The Big Bang

Tonight marks the unofficial grand finale of Vineyard summer: the Oak Bluffs fireworks, a dazzling display of light and noise that fills Ocean Park to capacity every summer.

The festivities begin at 7:30 p.m. with a concert by the Vineyard Haven Band, but of course the grassy, expansive park begins to fill hours before that with early evening picnickers. Sponsored by the Oak Bluffs Firemen’s Civic Association, the fireworks display draws thousands to Oak Bluffs; boats fill the harbor and people of all ages fill the porches of the beautiful Victorian houses that ring Ocean Park. Parking is at Waban Park and Sunset Lake; rain date is Saturday. Advisory: arrive early and bring some cash to donate to the firemen in one of the cans that will be passed around. They need it.