Nantucket Fourth of July

Independence Day on Nantucket

What most visitors don't realize is that Nantucket has been celebrating Independence Day since the nation's earliest years. This island, which played such a vital role in America's maritime economy during the Revolutionary period, has deep roots in the founding of our nation. The tradition of celebrating the Fourth here stretches back generations, and the celebrations have evolved into something truly special.

Today, the Fourth of July is the single busiest week of the year on Nantucket. The island swells with visitors who come for the quintessential New England holiday experience: a small-town parade down cobblestone streets, water cannons from the fire trucks cooling off delighted children, and fireworks bursting over the harbor as boats bob in the darkness. It's the kind of celebration that feels like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting, but trust me on this one - it requires serious advance planning.

Here's what I wish someone had told me before our first Fourth of July on Nantucket: this isn't a trip you can plan last-minute. The families who come back year after year book their accommodations in January. Restaurant reservations fill up weeks ahead. And that ferry? If you wait until June to book your return trip, you might be swimming home. But with proper planning, a Nantucket Fourth of July becomes one of those golden family memories your kids will talk about for years.

The Independence Day Parade

The parade is the heart of Nantucket's Fourth of July celebration, and it's been marching down Main Street for over a century. This tradition dates back to the late 1800s, when the island was reinventing itself as a summer destination after the whaling industry's decline. Those early parades featured veterans of the Civil War, many of whom had served on Nantucket's ships. Today's parade carries forward that spirit of community and patriotism.

Parade Route and Timing

The parade typically begins at 10:00 AM and follows Main Street from the top of the cobblestones down to the waterfront. The route takes participants past the Pacific Club (once a gathering place for whaling captains), the historic storefronts, and ends near Straight Wharf where the harbor sparkles beyond.

The parade features:

• Nantucket Fire Department - Including their antique fire engines, with water cannon sprays that kids (and plenty of adults) line up to get soaked by
• Local marching groups - Youth sports teams, dance academies, and community organizations
• Antique vehicles - Classic cars decorated in red, white, and blue
• Veterans and military families - A poignant reminder of the holiday's true meaning
• Decorated floats - Local businesses and organizations showcase creative patriotic themes
• Pets in costume - Because what's a Nantucket parade without dogs dressed as Uncle Sam?

Best Parade Viewing Spots

The reality is that the best spots go to those who arrive early. Here's what I've learned after multiple years of trial and error:

For Families with Young Children

• Upper Main Street - Near the Civil War Monument, there's more space for strollers and wiggly kids, plus easy escape routes when little ones have had enough
• Pacific National Bank steps - Great sight lines, some shade, and a contained area where kids can't wander into the parade
• Near the fire trucks' water spray zone - Kids absolutely love getting sprayed. Bring a change of clothes and embrace the chaos

For the Best Photos

• Lower Main Street cobblestones - The classic Nantucket backdrop with historic buildings framing the parade
• In front of Murray's Toggery - Iconic storefront for that quintessential New England shot

Arrive by 9:00 AM

Will your kids complain about getting up early on vacation? Probably. But showing up at 9:45 and expecting a front-row spot is a recipe for disappointment. Bring folding chairs, a blanket, snacks, and activities to keep everyone occupied during the wait.

Fireworks at Jetties Beach

The fireworks display over Nantucket Harbor is the crown jewel of the celebration. Launched from a barge in the harbor, the fireworks typically begin around 9:00 PM (after dark) and last approximately 20-25 minutes. The reflection of bursting colors on the water creates a magical effect that photos simply can't capture.

Best Fireworks Viewing Spots

Jetties Beach (The Main Event)

Jetties Beach is ground zero for fireworks viewing, and the atmosphere is electric. Families spread blankets across the sand, the beach pavilion sells snacks and drinks, and the anticipation builds as the sky darkens. This is where you want to be for the full experience.

Arrive by 6:00-7:00 PM to claim your spot. Yes, that's early. Yes, it's worth it. Bring a cooler with dinner, games for the kids, and layers for when the evening cools down. The beach can get crowded, but the communal energy as the first firework explodes overhead is something special.

Children's Beach

Slightly less crowded than Jetties, Children's Beach offers excellent harbor views and a playground to keep little ones entertained during the wait. The viewing angle is slightly different but still spectacular.

Brant Point

For a more intimate experience, Brant Point near the lighthouse offers stunning views with the iconic lighthouse silhouetted against the fireworks. Less crowded, more romantic - perfect for couples or families who want to avoid the beach mob.

By Boat

Many families rent boats or join harbor cruises for fireworks viewing from the water. It's a unique perspective, but be aware: the harbor gets very crowded with vessels, and young children may find the bobbing boat more distressing than magical.

Fireworks Tips

• Check the official time - While 9:00 PM is typical, verify the exact time as it can vary
• Bring bug spray - Evening mosquitoes are enthusiastic
• Pack warm layers - Even July evenings can turn cool by the water
• Plan your exit - Getting off the beach afterward is slow; be patient or leave 5 minutes early to beat the crowd
• Consider noise sensitivity - If you have very young children or pets, fireworks can be overwhelming. Children's Beach offers a slightly more distant vantage point

Water Sports and Beach Competitions

Independence Day on Nantucket isn't just about the parade and fireworks. The water sports competitions have become beloved traditions, particularly at Jetties Beach.

Events to Watch

• Sandcastle building contests - Families compete to build the most impressive beach creations. Kids can participate in age-appropriate divisions
• Swim races - From kids' splashing distances to more serious competition
• Kayak and paddleboard races - Watch locals and visitors compete on the calm harbor waters
• Beach games - Organized volleyball, frisbee, and other activities throughout the day

Check with the Nantucket Atheneum or the Chamber of Commerce for the current year's schedule of events. Many competitions offer registration for visitors who want to participate rather than just spectate.

Kids' Activities

Nantucket goes all out for families on the Fourth of July. Beyond the parade and beach activities, here's what to look for:

Traditional Activities

• Bike decorating contests - Kids decorate their bikes in patriotic themes and parade around town
• Face painting - Available at various locations downtown
• Scavenger hunts - Some local shops organize themed hunts with prizes
• Library programs - The Nantucket Atheneum often hosts special Fourth of July readings and activities

Keeping Kids Entertained All Day

The parade ends mid-morning, fireworks don't start until 9:00 PM. That's a long day, especially with excited children. Here's how we fill the hours:

• Morning - Watch the parade, grab ice cream at the Juice Bar (prepare for lines)
• Midday - Beach time at Jetties or Children's Beach. Lunch at a casual spot or picnic on the sand
• Afternoon - Rest time at your accommodation (critical for surviving until fireworks!), or explore the Whaling Museum if you need air conditioning
• Early Evening - Head to the beach early to claim your fireworks spot. Bring dinner in a cooler
• Night - Fireworks, then straight to bed for exhausted kids

Dining Reservations: A Critical Warning

Trust me on this one: if you want to dine at a sit-down restaurant on July 4th, you need reservations. Popular spots book up 4-6 weeks in advance for the holiday. Make your reservations the moment you book your accommodations.

Reservation Strategies

• Book breakfast and dinner - Even breakfast spots get crowded on the holiday
• Consider off-peak times - Early dinner (5:00 PM) or late (8:30 PM) may have availability when 7:00 PM is fully booked
• Have backup plans - Make multiple reservations if possible, canceling what you don't need (with appropriate notice)
• Embrace takeout - Many families opt for beach picnics instead of fighting for restaurant tables

Picnic Options

A beach picnic for fireworks viewing is actually the preferred approach for many families. Stock up at:

• Something Natural - Beloved sandwiches on homemade bread (order ahead)
• Provisions - Upscale deli items and prepared foods
• Bartlett's Farm - Fresh produce, prepared foods, and everything you need
• Stop & Shop - Practical grocery shopping for picnic supplies

Booking Accommodations

Here's what I wish someone had told me before our first Fourth of July trip: book in January. I'm not exaggerating. The Fourth of July week is the most competitive booking period of the entire year on Nantucket.

When to Book

• 6-7 months ahead - For the best selection of hotels and inns
• 9-12 months ahead - For vacation rentals, especially larger homes suitable for families
• As soon as possible - If you're reading this in spring for the same year's holiday, start calling immediately

Expect Premium Pricing

Fourth of July rates are peak season pricing, often with 3-4 night minimums. Budget accordingly and understand this is simply the cost of visiting Nantucket during its most popular week.

Alternatives if Everything is Booked

• Day trip - Take an early ferry from Hyannis, enjoy the parade and daytime activities, and return on the last ferry (you'll miss fireworks)
• Stay on Cape Cod - Book accommodations in Hyannis and ferry over for the day
• Last-minute cancellations - Call your preferred properties a week before, as cancellations sometimes happen
• Adjacent weeks - The week before or after the Fourth offers similar summer experiences with easier booking

Ferry Warnings for Holiday Weekend

The ferry situation during Fourth of July week requires military-level planning. The Steamship Authority (traditional and fast ferries) and Hy-Line Cruises both operate at maximum capacity, and boats fill up fast.

Critical Ferry Tips

• Book round-trip immediately - Don't wait until you arrive to book your return ferry. Sunday after the Fourth is one of the busiest departure days of the year
• Consider mid-week travel - If your schedule allows, arriving Tuesday or Wednesday and departing Thursday or Friday avoids the worst crowds
• Arrive at the terminal early - 45-60 minutes before departure, especially for the high-speed ferry with no vehicle
• Skip the car - Car ferry reservations for Fourth of July week can be nearly impossible. Plus, you don't need a car on the island
• Have a backup plan - If ferries are completely booked, consider flying via Cape Air or JetBlue (seasonal routes)

Return Ferry Strategy

Sunday afternoon departures on July 5th or the first Sunday after are chaos. Options:

• Book the earliest morning ferry and leave before the rush
• Stay an extra night and leave Monday when it's calmer
• Book the last ferry of the day when others have already left

Crowd Management Tips

Nantucket's population swells dramatically during Fourth of July week. The island that feels spacious in June suddenly feels very small. Here's how to navigate gracefully:

Beat the Crowds

• Early mornings - Explore downtown, grab coffee, and enjoy the quiet before 9:00 AM
• Off-peak beach times - Hit the beach at 7:30 AM or after 5:00 PM for more space
• Alternative beaches - While everyone crowds Jetties, consider Madaket or Surfside for midday beach time
• Bike early - The bike paths get busy by mid-morning

Stay Patient

• Lines are normal - Ice cream shops, restaurants, even coffee spots will have waits
• Traffic happens - The roads in and out of town get congested, especially around parade and fireworks times
• Embrace the pace - This is vacation. The crowds are part of the festive atmosphere

A Note on History

What most visitors don't realize is that Nantucket's Fourth of July celebrations connect us to the very roots of American independence. The island's Quaker whaling captains were among the earliest supporters of independence, despite the economic risks of breaking from England. The Rotch family, whose counting house still stands on Main Street, played a pivotal role in the events leading to the Boston Tea Party.

When you watch the parade march down these cobblestone streets, you're walking the same paths that revolutionary-era Nantucketers walked. The building that now houses the Nantucket Historical Association was once a candle factory that supplied the colonial economy. The spirit of independence and self-reliance that built this island continues to define it, making the Fourth of July here feel particularly meaningful.

My grandmother used to say that celebrating Independence Day on Nantucket meant celebrating not just the nation's freedom, but the spirit of a community that has always charted its own course, 30 miles out to sea.