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Your guide to Harborfest in Boston

Break out the red, white, and blue and prepare to party in the USA Boston-style during the city’s Independence Day celebrations.

June 28, 2024 • 
Jessica Burton
Crowds walking through Downtown Crossings during Harborfest celebrations.

Scenes from Downtown Boston Harborfest 2023.

Photo by Michael J. Clarke courtesy of Downtown Boston BID

“We hold these truths to be self-evident,” that every Bostonian will find something fun to check out at Harborfest this year.

Boston Harborfest is back, and this year not only will our city celebrate the Fourth of July with the country’s largest Independence Day celebration, it will also recognize the ties to Boston’s rich maritime history with a Navy Week collaboration — including special events, demonstrations, and performances. Fun fact: This is the first Navy Week in Boston since 2012.

There’s a lot going on during the four-day-long event (Monday, July 1-Thursday, July 4) with live music performances, kid-friendly activities, historical re-enactments, and two nights of fireworks. Here’s what not to miss during the patriotic party.

Three people holding an American flag in the Harborfest parade.

The parade will begin at City Hall and make a stop at the Granary Burying Ground.

Photo by @downtownbostonbid

Monday, July 1

  • Navy Week kicks off at City Hall Plaza at 10 a.m. with the Navy Band performing the National Anthem and remarks from the Coast Guard.
  • Celebrations continue at 12 p.m. with a ceremonial cake-cutting and Navy Band performance.

Tuesday, July 2

  • Sample clam chowder from local restaurants at Chowderfest from 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Listen to the Navy Band’s pre-fireworks performance at Christopher Columbus Park at 7:45 p.m.
  • Grab a spot for the big booms launched from Long Wharf at 9:15 p.m. Pro tip: The top watch spots include Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, Fan Pier + LoPresti Park in East Boston.

Wednesday, July 3

  • History will strut its stuff at Macy’s Great American Fashion Show at 2 p.m.
  • Say hello to members of the Navy at the 21+ Shore Leave Block Party at 6 p.m.

Thursday, July 4

  • Watch the Independence Day parade from City Hall Plaza to the Old State House beginning at 9 a.m. Stick around for the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony.
  • Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes and Drums will perform at 11:30 a.m. at Downtown Crossing.
  • Listen to a reading of Frederick Douglass’ abolitionist speech at 1:30 p.m. and grab a sweet treat from the ice cream social.
  • Cap off the celebrations with the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular at the Hatch Memorial Shell.