The 4th of July is a special time on Cape Cod, as some of the country’s oldest settlements celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 on this day. Traditionally, the holiday features parades, BBQs, festivals, and fireworks displays, and booking a vacation rental on the Cape ensures you’re close to the action.

Independence Day falls on a Tuesday in 2023, and multiple Cape Cod events will take place on July 4th and the days leading up to it. The fireworks are the main attraction in the evening, and, fortunately for visitors, the Cape does a good job of staggering them so you can attend multiple displays.

Here’s some information on where and when you can find the 4th of July fireworks displays on Cape Cod in 2023.

Fireworks in Sandwich

Sandwich is Cape Cod’s oldest town, as it was settled in 1637, 139 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. History is abundant throughout Sandwich, and the community’s 4th of July celebrations are worth checking out if you’re in the area.

The town’s fireworks displays are usually at Shawme Pond, which is surrounded by historic structures like Hoxie House, Dexter Grist Mill, and the Newcomb Tavern, but things will be a little different in 2023.

Instead, the fireworks celebration will occur at the former Henry T. Wing School on Water Street, a campus now home to Sandwich Public Schools’ head offices and Sandwich Little League’s fields.

This year’s display will also be held on Saturday, July 1, and will likely start at around 10:00 PM. The rest of Sandwich’s Independence Day events will remain on July 4.

Rock Harbor in Orleans

One of the most highly-anticipated annual fireworks displays is at Rock Harbor in Orleans. The harbor is visible from multiple locations in Orleans, Brewster, and Eastham, so the crowds are pretty spread out, and it’s relatively easy to find a vantage point.

In Orleans, you can head to Skaket Beach or directly to the harbor, while Rock Harbor Beach and Boat Meadow Landing in Eastham and Crosby Beach or Linnell Landing Beach in Brewster are also excellent places to catch the show.

If you’re watching from Rock Harbor, you can park at Nauset Middle School, Main Street, or Old Colony Way and walk to the venue. Keep in mind the walk will take you about half an hour.

The display will be held at dusk on Saturday, July 1, 2023, freeing up your July 4th evening for other activities.

Veterans Field in Chatham

The Chatham Independence Day Parade is a popular event that draws visitors from throughout the Cape on July 4th, but the community is also hosting a fireworks display on Sunday, July 2, that’s worth your time.

Fireworks & Fun at Veterans Field kicks off at 6:00 PM with some events for the kids and is followed by some live entertainment at 7:45. The fireworks display will begin at about 9:00 PM or whenever it gets dark enough.

Veterans Field is conveniently located near Main Street in downtown Chatham and is an easy walk from many of the town’s coastal vacation rentals.

Falmouth Heights Beach

Of course, there will be fireworks displays on July 4th, starting with an event at Falmouth Heights Beach. This beach is conveniently located near Falmouth Inner Harbor and has been voted one of the ten best displays in the entire country by Travel and Leisure Magazine.

Getting to the event can be a little challenging because there’s a parking ban in the surrounding area. Your best bet is to arrive early, find some parking near Main Street, and walk to the beach. Parking away from the beach also makes it easier to exit the area after the event.

The Falmouth Heights fireworks will start at dusk, and you can listen to the music that accompanies them by tuning in to 102.9 FM during the event.

Provincetown Harbor

Another highly-anticipated Fourth of July event is the fireworks show on Provincetown Harbor. This display is held on July 4th at dusk and is visible from numerous locations along the coast. Many people head to the MacMillan Pier area to enjoy the show, but you can also take them in while having a meal at one of the countless beachfront restaurants the community boasts.

You can book a spot on a Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown’s Whale Watch and Fireworks cruise, too. These excursions leave at 5:00, 5:30, or 6:00 on July 4th and stay in the harbor until the fireworks display ends. The boats have meal service and a full bar, ensuring you enjoy your 4th of July in style and comfort.

Check Out Cape Cod’s Fireworks Displays

Visiting the Cape for the Fourth of July allows you to experience this holiday from where the Mayflower initially landed and get up close to the nation’s colonial history during your time here. Book your vacation rental early and begin planning which fireworks display you will attend to ensure you make the most of your Independence Day on Cape Cod.