Danvers July 4th Fireworks, Parades, And More: 2019 Guide

DANVERS, MA — July 4th is quickly approaching, which means it's time to fire up that barbecue and find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on near you this Independence Day. We gathered up all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening in and around Danvers so you can start planning now.

Danvers doesn't have its own fireworks display, so you'll have to leave town if you want to end the night with a bang. We've included schedules for Fourth of July activities (including fireworks info) for other nearby towns below.

In Danvers, there are two parades scheduled as well as a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Both parades and the reading are on July 4.

The Highland's Horrible's Parade is a chance for everyone to decorate a wagon, float, or even themselves as festively as they'd like. Prizes will be given out for different categories including most horrible, most like Danvers, most patriotic, and more.
The parade begins at Seaboard Products at the corner of Beechwood Street and Collins Street. The parade will march until Highland Common at Centre Street.

Parade registration begins at 8 a.m. and the parade will go from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Right after the Horrible's parade, the next one, the Back Bay parade begins at 11 a.m and goes until 12 p.m. This parade also has an emphasis on community fun.

Danvers Family Festival page describes the events fun attitude. It says, "Bring your costumes, your decorated doll carriages, bicycles, and wagons. Take your antique car out for a spin. Walk as a Boy Scout, Girl Scout, or sports group. Make a float, or just carry a sign. Dress in your Sunday finest or last year's Halloween costume. It's all in fun!"

The parade will meet at the corner of Damon and Porter Street and march through the local neighborhoods.

There will be a joint reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Danvers Rotary Pavillion at Mill Pond.This is a community reading so all who wish to read can. Copies will be provided.

The reading takes place from 12 p.m. to 1 pm. The pavilion is located at 50 Ferncrftt Road in Danvers.

If you plan to celebrate in Salem:

Salem Fireworks

Where: Derby Wharf

When: Dusk (~9:15 p.m.) on July 4th

From Salem.org: "Bring your beach blankets and folding chairs to enjoy the 42-piece Hillyer Festival Orchestra on Derby Wharf at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site for a grand celebration of our nation’s Independence Day. Featuring a Pops concert, a Kid Space play area, and fireworks launched over Salem Harbor, this is a quintessential celebration of the 4th of July."

Declaration of Independence With Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll

Where: Salem Common

When: 9 a.m on July 4th

A reading of the Declaration of Independence, with musical accompaniment by local musicians.

Kids' Space

Where: Salem Common

When: 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 4

Free kids games and activities

LUX Quartet

Where: Salem Common

When: 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 4

Live entertainment featuring this funky/jazzy/quirky/entertaining/engaging ensemble from the North Shore begins at 5 p.m.

Opening Ceremonies/Parade

Mayor Driscoll and other officials will lead a parade to the Wharf beginning at 7:15. That will be followed by the performance by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra leading up to the fireworks.

Road closures: Derby Street from Herbert Street to Daniels Street, and Orange Street and Curtis Street at Essex Street, will all be closed to traffic from 5:00 pm. until 11:00 p.m.

Avoid driving to Derby Wharf: Seek parking downtown in a lot or Museum Place Garage on New Liberty Street and the South Harbor Garage on Congress Street are available for parking at $5 for the day, with the proceeds being donated directly towards the July 4thcelebration. There is overflow parking at Shetland Properties on Congress Street, or take the commuter rail or Salem Ferry (www.salemferry.com) to avoid anticipated traffic congestion. The last MBTA trains depart Salem station at 10:40 p.m. (southbound) and 10:51 p.m. (northbound/Newburyport Line) and 12:01 a.m. (northbound/Rockport Line)

If you plan to celebrate in Beverly:

• 8:00 a.m. - Horribles Parade starts at Oak Street at 7:30 a.m. Roads affected include West Street, Oak Street, Hale Street, High Street, Everett Street and Haskell Street.
• 10:30 a.m. - The Old Timers Softball game is happening at the Dix Park at 79 Haskell Street.
• 2:00 p.m. - The day full of races and other games for the whole family is happening at West Beach.
• 5:00 p.m. - Music entertainment begins at West Best.
• 8:45 p.m. A festive illumination of the shore will occur before the fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

Admission to West Beach costs $15. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the beach. All coolers and other containers bust be removed from the beach by 7:00 p.m.

Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.

Planning a celebration for the Fourth? Check out epic July Fourth essentials like red, white and blue swag, patriotic games and luminous LED lights to ensure your party is the best in the USA.