If this rainy weather will give us a break, all the Hamptons fireworks shows are lined up and ready to go for 2023. But what makes a great show, and which one should you pick? It's not just about the pyrotechnics—for us, it's much more about the location you watch from, and the overall vibe. We surveyed our staff to get some intel on the five best firework shows in the Hamptons for 2023, plus all the coveted insider tips on how to beat the crowds and really enjoy the show.

 

#5
FRIDAY, JUNE 30TH 9:30PM
MEADOW LANE, SOUTHAMPTON

 
An American Picnic Fireworks Show

If you're a Hamptons newcomer, you might not know yet that this iconic annual Grucci fireworks show is part of an impressive carnival-style fundraiser event called An American Picnic. The best viewing of course, is from within the event gates, but tickets start at $350 each for adults, and that might not be the vibe you're looking for. But don't fret my pet, you can still watch the show by parking/tailgating along Meadow Lane (if they allow it this year,) boating into Shinnecock Bay, or our top pick, parking at the end of Dune Road on the Hampton Bays side of the Shinnecock Inlet next to Oaklands Restaurant, There’s usually live music (and great drinks) at Oaklands, plus surfcasting and tailgating all afternoon and evening leading up to the show.  

 

 

#4
TUESDAY, JULY 4TH 9-10PM
UMBRELLA BEACH, MONTAUK

 
Charter with Sail Montauk for the Fireworks Show

The ‘Stars Over Montauk’ Grucci Fireworks at Umbrella Beach in Montauk are a longstanding favorite and visible from both the village and surrounding public beaches (bring your own beach chairs) which makes the spread-out crowds pretty manageable. The tough part though is the traffic on 27. We recommend either taking the train out and back, or driving out early and either spending the night in Montauk or going out for a late dinner before heading back east so you don't have to sit on Napeague Stretch for 27 hours—You can always charter a boat out of the marina for the full VIP fireworks experience too. Sponsored by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce.

 

 

#3
SATURDAY, JULY 8TH 9:15PM
CRESCENT BEACH, SHELTER ISLAND

 
Sunset Beach, Shelter Island

The Shelter Island Fireworks Show is commonly referred to as Sunset Beach Fireworks, simply because there really is no better place to watch from than Sunset Beach. The best way to do it is to stay overnight and make a reservation for dinner. You can either watch the show from the restaurant or grab a drink and walk across the street to the beach for VIP seating. This way you’ll avoid all the parking drama and the ferry chaos. Otherwise, there’s great viewing all along Crescent Beach and across the water from Conkling Point in Greenport West. 

 

 

#2
SATURDAY, JULY 15TH 9:30PM
THREE MILE HARBOR, EAST HAMPTON

 
Clamshell Foundation Fireworks

We love to watch the The Clamshell Foundation Fireworks Show from the water—no fancy charters needed, any sized boat can be launched out of a dozen different ramps all around the area, and the size of Three Mile Harbor Bay makes it an easy and spacious experience (just make sure your captain is equipped to get you back to the ramp after dark.) If you don’t have a boat (or a friend with a boat) yet, you can still watch the show from Sammy’s Beach, Maidstone Beach, Gann Road, or any other beach along Hands Creek Road and Springy Banks. Pro tip, bring along a portable speaker and tune in to WLIW for a ‘simulcast music experience.’

 

 

#1
SATURDAY, JULY 1ST 9:30PM
SAG HARBOR WHARF

 
Sag Harbor Fireworks by Valkyrie Sailing Charters

The John A. Ward Fireworks Celebration at the Sag Harbor Yacht Club is our favorite show on the East End—and not only because we can walk there from Leallo. The wharf is an incredibly festive place to grab an ice cream cone and watch the show. To avoid traffic and find parking, arrive early, and spend the afternoon meandering and shopping. Be sure to make your dinner reservations well in advance too, especially for any restaurant with a water view. As the sun gets close to setting, walk right down to the wharf or Marine Park claim your spot for the show. Avoiding the fireworks traffic is a great reason to reserve a room at Baron’s Cove or the American Hotel for the night so you can have the complete VIP experience. You can even take a charter boat out into Sag harbor Bay just for the show, or if you’re avoiding town completely, try Havens Beach and walk down to your left with a blanket and a chilled bottle of rosé. 

WHAT WE'RE WEARING

We strive to be festive but without over-the-top Americana—appropriately dressed but incredibly comfortable, so we've picked a few outfits that are absolutely perfect for each of these fireworks shows.

WHITE ON THE WHARF

For that perfect Sag Harbor dinner-to-fireworks vibe, pair a transitional, comfortable white dress with your favorite sandals and a swipe of red lip tint. 

THE MAUI DRESS IN WHITE

SHARON DRESS IN WHITE

 

BETHANY DRESS IN WHITE

 

EVERTIDE TO SUNSET BEACH

The chic, casual vibe of our airiest jumpsuits in this beautiful, neutral, grey-blue shade is perfect for Sunset Beach. Pair with oversized sunnies, slides and an icy Negroni.

THE ZOEY JUMPSUIT IN EVERTIDE

THE POPPY JUMPSUIT IN EVERTIDE

 

CASUAL FOR MONTAUK AND MEADOW LANE

Casual fireworks call for summery comfort. Pair these classic white tanks with your favorite denim and a can of Ramona for tailgating at Shinnecock Inlet or Meadow Lane—and for balmy beach nights in Montauk, slip on this drapey-cool white tee shirt dress.

JILDA BOX DYE TANK (HAND DYING MAKES EACH ONE UNIQUE)

THE KELLY TEE DRESS AND THE JILDA TANK

ALWAYS NAVY IN EAST HAMPTON

Navy might as well be the official color of East Hampton, and Leallo Navy is a deep midnight almost-summer-black shade. It's a super versatile and forgiving color, perfect for sitting in the sand and boating with friends at the Three Mile Harbor fireworks show. Don't forget your red pedi!

THE DONNIE TEE AND POPPY PANT IN NAVY

THE POLLY JUMPSUIT IN NAVY