Did you know Massachusetts was the first state to recognize Independence Day as a holiday? Each year since Cape Cod has celebrated The United States of America in grand style. Families & friends gather for events at venues spanning Cape Cod. We’re pleased to share suggestions about how July 4th can be memorable for you, your family and friends.
Cape Cod Independence Day Parades
Wellfleet
The Furies team proudly participates in Wellfleet’s annual July 4th parade. Families line the streets to celebrate the festivities.
The Parade route runs up Holbrook Avenue, turns right on Main Street, continues down Main Street, turns right on Commercial Street and ends at the Wellfleet Town Pier. The Judge’s stand will be on the lawn of the Town Hall on Main Street. The classic car parade begins at 9:30 am, and the main parade starts at 10:00 am.
When: July 4th at 9:30 am to 11 am
Where: Wellfleet
Barnstable Village
Time: 9:00am
Location: County Complex on Railroad Avenue (gather at 8:30)
Centerville
Time: 10:00am
Location: Centerville Elementary School
Chatham
Time: 9:00am
Location: Chatham Light
Cotuit
Time: 11:00am
Location: Cotuit Post Office
Hyannisport
Time: 11:00am
Location: Hyannisport Post Office
Osterville
Time: 11:30am
Location: Washington Avenue
Woods Hole
Time: 12:00pm
Location: School Street then Water Street
Hyannis Harbor Boat Parade
Time: 2:00pm
Location: Best viewing from Ocean Street
Hyannis
Time: 4:00pm
Location: Main Street
Orleans
Time: 10am
Location: Eldredge Park Way
Bourne
Time: 10am
Main St. Buzzards Bay
Provincetown
Time: 11 am
Start: 11 am Harbor Hotel, all entrants are required to enter the Harbor Hotel parking lot on the snail roadside.
Proceed Down Commercial St
Finish: At Franklin St. around 1 pm
Eastham
1 pm- 4 pm
Eastham Schoolhouse Museum
Eastham does not have a parade, instead of the Eastham Schoolhouse Museum host of 4th of July celebration.
Cape Cod 4th of July Fireworks Displays
When: Evenings during 4th of July week
Where: Towns across Cape Cod
Admission: Free
Cape Cod fireworks are displays of patriotism & community. Local residents and visitors enjoy the festivities. Folks from near and far plan their vacation, so they’ll be here for the gala firework displays.
Experiencing fireworks over the water is a breathtaking sight. Enjoy it all as we celebrate 241 years of this great country.
Onset, MA
Date: July 1, 2017 (rain date July 8th)
Time: Dusk
Place: Onset Beach & Bay
The village of Onset is on the “mainland” side of the Cape Cod Canal, just over the bridge. It’s an gorgeous little village, and well worth a visit!
Mashpee, MA
Date: 2017 date TBA
Time: Dusk
Place: Mashpee High School
The festivities begin at 5 p.m. with a whole evening of food, rides, games, music, and lots more.
Orleans, MA
Date: July 2, 2017 (rain date July 6th)
Time: Dusk
Place: Rock Harbor
You can also see the Rock Harbor fireworks display from Cape Cod Bay beaches in Brewster and Eastham. They’ll be off at a distance, but still fun to see.
Falmouth, MA
Date: July 4, 2017
Time: Dusk
Place: Falmouth Heights Beach
PIXY 103 (102.9 FM) plays music that accompanies the fireworks.
Hyannis, MA
Date: July 4, 2017 (rain date September 2, 2017)
Time: Dusk
Place: Lewis Bay
The best viewing spots are the beaches around Hyannis Harbor and on the West Yarmouth beaches along Lewis Bay. Pack a picnic basket for dinner and stake out your spot in the late afternoon. Or have a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant, then walk to the beach for the fireworks show. You may need cover-up clothes because it could get chilly on the beach after sunset (even in July!).
Provincetown, MA
Date: July 4, 2017
Time: Dusk
Place: Provincetown Harbor
If you want a special experience – watch the fireworks from onboard a ship in the Harbor. On July 4th, Dolphin Fleet and other charters offers whale watch plus fireworks cruises as well as a fireworks-only cruise. These cruises are very popular, so reserve your spot early.