Martha's Vineyard Fireworks

July 4th, 2025

4:00 -10:00 pm

  A Martha's Vineyard 4th of July is an event like no other. Experience the fireworks with us from the best seat on the island! Martha’s Vineyard island first celebrated the holiday with a parade in 1844 and the festivities keep getting better! Sure, you could commandeer your patch of lawn and visit Edgartown for the annual parade with crowds and floats in force, but the best way to view the spectacular fireworks show overlooking the Edgartown Lighthouse & harbor is aboard a Martha’s Vineyard sailing charter. No crowds, just your own front row seat!

The afternoon begins with a thrilling sail from Vineyard Haven Harbor towards Edgartown. Take in the coastline of Oak Bluffs harbor and the famous State Beach as we glide by. We’ll wrap up the sail by anchoring the boat for a scrumptious hors d’oeuvre platter and a stellar sunset view over the sound. The Martha's Vineyard 4th of July fireworks are staged on a barge just outside Edgartown Harbor and we’ll pick a spot just for you – close to the action! When the sun goes down, the day culminates in a snap, crackle, pop and plenty of ohhhhs and ahhhs! This Martha’s Vineyard tour is a one-way sail from Vineyard Haven Harbor to Edgartown. Hors d'oeuvres, soda, water and ice are included; guests are welcome to bring additional foods and beverages. 

Our Martha's Vineyard 4th of July excursion is a one-way trip from Vineyard Haven to Edgartown.  

 Guests will return to Edgartown dock via the water taxi. 

$1500 for up to 6 guests

For more Martha's Vineyard 4th of July activities,

visit the Vineyard Gazette Calendar here.

Traveling to Martha's Vineyard with kids?

 Check out the Martha's Vineyard 4th of July kids parade here.

August 20, 2025

6:00 - 10:00 pm

Grand Illumination is another spectacular event that tops the list of Martha’s Vineyard things to do. A sunset cruise Martha’s Vineyard style is the perfect pairing for the event!  Embark on a sailing journey with us as we depart Vineyard Haven Harbor, sail Vineyard Sound, and then find our perfect anchoring location for the best view of the Grand Illumination fireworks.

The first official Grand Illumination in 1869, featuring thousands of Japanese lanterns that lit up the gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs, was held to welcome the visiting Massachusetts governor, but locals had been using candles and lanterns for over 30 years before that to illuminate the night during Methodist summer revival meetings. Today, the event still features thousands of lanterns but has transitioned to a more secular and inclusive celebration of community spirit.

The celebration and brightly lit cottages continue for a week each year during the third week of August. But the extra treat is the Grand Illumination Fireworks event, held on Wednesday. Staged on a barge just off the beach, the fireworks show is another brilliant display that makes Martha’s Vineyard island so special during the summer.

Set sail with us in Vineyard Haven Harbor at 6:00 pm and after a sail in Vineyard Sound, we’ll drop anchor and serve a delicious artisan hors d’oeuvre platter while you watch the sunset and wait for the show to begin!

$1200 for up to 6 guests

More about Martha's Vineyard Grand Illumination here.