How to Celebrate the Fourth of July in Boston
July 4th Boston Pops Fireworks by Sunset Noir on Flickr/Creative Commons
Fourth of July in Boston is a well-celebrated holiday, no matter if you’re having a barbecue with your friends and family or heading downtown for the annual Harborfest. Although the day falls midweek, there’s no need to fret. Boston is providing you with a five-day weekend that’s jam-packed with ways to boost your American pride. Whether you plan to wear red, white, and blue or not, get ready to celebrate.
Harborfest
Harborfest has been leading Fourth of July celebrations in Boston for the past 36 years. You can expect five full days of festivities including live music, historical reenactments, Freedom Trail Walks, boat tours, and more. You can see a full line up of actives both free and special events that you can sign up for or attend to make the most of your Fourth in Boston. Some events include a sunset clambake, a scavenger hunt, Colonialfest (where you might think you’re in the 18th century), a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and more.
Various times, locations, and prices, bostonharborfest.com.
SoWa Open Market
SoWa’s weekly market is getting festive this Fourth of July with its Red, White, and Brew Party. Head over there this weekend to sip on craft beers and wines and have your pick of a dozen food trucks while exploring the vintage market and hundreds of art and design studios. Of course, you can expect live music and a family-friendly environment—and that includes pets.
SoWa Open Market, 460 Harrison Ave,. Sat and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., sowaboston.com.
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is one of the Pops’ most anticipated events all year and attracts over 500,000 people. It’s a two-day event and completely free and open to the public. There will be a concert both nights headlined by Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr., pop singer Andy Grammer, and folk singer Melissa Etheridge. The concert will happen both nights, but you can only catch the fireworks show the night of the fourth. You can also download the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular App to keep up with the schedule as well as navigate the festival grounds to find entrances, water stations, food, and merchandise.
Charles River Esplanade, 47 David G. Mugar Way, bostonpopsjuly4th.org.
Cruises
Whether you want to spend the day coasting around Boston’s harbor or escape the mainland at night to watch the fireworks, there are several cruises you can sign up for all weekend long.
Codzilla: Ride on Boston Harbor $17 adults/$10 children
Boston Harbor Island Ferries: Ride to Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park $28.95 adults/$24.95 children
Historic Sightseeing Cruise: Educational tour of Boston’s inner and outer harbors $28.95 adults/$24.95 Children
New England Aquarium Whale Watch: Travel to Stellwagen Bank National Sanctuary $53 adults/$33 children
Various times, June 29-July 4 sched.co.
Top of the Hub
Why be on the ground when you could be 52 floors up in the air? Top of the Hub wants to celebrate the Fourth of July with you this year with a live broadcast of the Boston Pops Concert and stunning views of the fireworks. The event offers one hour of an open bar followed by a five-course dinner featuring lemon ricotta caramel pasta, lobster salad, and more.
Top of the Hub, 800 Boylston St. 21+, $250/person, July 4, topofthehub.net.
Footloose on the Freedom Trail
It’s important to remember and know why you’re celebrating the Fourth of July, so the Boston By Foot nonprofit organization is providing you with a three hour guided walking tour all around the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, and the State House. It’s a 2.5-mile walk through 16 historic sights and Boston’s rich history. We recommend this walk to anyone who is looking to get in touch with the Fourth’s historical significance before moving on to your next celebration.
Meet at steps in front of MA State House, July 4. 9 a.m. $20 GA. bostonbyfoot.org.
SAILabration
SAILabration is offering you a chance to escape the chaos and crowds that might take over the Charles Esplanade for the Boston Pops celebration. This event includes seating under the fireworks, as well as broadcasts and screenings of the Pops concert on jumbotrons. There will also be a cookout with Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, face painting, photo booths, and more.
21 David G. Mugar Way, July 4, 5:30 p.m., $100+ admission, sailabration.org.
