July 4 Fireworks are held annually on Kennebunk Beach, at 9pm.
I can think of no better place to spend July 4th than Kennebunkport! Let’s see…you’ve got the sea, beautiful beaches, the requisite 4th barbecues … sure … but then there are lobster bakes, fireworks, boat rides, a past US President…. what could be more patriotic?! US Flags, yes, we’ve got those too…take a look down the Kennebunk River and you should be awed by the plethora of big glorious flags waving tall and proud over our seaside community – dare you to count them…or just admire how these beautiful freedom symbols fly over our spectacular port.
I suppose you could call our seaside community KenneFOURTHport on and about July 4th!
Fun things to do on the Fourth in Kport…
For a classic waterfront Lobster Bake, check out the 4th of July at Nonantum Resort, The Colony Hotel or Stripers Waterside at The Breakwater Inn! An authentic Lobster dinner on the waterfront lawn overlooking the Kennebunk River can’t be beat. Picture yourself feasting on a traditional Maine lobster, steamers, corn on the cob, red potatoes, corn bread, and blueberry cobbler for dessert. While you sip a drink, watch the boats float by, then enjoy your lobster with an ocean view. See the Nonantum menu and make your reservation.
Nonantum Resort also hosts a very special July 4th celebration, with live music and lobster dinner buffet with fireworks viewing at this historic riverfront resort. Live entertainment is scheduled, and fireworks over Kennebunk Beach can be seen from here.
For the big July 4th fireworks show, Kennebunk Beach, also called Gooch’s, is the place to be… get there early to get a spot on the beach or along the boardwalk. Beware, there’s little beach sand mid to high tide. The Kennebunk fireworks show goes off at about 9pm… it’s a pretty big spectacle and very well-attended! If you do go to the beach to watch, be patient post-show as it takes time for all the traffic to dissipate and exit the beach area on Beach Ave and Sea Road. Another great spot to view the fireworks is from Colony Beach. See our July 4th photos from past fireworks shows at Kennebunk Beach…
As for the 4th of July week in Kport, be sure you get out on the water. We highly recommend a lobster boat tour aboard Rugosa – a picture perfect red Maine lobster boat with Captain Bob as your host. Leaving The Nonantum Resort docks several times daily, you get a wonderful boat ride up and down the Kennebunk River aboard Rugosa, then out the breakwater toward Walkers Point, summer home of the 41st and 43rd Presidents – 
also called the Bush Compound. Along your 1 1/2 hour boat ride, the Captain offers some fun factoids about lobster, and you get to see how lobster traps are pulled. Fun for kids, very hands on, and a super scenic boat ride for everyone.
If you prefer the wind in your hair, and setting sail, then board the Pineapple Ketch for a 2 hour sailing tour from Nonantum – this is a lovely sail out the River. There is something incredibly freeing and even old fashioned about being powered solely by wind on Independence Day.
New England Eco Adventures offers more of a thrill-seekers boat ride out Kennebunk River to lighthouses, Wells or Cape Porpoise harbors, in an exhilarating fast ride-boat ride, not for the timid!
You can kayak or sup – that’s code for “stand up paddleboard” with Kayak Excursions if you want to be in command of your own floaty little boat. Going up the Kennebunk River, under the bridge that connects Dock Square Kennebunkport to Kennebunk, is a great calm kayak trip towards Cape Arundel Golf Club and if you’re adventuresome, all the way to Picnic Rocks. Mind the tide chart, and watch for vessels in the channel (stay out of the way of boats). If you time your trip right, you can get a push up and back to assist with your paddling. Kayak Kennebunkport also rents bikes if you want to cycle around town.
Go to Rhumb Line Resort for a Down East Feast poolside, cheeseburgers for the kiddos. This relaxed Admirals Table bar and patio with picnic tables is the prefect places to relax and dig in to a lobster, fun and affordable!
Kennebunk and Kennebunkport’s beaches are a beautiful place to be in July, or anytime. Gooch’s Beach, Mother’s Beach in Kennebunk, and Colony Beach and Goose Rocks in Kennebunkport are some of the most breathtaking beaches anywhere. The swimming July 4th is still… let’s say “brisk”… the Atlantic hasn’t warmed up too much just yet… so call it refreshing! Walking the beaches is on of the most relaxing and recharging activities accessible to everyone.
Can’t make it for the 4th? Here’s a little hint, the week following The Fourth is often less busy, so look at Kennebunkport lodging during this time period if you have that available… you may miss the fireworks on the beach, but the lobster bakes and beach walks and boat rides will be waiting for you in Vacationland!
Enjoy your 4th of July in Kennebunkport! Wear your red, white and blue. By that we don’t mean sunburn red… remember to apply sunscreen, or you may turn as red as a fresh cooked lobster!
See our lodging guide for the top Inns, BnBs, hotels and resorts in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport and plan your Maine getaway today!
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