How would you spend the Fourth of July in Martha’s Vineyard? The 4th of July weekend in the USA is synonymous with warm weather, delicious barbecue, and of course, spectacular fireworks. The Edgartown Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks is full blown Americana on display. Lots of home spun parade floats and people in patriotic colors waving flags. Along with all the patriotic fervour set to music, there’s also a reminder that freedom was unavailable to many Americans for many Fourth of Julys. In commemoration of this fact, there is an annual reading of the Frederick Douglass speech What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July? in both Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. What are the different ways you can spend a memorable Fourth of July on Martha’s Vineyard?
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Martha’s Vineyard on Independence Day
Every year, visiting Martha’s Vineyard when it transforms into a patriotic display of American pride is one of the best things to do in Massachusetts. The main events take placed down-island in the towns of Edgartown, Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs.
Remember the 1975 movie Jaws filmed in Martha’s Vineyard and how worked up the Mayor was about the beaches closing down for July Fourth weekend? That’s pretty close to the truth. Independence Day weekend is a big family event on Martha’s Vineyard.
Edgartown Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks
Celebrate Independence Day with live music, colorful parade floats, and mesmerizing fireworks at the annual Edgartown 4th of July Celebration. Sponsored by the town of Edgartown, this patriotic festival starts in the afternoon and has plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
A trolley in the Fourth of July Parade in Edgartown
The parade, which has around 1,000 participants, marches through the town and features marching bands, vintage cars, and moving floats. The night ends with a bang at the Edgartown Harbor with a sparkling fireworks show off the water. Fireworks start at around 9pm.
Our favourite way to watch fireworks over Edgartown harbor is on a pontoon on the water.
Edgartown July 4th Barbecue
You can’t have a 4th of July celebration without a good, old fashioned barbecue! At the Edgartown July 4th Barbecue, you can enjoy a variety of delicious classic American favorites like hamburgers and hot dogs straight off the grill.
Starting from 5 pm, head to the Dr. Daniel Fisher House for a mouthwatering meal you won’t forget sponsored by the MV Preservation Trust.
American flags adorn a white picket fence
Run The Chop Challenge
The Run The Chop Challenge has been a Martha’s Vineyard tradition for 20+ years. This five-mile race takes place early in the morning on July 4th and takes you through some of the most iconic streets in Vineyard Haven.
Not only will you get the chance to participate in a local Martha’s Vineyard tradition, but you can also feel great knowing that all proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Martha’s Vineyard and the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girl’s Club.
Vineyard Haven Band Concert
The Vineyard Haven Band has been entertaining visitors and residents of Martha’s Vineyard since 1868. They put on free concerts every Sunday during the summer, although their most famous performance takes place on the 4th of July at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown.
After the parade ends, make your way to the church for an evening of classic American tunes that will have you dancing the night away!
Annual Kids Parade at the Tabernacle Oak Bluffs
You won’t want to miss the colorful 4th of July Kids parade at the Tabernacle. Grab your bike, bring your best red, white and blue outfit, and make your way through the streets of Oak Bluffs.
Remember to wear red, white and blue of some sort for Fourth of July on the Vineyard
Even if you aren’t participating in the parade, you can still admire the waving flags and patriotic band music from the sidelines. The parade starts at 10 am sharp and ends with an ice cream social at the Oak Bluff’s campground.
Speech on the Beach Oak Bluffs
For the past 20 years, visitors flock to the shores of Inkwell Beach to listen to the annual 4th of July reading of What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July? The crashing waves and peaceful surroundings make the perfect backdrop for one of the most influential speeches in American history. The speech on the beach Oak Bluffs has been sponsored by Renaissance House, a writers retreat in Oak Bluffs.
This anti-slavery speech was originally given by Frederick Douglass in 1852 to the Rochester Anti-Slavery and Sewing Society in New York. However, it’s now considered to be one of the best messages of political freedom, human rights, and equality. The entire speech is broken down into different sections and read by various members of the Oak Bluffs community.
The American revolutionaries wanted freedom, but not for everyone.
Frederick Douglass, himself, spoke at the Federated Church in Edgartown in November 1857. It was a dangerous visit because the country was bubbling over about the issue of slavery. For example, earlier that same year, in March 1857, the infamous Dred Scott decision by the Supreme Court had essentially said no Negro was or ever could be an American citizen.
The Federated Church has a plaque on the Martha’s Vineyard African American Heritage Trail to commemorate this visit by Douglass.
In mark that visit by Frederick Douglass, his speech What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July? is also read on the Fourth of July weekend at the Federated Church in Edgartown.
Island Community Chorus
Listen to a handful of your favorite classic tunes from American history at the Island Community chorus concert for the 4th of July. Head to the Tabernacle at the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association in Oak Bluffs, where you’ll be treated to an array of patriotic songs like the Star-Spangled Banner and Hymn to Freedom.
The choir was formed in 1996 and currently has over 100 members. They perform at different venues around Martha’s Vineyard throughout the year.
A patriotic floral bouquet in honor of the Fourth of July
Practical Information For Fourth of July on Martha’s Vineyard
With multiple events like parades, concerts, and fireworks, Martha’s Vineyard is one of the most festive places to celebrate the Fourth of July.
It is also a very popular weekend getaway for visitors to the island. Make sure you book your ferry reservations to get onto the island early if you are bringing a car onto the island. Book your rental car early if you are renting a car on the island.
You will also need to book accommodation early. The summer high season starts with the July 4th weekend on Martha’s Vineyard and goes through August. Even budget Vineyard accommodation has a premium placed upon it and AirBnB’s fill up quickly.
What To Wear for Fourth of July on Martha’s Vineyard
As you can see Fourth of July on Martha’s Vineyard is celebrated in style. So what do you wear for this big celebration? Like the rest of the time, Martha’s Vineyard fashion style is casual, classy and comfortable.
Wear red, white and blue in some sort of combo and absolutely carry a flag. There’s no need for a novelty shirt.
Here are some suggestions for what to wear for Fourth of July on Martha’s Vineyard:
Ideas for what to wear for the Fourth of July celebrations on Martha’s Vineyard
1. Johnny Was Women’s Tunic 2. Vineyard Vines Stripe Tie-Front Shirt 3.Gingham Tunic Top 4. Lilly Pulitzer Women’s Buttercup Shorts 5. PAIGE Jimmy Jimmy Shorts 6. Life is Good Women’sV-Neck Graphic T-Shirt 7. Coolibar UPF 50+ Women’s Café Ruche Pants 8. Seabrook Cork Wedge Slide Sandal by Charleston Shoe Co 9. Life is Good Chill Cap Baseball Hat 10. Free People Women’s Movement Tie Dye Believer Sweatshirt Bonus! Handheld Small American Flags on Stick
So for the upshot, everyone is fairly casual but well-dressed. No need to wear a flag shirt to express how true blue you are.
We love baseball hats for shading from the sun. The usual big sunhat you wear otherwise will get you hated by everyone else standing behind you at a crowded parade.
Note that Life is Good, Lilly Pulitzer and Charleston Shoe Company who have stores on the main street in Edgartown are represented above. They all have high quality items.
- Life is good, a perennial favourite, also has great sweatshirts.
- You actually can find less colorful Lilly Pulitzer items if you are willing to brave the floral glare on your psyche.
- As for Charleston Shoe Company – we LOVE these shoes. When they get dirty, just throw them in the wash and they come out looking good. You really couldn’t ask for better-looking hard-wearing casual shoes.
For the evening events, the weather can get chilly. You’ll need a sweatshirt and/or comfortable trousers if you are watching the fireworks in Edgartown by Fuller Beach.
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