Nantucket 4th of July 2011 - Things to Do
Posted by Brian Sullivan on Sat, Jun 18, 2011
In my mind there is nothing that more Americana then 4th of July on Nantucket!
Cobblestone Streets lined with buildings that have existed for a hundred years is the main stage for the daytime events, back yard BBQ's, and evening fireworks round out a perfect day on Nantucket where family, and fun are the focus.
Here I have complied just a short list of things to do on Nantucket for the 4th of July. I would love if you shared some of your favorite events in the comments section below.
Main Street Nantucket 4th of July Activities
10:00am – 11:40am
Come down to Main Street and celebrate Independence Day by participating in or watching the following activities:
Master of Ceremonies
- Stop by the stage in front of the Even Keel Cafe at
- 40Main Street. Find out what is going on and where.
Dunk Tank
- Union Street entrance get your friends, family or someone you don’t know wet.
Watermelon Eating Contest 
- @ the Fountain at lower end of Main Street
Face Painting
- In front of 30 Main Street
Pie Eating Contest
- In Front of 46 Main Street
Bike Decoration Contest (including tricycles and wagons)
- Federal Street entrance to Main Street
Sand Art
- In front of 25 main Street
11:45am –Noon HIGH LIGHT EVENT!!!!
Water Fight between Town firefighters with old hand pumper and Flint Ranney’s volunteers on his antique fire truck. Bring your umbrella! Bring a Change of Clothes for Adults and Kids, getting wet can NOT be avoided.
- Starts at upper end of street by Pacific Bank and spreads downhill to Pacific Club.
Children’s Beach Activities
5:00pm– 6:00pm
There will be games for every age bracket. If you are under a certain age, you might just get a ribbon!
- Running Races
- Tree Legged Races
- Potato Sack Races
- Tug-of-War!
Of Course we can not forget the best of the best, the 4th of july fireworks!
At 9 pm a barge anchored 1 mile off of jetties beach will erupt with an outstanding fireworks display! Watch a video here of a past fireworks display on Nantucket. If you are heading down to the beach head down early, and remember to bring a blanket or chair and please bring a Clear trash bag with you to pick up after your evening of enjoyment - always try to keep Nantucket Beaches beautiful!
Getting to Jetties Beach! DON'T DRIVE - there is no where to park, walk, ride a bike or take The Wave!
Beginning at 6:00 PM, NRTA buses will leave the Whaling Museum on Broad Street approximately every 10-15 minutes. The Jetties Beach stop is at the corner of Bathing Beach Road and Hulbert Avenue. Fares are $1 each way, 50 cents for Senior Citizens.
Children under 6 are free. After the event buses will depart Bathing Beach Road And Hulbert Avenue and return to Broad Street approximately every 20-30 minutes until 11:00 p.m.