Your 2022 Fourth of July fireworks guide to the Cape
Towns across the Cape are bringing fireworks shows back this July 4. Here's where and when to find Independence Day fireworks celebrations this year — and some tips to beat the crowds.
Friday, July 1
ORLEANS FIREWORKS
A fireworks show will be held at dusk at Rock Harbor, sponsored and paid for by private funds donated to The Friends of Fourth of July. Parking will be available in lots around town including at Orleans Middle School, Main Street and Old Colony Way. The town has set a rain date of July 5. More information can be found online. It's strongly advised to get to the Orleans show early in order to find parking and a spot to watch.
Saturday, July 2
CHATHAM FIREWORKS
At 9 p.m., a "Fireworks Spectacular" will help kick off Fourth of July weekend in Chatham. The show will be on Veterans Field at 702 Main St.
Monday, July 4
EDGARTOWN FIREWORKS
The July 4th fireworks show on the eastern part of Martha's Vineyard n Edgartown will begin at dusk, following a 5 p.m. parade. The fireworks show overlooks the Edgartown Lighthouse and harbor and can be viewed from shores around the harbor. To see the fireworks in a unique setting, catch the 8:30 p.m. Steamship Authority ferries going from Woods Hole to the Vineyard or vice versa — you could see both Edgartown and Falmouth fireworks on a clear night.
More celebrations: Fireworks, parades & music: When and where to celebrate July 4th on Cape Cod & the Islands
FALMOUTH FIREWORKS
A fireworks show has been "tentatively scheduled" to begin at dusk off Falmouth Heights Beach. The show will last for about 30 minutes, and the beach can be expected to get very crowded. There are lots of spots along the shore — both on the harbor and sound — to view the show from where you will not face the Heights' crowds. Keen to walking? Finding parking further north just outside of town and walking to anywhere along the harbor will offer a clear view.
There will be a temporary parking ban starting on July 4 at 4 p.m. and ending once fireworks spectators leave the area. The ban includes: Grand Avenue (South), between Walden Avenue and Central Park Court, including all metered parking spaces; Worcester Court, between Jericho Path and Grand Avenue (South), including the grass median. Handicap parking will be available at Bristol Beach and Surf Beach parking lots. Alcohol is prohibited; all containers are subject to random search. The town has set a rain date of July 5.
NANTUCKET FIREWORKS
Hit Jetties Beach at 9 p.m. to see Nantucket's fireworks show this Fourth. Fireworks will be shot from a barge just offshore and will last 25-27 minutes. The show will follow a morning of July 4 events on the island. More information about events can be found here. Parking will be limited.
PLYMOUTH FIREWORKS
Starting at 9 p.m. or dusk (whichever comes first), the town's fireworks show can be viewed at DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park. Water Street, from Union Street to Brewster Street will be closed on July 4 from 5 a.m. until the fireworks have ended. More information about parking and road closures can be found here.
PROVINCETOWN FIREWORKS
Fireworks will begin at dusk on a barge off MacMillan Pier in Provincetown Harbor at dusk. It's advised that visitors try to find parking on the edge of town or outside of the downtown area and walk in, as roads in town will be blocked off starting at 3 p.m. Go earlier in the day to enjoy Provincetown's attractions and restaurants, and plan to be downtown at dusk.
Since the show will be over Provincetown Harbor, fireworks can be seen from anywhere along the harbor side of Commercial Street. Viewers can set up blankets or stand on the beach near the wharf for the best view, or snag a seat at a harbor-facing restaurant in town. If you feel like straying a bit south to avoid the crowds, you can see a clear picture of the Provincetown fireworks show along the Cape Cod Bay beaches in Truro and North Truro.
SANDWICH FIREWORKS
A 10 p.m. fireworks show will follow the 11 a.m. parade, 7:30 p.m. band concert and 9 p.m. boat parade. The fireworks will be set off at Cemetery Point and can be viewed at Lower Shawme Pond.
Saturday, Sept. 3
BARNSTABLE FIREWORKS
The town of Barnstable has changed the date of its fireworks display to Saturday, Sept. 3, due to endangered birds nesting this season near the display's barge. The September fireworks show will celebrate Labor Day instead of Independence Day, and you can skip the crowds by watching the show from a distance anywhere along the shore in Hyannis.
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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: 2022 Cape Cod fireworks 4th of July guide and best way to watch
