Martha's Vineyard Jaws Tour: Walk the Real Amity Island with a Local Guide
Take a guided Jaws tour of Martha's Vineyard with local guide Mike Currid. Walk the real Amity Island in Edgartown and book the "Amity" Walking Tour.
There are a lot of Fourth of July celebrations in New England, but few of them feel quite like Edgartown’s. For one afternoon every summer, this quiet, white-picket-fence whaling town on Martha’s Vineyard turns its historic Main Street into a river of flags, classic cars, bagpipes, fire engines and hand-painted floats — and then, after dark, sends the whole thing off with fireworks over the harbor. We spent the day right in the middle of it, and here’s what it’s actually like.
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Get There Early — The Sidewalks Fill Up Fast
If there’s one piece of advice worth leading with, it’s this: come early. By mid-afternoon the shady spots along Main Street and Church Street are already claimed, and you’ll see the island’s unofficial tradition on full display — rows of empty beach chairs lined up against the bunting-draped fences, saving spots for owners who won’t be back for hours.
The town leans all the way into the holiday. Storefronts and restaurants along the route — Alchemy, Atria, The Port Hunter, The Covington, the Seafood Shanty — hang lanterns and bunting, picket fences bristle with little flags, and Edgartown Town Hall wears its red, white and blue proudly.
The Parade Steps Off
The parade itself is classic small-town Americana, and it opens the way these things should — with the color guard. The Dukes County Sheriff’s Office leads the way, the sheriff himself out front in a bowler hat carrying the Massachusetts state flag, followed by an honor guard in full dress.
Right behind them comes one of the crowd favorites: the Colonial Navy of Massachusetts out of Fall River, marching in full Revolutionary-era uniform with fifes and drums. On a Fourth of July, in a town this old, historic reenactors hit differently — the tricorn hats and the “1776” theme feel right at home on these streets.
Classic Cars, Fire Engines and a Whole Lot of Chrome
A good chunk of the parade is rolling stock. Antique fire engines — including a gleaming vintage pumper — roll through to big applause, along with a parade of classic cars: a cherry-red 1950s pickup with an “Edgartown” placard on the door, a black Ford Model A, whitewall tires and all.
The Floats Are Pure Martha’s Vineyard
This is where Edgartown’s parade really shows its personality. The floats aren’t corporate — they’re the island’s camps, clubs and community groups, and they’re wonderful.
Camp Jabberwocky, the beloved Vineyard camp for people with disabilities, rolls through on its unmistakable bright-red bus, with campers carrying hand-painted signs celebrating island landmarks and local businesses. It’s one of the most cheered entries every single year.
Then the bagpipes: the Martha’s Vineyard Scottish Society marches through in full tartan, and you hear them a block before you see them. There’s a shark-themed paddle-sports float (this is Amity Island, after all), and community groups like the Oak Bluffs Tree Stewards handing out their “Volunteer to Plant Trees” message between the flags and the fife music.
Watch the Parade for Yourself
Photos only get you so far — the bagpipes, the applause and the energy of the crowd are the whole point. Here’s our video from right along the route so you can see what the day is really like:
Then, Fireworks Over the Harbor
After the parade winds down, the day shifts to the water. As the sun sets, crowds drift toward the harbor, restaurants like the Seafood Shanty light up over the water, and everyone waits for the main event. When it comes, the fireworks burst directly over Edgartown Harbor, reflecting off the water and the anchored boats below — one of the most beautiful fireworks settings anywhere in New England.
Tips for Doing the Edgartown Fourth of July Right
- Arrive early. Parking in Edgartown is tight on a normal summer day and much tighter on the Fourth. Consider the VTA bus or biking in.
- Bring a chair. The best shaded spots along Main Street and Church Street go early — a folding chair earns its keep.
- Stay for the fireworks. Many people leave after the parade and miss the best part. Grab dinner in town and settle in near the harbor.
- Plan your exit. The island empties slowly after fireworks — if you’re catching a ferry, build in extra time or plan to stay the night.
Whether you’re a longtime islander or planning your first summer trip, the Edgartown Fourth of July parade and harbor fireworks are one of the best free things you can do on Martha’s Vineyard. You can see the full set of photos from the day in our Edgartown photo gallery.
🍽️ 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.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general guidance only and was accurate at the time of writing. Beach conditions, hours, prices, lifeguard schedules, ferry fares, and business operations change frequently and without notice. Ocean swimming carries inherent risks including rip currents, undertow, and cold water shock. Always verify current conditions with official local sources before your visit. MV Vacation assumes no responsibility for any loss, injury, or inconvenience resulting from the use of this information. Swim only where lifeguards are on duty, supervise children at all times near water, and follow all posted safety signs.
