Jenny Davis, Author at Newburyport Area

4th of July in Newburyport and Best Fireworks Displays

By Jenny Davis, Newburyport.com Correspondent
Jenny is a freelance writer who moved to Newburyport in 2016 with her two loves, partner Wade and their Mini Goldendoodle, Lexie. After 25 years of retail management on the North Shore, Jenny is now enjoying writing about the people and places in the area she proudly calls home. Her happy place is sitting with a book in a local coffee shop or running along the Clipper City Rail Trail.

4th of July weekend in Newburyport offers many fun things to do! Experience the best shopping and dining that the North Shore has to offer and relax on Plum Island Beach. Check the Newburyport Events Calendar for details. If you’re looking for great places to watch the 4th of July fireworks, view our Newburyport VIP recommendations below for exceptional North Shore and Seacoast, NH venues.

Why doesn’t Newburyport host fireworks on the 4th of July? Many folks know the answer to this question but for those who don’t, the Newburyport fireworks are launched each year during the annual Yankee Homecoming celebration. Mark your calendar for the 2023 Yankee Homecoming fireworks on Saturday, August 5th, and view our Newburyport VIP recommendations for 4th of July fireworks and displays on the 5th of July as well.

NOTE DATE CHANGE – South Mill Pond-Portsmouth, NH – 9:15 pm on WEDNESDAY 7/5

If you have other plans on the 4th of July, heading up to historic Portsmouth, NH to catch their fireworks display on Wednesday, July 5th may be perfect for you! Located just a few blocks from downtown Portsmouth, South Mill Pond, across from City Hall, is a lovely spot to watch the festivities. As in years past, the city is planning for a family friendly event and please take note that it is alcohol-free and dogs are not allowed.

Salisbury Beach-Salisbury, MA-10:15 pm on 7/4

Visit Salisbury Beach, just across the Merrimack River from Newburyport to enjoy live music by Joppa Flatts at 7:30 pm and the fireworks display at 10:15 pm. If you’re an animal lover, make sure to arrive early to check out the Salisbury Beach Pet Parade from 6-7 pm on the Broadway loop. You can also enjoy a beautiful view of these fireworks from the North Point of Plum Island Beach. Note, Plum Island parking lots reach capacity quickly over the holiday weekend.

NOTE DATE CHANGE – Woodsom Farm- Amesbury, MA – 9:30 pm on 9/4

2023 AMESBURY DAYS FIREWORKS POSTPONED TO LABOR DAY 9/4. Fireworks in Newburyport’s neighboring city, Amesbury, on the 4th of July are the finale for the annual weeklong celebration known as Amesbury Days. Arrive early with your blankets and chairs to enjoy live music by New England favorite, Way Up South. Plenty of yummy food, including BBQ and ice cream, will be offered from local vendors.

Hampton Beach – Hampton, NH – 9:30 pm on 7/4

Fireworks are planned for the 4th of July on Hampton Beach with a back up rain date of Friday 7/7. If the date is changed due to weather it will be posted here and on the Newburyport.com Events Calendar. Fireworks are held all summer long on Hampton Beach but the display for the 4th is extra special. If you decide to go early, there is plenty to do and see along the busy boardwalk including many restaurants, shops and arcades. Live music at The Sea Shell Stage starts at 7 pm. You may also witness one of the area’s most stunning sunsets.

Newburyport and Plum Island Beach are an excellent choice for 4th of July weekend! In addition, to great shopping and dining, check out Newburyport Whale Watch or brush up on your maritime history at the Custom House Maritime Museum. Visit the Newburyport Art Association or just chill on Plum Island Beach. If you’re in search of picturesque places to stay, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re from the local area or planning a visit, consider downloading the Newburyport App for quick access to the Newburyport Events Calendar and Things to Do. Foodies and shoppers should check out the Newburyport VIP Discount Card for savings at many local restaurants, shops and places to stay.

US Coast Guard Birthday an Annual Celebration of Maritime History

The US Coast Guard Birthday is August 4th and 2023 marks 233 years for this oldest branch of the military. The celebration, as in year’s past, also coincides with Newburyport’s annual Yankee Homecoming festival. The Newburyport station, U.S. Coast Guard Station Merrimack River, is a source of great pride for locals as is the city’s rich maritime history. The US Coast Guard Birthday is a perfect chance to celebrate not only the founding of the Coast Guard but to thank these men and women who protect our waters and perform life saving missions.

Did you know that first revenue cutter, USRC Massachusetts, was built in Newburyport? The vessel was the result of the Tariff Act, signed on August 4, 1790, that authorized a total of 10 cutters to be built and to enforce tariff and trade laws and prevent smuggling. Today, the US Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security and is responsible for law enforcement, environmental protection and search and rescue. The Newburyport station, US Coast Guard Station Merrimack River, has the distinction of being one of only 19 surf stations in the country and only one of 4 along the entire East Coast. Surf stations are required in areas where there is the potential for extreme wave height and or high winds more than a month out of the year.

Every year, during Newburyport’s Yankee Homecoming celebration in August, US Coast Guard Station Merrimack River holds an Open House during which the public can tour the 140-year-old station as well as learn about boater safety and ask questions. Summer months are the busiest time for the men and women of the Coast Guard and our own local waters, though beautiful, are some of the most unpredictable and can often be dangerous to navigate. You can hear about some of the hazards that the crew encounters, learn about the trainings they conduct and leave feeling more knowledgeable and safer for the next time you head out on the water.

Though always ready for any emergency 24/7, the crew at US Coast Guard Station Merrimack River will also take some time to relax and honor the Coast Guard Birthday in their own way. Some delicious food and friendly (or perhaps, fierce?) competition at the station’s own annual corn hole tournament sounds like the prefect way to unwind and celebrate this important date in history. We hope they will also know how truly appreciative we are of their hard work and dedication. Happy Birthday, to the U.S.C.G.!

4th of July in Newburyport and Best Fireworks Displays

US Coast Guard Birthday an Annual Celebration of Maritime History

6 Vernon St, Newburyport, MA 01950

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108 High St Unit A, Newburyport, MA 01950