Your Candlewood Lake 4th of July Weekend Guide 🎆
Happy almost-Independence Day, neighbors! July 4th lands on a Saturday this year, which means we get a full three-day weekend to celebrate — and there's plenty happening right around the lake. Here's where to catch a parade, some live music, and a fireworks show or two.
New Fairfield
Kick things off Friday evening with the Eve of Independence Gathering at 6:30 PM, then be out early Saturday for the NF Lions July 4th Parade at 9:30 AM. Two great reasons to break out the flags and lawn chairs.
New Milford
Save Sunday night for the New Milford Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks, kicking off at Young's Field Road with fireworks at 9:30 PM. A great way to close out the long weekend.
Sherman
Looking for something a little more low-key? Head to Sherman Town Park on Candlewood Lake Sunday at 4 PM for a free concert from local band GoodTime Charlies. Bring a blanket, grab a spot on the water, and enjoy the tunes.
Danbury & Brookfield
Both towns already lit up the sky with their fireworks celebrations in late June, so there's nothing new to report there this weekend — but if you're headed to New Fairfield, New Milford, or Sherman, you've got options all three days.
However you're celebrating, have a safe and happy 4th, Candlewood Lake!
Your Guide to Getting Out on Candlewood Lake This Summer
Whether you've got a boat in the water already or you're just thinking about renting a kayak for the afternoon, here's everything you need to know to make the most of Candlewood Lake this season.
🚤 Know the Rules Before You Launch
Candlewood Lake is patrolled by both the Candlewood Lake Authority (CLA) Marine Patrol and CT DEEP, and they do enforce the rules — so it's worth knowing them.
The daytime speed limit is 45 mph (from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset), and the nighttime speed limit drops to 25 mph. Getmyboat
Boats must be under 26 feet in length unless grandfathered in. Thetowntribune
To legally tow a skier, tuber, or wakeboarder, you need both a valid boating safety certificate and a CT Safe Water Skiing Endorsement. Getmyboat
Marker buoys signal underwater hazards, but not all hazards are marked — and buoys can shift. Use caution, a good map, and a depth finder. Candlewoodlakeauthority
You can get your CT Safe Boating Certificate online through the Candlewood Lake Authority at candlewoodlakeauthority.org.
📍 Where to Launch
Residents of Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford, and Sherman can launch through their town's park and recreation department. Non-residents have two state boat launches to choose from: Squantz Cove in New Fairfield and Lattins Cove in Danbury. Both state launches max out at 100 vehicles and will close once capacity is reached — so get there early on summer weekends. Candlewoodlakeauthority
Dike's Point in New Milford also has a car-top launch, making it a great option for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Candlewoodlakeauthority
⚠️ Squantz Pond Parking Heads Up
If you're headed to Squantz Pond State Park, plan ahead. A state law now requires advance parking reservations for summer weekends and holidays to manage capacity. Reservations can be made up to 14 days in advance at ReserveAmerica.com by searching "Squantz Pond." A $2 reservation fee applies on top of the park entrance fee. Don't risk the drive out only to find the lot full. CT.govCT.gov
🛶 Want to Rent? Here Are Your Options
Don't have your own boat or kayak? You're covered.
Candlewood Kayak Rental (New Fairfield) — Kayak and paddleboard rentals launching from Candlewood Lake and Squantz Pond State Park, open 7 days a week weather permitting, with first launch at 10 AM. Walk-ups welcome on weekends and holidays; weekday visits by appointment. Call (475) 206-8915 or check their Facebook page for daily updates. Square
Gerard's Waters Edge Marina (New Milford) — Offers kayak, paddleboard, bowrider, and pontoon boat rentals right on the northern end of the lake. Kayaks and paddleboards start at $50 for 3 hours. Tube and ski rental also available. Reservations at 860-350-2628. Gerardsmarina
Peer-to-peer rentals — Platforms like Boatsetter and GetMyBoat list private boat rentals on Candlewood, with prices ranging from around $200 to $1,200+ depending on boat type and rental length. Boatsetter
🏄 Beyond the Boat
Candlewood Kayak Rental also offers stand-up paddleboard yoga classes and low-impact kayak tours of both Candlewood Lake and Squantz Pond State Park. A great option if you want a little more structure — or just want someone else to lead the way. CTvisit
For everything else lake-related — regulations, conservation tips, and boating safety — the Candlewood Lake Authority is your best resource: candlewoodlakeauthority.org.
Jack Drake Weather Forecast
