Robert Paul’s Best Bets for Fourth of July Events
Updated for 2021 – 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. Note: A few popular events are cancelled this year, but plan to be back in 2022.
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 3, 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. The 2017 theme for the Fourth of July Parade is “Chatham: From Shell-tering in Place by the Sea, to Celebrating a New Beginning”.
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 5, 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, 11:30 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.
Hyannis Fireworks | July 4, 9 pm (Rain date September 4)
Get ready to oooh and aaaah at the magnificent annual Barnstable and Hyannis fireworks display. Thousands of people travel to Hyannis to view this ultimate patriotic celebration, so be sure to get there a few hours ahead of time. Fireworks start at 9 PM.
Where to View: For great views of the fireworks, head to Aselton Park, Bismore Park, or Veteran’s Park Beach. Or, if you have a boat, head out to Lewis Bay to be in the heart of the action.
“It’s longstanding family tradition to take the boat out of Prince Cove Marina and head to Lewis Bay to watch the fireworks. There’s no better spot to watch!” – Realtor Amy Whiteside
Orleans Fireworks | July 10, Dusk (Rain date July 13)
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 2021 Boston Pops July 4th Spectacular to take place at Tanglewood, where Keith Lockhart will lead a live televised performance of patriotic favorites, with special appearances by Jon Batiste, bandleader of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and legendary singer Mavis Staples.
Best places to view: The Pops will play in front of a limited audience at Tanglewood, a show that will be livestreamed and broadcast live on television and radio. There will be no fireworks at Tanglewood, but the show will have a fireworks display launched above Boston Common. There are no official public viewing areas, but the fireworks will be visible from Parade Ground (corner of Charles and Beacon), Frog Pond, and other areas with sightlines to the Boston Common.