Independence Day on Nantucket is one of the best days of the year on the island — and in 2026 it’s shaping up to be a big one. After two years off, the beloved Main Street water fight is back, thanks to a donated water supply trucked in for the occasion. Here’s the full rundown and a few local tips to make the day go smoothly.
The Fourth of July schedule
July 4th falls on a Saturday this year, and the action runs all day across Main Street, Children’s Beach, and Jetties Beach:
- 8:30 AM–12:30 PM: Sustainable Nantucket’s Farmers & Artisans Market on Cambridge Street, plus food trucks on Federal Street.
- 9:00 AM: Reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Unitarian Universalist Church.
- 10:00 AM–12:30 PM: Music with DJ Scott Capizzo on Main Street.
- ~10:30 AM: The famous water fight returns — Nantucket Fire Department vs. the Boynton Lane Reserves. Expect to get soaked if you’re anywhere near the spray zone.
- Late morning: Family fun at Children’s Beach — the national anthem, the tea toss, cornhole, and face painting.
- 9:00 PM: Fireworks over the harbor, launched from a barge off Jetties Beach, with patriotic music simulcast on 97.7 WACK.
Local tips for the day
- Get there early. Main Street and Jetties fill up fast — stake out your fireworks spot well before 9.
- Skip the car. WAVE buses run to Jetties from in front of the Whaling Museum every 10–15 minutes starting at 6 PM, and back again after the show.
- Pack the essentials. Sunscreen, water, a blanket, and a layer for the evening breeze.
Where to celebrate after dark
Once the fireworks fade, the island keeps going. Smallpools plays The Muse on the night of the Fourth, and downtown the Chicken Box on Dave Street and The Rose & Crown on South Water Street keep the live music and DJs running late. Walkable, lively, and very Nantucket.
Beat the holiday rush at ACK Natural
The island doubles in size over the Fourth, and that goes for our shop too. Do yourself a favor and order ahead for pickup before the crowds roll in. We’ll have your order bagged and ready at 19 Spearhead Drive — whether that’s island-grown flower, infused pre-rolls for the long weekend, or a few THC seltzers for a relaxed night in.
We’re open 10 AM–8 PM on Saturday, July 4th. Must be 21+ with a valid ID. Cannabis may not be consumed in public. Please consume responsibly.
