Best Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July from Cape Cod to Boston

With so many options for how to spend your Independence Day, the only challenge is picking the best ways to celebrate.  We tapped our #1 resource for the inside scoop on the Best of Cape Cod, the South Coast and Boston – our fabulous agents! Here are their top events to help you plan your ultimate 4th of July celebration. Whether you are channeling your inner patriot by taking in a parade, attending an all-American band concert, or enjoying a show-stopping fireworks display, we’ll let you know our favorites with some insider tips to make a wonderful day even better.

Best Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July from Cape Cod to Boston

All dates/times/information subject to change

Barnstable Village Parade | July 4, 9 am

“Watching the Barnstable Village Parade from the front steps of our office has become my favorite part of the day on July 4th.  There is so much energy and anticipation for the fire engines, floats and children with decorated bikes, scooters and wagons.  The pets get in the act with festive costumes.  The street becomes a sea of happy faced people of all ages.” – Realtor Polly Spence

Where to Watch: It begins at the County Complex on Railroad Avenue and proceeds down Main Street (Route 6A); left onto Mill Way and continue to the Village Hollow where it will end with various activities.

Chatham Parade | July 4, 9:30 am

Begun in 1908, Chatham’s Independence Day Parade is one of the oldest in the country. Over 20,000 people descend on the picture-perfect village of Chatham to watch the floats, bands, and antique cars parade on by.

Where to Watch: The parade starts in downtown Chatham at the intersection of Shore Road and Main Street, and finishes at the intersection of Crowell Road and Tip Cart Road. Parking and traffic restrictions will be in effect starting at 8:30, so arrive early to get a good spot.

“The Chatham Parade is so much fun. It is a real slice of Americana!”  – Realtor Tony Guthrie

Marion Parade  | July 4, 9 am

The parade will proceed East on Main Street to Spring Street, North on Spring Street to Route 6, East on Route 6 to Front Street, South on Front Street to Main Street, West on Main Street to the ball field for disbanding.

Orleans Parade | July 4, 10 am

This annual parade is always a wonderful time for spectators and participants alike. This year, the theme will be “America Is Back” Floats, bikes, bands, and military congregations will parade along the beautiful streets of Orleans as the crowds wave American flags in celebration. Awards are given out for the best floats.

Where to View: The parade route goes down Eldredge Park Way, Route 6A, Main Street and Route 28 and back to Eldredge Park.

Cotuit Parade | July 4, 11 am

This classic small town July 4th parade is as sweet and family-oriented as you can get. Thousands gather along the tree-lined streets of the picturesque village of Cotuit to cheer on the parade participants who wave from their fabulous Independence Day-themed floats and antique cars.  

Where to View: The parade begins at the Cotuit Post Office and proceeds down School Street to Main Street. It ends at the rear entrance of the Cotuit Elementary School, where there’s much celebrating and long lines at the swamped ice cream trucks. Get there early to get a much coveted spot along Main Street.

Hyannis Inner Harbor Boat Parade | July 4, 2-2:30 pm

The best viewing is along Ocean Street at Hyannis Harbor around 2:00 PM. If you are a boater and want to participate, the boats assemble off of Hyannis Yacht Club at
2:00 PM and then head to the inner harbor to show off their red, white and blue!

Where to View:  The best spots to watch the boats go by is on Ocean Street in Hyannis, overlooking the Hyannis Harbor.

Orleans Fireworks | July 1, Dusk

Nothing beats watching the fireworks on a warm July night. Get a beach chair or a picnic blanket and head to Rock Harbor to enjoy this bombastic display.

Where to Watch: Go to beautiful Rock Harbor to enjoy the fireworks, and remember the military importance of this very site where, during the War of 1812, the Orleans militia kept a British warship from docking. The sunsets over Rock Harbor are spectacular event you don’t want to miss. Arrive at Rock Harbor by 7 pm or so to grab a spot and have front row seats to watch the sun slip beneath the horizon. It’s also a great place to watch all the boats float on by before darkness falls and fireworks illuminate the sky.

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular | July 4, Concert 8 pm, Fireworks 10:30 pm

The 2023 Boston Pops July 4th Spectacular returns to the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade. Joining the Boston Pops are Broadway’s Mandy Gonzalez,  platinum-selling country duo Locash and this year’s headliner En Vogue.

Falmouth Fireworks | July 4 

Voted one of the 10 best fireworks displays in the country by Travel and Leisure Magazine! Held each year at the Falmouth Heights beach, this is a classic Cape Cod summer event.

Sandwich Parade and Fireworks| July 4th

Sandwich celebrates the 4th of July with an entire day of festivities. The Peter Beauchemin Memorial Fireworks Display begins at 10 pm at Shawme Pond near the Hoxie House.

Provincetown Parade and Fireworks  | July 4th

Celebrate Independence Day Weekend in Provincetown! Partake in the 4th of July Parade at 11:00 AM on Commercial Street. Enjoy the fireworks at dusk!

This entry was posted in Cape Cod, Coastal MA and tagged 4th of july, barnstable village parade, boston pops fireworks spectacular, chatham parade, cotuit parade, Greater Boston, hyannis fireworks, marion parade, mattapoisett road race, orleans fireworks, orleans parade on June 21, 2023 by Robert Paul Properties.