14 places to celebrate the Fourth of July in Maine

The Fourth of July means a variety of family-friendly events, along with fireworks in several cities and towns. This year is all the more meaningful as America celebrates its 250th year as a country. Here’s a look at some of the festivities in southern, Midcoast and central Maine. [AUGUSTA](https://www.facebook.com/CityOfAugusta/posts/july-4th-2026-event-schedule-annual-parade-1000am-theme-americas-birthday-250-ye/1435252375295518/) On Saturday, Augusta’s annual Fourth of July parade starts at 10 a.m. from the State House parking lot and ends at Old Fort Western. The theme is “America’s Birthday — 250 Years!” Old Fort Western’s (16 Cony St.) festivities start at 11:30 a.m. There will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Mayor Mark O’Brien, accompanied by a “feu de joie” (musket salute) by fort staff. The rest of the day includes games, wagon rides and a Downeast Brass Band performance at 1 p.m. Grab lunch at the Fort’s hotdog fundraiser. Down the street at Mill Park (1 Northern Ave.), the fun continues at 1:30 p.m. with bounce houses, a magic show, games, bubbles, food trucks, live music and more. Fireworks start at 9:05 p.m. A prime suggested viewing spot is Mill Park. Advertisement For more, go to the [City of Augusta Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/CityOfAugusta/posts/july-4th-2026-event-schedule-annual-parade-1000am-theme-americas-birthday-250-ye/1435252375295518/). [](https://w2pcms.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Bath-Heritage-Days-070226.jpg) Members of the Hancock team from Ashburnham, Mass. — along with volunteers from the crowd — compete in the 175th Firemen’s Muster during Bath Heritage Days on Front Street. (Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer) [Purchase this image](https://dev.mainetodaymedia.com/smugmug/upload.php?data=%7B%22src%22%3A%22https%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fwww.pressherald.com%5C%2Fwp-content%5C%2Fuploads%5C%2Fsites%5C%2F4%5C%2F2026%5C%2F06%5C%2FBath-Heritage-Days-070226.jpg%22%2C%22caption%22%3A%22Members%20of%20the%20Hancock%20team%20from%20Ashburnham%2C%20Mass.%20%5Cu2014%20along%20with%20volunteers%20from%20the%20crowd%20%5Cu2014%20compete%20in%20the%20175th%20Firemen%5Cu2019s%20Muster%20during%20Bath%20Heritage%20Days%20on%20Front%20Street.%20%28Ben%20McCanna%5C%2FStaff%20Photographer%29%22%7D) [BATH](https://visitbath.com/bath-heritage-days) [Bath Heritage Days](https://visitbath.com/bath-heritage-days) runs Thursday through Sunday in downtown Bath, with carnival rides, live concerts and performances, Art in the Park, fireman’s muster, sword fighting and more. On Saturday, the huge Bath Heritage Days parade kicks off at 10 a.m. This year’s theme is 250 Years in Motion — Looking Back, Moving Forward: A Red, White, & Blue Celebration of America’s 250th. The parade leaves from North and Lincoln streets and heads down Center Street and then north on Front Street to just beyond the Patten Free Library. Following a performance by SKOSH, the fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. Saturday at Waterfront Park. For more, go to [visitbath.com/bathheritagedays.com](https://visitbath.com/bath-heritage-days). [BETHEL](https://250bethel.org/event/fourth-of-july/) The [Museums of the Bethel Historical Society](https://bethelhistorical.org/events/) and the [Independence 250 Committee](https://250bethel.org/events/) will host a celebration in Bethel Village on Saturday from 10 a.m-3 p.m. A parade kicks off at 10 a.m. at River Lanes and heads up Main Street. At 11 a.m., there’s a concert by the Portland Brass Quintet, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, children’s games and activities and light refreshments on the lawn of the Mason House. For more, go to [250bethel.org](https://250bethel.org/event/fourth-of-july/). Advertisement [BRUNSWICK](https://brunswickmainerotary.org/) The Rotary Club of Brunswick presents a morning of fun and games for kids on the Town Mall from 10-11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Events include pie and watermelon eating contests, sack races, wheelbarrow races, three-legged races, relay games and more. Drinks, fruit and popsicles will be available. For more, go to [brunswickmainerotary.org](https://brunswickmainerotary.org/). [FREEPORT](https://www.visitfreeport.com/events/july-4th-in-freeport/) The Freeport Fourth festivities kick off at 7 a.m. on Saturday with a $10 pancake breakfast at the Harraseeket Grange. There’s also a 10K road race and 1-miler in support of the YMCA. The Independence Day parade along Main Street steps off at 10 a.m. At 7 p.m., head to the L.L.Bean campus for music from the Don Campbell Band and Country Americana. For more, go to [visitfreeport.com](https://www.visitfreeport.com/events/july-4th-in-freeport/). Advertisement [](https://w2pcms.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Kennebunk-fireworks-070226.jpg) People watch fireworks over Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk on July 4, 2025. (Gregory Rec/fStaff Photographer) [Purchase this image](https://dev.mainetodaymedia.com/smugmug/upload.php?data=%7B%22src%22%3A%22https%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fwww.pressherald.com%5C%2Fwp-content%5C%2Fuploads%5C%2Fsites%5C%2F4%5C%2F2026%5C%2F06%5C%2FKennebunk-fireworks-070226.jpg%22%2C%22caption%22%3A%22People%20watch%20fireworks%20over%20Gooch%5Cu2019s%20Beach%20in%20Kennebunk%20on%20July%204%2C%202025.%20%28Gregory%20Rec%5C%2FfStaff%20Photographer%29%22%7D) [KENNEBUNK](https://kennebunkmaine.us/calendar.aspx?EID=6352) & KENNEBUNKPORT On Saturday, fireworks start about 9 p.m. and can be seen from Gooch’s Beach, Middle Beach and Mother’s Beach. Rain date is Sunday. For more, go to [kennebunkmaine.us](https://kennebunkmaine.us/calendar.aspx?EID=6352). [](https://w2pcms.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/4th-of-July-Lewiston-Auburn-070226.jpg) Fireworks around the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston close the 2023 Liberty Festival in Lewiston and Auburn. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer) [Purchase this image](https://dev.mainetodaymedia.com/smugmug/upload.php?data=%7B%22src%22%3A%22https%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fwww.pressherald.com%5C%2Fwp-content%5C%2Fuploads%5C%2Fsites%5C%2F4%5C%2F2026%5C%2F06%5C%2F4th-of-July-Lewiston-Auburn-070226.jpg%22%2C%22caption%22%3A%22Fireworks%20around%20the%20Basilica%20of%20Saints%20Peter%20and%20Paul%20in%20Lewiston%20close%20the%202023%20Liberty%20Festival%20in%20Lewiston%20and%20Auburn.%20%28Russ%20Dillingham%5C%2FStaff%20Photographer%29%22%7D) [LEWISTON/AUBURN](https://www.libertyfestival.org/) The twin cites of Lewiston and Auburn are celebrating the Fourth of July a few different ways. On Friday, the Liberty Festival in Lewiston’s Veterans Park runs from 6-10 p.m. There will be live music from ’80s cover band Hairy Pie and ’90s/2000s cover act ISH. On Saturday, the parade starts at 3:30 p.m. Keep an eye on [libertyfestival.org](https://www.libertyfestival.org/festival-info/entertainment-schedule/) for route details. In Veterans Park, multi-genre band Two Wrongs Make a Right hits the stage at 4:30 p.m. and the Twisted Steel Car Club show is from 5-8 p.m. Catch a set from singer-songwriter Matt Fournier starting at 6:15 p.m., followed by Joanna Hughes & the Ditch Lilies at 8 p.m. Over at Great Falls Plaza in Auburn, the dance party with DJ Scotty Dawg starts at 5 p.m. Fireworks over the Great Falls start at 9:30 p.m. For more, go to [libertyfestival.org](https://www.libertyfestival.org/). [NAPLES](https://www.townofnaples.org/250) America’s Block Party on the Causeway starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday. The celebration includes a parade and hot dog eating contest. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. over Long Lake from the Causeway. Advertisement For more, go to [townofnaples.org/250](https://www.townofnaples.org/250). [OGUNQUIT](https://chamber.ogunquit.org/events/details/annual-fireworks-display-07-04-2026-26605?calendarMonth=2026-07-01) Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. on Saturday. Recommended viewing spots are from Main Beach to Footbridge Beach and North Beach. A DJ will be playing requests starting at 7 p.m. in the Beach Street turnaround. For more, go to [chamber.ogunquit.org](https://chamber.ogunquit.org/events/details/annual-fireworks-display-07-04-2026-26605?calendarMonth=2026-07-01). OLD ORCHARD BEACH Fireworks start at 9:45 p.m. on Saturday from the beach in front of Palace Playland. For more, go to [oobmaine.com](https://www.oobmaine.com/event/palace-playland-and-the-pier-fireworks-displays-on-the-beach-in-front-of-palace-playland-at-945-p-m-2/). [PORTLAND](https://www.portlandmaine.gov/city-news?contentId=1eae363d-0cac-457c-95d6-a659fe512726) The fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. Saturday (rain date Sunday) on the Eastern Promenade. Several food trucks will be available on the Eastern Promenade Roadway. The Casco Bay Wind Symphony will perform from 7 p.m. until the fireworks start. The program will feature patriotic and popular songs with symphonic pieces mixed in. Along with the Eastern Promenade, recommended viewing spots include East End Beach, Fort Allen Park, Amethyst Park (Thames Street), Baxter Boulevard, Payson Park, Martin’s Point on Veranda Street and Bug Light in South Portland.  Advertisement [](https://w2pcms.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/4th-of-July-Fireworks-070226.jpg) Fireworks display off PortlandÕs Eastern Prom seen from Bug Light Park in South Portland on the 4th of July. [Purchase this image](https://dev.mainetodaymedia.com/smugmug/upload.php?data=%7B%22src%22%3A%22https%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fwww.pressherald.com%5C%2Fwp-content%5C%2Fuploads%5C%2Fsites%5C%2F4%5C%2F2026%5C%2F06%5C%2F4th-of-July-Fireworks-070226.jpg%22%2C%22caption%22%3A%22Fireworks%20display%20off%20Portland%5Cu00d5s%20Eastern%20Prom%20seen%20from%20Bug%20Light%20Park%20in%20South%20Portland%20on%20the%204th%20of%20July.%22%7D) Earlier in the day, the [Maine Historical Society](https://www.mainehistory.org/events/maine-historical-society-celebrates-americas-250th/?mc_cid=f4f41bccfd&mc_eid=b8d4724e53) celebrates America’s 250th from 10 a.m-2 p.m. The free event features a 10:15 a.m. performance by singer Julia Haven at City Hall Plaza. Then head to Maine Historical Society (489 Congress St.) to hear Norumbega Brass and enjoy free food and drinks. You can also see the “Pathways to Freedom” exhibit and visit the Wadsworth-Longfellow House. For more, go to [portlandmaine.gov](https://www.portlandmaine.gov/city-news?contentId=1eae363d-0cac-457c-95d6-a659fe512726) and [mainehistory.org](https://www.mainehistory.org/events/maine-historical-society-celebrates-americas-250th/?mc_cid=f4f41bccfd&mc_eid=b8d4724e53). [SACO](https://www.ferrybeach.org/summer-cookouts.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawSqEHpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFpbXVBS0VONEpyZXZFQ21qc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsoK5rrEgEERh_ZdOW51y07NgIGJLYh3HVT3_rXDHM73QQ5IbnDAKJcpRwu9_aem_ZwPQqOyUshUDt3R8eUobFQ) On Saturday from 6-9 p.m., Ferry Beach hosts a BBQ and concert from Borderline, along with family games and activities and a cornhole tournament. Tickets are $35, $25 youth, free for children under 8 with an adult. For more, go to [ferrybeach.org](https://www.ferrybeach.org/summer-cookouts.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawSqEHpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFpbXVBS0VONEpyZXZFQ21qc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsoK5rrEgEERh_ZdOW51y07NgIGJLYh3HVT3_rXDHM73QQ5IbnDAKJcpRwu9_aem_ZwPQqOyUshUDt3R8eUobFQ). [SANFORD/SPRINGVALE](https://www.sanfordmaine.org/calendar.php?view=day&month=07&day=03&year=2025) There’s a block party on Friday at Number One Pond starting at 4 p.m. The schedule includes a water ski show, DJ, food and music. Fireworks will start at approximately 9 p.m. On Saturday, a parade kicks off at 10 a.m. It starts on Main Street, beginning at Schuler Street and ending at Gowen Park. For more, go to [sanfordmaine.org](https://www.sanfordmaine.org/calendar.php?view=day&month=07&day=03&year=2025). [SCARBOROUGH](https://pinepointparade.org/) The [Pine Point 4th of July Parade and Kids’ Fun Run](https://www.facebook.com/events/1372110224972820/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A%5B%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_custom_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D%5D%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D) kicks off at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday. The run is open to kids ages 3-12. Winning kids will carry American flags and lead the parade. The parade steps off at 9 a.m. from Hurd Park and finishes at the Engine 4 firehouse. Prizes will be awarded for creatively decorated kids, dogs, wagons and bikes from the parade. Free strawberry shortcake will be served. For more, go to [pinepointparade.org](https://pinepointparade.org/). Copy the Story Link [](https://www.pressherald.com/author/aimsel-ponti) [Aimsel PontiStaff Writer](https://www.pressherald.com/author/aimsel-ponti) Aimsel Ponti is a music writer and content producer for the Portland Press Herald. She has been obsessed with – and inspired by – music since she listened to Monkees records borrowed from the town. [More by Aimsel Ponti](https://www.pressherald.com/author/aimsel-ponti)