Fourth of July is Thursday and it’s time to enjoy parades, celebrate Independence Day and watch as fireworks light up the summer night sky.
This year, residents and visitors can attend parades, fireworks and bonfires as Cape Ann celebrates. All listed events are free.
Gloucester
Wednesday, July 3, Concert on the Boulevard, 5 p.m., Stacy Boulevard. The concert will break for the Fishtown Horribles Parade then resumes after the parade passes.
Wednesday, July 3, Fishtown Horribles Parade kicks off from Gloucester High School at 6 p.m. then proceeds along Western Avenue past the Man at the Wheel Statue to downtown Rogers Street, Pleasant, Railroad, Washington, and then Centennial to loop back to the high school. This parade can often last two hours, so be sure to account for heavy traffic.
Wednesday, July 3, Fireworks over the Outer Harbor, at 9 p.m., from Stage Fort Park. Stacy Boulevard is a popular spot for viewing the fireworks, but they can be seen from anywhere on the waterfront. The display lasts about 45 minutes with a spectacular finale.
Thursday, July 4, Cannon Firings in Stage Fort Park. David Dow, who, along with David Benjamin, led the restoration of the park’s Parrott Rifle Cannon will be firing it several times during the day. First firing will be at 8 a.m., with the flag raising at the fort, followed by firings again at noon, 3, 5, and 8 p.m.
Rockport
Thursday, July 4, Firemen’s Parade, steps off at 6 p.m. from Rockport High School on Jerden’s Lane, proceeds left on South Street, goes through Mount Pleasant Street, passes Dock Square, continues up Main Street and finally turns right on to Beach Street leading to Back Beach. This cherished tradition is organized by the Rockport Firemen’s Association to bring together the community and honor the town’s brave firefighters.
Thursday July 4, Rockport Legion Band Concert. Celebrate the Fourth of July from 8-9 p.m. at the Back Beach Bandstand with a great, live music concert following the parade and preceding the bonfire. The band will perform patriotic songs.
Thursday July 4, Fourth of July Bonfire, 9-10 p.m. Bring blankets and beach chairs to Back Beach to take in a towering bonfire after the Rockport Firemen’s Parade and following the Rockport Legion Band Concert. Built of stacked wooden pallets, the bonfire produces a captivating exhibition to celebrate Independence Day!
Manchester-by-the-Sea
Tuesday, July 2, Concert in the Park, 6- 8 p.m., at Masconomo Park on Beach Street, featuring the band Northern Fried.
Wednesday, July 3, Singing Beach Concert and Fireworks, 7 p.m. Beach Concert followed at 9 p.m. by Fireworks at Singing Beach (Rain Date: July 6). Please note: The beach parking lot closes at 5 p.m. and the lot will be reserved for handicapped and those with limited mobility only.Please follow the direction of the Manchester Police Department for parking and traffic flow. No beach fires or drones allowed July 3-4 and will be enforced.
Thursday, July 4, Fourth of July Parade, at 10 a.m., rain or shine. The Manchester Police Department will close roads on a rolling basis so plan ahead. Temporary parking restrictions will apply along the parade route, beginning at Lincoln Street, between Memorial Elementary School and the Manchester Essex Regional High School; then up Vine Street, over Norwood Ave, and continuing up Vine to School Street. Expect to see a procession featuring antique cars, fire trucks, marching bands, and homemade floats.
Essex
Thursday, July 4, Annual Fourth of July Chebacco Lake Boat Parade. The boat parade starts at 1 p.m., near the Centennial Grove Beach, then wraps around the lake counter-clockwise. All boats are decorated with patriotic or creative and funny themes. No pre-registration is required for boats. Prizes are given to every boat that participates, by the Chebacco Lake & Watershed Association, as well as special prizes for most creative, and most patriotic, boats and costumes.