The full 4th of July parade in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard. Firefighter vehicles, marching bands, and patriotic celebrations through this historic town.
The Edgartown Fourth of July parade is one of New England's most beloved Independence Day celebrations — a tradition dating back to 1844 during the height of the whaling era. In 2026, it will be the 182nd annual parade.
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Start time: 5:00 PM — an unusual late-afternoon start. Listen for the chimes on the Old Whaling Church clock: "When it hits the fifth one, off we go!" The parade starts at the Edgartown School parking lot, heads down Main Street, past the Edgartown Lighthouse, continues along Fuller Street and North Water Street, and loops back — a circumnavigation of downtown.
Approximately 1,500 participants march: community floats draped in red/white/blue, marching bands (Sutherland Pipe Band, Colonial Navy Band, Vineyard Haven Band), decorated fire trucks including the 1855 Lysander Button Company fire engine, classic cars, American Legion Post 186 veterans, Camp Jabberwocky with their decorated red bus (a perennial crowd favorite), children on decorated bikes, Island Alpaca, and oxen. Candy throwing is a major tradition — children scramble to collect candy and beaded necklaces thrown from floats.
Begin at dusk, approximately 9:00 PM. Staged on a barge just outside Edgartown Harbor, visible overlooking the lighthouse. Best viewing: Memorial Wharf, Lighthouse Beach, from a boat (charter fireworks cruises available), or East Chop Bluff.
Approximately 25,000 spectators line the route. Downtown parking is extremely limited. Use the Park & Ride lot near "the Triangle" with shuttle buses, or take the free VTA bus. Chairs and towels line Main Street hours before the parade — arrive early.
For the complete town experience, see our Edgartown Town Guide (2026) and the Old Whaling Church next to the Fisher House.
🍽️ Island Tip of the Day — Food
Book restaurants weeks in advance for July and August. Chilmark Tavern, State Road, and L'Etoile fill fast. State Road is on Resy; others may require calling directly.
Inside Edgartown's 4th of July: the Main Street parade with fifes, floats, classic cars and Camp Jabberwocky, then fireworks over the harbor — with photos, video and tips for doing the day right.
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Island prices, hours & details change often — please verify with businesses before you go. Full disclaimer
