitement of Boston’s iconic celebration, there’s no shortage of ways to make the Fourth of July memorable.

As communities celebrate 250 years of American independence, this year’s events offer a chance to honor the past while creating new traditions with family and friends. From early festivities in Sandwich to the grand finale over the Charles River, this guide covers it all. However you choose to celebrate, we hope it’s filled with sunshine, joy, and plenty of red, white, and blue. Happy Independence Day!