NEW CANAAN, CT — New Canaan's annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration is scheduled to take place July 4 in Waveny Park.
Traditionally the largest single gathering of the New Canaan community each year, the 2026 event will celebrate the country's 250th year of independence and offer fun for the entire family, including gourmet food trucks, picnicking, children's games and a stunning fireworks display, according to a news release provided by the town.
Gates are scheduled to open at 5 p.m., and local band "One Bad Oyster" will perform from approximately 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., according to the town.
The Town Band will then play classic patriotic holiday music from 7:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., according to the town.
Rain dates are scheduled for July 5 and July 11. In the event of inclement weather, event updates will be available on the town website.
Entrance passes are required for residents and their guests (one pass per car, one pass per family walking in). The cost is $40 per pass, and non-resident passes are not being sold, according to the town.
Passes may be purchased online from May 1 through July 2.
To have a pass mailed to their home, residents must purchase it online by June 19. Passes purchased online from June 20
through July 2 must be picked up at the Parks and Recreation Department, according to the town.
Residents may also purchase a pass in-person at:
A pop-up location for purchasing passes will also be open June 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the downtown area, according to the town.
On the day of the event, passes will be on sale for $50 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Steve Benko Pool.
Parking and Gate Closure Notification
Cars may enter Waveny Park through the South Avenue gate only and must have an entrance pass displayed, according to the town.
Pedestrians with an entry pass are invited to enter the park from the New Canaan High School parking area. Parking is not permitted on roads adjacent to the park, according to the town.
This year, residents can sign up on the New Canaan's Alerts system to receive immediate notification when Waveny Park parking has reached capacity and the park's entrance is closing.
Residents signing up for New Canaan Public Safety notifications will be able to seek alternative parking locations in a more-timely manner, reducing traffic snarls and stress, according to the town.
The 2026 entrance pass will also have a QR code that connects directly to New Canaan's Alerts system sign-up, according to the town.
Sensory Zone
The New Canaan Fireworks Committee is offering a Sensory Zone this year for residents who prefer to see the fireworks in a quieter setting.
According to the town, this space offers reduced crowds and noise for a more comfortable experience.
The Sensory Zone will be set up at the New Canaan High School soccer fields by Farm Road, however residents will still need an entrance pass to attend, according to the town.
Park Rules and Rainouts
According to the town, dogs are prohibited from the park during the Fourth of July fireworks event, as well as these items:
Entrance passes are not refundable. If the 2026 event is canceled due to weather, they will be valid for 2027, according to the town.
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