Nothing says summer in Southern Maine quite like the Fourth of July. From dazzling fireworks over the Atlantic to hometown parades, concerts, beach celebrations, and family-friendly festivities, Independence Day Weekend is one of the most exciting times to visit the coast.
Whether you’re staying in Kittery, York, Ogunquit, Wells, or Kennebunkport, here’s your guide to celebrating America’s birthday.
🇺🇸 Ogunquit
Ogunquit hosts one of Southern Maine’s most popular Independence Day celebrations.
Fireworks
🎆 Saturday, July 4
9:00 PM (approximately 9:00–9:30 PM)
Location: Ogunquit Main Beach
The fireworks are launched from the Main Beach parking lot and can be viewed from Main Beach, Footbridge Beach, Marginal Way, Perkins Cove, and much of downtown Ogunquit. Music and dancing typically begin before the fireworks, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the evening. Parking is extremely limited, so arriving early or taking the Ogunquit Trolley is highly recommended. Rain date: July 5.
While You’re There
- Walk Marginal Way
- Explore Perkins Cove
- Catch Hello, Dolly! at the Ogunquit Playhouse
- Visit the Ogunquit Museum of American Art
🇺🇸 Kennebunk & Kennebunkport
The Kennebunks celebrate together with one of the area’s largest fireworks displays.
Fireworks
🎆 Saturday, July 4
After Sunset (around 9:00 PM)
Location: Gooch’s Beach, Kennebunk
Co-hosted by Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, this annual fireworks show is visible from Gooch’s Beach, Middle Beach, and Mother’s Beach. Visitors often arrive hours early to secure parking and a good viewing location. Rain date: July 5.
Celebrate Before the Fireworks
- Shop Dock Square
- Take a lobster cruise
- Enjoy a waterfront lobster bake
- Stroll Ocean Avenue
- Relax at Goose Rocks Beach
🇺🇸 York
York’s Fourth of July is all about spending the day at the beach before enjoying fireworks over Short Sands.
Fireworks
🎆 Saturday, July 4
Approximately 9:30 PM
Location: Short Sands Beach
Bring a blanket or beach chair and enjoy one of Southern Maine’s favorite fireworks displays overlooking the Atlantic. Restaurants, shops, and arcades remain busy throughout the evening.
Spend the Day
- Relax at Long Sands Beach
- Visit Nubble Lighthouse
- Grab ice cream in York Beach Village
🇺🇸 Wells
Wells offers a quieter Fourth of July with easy beach access and an evening fireworks show.
Fireworks
🎆 Saturday, July 4
9:15 PM
Location: Harbor Park
Enjoy an evening by the harbor before watching fireworks light up the night sky.
Make a Day of It
- Spend the afternoon at Wells Beach
- Visit Drakes Island Beach
- Explore Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
- Enjoy fresh seafood at Wells Harbor
🇺🇸 Kittery
While Kittery doesn’t host a major municipal fireworks display of its own, it’s the perfect place to spend Independence Day before heading to nearby York or Ogunquit for fireworks.
Things to Do
- Shop Kittery Foreside
- Explore the Kittery Outlets
- Visit Fort McClary
- Walk Seapoint Beach
- Enjoy dinner overlooking the Piscataqua River
Tips for a Great Fourth of July Weekend
✔️ Arrive early – parking fills quickly at all beach communities.
✔️ Bring blankets or beach chairs for fireworks viewing.
✔️ Consider using local trolleys or walking whenever possible.
✔️ Make dinner reservations well in advance.
✔️ Stay after sunset and enjoy one of the most beautiful fireworks backdrops in New England.
Celebrate the Fourth the Maine Way
Whether you’re watching fireworks over the Atlantic, spending the day on the beach, enjoying fresh lobster with family, or strolling through one of Southern Maine’s charming coastal towns, Independence Day Weekend is the perfect time to experience everything this region has to offer.
From all of us at Maine Faves, have a safe, fun, and unforgettable Fourth of July!
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