We have arrived, everybody. Fourth of July weekend is upon us and while the Hamptons will be booming for the next week or so, so will the skies above as we prepare for a star-studded week of firework displays, parades and patriotic goings-on.
Independence Day marks the day that the 13 original colonies became free and independent from British rule. Back in 1776, on July 4, the Declaration of Independence was ratified by the Second Continental Congress, thus establishing the United States of America. Now, 250 years later, we as Americans must remember to band together and continue to honor and defend our democracy. Consider what Mark Twain said:
“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.”
Happy Fourth, South Forkers. Remember, we’re in this together.
Southampton Town
At the annual North Sea Fire Department carnival (across from the firehouse, located at 27 Straight Path, Southampton), there’ll be two firework displays on Thursday, July 2 and Saturday, July 4, after dusk. Carnival runs today through Saturday from 6 to 11 p.m. daily.
The Southampton History Museum will host its annual Halsey House Gala on Friday, July 3, at Halsey House & Garden, (249 South Main Street, Southampton) from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Held on the eve of Independence Day, the benefit will take on special meaning in 2026 as the nation prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Set against the backdrop of one of the oldest English colonial buildings in Southampton, Halsey House was built in 1683 and remains one of the village’s most treasured historic landmarks. The gala will invite guests to celebrate America 250 in a setting that predates the founding of the United States and offers a rare living connection to the colonial era, early Southampton life and the generations that helped shape the East End.
Southampton Arts Center (25 Jobs Lane, Southampton, 631-283-0967) will host a talk with David Rubenstein discussing the Declaration of Independence as America approaches its 250th anniversary, on Friday, July 3, from 5 to 6:30 pm. Rubenstein will trace how the Declaration came to be, why its most celebrated phrases still resonate around the world, and what its principles mean in contemporary America. He will also have a replica of the Declaration of Independence with him on display. Admission is $20. For more info click here.
Everyone loves a parade, especially the Southampton Fourth of July Parade, slated to being at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July Fourth proper. An honored tradition for the past 105 years, generations of families, residents and visitors will gather to celebrate our nation’s milestone 250th anniversary. Organized by the Village of Southampton Commission on Veterans Patriotic Events, this parade consistently ranks as one of the largest on Long Island. It starts at Railroad Plaza, continues down North Main Street, to Jobs Lane, ending at Monument Square at Agawam Park.
The Westhampton Country Club will put on a fireworks display from their Potunk Lane location on Saturday, around 9 p.m. While the country club is for members only, the spectacular display by Grucci can be viewed from anywhere within the Village of Westhampton Beach. Rain date is Sunday, July 5, same time same place.
East Hampton Town
Celebrate the Fourth of July at Gosman’s Dock (484 Westlake Drive, 631-668-2521), Montauk’s iconic waterfront destination and one of this year’s hot spots to see the annual Stars Over Montauk firework display over Montauk Harbor by the Grucci family. While the fireworks are slated to begin at 9 p.m., the fun starts before the holiday at Gosman’s, as the beloved locale hosts live music throughout the holiday weekend, featuring Willow Hill on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Jake’s Country Rocking Band Sunday, July 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday’s fireworks will be launched from a barge positioned off Montauk Inlet. Additional viewing locations include Gin Beach and the Montauk Point Lighthouse. If you’re looking to beat the traffic, consider utilizing the complimentary shuttle service from 6 to 11 p.m. Details can be found here.
For the first time in about 30 years, East Hampton Village’s fireworks show will be at Main Beach (101 Ocean Ave.) this Saturday on July Fourth proper. An annual tradition, which in more recent years was held in mid to late August, will help ring in the Fourth this Saturday beginning at dusk (around 9 p.m.) as our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary. Bring a blanket our beach chair to catch the show. Parking is first-come, first-served.
The Clamshell Foundation‘s annual firework display over Three Mile Harbor is on Saturday, July 11 at dusk. Put on by the Grucci’s, the best viewing spots include Maidstone Park, Sammy’s Beach, Gann Road and Hands Creek road beaches.
(Photos courtesy of Shelter Island Fireworks)
Sag Harbor
The John A. Ward Independence Day Fireworks are this Saturday, July 4, starting around 9:30 p.m. Launching from the Sag Harbor Yacht Club, prime seats include Windmill Beach at the beginning of Long Wharf, Marine Park and Havens Beach. Wherever you decide to be your viewing spot, get there early and bring lawn chairs, blankets and comfy things to sit on.
Shelter Island
Shelter Island celebrates America’s 250th in style with a parade set for a 10 a.m. start on Saturday. Scheduled to begin at Bateman Road, the parade will continue south down 114, turn left on to Thomas Avenue, left on to East Thomas Street, left back on to 114 South, and finish along School Street. Residents, business, organizations, and community groups are invited to participate in the parade and make this a memorable, patriotic celebration! Expect decorated floats, festive vehicles, marching groups or organizations, bands and performers and oodles of historical reenactors.
The 67th annual Shelter Island Fireworks display is on July 11 at Crescent Beach on Shore Road after dusk (around 9 p.m.). Additionally, the Pridwin is hosting a family-style BBQ and viewing celebration beginning at 5:30. Click here to reserve your seats.
