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Updated: April 9, 2025
The Cape Cod fireworks schedule for 2025 includes displays all across the Cape from 4th of July week, through the summer and fall, to New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
*Note: Several towns hold their fireworks displays in the days leading up to July 4th, not just on the holiday itself.
When: June 28, 2025
Where: Mashpee High School, Mashpee MA
Time: Dusk
Insider's Tip: This fireworks display is a highlight of the annual Mashpee Community Picnic. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. with games, food, music and entertainment for the whole family.
When: 2025 date - TBA
Where: Henry T. Wing School
Time: 9:00 p.m.
Insider's Tip: There'll be live music by The Moonlighters from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
When: July 2, 2025 (rain date July 6, 2025)
Where: Rock Harbor
Time: Dusk
More Info: Friends of the 4th of July
Insider's Tip: You can also see the Rock Harbor fireworks display from nearby Skaket Beach. The Cape Cod Bay beaches in Brewster and Eastham offer views of the big boomers, too. They'll be off at a distance, but still fun to see.
When: July 4, 2025
Where: Falmouth Heights Beach
Time: Dusk
More Info: Falmouth Fireworks
Insider's Tip: Be sure to check out Falmouth PD's parking and road closure info before you go, and plan accordingly!
*Important: To protect the piping plovers and nesting terns that nest in Falmouth's south-facing beaches, the following rules have been put into place for fireworks viewing:
When: 2025 date - TBA
Where: Veterans Field, Chatham, MA
Time: Around 9:00 p.m.
Insider's Tip: Make an evening of it! Children's activities start at 6 p.m., followed by the fireworks display at dusk. Lots of fun for the whole family!
When: July 4, 2025
Where: Provincetown Harbor
Time: Dusk
More Info: Provincetown Parade and Fireworks
Insider's Tip: For a very special experience, watch the fireworks from onboard a ship in the Harbor. On July 4th, Dolphin Fleet offers special combination whale watch plus fireworks cruises. These cruises are very popular, so reserve your spot early. (Dolphin Fleet: 1-800-826-9300)
*Note: Downtown streets will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 3 p.m. If you hope to get into town and find a parking spot, get there early in the day. (The earlier, the better!)
When: July 4, 2025
Where: Plymouth Harbor
Time: 9:15 p.m. (dusk)
Insider's Tip: For those on the "mainland" side of the Cape Cod Canal, Plymouth is the place to be for fireworks and more on July 4th! Go early, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the pre-fireworks concert by Plymouth Philharmonic at Pilgrim Memorial Park!
When: August 30, 2025
Where: Lewis Bay, Hyannis Outer Harbor
Time: Just after dusk (around 8 p.m.)
Insider's Tip: The best viewing spots are the beaches around Hyannis Harbor (especially Veterans and Kalmus) and on the West Yarmouth beaches along Lewis Bay.
Pack a picnic basket and stake out your spot in late afternoon. Or have a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant, then walk to the beach for the fireworks show. (Don't forget your cover-up clothes. It gets chilly on the beach after sunset!)
When: August 30, 2025
Where: West Dennis Beach, West Dennis, MA
More Info: Dennis Chamber of Commerce
This family friendly evening at West Dennis Beach begins at 6 p.m. with music, a beach bonfire and marshmallow roasting, followed by the big fireworks display at dusk.
The fireworks can also be seen from nearby beaches including Smugglers Beach in South Yarmouth.
When: October 12, 2025, at dark
Where: Seagull Beach, West Yarmouth, MA
More Info: Yarmouth Seaside Festival
Yarmouth Seaside Festival is the "last hurrah" of the season in the town of Yarmouth. This popular annual Columbus Day weekend event features all sorts of activities including a huge crafts fair, canoe and kayak races, beach activities ... and a big fireworks display over Seagull Beach.
Want to stay dry, bite-free, and a little more comfortable on fireworks night? These lightweight, beach-night essentials come in handy:
Quick to pack, easy to carry, and great for all your summer and early autumn evenings at the beach, too!
When: December 31, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Veterans Field, Chatham
More Info: First Night Chatham
The town of Chatham welcomes the New Year with its ever-popular First Night celebration and an early fireworks display at Veteran's Field. That's a special treat for those of us who can't manage to stay awake until midnight! ;-)
The day's activities kick off with the traditional Town Photo at the Chatham Lighthouse at noon and reach their peak of noise and awe with the Noise Parade and Veterans Field Fireworks, and more activities until finishing around 9 p.m.
When: December 31, 2025
Where: Provincetown Harbor
More Info: First Light Provincetown
"First Light" is Provincetown's gala, weekend-long New Year's celebration. Bundle up in your snuggies to watch all the colors and sparkles of fireworks over the Harbor. Such a fun and festive way to celebrate the arrival of a new year!
What time do the fireworks usually start?
It depends on the season. Most summer shows begin around dusk—usually between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m. in early July, and closer to 8:00 p.m. later in the summer or fall. New Year’s Eve displays vary: some start early in the evening, while others go off at midnight. Check the listing for exact times.
How early should I arrive to find parking and get a good viewing spot?
Earlier is better, especially for the 4th of July fireworks displays. Plan to arrive at least 2–3 hours before dusk. Some locals make a whole afternoon of it.
Is parking available at the fireworks sites?
Sometimes, but it’s limited. Beach lots and downtown areas often fill early, and road closures may be in place. Please resist any temptation to park in a "No Parking" zone. Our local police departments do enforce the rules!
What should I bring?
A few essentials can make your evening more comfortable:
Will food be available?
Sorry, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some fireworks displays have food trucks or concessions on site, others don’t. If you're planning to make a full afternoon and evening of it, pack a picnic or grab take-out on your way.
Are bathrooms available?
Some locations have restrooms or porta-potties, but not all. And even when they’re available, you can usually expect a waiting line. Best bet: take a bathroom break before you settle in—especially if you're with kids.
How bad is the traffic after the fireworks?
In a word: bad. Expect gridlock right after the show as everyone tries to leave at once. If you can, hang back for a bit—go for a walk, grab ice cream, or just relax and enjoy the stars before heading out.
Enjoy the fireworks displays!
Important Note: The date, time, place, admission charges, etc. of the events on this page may be changed by the event sponsor at any time, without my knowledge. Please be sure to confirm all information directly with the sponsor before you make any plans!