We hold these truths to be self-evident, that every Bostonian will find something fun to check out at Harborfest this year.
During the 42nd annual Boston Harborfest , our city will celebrate the Fourth of July with the country’s largest Independence Day celebration. The five-day long event (Friday, June 30-Tuesday, July 4) will feature live music performances, kid-friendly activities, historical re-enactments, and costumed characters.
Here’s what not miss during the patriotic party.
The parade will begin at City Hall and head to the Granary Burying Ground.
Photo by @downtownbostonbid
Friday, June 30
- The celebrations kick off at 12 p.m. with a ceremonial cake-cutting with public officials and hospitality leaders.
- Shop local vendors at the Downtown Boston Arts Market from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. along Summer Street Plaza.
Saturday, July 1
- Head down to the waterfront for a pre-fireworks concert at Christopher Columbus Park at 6 p.m. and grab a spot at Long Wharf for the big booms at 9:15 p.m.
- Middlesex County Volunteers Fife and Drums will perform from 1 to 4 p.m. at locations like the Old State House, Old City Hall, and Old South Meeting House.
Sunday, July 2
- Bring the dogs out for a dog-themed marketplace called the Patriotic Poochapalooza . Think: A costume contest and plenty of treats.
Monday, July 3
- Grab a sample or two of clam chowder from local restaurants at Chowderfest from 2 to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, July 4
- Watch the Independence Day parade from City Hall Plaza to the Old State House beginning at 9 a.m. Plus, stick around for the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony.
- Listen to a reading of Frederick Douglass’ abolitionist speech at 1:30 p.m. and grab a sweet treat from the ice cream social right after at Downtown Crossing.
- Finish the long weekend with the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular at the Hatch Memorial Shell.