4th of July on Cape Cod

The beautiful four-seasons climate of New England is an attraction any time of year, and the quaint small towns of Cape Cod are the perfect destination to show it off. This 4^th of July, take a trip to the towns that were part of the first 13 colonies to win independence. Added to that, several key players of the war have roots in the area, many of the actions that led to our declaring independence started here, along with wartime battles. Because of this storied history defining the roots of our country, Cape Cod throws parties and parades to mark the occasion. Read on below to learn about the fun happening during 4th of July on Cape Cod!

Rock Harbor

Head to the harbor in Orleans to start the Independence Day party early. Rock Harbor At Dusk is sponsored by The Friends of the Fourth of July. There are a number of free parking areas, many of which have a good view of the fireworks show, or you can make the 30-minute trek from downtown Orleans to the harbor. The show starts at dusk on July 2, 2024. Rain date is July 6.

Provincetown Harbor

Located at the tip of Cape Cod, the town known as “The End of the World” is the first landing spot of the Mayflower before it continued its voyage to Plymouth. That means the July 4^th activities include an awe-inspiring fireworks display, a parade, and more. The parade starts at 11 a.m. on Commercial Street on July 4^th. Fireworks start at dusk from MacMillan Pier.

Falmouth Heights Beach

Considered one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the country, the patriotic extravaganza in Falmouth starts at dusk on July 4^th. Look to the sky over Falmouth Heights Beach, and bring a portable radio tuned to PIXY 103 (102.9 FM) for music to accompany the show.

Barnstable Village Parade

Decorated cars, floats, police, and fire vehicles join bands and other participants along the 1.2-mile route. The parade starts at 9 a.m. at the Barnstable County Courthouse Complex and travels east on Route 6A. Set up there, or anywhere along the route, including Millway, Commerce Road, or along Route 149.

Chatham 4^th of July Parade

The parade is one of the oldest Independence Day parades in the country. This year’s theme is “Timeless Chatham: It’s A Shore Thing.” The parade, including floats and other participants dressed in the theme, kicks off along Main Street in Chatham at 9:30 a.m. on the 4^th.

Centerville Parade

The parade kicks off at Centerville Elementary School with a flag-raising ceremony and the Pledge of Allegiance. Set up along the route that includes Bumps River Road, Park Avenue, and back to Main Street and the Centerville Recreation Center.

Hyannis Harbor Boat Parade

Boaters get in on the Cape Cod 4^th of July parade fun, too. Boats gussied up in their red, white, and blue best set sail from Hyannis Marina to parade around Hyannis Harbor. The parade winds its way around the inner harbor starting at 5 p.m. on the 4^th. Boats hoping to join in the festivities start from Hyannis Yacht Club at 4:30 p.m.

Hyannis Port Mini-Marathon & Parade

The mini-marathon starts at the Hyannis Port Post Office on Longwood Avenue at 9 a.m. on July 4^th. At 11 a.m., stick around and catch your breath and take in the parade that follows at 11 a.m.

Sandwich

Take in the “Spirit of Sandwich” this 4th of July on Cape Cod. The parade starts at the Henry T. Wing School on Water Street in Sandwich. It proceeds through downtown via Main Street and Beale Avenue before ending on Morse Road. The school will also be hosting a family picnic after the parade. The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. on July 4^th.

Cape Cod 4^th of July in Downtown Hyannis

In addition to the parade, downtown Hyannis offers lively music on Main Street and at the bandstand in Hyannis Village Green. The free event includes pop-up musical performances, DJs, and more. Enjoy entertainment like giant puppets, jugglers, a magician, and other “roaming entertainers” performing a variety of activities. Be immersed in a re-enactment by the Yarmouth Minutemen on the Village Green, which includes an educational event covering colonial life and non-firing musket and cannon drilling. The event takes place 4-7:30 p.m. on July 4^th.

Cotuit Firecracker Classic Road Race

The town celebrates on the 4^th with a parade and keeps the fun going with a race on the 5^th. The approximately 5K course is fast and mostly flat and features a beautiful tour of the village. The race ends at historic Lowell Field, home of the Cotuit Kettleers Cape League Baseball team. The run starts at 6 p.m.

Independence Day Accommodations for Independent Vacation Fun

When planning your 4^th of July trip to Cape Cod, make sure your choose a home base provided by Pretty Picky Properties. For your patriotic retreat, we offer two-bedroom units for a smaller family all the way up to a ten-bedroom mansion to house all of your loved ones for a patriotic reunion.

Prepare a delicious home-cooked meal, or fixin’s for a Cape Cod 4^th of July BBQ, in the fully equipped kitchen. Lounge inside in beautiful living spaces or enjoy the view from the private balcony or patio or spend some time near the pool at select rentals.

Contact us today!