Fourth of July weekend in Boston starts right now, with plenty of events to celebrate America’s 246 years as an independent country. Those celebrations include parades, ceremonies, family-friendly festivals + summertime soirees.
Here’s an overview of the next few days…
Weather:
Sat: 83° | ⛈️ | 60% chance of rain
Sun: 84° | ⛅️ | 10% chance of rain
Mon: 83° | ⛅️ | 20% chance of rain
Share your Fourth photos on social media with #BOStoday. | Photo by @jackdarylphotography
Things to do:
🗓 Boston HarborFest | Fri., July 1-Mon., July 4 | Times vary | Downtown Boston | Free | Experience hundreds of activities at Boston’s best landmarks, from historical reenactments to Freedom Trail walks + boat tours. See the full schedule here.
🗓️ City of Boston Annual Parade | Mon., July 4 | 9-10 a.m. | Free | As part of the HarborFest celebrations, the parade will step off from City Hall Plaza and pass the Granary Burial Ground to the Old State House (where there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence).
🗓️ Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular | Mon., July 4 | 8 p.m. | Hatch Memorial Shell, Charles River Esplanade | Free | Boston Symphony Orchestra conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops return for the first time in three years with guest artists Chaka Khan + Heather Headley. Pro tip: avoid the hassle of road closures and take the Green Line to Arlington, Copley, or Hynes Convention Center.
🗓️ USS Constitution Museum and Ship | Mon., July 4 | 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. | Charlestown Navy Yard | The ship will conduct a 21-gun salute toward Fort Independence around 11:30 a.m. (which you can also view on Facebook) + visitors can come aboard from 3-6 p.m. to speak with the active duty US Navy sailors.
🗓️ “Independence Day” Screening | Mon., July 4 | 7 p.m. | Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline | $13+ | Stay cool this holiday and catch the film starring Will Smith + Jeff Goldblum.
Check the BSO website for prohibited items for the Fireworks Spectacular. | Photo by @joelt973
If you’d rather focus on the fireworks, check out this list of all the displays scheduled around Massachusetts.
Plus, we’ve got a reader recommendation from Mark L: “Best way to see the fireworks: rent a kayak at Paddle Boston. It’s festive, fun, and a great way to avoid the crowds!”
Share this story with friends + family to get your Fourth of July festivities started.
ICA First Fridays: Caribbean Catwalk | Fri., July 1 | 5-9:30 p.m. | Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Dr. | $25 | Enjoy a seaside sip, musical performances + fashion show from Boston Caribbean Fashion Week.
Boston Jerkfest Caribbean Festival | Fri., July 1-Sat., July 2 | 5-7 p.m. | McCurdy Outdoor Track, 145 North Harvard St. | $5+ | Celebrate the 60th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence with a two day family-friendly festival — City Editor Jess’ weekend pick. 🍽️
Saturday
Boston Scavenger Hunt | Sat., July 2 | 3:30-5:30 p.m. | The Freedom Trail | $20 | Travel back in time and solve clues that lead to historical sites and local landmarks. 🔍
Wicked | Sat., July 2 | 2 p.m. | Citizens Bank Opera House, 539 Washington St. | $49+ | Travel to the Land of Oz to defy gravity and enjoy this Broadway hit.
Sunday
SoWa Sunday | Sun., July 3 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Sowa Artists Guild, 450 Harrison Ave. | Free | Boston’s favorite vintage market opens its doors exclusively the first Friday of every month.
Monday
Red Sox v. Tampa Bay Rays | Mon., July 4 | 1:35 p.m. | Fenway Park | $38+ | Head to Fenway Park to see the Sox play the Tampa Bay Rays. ⚾
Rosé Soirée | Mon., July 4 | 6 p.m.-12 a.m. | Six West, 6 W Broadway | $80 | Enjoy roofdeck snacks, three different types of rosés + views of the fireworks.
4th of July Tournament | Mon., July 4 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | PKL, 64 C St. | $70 | Bust out those clean white threads + join the new indoor pickleball court for a 12 team doubles tournament — City Editor Sara’s weekend pick. 🏓
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
The City of Boston announced Boston Together Again, a variety of free events kicking off Tues., July 19 and running through mid-October in Downtown Boston. Follow the initiative on social media to see the full schedule, which will have everything from yoga in Copley Square to movie nights on the Greenway.
Civic
The Boston City Councilapproved the City’s $3.99 billion operating budget. The first budget approved under Mayor Wu’s administration includes a $216 million increase from the 2021-2022 budget, with the majority of the budget (57%) dedicated to education + public safety. 💰 (Boston Globe)
Travel
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation broke ground on the new Winchester Center MBTA Station yesterday. The updated station is fully accessible with reconstructed access ramps, new elevators + amenities like benches and bike racks — learn more here. 🚊
Arts
Mayor Wu and the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture announced$500,000 in workforce development contracts for artists and creative workers. Contracted consultants include Boston Center for the Arts, The Loop Lab + MassArt. This program will run through spring 2024.
Edu
The Boston School Committee choseMary Skipper to be the next superintendent of the Boston Public Schools district. Currently the head of Somerville Public Schools, she will be charged with seeing through the district’s improvement plan. (Boston Globe)
Holiday
Consider this yourfriendly Fourth of July reminder that it is illegal to set off fireworks in Massachusetts — anonymous reports of illegal fireworks can be reported to the Boston Police Department’s Firework hotline (617-343-9800). Learn more about local fireworks law + safetyhere. 🎇
Eat
There’s still time to order the dim sum Fourth of July picnic package from Myers + Chang, complete with tea-smoked spare ribs, grilled corn with sriracha butter, and sable cookies from Flour Bakery + Cafe. Call in your order before 10 p.m. tonight to pick up on Sunday for$140. (Boston Chefs)
Cause
Women’s Lunch Placehas received a $100,000 grant for renovations + capital projects at the shelter and advocacy center. The Yawkey Foundation funding will help ensure that the space can handle increased traffic over the next two years.
Environment
The South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporationhas been selected as a Lowe’s Hometowns grant recipient. The organization will create a public pocket park + community garden on a lot at the corner of D Street and West Seventh Street. 🌳 (Caught in Southie)
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We knew that the Prudential had potential when it comes to art installations, and this new mural is living up to the expectation. Stop by the Back Bay shopping destination to see “Ponle Vuelo A Tus Sueños,” which translates to “Let Your Dreams Take Flight” by Yenny Hernandez.
The colorful project was commissioned by Boston Properties and curated by local nonprofit Now and There — learn more about the Latinx artist’s visionin this video.
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Editor’s pick:From the recently announced Boston Together Again initiative to a recent pub opening + the new mural at Dewey Square, it seems like Downtown Boston is really making a comeback. Let me know if you have any favorite restaurants or spots to visit downtown (whether it’s in the Theater District or Government Center).
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