Fourth of July Events in Boston 2014
Update, July 2, 4:30 p.m.: Due to potential rain, the Fireworks Spectacular will take place July 3 at 8 p.m. More info.
Fireworks photo via Shutterstock
Rock Out at the Hatch Shell
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
Let’s all go surfin’ now. The Beach Boys will headline this year’s Boston Pops show at the Hatch Shell, along with singer-actress Megan Hilty, principals from the Phantom of the Opera, and the Boston Children’s Chorus. Yes, we know the Beach Boys are old. But as the Frozen song says, “Let it go.” And yes, of course “Let It Go” will be played during the fireworks show.
July 3, 8 p.m.; DCR Hatch Shell. More info.
Have a Revolutionary Time
Boston Harborfest
More than 200 individual events are scheduled for this annual celebration, which focuses on the historical side of Independence Day. Mayor Marty Walsh will kick off the five-day festival at Faneuil Hall. Events include special activities at the USS Constitution Museum, Old State House, and much, much more.
July 2-July 6. More info.
Yoplait Around
Free Duck Boat Rides…
…if you don’t mind a little lactose. Yoplait Greek is hosting a taste-off in which participants sample Yoplait Greek against Chobani. The reward for agreeing to participate is a free duck boat tour. Duck boat tour plus dairy? A potentially bad combination for those of us who get seasick, but otherwise, have at it, folks.
July 3-5, Duck boat tour ticket locations (Prudential Center, Museum of Science, New England Aquarium), yogurt tasting at Prudential Center, bostonducktours.com.
Museums
The Magna Carta at the MFA
One of only four copies of the historic document left, the Magna Carta comes to Boston just in time for Fourth of July weekend. The nearly-800-year-old document served as inspiration for the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. The MFA’s exhibit around the Magna Carta includes other works from its Art of Americas wing and handwritten drafts of the Declaration of Independence on loan from the Massachusetts Historical Society.
Closed on July 4, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave. More info.
Museums on Us
Bank of American and Merrill Lynch credit and debit cardholders get free admission to select institutions this weekend as part of their Museums on Us promotion. This weekend, cardholders get into the following museums for free:
• Museum of Fine Arts
• MIT Museum
• American Textile History Museum
• Provincetown Art Association and Museum
• Berkshire Museum
• Battleship Cove
July 5-6. More info.
Free Fun Fridays
The annual series that offers free admission to Massachusetts cultural institutions is in full swing. On Friday, July 4, you can enjoy free admission to the following:
• Heritage Museums & Gardens
• Edward Gorey House
• Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival
• Amelia Park Children’s Museum
• Falmouth Museums on the Green
July 4. More info.
On the Water
There are numerous ways to get out on the water this holiday weekend. A few luxe ways to do it include a Spirit of Boston cruise (USS Constitution Turnaround Lobster Lunch, July 4th Dinner Cruise) or an Odyssey cruise (July 3rd Fireworks Dinner, USS Constitution Turnaround Lobster Lunch, July 4th Dinner Cruise). Or hop aboard a Liberty tall ship for a day of sailing (July 2-6, libertyfleet.com).
Bars
Nothing screams “‘Murica!” quite like beer, bar crawls, and clubbing. Here are a few happening this weekend:
• Fourth of July and Fourth of July Eve with BarCrawls.com
• Sam Adams Independence Day Bash at Ned Devine’s
• Rave, White, and Blue at Royale
Sports
The Sox will play the Orioles at Fenway on the Fourth of July, while World Cup madness will also continue with France vs. Germany (12 p.m.) and Brazil vs. Colombia (4 p.m.). Where to watch.
