Celebrate the Fourth of July in Boston Jul 02, 2024

As locals know, no one does it like our city when it comes to Independence Day. To help you plan the perfect holiday, we’ve gathered some of our favorite 4th of July events in Boston, from harbor fireworks shows to brewery parties. Don your red, white, and blue, and stock up on the hot dogs – a good time is on its way!

Boston Harborfest
Who doesn’t want to see fireworks launched from a barge? Boston Harborfest is one of our city’s most iconic celebrations, offering days of live music performances, reenactments, and gatherings, in both businesses and public spaces. Explore the Harborfest schedule and don’t miss the big event – one of the best 4th of July firework shows in Boston, the Boston Pops Spectacular. Boston Pops will run on both July 3 and July 4, and will feature a live orchestra, alongside Darlene Love, Kelli O’Hara, and The Mavericks.

Independence Day Pub Parties
As part of Boston Harborfest, Democracy Brewing and Distraction Brewing will offer special brews in a beer garden on Summer Street Plaza. There are also opportunities in Boston to book a Private Freedom Trail Pub Crawl, where you can visit historic taverns and learn more about the city while you sip. Simply choose from a myriad of vendors online!

Downtown Parade
Looking for an Independence Day Parade in Boston that’s steeped in history? Join the city’s Official Commemoration, beginning at 9 AM on July 4th with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall Plaza. From there, a grand parade will travel to the Granary Burial Ground to lay wreaths on the graves of patriots. The parade will continue to the historic Old State House, where you can experience the Declaration of Independence read aloud.
Boston brims with activities for an unforgettable Fourth! We hope this insider scoop will help you decide where to view fireworks in Boston, which Independence Day brewery parties will best herald the stars and stripes, and more.