The Fourth of July Parade is one of Cotuit’s most beloved traditions, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you again this year. Before the big day, we want to share some important changes to parking and the parade route.
Because the building demolition at the Cotuit Elementary School is an active construction site, a few things will be different in 2026. Please take a moment to review the details below so you know what to expect.
Parking Restrictions at the School Property
There will be no entrance from or outlet to Old Oyster Road. The demolition area will be fenced off, so neither vehicles nor walkers will be able to cut through to Old Oyster Road from the parking area.
Parade parking will still be available on the field via the Main Street entrance, and all vehicles must exit onto Main Street.
Parade Route
The parade will follow the same route as in past years, with one important exception: it will not end at the Main Street entrance to the school field.
- Parade vehicles will not be permitted to turn into the school lot. They must continue down Main Street and turn left onto Old Oyster Road if they need to head back toward the Village.
- Walkers may enter the parking area on the field if they have cars parked there or rides waiting for them. If you need to return to the Village on foot, you can cut over on Screecham Way or walk back up Main Street.
A Note for Parade Participants
The registration and line-up process for floats, antique cars, and walking groups remains the same as in previous years. The Civic Association Parade Committee will be in touch directly with all floats, antique cars, and walking groups about the parking changes, and we’ll make arrangements for any specific needs.
Road Closures
Village roads will be closed to traffic beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, as follows:
- Main Street, from the elementary school to School Street
- Putnam Avenue, between Lowell Avenue and Main Street
- High Street
- Coolidge Street
- School Street, from Main Street to Highland Avenue
If you live on one of these routes, please let anyone driving to visit you know to arrive before 10 a.m.
Where to Park
Parking will be available in the following locations:
- South side of School Street, from Piney to Crockers Neck
- East side of Highland (the sidewalk side)
- East side of Old Oyster, from Coolidge to the Elementary School
- Cotuit Elementary School lot — access to this lot is only from Main Street
- Lowell Park lot
Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we work around the construction this year. With a little extra planning, it’s going to be another wonderful Fourth in the Village. We’ll see you on the route!
Questions? Reach the Parade Committee at cotuitevents@gmail.com.
Download the parking and road closures map
