Welcome to the Insider’s Guide to Fourth of July on the South Coast! This isn’t our first rodeo when it comes to the jam-packed excitement that Fourth of July brings. With so many events going on, it can be daunting to decide where to go and what to do. We at South Coast Almanac have created a day by day guide for the long long weekend. Each day is organized by categories: Fireworks, Parades, and Other Fun Stuff.
If you plan it right, you can go to different fireworks four nights in a row. Remember: it’s a marathon, not a sprint! Stay hydrated, folks. 🙂
July 1
Fireworks
Onset/Wareham – Starting at dusk over Onset Beach and Bay (Rain date 7/8/17)
Marion – 9:20 PM Set off from the Kittansett Club, Point Road
Parades
Onset – Children’s parade beginning promptly after the blessing of the fleet at 10 AM. Prizes are awarded for the best decorated bicycles, pets, and doll carriages.
Other Fun Stuff
Onset – The Onset Bay Association will host the 4th Annual Blessing of the Fleet, a patriotic boat parade complete with the blessing of your vessel by a local clergy member. 10 a.m. at the Main Pier. In the afternoon, there will be a free concert with local favorites Pocketful of Soul, digging deep into the library of all your favorite funk, soul and R & B tunes you will be sure to want to get up and dance to. Bandshell (across from town pier), from 1-4 p.m.
Seekonk – Independence Day Thrill Show: 5:00-9:30 PM at Seekonk Speedway spectator drags, car & truck enduros, crazy figure 8 races, powder puff races, and fireworks!(rain date July 2nd)
July 2
Fireworks
Marion – 9:00 PM Silvershell Beach (Rain Date 7/3/2017)
July 3
Fireworks
Freetown – The annual fireworks festival starts at 6:00 pm. Fireworks display begins at 9:30ish, South Main & Water Streets
July 4
Fireworks
New Bedford – The fireworks begin at 9:00 pm from Jetties Beach Barge – 7 Fish Island (Rain date 7/5/2017)
Fall River – Watch the Fireworks from Battleship Cove. Gates open at 7:30. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 PM. Tickets are $8.00 per person. See more here.
Parades
Buzzards Bay – Bourne on the Fourth Parade, 10:00 am on Main Street
Marion – Annual parade starts at 9:00 am. Route: 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
Fairhaven – Fourth of July Car Cruise & Float Parade. Gather for flag raising 8:30 am at Fairhaven High School, 12 Huttleston Avenue, Fairhaven. Parade departs from there at 9 a.m.
Westport – Parade starts at noon from Main and Hix Bridge Roads, Ends at the Westport High School
Freetown – Starts at 10:00 am at South & Main St.
Other Fun Stuff
Mattapoisett– 48th Annual 4th of July 5 mile Road Race: 9:00 AM at Shipyard Park, 13 Water Street.
Have any other ideas for July Fourth fun? Share them with us by commenting below.
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Mattapoisett- 48th annual 4th of July Road Race begins at 9am at Shipyard Park, Water Street. 5 mile race through the beautiful village, through neighborhoods, circles around Ned’s Point lighthouse and finishes back at Shipyard Park, across from the Inn at Shipyard Park, 13 Water Street.
Thanks so much, Cecile!! We’ll put it on the list.