Boston Harborfest, the largest Independence Day festival in the United States, celebrates Boston's colonial, Revolutionary War, and maritime history and heritage with fireworks over the Boston's Inner Harbor, entertainers, historical reenactments, live music, Freedom Trail site tours, the annual USS Constitution turn-around cruise in Boston Harbor, an arts market, and a classical car show, plus a lot more!
Festivities begin on July 1 and run through July 4.
Events this year take place in Boston's Historic Downtown district, Downtown Crossing, and East Boston, and include several fun new activities.
Some Harborfest events are free, including music and other live performances at "The Steps" (Washington and Franklin Street in Downtown Crossing) and appearances by costumed historical reenactors.
Other events are fee-based, including tours of some of the participating Freedom Trail sites (typically $15 per person), Fireworks cruises on July 3, and USS Constitution Turn-Around cruises on July 4:
- Northern Lights - Harborfest and Fireworks Cruise on a 1920's style commuter yacht - July 3
- Adirondack III - Harborfest and Fireworks Cruise on an 80-foot schooner - July 3
- Northern Lights - USS Constitution Turn-Around Cruise with brunch - July 4
- Adirondack III - USS Constitution Turn-Around Cruise with drinks available for purchase at the bar - July 4
Boston Harborfest dates back to 1981, so the 2021 celebration marks the 40th anniversary of this gala summer event.
Top photo: Reenactors on Boston's Marshall Street, part of the Blackstone Block Historic District in one of the oldest parts of the city
Highlights: Boston's Harborfest - Free Activities
July 1: Harborfest Kick-Off
10am - Freedom Trail sites such as Old North Church, Paul Revere's House, Old State House, USS Constitution, and Old South Meeting House will be offering tours
11am - Faneuil Hall Tours
11am - 6pm - DTX Arts Market @ Summer Street Plaza (the pedestrian-only area between Macy's and Roche Brothers in Downtown Crossing)- Local artisans offer their creations for sale; if you're visiting Boston, an original work of art by a Boston artist could be your special souvenir!
11:30am @ "The Steps" in Downtown Crossing (the stairs on the plaza at Washington and Franklin Streets in Downtown Crossing) - Boston Acting Mayor Kim Janey kicks off the 4-day festival with a short welcome speech. The 215th Army Band will provide live music. Look for roving historical re-enactors and USS Constitution staff plus live mucical and other performances nearby.
12 noon, 2pm, 4pm, 5:30pm, 6pm - Local musicians perform music across all genres from a stage at The Steps in Downtown Crossing
1pm - Through Me to You Puppetry perform performs a show for children at The Steps
July 2: Art, Music, Entertainers, Reenactors, & Fashion
10am - Freedom Trail sites such as Old North Church, Paul Revere's House, Old State House, USS Constitution, and Old South Meeting House will be offering tours
11am - Faneuil Hall Tours
11am - 6pm - DTX Arts Market @ Summer Street Plaza
12 noon - 6pm @ The Steps - Musical performances from the stage, historical re-enactors and costumed entertainers and performers, a puppet show, and a fashion show sponsored by Macy's
July 3: Fireworks, Cars, Boats, Entertainment, & Music
10am - Freedom Trail sites such as Old North Church, Paul Revere's House, Old State House, USS Constitution, and Old South Meeting House will offer tours
11am - Faneuil Hall Tours
11am - 2pm - Classic Car Showcase on Summer Street
12 noon - 8pm @ The Steps - Performers, re-enactors, entertainers, and musical performances
9:15 - 9:30 - Fireworks over Boston's Inner Harbor
Watch from along the waterfront or get a close-up view from these cruises:
- Northern Lights - 2.25 hour Harborfest and fireworks cruise on a 1920's style commuter yacht
- Adirondack III - 2 hour cruise Harborfest and fireworks cruise on an 80-foot schooner (sailboat)
July 4: Boston's 254th July 4th Parade and Reading of the Declaration of Independence
9am - Join a flag-raising ceremony on City Hall Plaza followed by a parade to the Granary Burying Ground where wreathes will be laid on the graves of the Patriots buried there.
After the wreath-laying ceremony, the parade continues through Downtown Crossing to the Old State House, where the current Captain Commanding of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company will do its traditional reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony - exactly where it was first read to Boston citizens on July 18, 1776.
10am - Freedom Trail sites such as Old North Church, Paul Revere's House, Old State House, USS Constitution, and Old South Meeting House will offer tours
11am - Faneuil Hall Tours
11:30am - USS Constitution's annual turn-around sail through Boston Harbor. Watch from the Boston Harbor shoreline (including Castle Island) or from one of these Turn-Around cruises:
Boston Pops July 4th Concert and Fireworks
The legendary Boston Pops Concert and July 4th Fireworks usually takes place each year, but was virtual last year due to the pandemic. A decision about this year's celebration is expected in the next few days.
Find out more about the concert and fireworks
July 4: USS Constitution Turn-Around Cruise 2021
The USS Constitution makes her annual turn-around cruise in Boston Harbor each Fourth of July to celebrate our nation's independence.
The magnificent 204 foot-long wood-hulled ship which first launched in 1797 and is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world will sail out to Fort Independence on Castle Island, exchange a 21-gun salute, and then turn around and head back into the Inner Harbor and exchange cannon fire with Boston's Coast Guard Base in the North End.
Departure from Charlestown Navy Yard's Pier One takes place at 10:45am (time to be confirmed) and she returns to her Navy Yard berth across from the USS Constitution Museum at 2pm.
Best places to watch: points along the harbor or Castle Island, or from one of these Turn-Around Cruise in the Harbor:
- Northern Lights - Turn-Around Cruise with brunch - July 4
- Adirondack III - Turn-Around Cruise with drinks available for purchase at the bar - July 4
The USS Constitution will also be open for free tours during Harborfest, as well as throughout the summer.
More To Do during Harborfest
Freedom Trail History & Sightseeing Tours
July 4th is the perfect time to explore Boston's historic Freedom trail. You can explore on your own or join one of the popular tours led by costumed historical re-enactors. Find out more
Boston Harbor Cruises
Tour Boston by boat - the best way to see the city! Check out these fun sightseeing, music, and entertainment Boston Harbor cruises on the Yacht Northern Lights and Schooner Adirondack III:
Fun Boston Harbor Cruises To Do Right Now:
- Adirondack III Day Sail - Enjoy cool breezes on this sightseeing sail around Boston Harbor and the Inner Harbor Islands
- Boston Harbor Cruise on Northern Lights - Soak up Boston's unique sites and rich history on this sightseeing cruise around the Harbor
- Northern Lights Sunset Cruise - Grab a drink from the bar and watch the sun set on this sail around the Harbor
- Adirondack III 90-Minute Mimosa Day Sail - Soak up the sun on this sightseeing sail around the Harbor with drinks available for purchase at the bar.
- Adirondack III Sunset Sail - Relax as the setting sun turns the sky brilliant colors during this calming sunset sailing experience
- Brunch Cruise - Savor a delicious 3-course brunch on this relaxing sightseeing cruise around Boston Harbor
- Sunday Evening Jazz Cruise - Groove to live jazz as you watch the ever-changing sunset colors as the sun sets behind Boston's city skyline
Where to Stay during Boston's Harborfest
Many of the city's most popular hotels will become fully booked during the Harborfest period and rates will reflect summer peaks - but there are always good options whwen you know where to look. Here's some information to help you get started:
Hotels for Harborfest activities
Conveniently located hotels outside the city
You will find the best rates if you book early and stay flexible about the location, especially since Boston is a very walkable city and has decent public transportation.
More Things to Do and See in Boston
***y-gyg-cruises.shtml***More Events & Tours at Historic Sites
These events require small admission fees which support the upkeep of these historic Freedom Trail sites. (Check before going to make sure they're open - some sites may still be closed due to the pandemic.)
Old North Church
Visit Captain Jackson's Historic Chocolate Shop (21 Unity Street, Boston's North End, inside the Clough House by Old North Church) where costumed Colonial reenactors will show you how chocolate was made during the 18th century. See Old North Church's photography exhibit commemorating bravery and action. More info: https://oldnorth.com
King's Chapel
King's Chapel's History Program offers a variety of interesting programs and tours. Find out more: http://www.kings-chapel.org/history--tours.html
They also offer outstanding short (about 35 minutes long) concerts every Tuesday at 12:15pm throughout the year. See the schedule: http://www.kings-chapel.org/tuesday-recitals.html
Essentials: Boston Harborfest
- Where: Primarily in and along the Boston Harbor Waterfront, Historic Downtown district, Downtown Crossing, and along the Freedom Trail - use our Boston Sightseeing map to see neighborhood locations
- Cost: Free events, as well as others with admission charges
- Where to stay: Hotels convenient to major Harborfest activities
- Parking: Avoid parking by taking public transportation. If you have to drive, Boston Common Parking Garage is centrally located for Downtown Boston events, and convenient to most of the others. If you are visiting Boston and are sure you must drive, read our Boston driving tips
Boston Insider Tips for Harborfest
- Slather yourself with sunscreen
- Bring a water bottle
- Get a Boston Discount Card to get discounts on events and admission fees
- Make hotel reservations as early as possible to get the best rates; Boston gets crowded during early July because the July 4th holiday events attract many visitors to the city
More Events at Harborfest Venues
Many of the attractions listed below offer events during Harborfest and throughout the summer. Check their websites to find out more:
Old State House: www.revolutionaryboston.org/revboston/events/upcoming
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
Massachusetts State House: www.sec.state.ma.us/trs/trsidx.htm
Paul Revere House: www.paulreverehouse.org
Faneuil Hall: www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm
Old North Church: http://oldnorth.com/
Freedom Trail Foundation: www.thefreedomtrail.org
Boston by Foot: www.bostonbyfoot.org/
Museum of African-American History: www.afroammuseum.org
Otis House - www.historicnewengland.org/historic-properties/homes/otis-house
Bunker Hill Monument and Museum: www.nps.gov/bost/learn/historyculture/bhm.htm
USS Constitution: www.navy.mil/local/constitution
USS Constitution Museum: www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org
More Articles about Things to Do in Boston in July
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