Whether they’re Independence Day–related or not, summer festivals abound on the North Shore in July. Most have fireworks and food, some have races and games, and a few even have costumes. This guide breaks down the many festivities the region offers this July, from fireworks to parades to long-standing traditions like Newburyport’s Yankee Homecoming.
Gloucester Independence Day Celebrations
July 3
Gloucester’s Fourth of July celebrations kick off with the annual Fishtown Horribles Parade, and a fireworks display over Gloucester Harbor. The Fishtown Horribles Parade will start at 6 p.m. The earliest Horrible parades over a hundred years ago began at 5 a.m. on July 4th, with farmers bringing their animals and children dressed in “horrible” costumes. The parade since the 1940s, however, has been the evening before July 4th and starts and ends at Gloucester High School. The parade features dozens of floats and bands and 100 “Horribles”: costumes and skits usually taking the theme of a cultural or political happening. For more information: facebook.com/Gloucesterfishtownhorribleparade
Marblehead Festival of Arts
July 1-6
On Tuesday, July 1, through Sunday, July 6, Marblehead will put on its 2025 arts festival. The six-day festival this year includes a vast array of events from a film festival, daily art exhibits, an artisans market, speakers, classes, and concerts outdoors at Crocker Park on the water, a model boat regatta, a 5K/10K road race, sand sculptures, fireworks, and a kite festival. More details at: marbleheadfestival.org.
Newburyport’s Yankee Homecoming
July 26-August 3
The summer celebration highlighting Newburyport’s history, businesses, and community runs for nine days in late July and early August this year. The annual event draws folks from near and far, North Shore natives and visitors alike, to experience all the charm of a traditional Yankee Homecoming. This year’s event includes beloved favorites like Olde Fashioned Sunday, a waterfront concert series, a daily marketplace, and fireworks on Saturday, August 2, at 9:15 p.m., plus a Battle of the Bands, a Brewfest fundraiser, a road rally, and much more. You can find more details on yankeehomecoming.com.
Salem Celebrates the Fourth
July 4
Bring your beach blankets and folding chairs to enjoy the 42-piece Hillyer Festival
Orchestra on Derby Wharf at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site for a grand
celebration of our nation’s Independence Day. Featuring a Pops concert, a Kid Space
play area, and fireworks launched over Salem Harbor, this is a quintessential
celebration of the 4th of July. More details at: salemma.gov
Salisbury Beach Fourth of July Celebration
July 3–6
Salisbury Beach will celebrate Independence Day this year in its typical style, with a weekend of family fun. There will be two concerts on the Oceanfront Stage—Billy D & The Rock-Its on Friday, July 4, and Scott Brown & The Diplomats on Saturday, July 5. On July 4, there is the Fourth of July Pet Parade. Visit mysalisburybeach.com for more details on July 5 fireworks and other fun performances and activities that weekend.
Wakefield Parade
July 4
Wakefield's Fourth of July parade is the largest in Massachusetts! Kicking off at 5 p.m. on July 4, this year's parade includes Grand Marshal Pasquale "Patsy" Zagaria, beloved piano teacher and Korean War Veteran, veterans walking and riding on trolley, 16 bands (three BIG ones are Lakeside Lutheran High School from Wisconsin, Les Stentors from Canada and the 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corp out of Connecticut, 11 Floats, 8 Reenactor groups, 17 circus/cosplay/character groups, 23 vehicles, 2 groups of horses, 10 VIPs groups, 5 honor guards. Some surprises include the Big Idaho Potato and the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile! There will be children's activities are in the morning, and a concert and fireworks in the evening. More details at: facebook.com/wakefieldparade
Bluefin Blowout 2025
July 15-17
The annual Bluefin Blowout returns to the Cape Ann Marina in Gloucester this summer to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association. Presented by the Lyon-Waugh Auto Group, the tournament brings three days of excitement to Gloucester as anglers fish for the biggest tuna. Spectators can expect live entertainment, vendors, games, and raffles at the weigh-in station. The festivities really kick off the day before, on July 14, at the Bluefin Bash Fundraiser. More details at: bluefinblowout.com
Blueberry & Flower Festival at Cider Hill Farm
July 19-20 & 26-27
In celebration of blueberry season, Cider Hill Farm throws its Blueberry and Flower Festival for two weekends in late July. The festival highlights the farm’s pick-your-own blueberries and cut-your-own flowers, and also features live music, hard cider, family-friendly activities, hayrides, and plenty of blueberry goodies. More details at: ciderhill.com/festivals