An Amazing Guide to the Best 4th of July Events in Cape Cod
Are you headed to the Cape for the 4th and looking for patriotic festivities? I’ve got you covered! I compiled all the major July 4th events to help save you time. Follow along to see the best 4th of July events in Cape Cod.
If you are still getting familiar with Cape Cod, it is a peninsula on the eastern shore of Massachusetts. In the early 1600s, British colonists discovered the area and called it home. Today, it is a popular destination due to its stunning beaches, fresh seafood, and beautiful landscape.
My husband and I enjoy vacationing in New England, as it is a wonderful escape from the southern heat. We love all the charming communities. We recently vacationed on the Cape and fell in love with the area, especially Chatham. I’m excited to share my insight on fun and festive July 4th events.
Looking for a quick & easy hotel recommendation?
Luxury- Chatham Bars Inn
Boutique- Greyfinch Inn
Moderate- Pleasant Bay Village Resort
Fourth of July Fireworks
Many communities offer dazzling displays of fireworks to celebrate our nation’s birthday. Check the date, as some do it earlier than the 4th and have rain dates.
One nice touch- if you are on the Cape for several days, you could enjoy several of the best fireworks displays.
Late June-
- Mashpee at Mashpee High School
July 1st
- Sandwich at the Henry T. Wing School
- Orleans at Rock Harbor Beach
July 2nd
- Chatham at Veterans Field
July 4th
- Falmouth at Falmouth Heights Beach
- Provincetown at the Provincetown Harbor
- Plymouth at DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park (rain date of the 5th)
Fourth of July Celebrations
Scattered through the charming towns of the Cape, you’ll discover special events to celebrate this beloved summer holiday. Coming to the Cape is one of the best ways to enjoy July 4th.
Annual 4th of July Weekend Festival of the Arts
Over the weekend following the 4th, the town of Brewster hosts an arts festival in Drummer Boy Park.
Chatham Liberty Craft Festival
Chatham also hosts an annual craft fair on the weekend closest to the 4th. The event is held on the Community Center lawn and is free to attend. Pets are welcome on a leash. Guests can browse and shop at 55 artists’ booths and specialty snacks & food booths.
downtown Chatham
Chatham’s Independence Day Parade
On the morning of the 4th, gather on Main Street for a patriotic parade. This family-friendly event is sure to be loved by all. You’ll start your day with a festive event. Make sure to check out this year’s theme and parade route beforehand.
Definitely make time to browse the shops on Chatham’s idyllic main street while you are visiting. On the morning of the 4th, pop into one of Chatham’s terrific breakfast restaurants for a hearty meal to start your day in downtown Chatham.
Cape Cod Baseball
On the 4th, residents and guests can enjoy free baseball at numerous match-ups of the Cape Cod Baseball League. Celebrating the 4th at a summer baseball game is pretty Americana.
As a side note, we recently attended a Chatham Anglers game, and it was a pleasant experience. Pack a chair or blanket to sit on, and purchase some memorabilia! Our boys love their Anglers shirts.
Cape Cod Baseball League
Falmouth
The Falmouth fireworks display is one of the best options on the Cape. In the months leading up to the event, a committee of volunteers raises funds and plans a spectacular show at Falmouth Heights Beach. They also sell commemorative gear!
Town of Sandwich
The adorable town of Sandwich hosts a series of Fourth of July celebrations. The festivities kick off with live music on July 1st at the Henry T. Wing School, followed by patriotic fireworks.
Start the morning of the 4th with a road race, and then check out the Spirit of Sandwich boat parade capped with a community picnic.
Provincetown
Provincetown
On the tip of the Cape, Provincetown boasts a lively week of July 4th festivities. The Boatslip Resorts hosts IndepenDANCE Week. The community holds a Fourth of July parade at Harbor Hotel, down Commercial Street and Franklin Street.
Later that night, enjoy an impressive fireworks show at the Provincetown Harbor.
Orleans
Orleans typically holds Rock Harbor fireworks in early July, with a rain date of July 5th. On the morning of the 4th, Orleans hosts a patriotic parade at 10 a.m highlighting the Pride of the Orleans Community.
JOY 4 July
Hyannis hosts a free concert fondly known as Joy 4 July to celebrate the nation’s birthday. The concert is free and open to all. Bring a blanket or chairs to Aselton Park in the Hyannis Harbor. The Hyannis fireworks show moved to Labor Day weekend.
Barnstable
Another Cape Cod community, Barnstable, holds community festivities for the 4th, too. The Barnstable Village parade has unique twists, as it encourages kids to decorate their bikes, strollers, beloved pets, etc., and walk in the parade. I love the community participation in this parade on the morning of the 4th.
Later, they host iconic American games such as tug of war, egg loss, pie-eating contests, and wheelbarrow races. If you are in town with young children, I highly recommend spending part of the 4th in Barnstable. It is the perfect way to celebrate the 4th with the whole family.
FAQ: Visiting Cape Cod
What is there to do on the Cape on the 4th of July?
The Cape is a fantastic place to celebrate our nation’s birthday. Each charming community hosts events such as parades, face painting, food trucks, free games, ice cream, fireworks cruises, and fireworks open to the community, including tourists. It is the perfect destination for family fun.
Is Cape Cod busy on the 4th?
Summer on the Cape is peak season. Be prepared for crowds, longer wait times at restaurants, and traffic. If you aren’t sold on visiting in July, consider vacationing in the fall as crowds decrease.
Who has fireworks on the 4th?
Chatham, Orleans, Sandwich, Provincetown, Falmouth, Mashpee
What’s the best route to the Cape?
You can take a fast speed ferry from Boston to Provincetown. Personally, the drive from Boston is the easiest in my opinion. Just keep in mind crowds increase in the summer and especially on a holiday weekend.
In conclusion: An Amazing Guide to the Best 4th of July Events in Cape Cod
I hope my guide to the best 4th of July events in Cape Cod help you plan your next great adventure.
🌊 Cape Cod Resources🌊
Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Chatham, MA
23 Exciting Activities & Things to Do in Chatham, Cape Cod
Visit Cape Cod in the Fall
Where to stay in Chatham
Best 4th of July Events on Cape Cod
Tips for Best Routes from Boston to Cape Cod
Best Beaches in Chatham, Cape Cod
Things to do in Provincetown
