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From an early morning road race to an evening concert and fireworks over Plymouth Harbor, the town’s Fourth of July celebration offers a full day of events expected to draw thousands of residents and visitors to the waterfront.
Plymouth’s Fourth of July festivities begin at 7:30 a.m. with the 11th Annual Fourth of July 5K, starting and finishing at DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park, 79 Water St. The popular race kicks off the day’s celebrations before runners give way to Plymouth’s signature Independence Day tradition – the Fourth of July Parade. Registration and race information are available at South Shore Race Management.
At 9 a.m., the annual Fourth of July Parade steps off from Mayflower Business Park, 428 Court St., making its way through downtown, and along Water Street to Plymouth Rock. Spectators planning to watch the parade are encouraged to arrive early. Organizers advise being parked by 8 a.m., as Water Street between Union and Brewster streets closes at 6 a.m. and additional road closures begin throughout the morning. Roads will close again at 6 p.m. for the evening concert and remain closed until after the fireworks.
The waterfront remains the center of activity throughout the day. Food trucks including Alden Park, Mom on the Go, and Street Pops will serve visitors from the start of the parade through the evening fireworks. Roaming vendors will also offer popcorn, cotton candy, and novelty items. Musical tributes, including performances of “America the Beautiful” and the national anthem, set the tone for a spectacular holiday.
The evening continues with the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra’s free outdoor concert at 7:30 p.m. at DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park. The program blends patriotic favorites, a salute to U.S. Armed Forces, and tributes to America’s semi quincentennial, including “Fanfare 250,”music from Hamilton, “Amazing Grace,” a reading from the Declaration of Independence, and Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” complete with digital cannons. Organizers recommend arriving at least an hour early to allow time to park and walk to the concert site.
The celebration concludes with Fireworks over Plymouth Harbor beginning around 9:15 p.m., or at dusk. While the waterfront offers the closest view, other popular viewing locations include Burial Hill and Nelson Memorial Park. If weather forces a postponement, the fireworks rain date is Saturday, July 25.
Parking requires a bit of planning. July falls during Plymouth’s paid parking season, so visitors should remember to pay meters where required. There is no shuttle service for the parade, concert, or fireworks, making an early arrival the best strategy for those hoping to spend the day on the waterfront.
For complete event details, road closures, and parking information, visit July 4 Plymouth, the event schedule, Parking & Road Closures, Park Plymouth, or register for the 11th Annual Fourth of July 5K.
Monday, June 29
Take a nostalgic trip through the golden age of the American singer-songwriter when Andrew Lewis and Margaret Ferri present “Coffeehouse: Songs & Stories of American Songwriters, 1960–1975” from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. The free concert in the Fehlow Meeting Room features classics by James Taylor, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, and more, interwoven with the stories behind the songs that defined a generation. Lewis and Ferri bring the coffeehouse era back to life in an evening of music and history. Registration and information are available through the Plymouth Public Library.
Tuesday, June 30
Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave., will celebrate its supporters during Member Appreciation Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day honors museum members whose support helps sustain educational programs, collections, and living history experiences throughout the year. Activities include live music by local musician Abby Vail, lawn games, an ice cream social, Polaroid photo opportunities, and a museum-wide scavenger hunt. Members can enter a drawing to win a free year of membership. The event is free for current members; nonmembers are invited to join and enjoy a year of benefits. For information, visit www.plimoth.org.
Wednesday, July 1
Celebrate America’s 250th by trying your hand at the art behind one of the nation’s founding documents. Write Like a Rebel, a hands-on calligraphy workshop, takes place at 11 a.m. at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. Professional calligrapher Debby Reelitz will introduce participants to the writing tools, lettering styles, and techniques used during the American Revolution before guiding them in scripting a line from the Declaration of Independence using a traditional dip pen and ink. For information go here.
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with the Rev250 Movie Series at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. where Revolutionary-era films will be screened every Wednesday in July. The series opens with Disney’s classic “Johnny Tremain,” beginning at 6 p.m. Based on the novel by Esther Forbes, the 1957 film follows a young apprentice silversmith whose life becomes intertwined with the American Revolution, featuring scenes of Paul Revere’s ride, the Boston Tea Party, and the battles of Lexington and Concord. For more information, visit plymouthpubliclibrary.org.
Priscilla Beach Theatre’s second play of the season is based on the classic farces of ancient Rome. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a hilarious, fast-paced musical romp that promises “a comedy tonight!” The story follows Pseudolus, a wily slave who schemes to win his freedom by playing matchmaker for his young master, Hero. This week, performances on July 1, 2, and 5. Runs through Saturday, July 18, 800 Rocky Hill Road. For tickets go here.
Project Arts returns for the summer with its firstfree concert at Pilgrim Memorial State Park, 16 Water St.,on the waterfront, featuring Little Lies with Jody Moore Duo opening, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Come early and treat yourself to dinner from a food truck. For information and schedule go here. Free concerts will take place every Wednesday through August 26.
Thursday, July 2
Kick off the holiday weekend with an afternoon of art and summer treats at Popsicles & Prosecco from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St. Hosted by The Sunroom Social, the gathering invites guests to stroll the center’s Sculpture Garden, admire the outdoor artwork, and mingle over handcrafted popsicles from The Pop Stop and a glass of prosecco poured by Brews & Cips. A cash bar will also be available, and in the event of rain the party moves inside the gallery. Tickets are $25 and include a popsicle, prosecco, and access to the event. For tickets and information, visit www.thesunroomsocial.com.
The Spire Lobby Series features a performance by the Reed Foehl Trio at the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25½ Court St. The intimate 70-seat series transforms the lobby into a listening room for acclaimed local and regional musicians. Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Reed Foehl, whose blend of folk storytelling and Americana has earned national recognition and placements in film and television, brings songs that are both deeply personal and quietly powerful. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $17 and are available here.
Friday, July 3
Downtown Plymouth comes alive from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., as First Fridays Plymouth ushers in the holiday weekend with a free evening celebrating local art, music, history and more. Stroll through downtown as galleries, museums, shops, restaurants and historic sites open their doors with special programs designed to showcase our community. Events take place throughout the downtown area, including Main, North, Court and Water streets. This week’s lineup includes live music by Just 2 Guys outside the See Plymouth visitor center on North Street, the J Place Duo performing blues, soul and rock at Vinyl Lunatic Records, and musician Ray Papile on the Plymouth Bay Winery deck overlooking the harbor. The Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., will feature music by Sherry Malone, an artist demonstration by illustrator Terry Kole, light refreshments, the final days of its “Renewal” members exhibition, the New England Watercolor Society Signature Members show, and the opportunity to explore the new Sculpture Garden. UVA Wine Bar will be offering Red, White and Blue Bomb Pop Proseccos. Visitors can also enjoy free mini tours at the Hedge House Museum, browse World Cup and America 250-themed gifts at EKnits and Gifts, and take advantage of special offers at participating downtown shops. Admission is free. For a complete schedule, visit www.firstfridaysplymouth.com.
Fridays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North from 5 to 9 p.m. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Live music 6 to 9 p.m. with Jordan Hill. Information: The Pinehills Events Calendar.
Looking for Fourth of July weekend laughs? Comedian Tom Cotter, the breakout star and runner-up from Season 7 of “America’s Got Talent,” returns to the Spire Center on Friday, July 3, joined by his wife and fellow comedian Kerri Louise Cotter. Kerri Louise has appeared on “Oprah,” “Dr. Oz,” “The Howard Stern Show,” and “Last Comic Standing,” making this a double bill of fast-paced stand-up. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show at 8 p.m. at the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25½ Court St. Tickets are available at Spire Center.
Saturday, July 4
Plymouth’s Fourth of July festivities begin at 7:30 a.m. with the 11th Annual Fourth of July 5K, starting and finishing at DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park, 79 Water St. At 9 a.m., the annual Fourth of July Parade steps off from Mayflower Business Park, 428 Court St., making its way down Court Street, through downtown, and along Water Street to Plymouth Rock. Spectators planning to watch the parade are encouraged to arrive early. Fireworks over Plymouth Harbor begin around 9:15 p.m. For more information, please see the lead story or go here. For information about parking and road closures go here.
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra opens its 111th season with the free Esther and Alcide Ruffini Fourth of July Concert at 7:30 p.m. in the natural amphitheater at DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park, 79 Water St. Led by Music Director Steven Karidoyanes, the annual waterfront tradition takes on added significance this year as it celebrates both Independence Day and the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The program blends patriotic favorites with new tributes to America’s semiquincentennial, including “Fanfare 250,”music from “Hamilton,” a new symphonic arrangement of “Amazing Grace,” a reading from the Declaration of Independence by WATD’s Rob Hakala, and the orchestra’s signature performance of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” — complete with digital cannons. The evening also features a salute to the U.S. Armed Forces, selections from Handel’s “Music for the Royal Fireworks,” and a lively Beatlemania tribute before the town’s fireworks begin around 9:15 p.m. Admission is free. For information, visit www.plymouthphil.org.
Saturdays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North continues weekly, from 2 to 8 p.m. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Live music 6 to 9 p.m. by Ken Monteiro. Information: The Pinehills Events Calendar.
Sunday, July 5
Sundays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North from 5 to 9 p.m. will continue into October. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Live music 6 to 9 p.m. with Chris Ballerini. Information: The Pinehills Events Calendar.