July Fourth Stars & Stripes Spectacular
Update: Due to strong thunderstorms on July 4, the fireworks and Patriotic Pops concert have been postponed until Thursday, July 5.
Stars and Stripes Spectacular & The Great American Ice Cream Fest
Wednesday, July 4
Eastern Promenade
The Eastern Promenade will once again play host to thousands of people for Portland’s Stars and Stripes Spectacular on Wednesday, July 4.
This year’s Fourth of July festivities include a sweet side: the Great American Ice Cream Fest. Between 3 and 6 pm, participants will be able to taste samples of ice cream from vendors set up along Cutter Street, then vote for their favorite flavor. Tickets cost $8 for adults and $5 for children and are available at Mercy Hospital, Quirk Chevrolet, the Maine Red Claws office and Portland Recreation at the Cummings Center. Any remaining tickets will be sold before the tasting. Proceeds benefit Share Our Strength and Mercy’s Hospital’s Best Shot for Youth Program.
The Portland Symphony Orchestra will begin the Patriotic Pops Concert at 7:40 pm. The fireworks display will start around 9:20 pm, synchronized to the music. Fireworks will be set off from a barge in Casco Bay instead of off the Eastern Prom shore, allowing spectators access to more areas of the Prom. Vendors will sell food, drinks and souvenirs at the top of the Eastern Promenade.
To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, Mayor Michael Brennan will lay a wreath at the War of 1812 Cemetery at 7 pm. Click here for more information.
The East End Beach boat launch, Cutter Street and parking lots will be closed beginning at 10 pm on July 3. Munjoy Hill will be closed to non-resident vehicles at 4 pm, with parking restrictions beginning earlier in the day. Free valet bicycle parking in Fort Allen Park will be available from 6 to 10:30 pm. The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad is offering rides from Ocean Gateway to the Prom for $3 from 4 to 9 pm.
In case of rain, all events will be postponed to Thursday, July 5. If the weather’s iffy, call the event hotline at (207) 756-8130.
The founding sponsors of the Stars and Stripes Spectacular are the Maine Red Claws, Wright Express, Quirk Chevrolet and MaineToday Media.
Stars & Stripes Spectacular website