Festivals & Expos

Celebrate Independence Day week at Boston Harborfest

The annual event brings four days of historical reenactments, live music, and fireworks to Boston.

Fireworks explode over the Charles River during the 2022 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.
Fireworks explode over the Charles River during the 2022 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff

The annual Boston Harborfest returns to town Independence Day week, bringing live entertainment, historical reenactments, and fireworks to downtown Boston for a four-day celebration. The week culminates with the City of Boston’s official Independence Day commemoration on the morning of the Fourth of July, including a parade and a reading of the Declaration of Independence.

The week kicks off with a ceremony at noon on Monday, July 1. Also that day is the Macy’s Great American Fashion show, and music from performers like the Army Fife Band. Tuesday brings the annual Chowderfest tasting, along with an evening of history and games with the Sons and Daughters of Liberty at the Boston Tea Party Museum and Harborfest fireworks from Boston’s Long Wharf in the evening.

Advertisement:

The July 4th celebrations begin early Thursday morning with a parade from City Hall Plaza to the Granary Burial Ground, along with a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a famous Frederick Douglass speech, and, of course, the fireworks and Boston Pops concert at night. 

Visitors are also encouraged to walk the historic Freedom Trail throughout the weekend, see historical reenactments, take tours, and otherwise celebrate the history of Boston and the country.

For the full schedule, visit bostonharborfest.com.

Profile image for Natalie Gale

Natalie Gale is a freelance journalist covering food, travel, culture, and wellness.

To comment, please create a screen name in your profile