This year marks the 43rd annual Boston Harborfest, a beloved tradition that takes over the city during Independence Day weekend. Running from July 2nd to July 4th, the festival is packed with events that showcase Boston’s rich history and vibrant community spirit.
The festivities feature more than a dozen historical tours departing on July 3rd and 4th, offering an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to connect with the city’s past, especially significant this year with the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, coinciding with Ken Burns’s PBS documentary, ‘The Revolutionary War.’
For those looking to unwind, a beer garden will be set up at Summer Street Plaza on July 3rd from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., complete with live music to enhance the atmosphere.
One highlight of the celebration is Boston’s Fourth of July Procession, which will commence at 9 a.m. on July 4th from Boston City Hall. The parade includes stops to lay wreaths at Granary Burial Ground and culminates with a reading of the Declaration of Independence at the historic Old State House.
As the excitement of July 4th builds, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular promises to be a major draw. Taking place on the Charles River Esplanade from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4th, the event features the Boston Pops orchestra under the direction of Keith Lockhart. Performers include Grammy winner LeAnn Rimes and Tony-winner Leslie Odom Jr., known for his role as Aaron Burr in ‘Hamilton.’ Fireworks are set to light up the sky around 9:40 p.m. For those who can’t attend in person, the event will be broadcast locally on Channel 7 and the CW.
Beyond Boston, the state of Massachusetts is hosting numerous fireworks displays from July 3rd to 5th, with around 60 towns participating. A comprehensive list of events can be found on the state’s website, including displays in North Andover, Groton, and more in the following weeks, extending through September 20th.
For those seeking summer fun in South Boston, Park City has recently opened, described as a sprawling 30,000 square-foot outdoor restaurant, bar, and live music venue with a dog-friendly atmosphere. It promises to be a favorite summer spot with offerings ranging from cocktails—like the ‘Southie Slings’—to delicious eats such as Maine lobster rolls and Dot Ave hot dogs.
As the Fourth of July also marks the anniversary of the classic horror film ‘Jaws,’ movie enthusiasts can stream the film on Peacock at home or visit Martha’s Vineyard, known as the real-life Amity Island, to explore the ‘Jaws at 50: A Deeper Dive’ exhibition at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. The exhibition features photographs, oral histories, and original movie props.
For a nostalgic cinematic experience, the drive-in theater season is in full swing. Mendon Twin Drive-In will screen a double-feature of ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ and ‘Megan 2.0’ on July 3rd and 4th for $37 per car. Wellfleet Drive-In will also host a double-feature of ‘Jaws’ and ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ from July 3rd to 5th, along with mini-golf activities.
July is National Ice Cream Month, and many local shops are ready to satisfy your sweet tooth. Options include Extreme Chocolate and Campfire S’mores at Crescent Ridge Dairy Bar and a myriad of unique flavors at Honeycomb Creamery in Cambridge. Toscanini’s also boasts a wide variety of colorful flavors, while Tayaki NYC offers visually stunning fish-shaped cones.
Art lovers can enjoy free admission to the ICA on July 3rd from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The museum will be closed on July 4th but will reopen on the following Saturday for Bank of America cardholders, with special free admission days for Boston students and their guests scheduled for the first two Sundays of July.
To cap off the weekend, Passim will host the Summer Boston Celtic Music Fest on July 6th. The event will feature free live music in the afternoon, followed by a ticketed concert in the evening with performances by talented local artists.
As the Fourth of July approaches, Boston promises a blend of history, entertainment, and culinary delights, ensuring a festive and memorable Independence Day weekend for all.
image source from：bostonglobe
