Boston's Guide to the Fourth of July

History

Paul Revere’s North End Walking Tour
July 1-3, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
The Paul Revere House

Take a trip back to the colonial days, as guides bring you through the historic North End. You’ll walk the same roads as Paul Revere himself, and see the places he took his ride on that fateful night. Other stops will include Old North Church, where signal lanterns were hung, and the location of Boston’s great molasses flood.

Boston Tea Party Sail
June 30- July 5, 3-5 p.m.
Long Wharf

Sail back in history. Listen to the story of how the Sons of Liberty took three British ships, and how Dutch tea was smuggled into Boston, while sailing aboard an authentic ship. Throw tea in the Harbor, and fire the cannons!

 

Footloose on the Freedom Trail
July 4, 9 a.m.-Noon
Old State House

Take a three-hour walking tour of the Freedom Trail from the State House to the USS Constitution, and through Boston’s parades and celebrations. The event will honor Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere at the Granary Burying Ground, and there will also be a reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Old State House. $15 per person.

 

Reading of the Declaration of Independence
July 4, 10 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Old State House, State and Devonshire Streets

Take a trip back in time with a dramatic reading of the document that started our history. The Declaration of Independence will be recited from the very balcony it was read 233 years ago.

USS Constitution Tall Ship Cookout
July 4, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Long Wharf, South of Commercial Wharf, behind the Marriott Hotel

Enjoy hot dogs and burgers cooked on the tri-works while enjoying the best view of the USS Constitution Turnaround. Admission is $50-$80, reservations required.

 

USS Constitution Turn-around
July 4, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Waterfront, Charlestown Navy Yard to US Coast Guard Base, Charlestown

Watch as “Old Ironsides” takes its annual trip from the Charlestown Navy Yard to the US Coast Guard Base. The ship will honor the nation with a 21-gun salute. Afterward, visit the USS Constitution Museum for some historical fun.

Beacon Hill’s Treasures
July 1, 11 a.m.-Noon; July 2, 11 a.m.-Noon; July 3, 11 a.m.-Noon; July 4, 11 a.m.-Noon, Noon-1 p.m., 1-2 p.m. , 2-3 p.m., 3-4 p.m.; July 5, 1-2 p.m. and 3-4 p.m.

Otis House Museum, 141 Cambridge St., Boston

Explore the back streets and hidden treasures of Boston’s legendary Beacon Hill. This guided walking tour will take visitors to the places our founding fathers congregated and lived in the early days of the Republic. This tour is just one of many fun events going on during Boston Harborfest. $6-$12 per person