Boston Harborfest, one of the largest Independence Day festival in the United States, celebrates Boston's Colonial, Revolutionary War, and maritime history and heritage.

Festivities begin on July 2 and run through July 4.  Events take place primarily in Boston's Downtown Crossing and Christopher Columbus Park this year.

Some Harborfest events are free, including the dazzling fireworks show on July 2, the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence, live music and entertainment, and appearances by costumed historical reenactors. 

Other events are fee-based, including tours of some of the participating Freedom Trail sites (typically about $15 per person), beer gardens, special Fireworks cruises on July 2 and 4, and USS Constitution Turn-Around cruises on July 4:

Boston Harborfest dates back to 1981.   As always, this year's celebration will be a gala summer event.

Why does Boston have such a large Independence Day celebration?  This is where the fight for American liberty began, and July 4th is a very special occasion here. 

From our Patriots Day holiday in April to the Freedom Trail through the city to reenactors dressed in Colonial attire, Boston commemorates its revolutionary heritage all year, but around July 4th, celebratory pride escalates to such a degree that you'll see patriotism on steroids. 

No other city celebrates Independence Day like Boston!  Don't miss this exciting only-in-Boston experience!

Top photo: Harborfest fireworks over Boston Harbor, (c) Boston Discovery Guide

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Highlights & Schedule:  Boston's Harborfest Free Activities

Colonial reenactors during Boston's Harborfest
Walking up Washington Street toward Harborfest in Boston's Downtown Crossing

July 2 - Wednesday:  Harborfest Kickoff, Music, Music, Beer Garden, Re-Enactors, Entertainment, & Fireworks

Colonial reenactors during Boston's Harborfest
Reenactors wearing 18th century Colonial and British costumes

Morning Events

USS Constitution & USS Constitution Museum - Open for tours

Freedom Trail sites such as Old North Church, Paul Revere's House, Old State House, the Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution, and Old South Meeting House will offer tours; small admission fees apply at some of these locations and hours vary, but most open at 10am and close between 4pm-6pm

11:30 am - Boston Harborfest Kickoff Ceremony @ Downtown Crossing (intersection of Washington and Summer Streets) - After a live performance from the U.S. Navy Band, public officials will do a ceremonial cake-cutting while re-enactors in period clothing roam around the area while the Navy Band plays the National Anthem.

Afternoon/Early Evening

Fife and Drum band playing on Washington Street in Downtown Crossing
Fife and Drum band playing on Washington Street in Downtown Crossing

1pm - 7pm - LIve Music - Sets throughout the afternoon in the Downtown Crossing area, expeially at the Franklin Street Steps

2pm - 8pm - Re-Enactors & Musical Entertainment - Downtown Crossing

Colonial reenactors during Boston's Harborfest
Colonial re-enactors performing the Redcoats' Changing of the Guard Ceremony near the Boston Massacre site during a previous Harborfest

2pm - 7:30pm - Beer Garden - Local breweries Democracy Brewing & Distraction Brewing join up to host a beer garden on Summer Street Stage (at Washington Street and Summer Street) - 21+

7:45pm - 9:15pm - Pre-Fireworks Concert - Patriotic music by the U.S. Navy Band Northeast in Christopher Columbus Park (100 Atlantic Ave)

9:15pm - 9:30pm - Boston Harbor Fireworks - Launched from a barge at Long Wharf on the Downtown Boston Waterfront and visible from points around the Inner Harbor

July 3, Thursday: Music, Entertainment, Beer Garden

Reenactors on Union Street near Boston's Haymarket
Reenactors on Union Street in Boston's Historic Downtown district by the Freedom Trail

Morning Events

USS Oscar Austin Navy Vessel free tours - Black Falcon cruise terminal, berths 4 & 5

USS Constitution & USS Constitution Museum - Open for tours

Freedom Trail sites such as Old North Church, Paul Revere's House, Old State House, the Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution, and Old South Meeting House will offer tours; small admission fees apply at some of these locations and hours vary, but most open at 10am and close between 4pm-6pm

Afternoon/Early Evening

The Steps in Boston's Downtown Crossing
Musicians at "The Steps" in Boston's Downtown Crossing (Washington & Franklin Streets)

Harborfest Music & Activities, including free kids activities and performances by local musicians at Christopher Columbus Park in the North End

Macy's Fashion Show at the store (450 Washington Street) - Check out the latest summer fashion trends at this immersive experience with lights and music

Beer Garden - Democracy Brewing & Distraction Brewing (to be updated) join up to host a 3-day beer garden on Summer Street Plaza (next to 14 Summer Street)

Live musical performances by local groups at the Summer Street Stage in Downtown Crossing

Fife and Drum band playing on Washington Street in Downtown Crossing
Fireworks over Boston's Inner Harbor, photographed from a cruise boat in the Harbor

Harborfest Fireworks - Launched from a barge at Long Wharf (which is between Columbus Park & the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel.

You'll be able to view the fireworks from just about everywhere along Boston's Inner Harbor waterfront, including East Boston, much of Charlestown's waterfront, the North End, the Downtown Waterfront, Seaport, the South Boston Waterfront, and even Castle Island

July 4:   Boston's July 4th Parade, Reading of the Declaration of Independence, & Boston Pops Concert & Fireworks

Boston Harborfest activities
Reenactor portraying Crispus Attucks, first Colonist killed by the British troops during the Boston Massacre, who was laid to rest in Granary Burying Ground

Morning Events

City of Boston's 248th Independence Day Celebration on City Hall Plaza followed by a ceremonial parade led by the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company to Granary Burying Ground where wreathes will be laid on the graves of the Patriots buried there. 

After the wreath-laying ceremony, the parade continues to the Old State House, a short distance away.

USS Constitution Museum - Open for tours

Reading of the Declaration of Independence - This moving annual event takes place from the Old State House balcony (206 Washington Street) - exactly where it was first read to Boston citizens on July 18, 1776.

USS Constitution departs the Charlestown Navy Yard to begin its annual turn-around sail through Boston Harbor and by Fort Independence, complete with a 21-gun salute.  Watch from Charlestown as the ship departs the Navy Yard, or along Boston's Inner Harbor shoreline (including Castle Island).

Freedom Trail sites such as Old North Church, Paul Revere's House, Old State House, the Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution, and Old South Meeting House will offer tours; small admission fees apply at some of these locations and hours vary, but most open at 10am and close between 4pm-6pm

Annual Oration at Faneuil Hall (by Faneuil Marketplace) - A celebration of Independence

Huzzah! Salute to Service Block Party at the USS Constitution & USS Constitution Museum - Live music, lawn games, mini-golf, and more

USS Constitution's gives a 21-gun salute as it passes by Fort Independence on Castle Island

For a special experience, get tickets for one of these Turn-Around cruises:

Middlesex County Volunteers Play Fifes & Drums - Throughout DTX (Downtown Crossing)

Afternoon

Strolling musicians (Downtown Boston Brass) - Throughout Downtown Crossing

USS Constitution returns to its dock at the Charlestown Navy Yard

A Day of Unity - Reading of Frederick Douglass' speech supporting emancipation, “What, to the slave, is the Fourth of July," with a backdrop of African drums, dance, and gospel music.  A free ice cream social rounds out the afternoon at The Franklin Steps, Downtown Crossing.

Evening

7pm - 11pm - Boston Pops July 4th Concert & Fireworks Show - Find out more

More July 4th Fireworks in Winthrop

Winthrop (northeast of Boston, to the east of Logan Airport) also puts on a wonderful fireworks show on Independence Day.  For a memorable experience, you can view the display from one of these special cruises:

These popular cruises always sell out sooner than you might expect, so book early!

Boston Pops July 4th Concert and Fireworks

The legendary Boston Pops Concert and July 4th Fireworks Show takes place on July 4th between 7pm and 11pm at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade and the Charles River

Find out more about the Boston Pops concert and the spectacular half-hour fireworks show, including best places to watch it

July 4: USS Constitution Turn-Around Cruise

USS Constitution in Boston Harbor
USS Constitution doing her turn-around cruise in Boston Harbor on July 4th - Photo credit: Journalist 2nd Class Todd Stevens, US Navy photo, public domain

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.  (time to be confirmed)

Best Places to Watch the USS Constitution Turn-Around

Points along Boston Harbor or Castle Island, or from one of these Turn-Around Cruise in the Harbor:

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

Reenactor portraying Paul Revere
Quincy Market in Boston's historic Faneuil Marketplace

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

Boston sailing and yacht 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:

 Popular Cruises

  • Northern Lights Sunset Cruise - Grab a refreshments from the bar and then relax as you watch the sun set on this sail around the Harbor, just in time to catch the USS Constitution fire its cannons as the sun dips down past the horizon
  • Brunch Cruise on the Northern Lights - Savor a delicious 3-course brunch on this relaxing sightseeing cruise around Boston Harbor
  • Boston Harbor Cruise on Northern Lights - Soak up Boston's unique sites and rich history on this comfortable sightseeing cruise around the Harbor - perfect friends and family experience!  Food and beverages available for purchase at the bar
  • Schooner Adirondack Oyster Sail - Relax on this late-afternoon sail as you enjoy local oysters shucked on board and  paired with mignonette, lemon, and hot sauce
  • City Lights Ghost Tour Cruise on Northern Lights - As you cruise through Boston Harbor as night falls and the skyline lights up, you'll hear tales of ghosts, strange sightings, and eerie situations as you cruise past historic sights for a memorable evening of Boston, whether you're a visitor or a local

Sailing Cruises on the Adirondack III & IV:

  • Adirondack Day Sail - Enjoy cool breezes and the afternoon sun on this relaxing sightseeing sail around Boston Harbor and the Inner Harbor Islands - Starts May 1
  • Adirondack Sunset Sail - Relax as the setting sun turns the sky brilliant colors - Starts May 1

Mothers Day Cruise

Fun Book Your July 4th Cruises Now (because they sell out far in advance!)

Labor Day Cruise

Where to Stay during Boston's Harborfest

Many of the city's most popular hotels will become fully booked during the July 4th period which includes Harborfest, and rates will reflect summer peaks. 

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. 

Use this Boston hotel map to check rates for your dates: 

Booking.com

More about how to save on Boston hotels

You might also want to check for conveniently located hotels outside the city, and also check our recommended hotels for watching the July 4th fireworks on the Charles River.

More Things to Do and See in Boston

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More Events & Tours at Historic Sites

Colonial reenactors during Boston's Harborfest
Faneuil Hall, on the Freedom Trail

Many of these historic Freedom Trail venues require small admission fees which support their upkeep. 

Most of these sites will be open for visitors during Harborfest from June 30 - July 4, although some close for the weekend.

USS Constitution

USS Constitution at dusk, with Bunker Hill Monument in the background
USS Constitution at dusk, with Bunker Hill Monument in the background

The Navy's USS Constitution (Charlestown Navy Yard) on Boston's Freedom Trail is the world's oldest commissioned warship that's still afloat. 

In addition to making annual turn-around cruises in Boston Harbor and doing nightly cannon salutes at dusk, "Old Ironsides," as the ship became known after its performance during the War of 1812, offers free tours throughout the year from Wednesday - Sunday, 10am to 4pm. 

The ship will also be open on July 4th.  Even if you don't want to tour, it's fun to see from the outside, plus Navy personnel are usually available to answer your questions. 

Free admission

More about the USS Constitution

USS Constitution Museum

Want to learn more about the USS Constitution? 

Head to the USS Constitution Museum across from the ship, where you can find fascinating details and exhibitions devoted to the ship's 200+ year history and those who served aboard her.

Although you'll discover lots of interesting information about the ship and her battles, perhaps even more interesting are exhibits about those who served on her.  Particularly fascinating (and only slightly grisly) are those about 19th century on-board medical care.

Fee for admission.  More information

Massachusetts State House

Massachusetts State House
Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill

The gold-domed Massachusetts State House, perched high on Beacon Street overlooking the Common, contains a fascinating mix of gorgeous architecture, art (some very good, some depicting interesting moments in history, and some quite meh), and plenty of history. 

You can take one of the free tours, but or explore on your own.  

Free admission (after a quick bag check for security).  Open Mondays - Fridays, 10am - 4pm (closed on state holidays such as July 4th)

Find out more about what you'll see

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.   (to be confirmed)  

More information

King's Chapel 

Freedom Trail site King's Chapel offers self-guided tours of the chapel and guided tours of the chapel and the crypt. 

Open 10am - 5pm on June 30, July 1, July 3; 1:30pm-5pm on July 2, and 10am-11:15am plus 1:30pm-5pm on July 4.  You can enter free all weekend for a self-guided tour, although donations are greatly appreciated.  Dates and times to be confirmed

Fee-based tours of the crypt and/or the bell tower will be available all weekend, and you can purchase tickets at the door.

King's Chapel also offers outstanding short (about 35 minutes long) concerts every Tuesday at 12:15pm throughout the year (but not on July 4). 

Admission is by a suggested donation of $5, with proceeds given to the performers.

See the schedule

More about King's Chapel

If you visit King's Chapel, also stop by the 17th century King's Chapel Burying Ground next door.  It's the final resting place of many of the first generation Puritan settlers of the Shawmut Peninsula (today's Boston).


Essentials: Boston Harborfest


The Steps in Boston's Downtown Crossing
Musicians playing in Boston's Downtown Crossing (Washington & Franklin Streets) during Harborfest

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

Other Historical Venues for Visiting throughout the Summer

In addition to the attractions listed, these Boston attractions and organizations also offer lots of interesting things to see, do, and experience.

Check their websites to find out about the days/hours when they're open, special exhibitions and events, admission fees (if any), and more:

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Old State House:  www.revolutionaryboston.org/revboston/events/upcoming

Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park

Boston Public Market 

Paul Revere House:  www.paulreverehouse.org

Faneuil Hall:  www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm

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


More Articles about Things to Do in Boston in July


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