Boston 4th of July Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in July

Going to be in Boston for the 4^th of July weekend? Check out these fun activities, events, and more to celebrate our nation’s birthday in the historic city of Boston. If you’re looking for Boston 4th of July Weekend ideas, check out these local activities and fun things do in Boston in July, including…

• Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
• Boston Harborfest
• Walking tour of The Freedom Trail
• A Fenway Park Tour
• and more...

Save on Admission to Popular Attractions

Regular admission to a number of these attractions are included on the Go Boston pass. Choose as you go from dozens of Boston attractions & activities and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and Boston attractions – Learn more. Please note, some of these special July and 4th of July weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Boston pass.

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular - Charles River Esplanade

July 4

Each year the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is the centerpiece of Boston’s 4^th of July celebrations. It's a free live music extravaganza with orchestral performances by the renowned Boston Pops and accompanying vocal performances by local and national stars. It begins at 8:30 pm Thursday, July 4^th, on the Charles River Esplanade at the DCR Hatch Shell. The fireworks shoot from massive barges that float in the middle of the Charles River. Expect a stunning, half-hour-long display of colorful fireworks, set off to finely choreographed music. Keep an eye out for special red, white, and blue fireworks! Bring a camera to capture a few shots of this iconic Boston event. We recommend any spot along the Charles (it’s easier to find a seat than at Boston Harbor) or, if you can, a spot on Harvard Bridge or the bridge that leads into Paul Revere Park. The annual 4th of July fireworks display draws nearly half a million people to the area. There’s also a free concert on Wednesday, July 3^rd at 8:00 pm (although it won’t have any fireworks along with it!) which ends at 10:00 pm. Getting In: These Boston 4th of July events are free to attend.

Boston Harborfest - Boston Harbor July

The city’s most historic 4th of July festival pays tribute to Boston’s colonial and maritime heritage. You won’t want to miss out on the Boston Harborfest. This popular local festival is filled with tons of fun and patriotic events and things to do like revolutionary re-enactments, free concerts and tours, museum exhibits, cruises, and more. There will be lots of interactive and educational events that encourage participation from both kids and adults. Most events are being held (you guessed it) on the famous Boston Harbor waterfront and in Christopher Columbus Park. There will also be many participating Boston attractions in the historic downtown area of the city. Getting In: Boston Harborfest events are free to attend.

Walking Tour of The Freedom Trail

You could also opt to explore the wealth of historical attractions in Boston – after all, the city played an integral role in the American Revolution and our move towards independence. Take a walking tour of the Freedom Trail to retrace the footsteps of our early patriots and important historical landmarks, including the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, the Old South Meeting House, and the Old State House Museum. Getting In: Freedom Trail Walking Tour tickets are included with the Go Boston pass.

Fenway Park Tour

Explore the history and fun of Fenway Park on a guided tour, and be sure to get tickets to see the Red Sox play! See all of the park's historic features, from Pesky's Pole to Williamsburg to the Lone Red Seat. Get behind-the-scenes access to areas of the park that most visitors don't see, too, like press areas and player locker rooms and more. If you're in Boston the weekend before the 4th, plan to catch a game or two. Getting In: Fenway Park Tour tickets are included with the Go Boston pass.

Summer in the City - Boston Harbor Hotel Tuesdays - Fridays  

This free festival hosted at the Boston Harbor Hotel lasts all summer long and features a top-notch selection of music and movies the whole family can enjoy. Every Friday they will show music ranging from soul to blues to jazz and more, and classic movies. This 4th of July, you'll get to choose from a movie on the day of, or opt to see one the Friday before. Enjoy live waterfront entertainment and al fresco dining at one of the most beautiful hotels in the entire city. Getting In: Summer in the City film viewings are free to attend

Outdoor Activities

There are also plenty of festive Boston attractions and things to do during July 4^th weekend celebrations. Since July in Boston will be quite warm, you’ll enjoy spending much of your day outdoors. Check out a Boston bike rental and cruise along the Charles River bike path to watch the firemen and celebration officials set up the fireworks. You’ve probably seen the famous duck boats on television or in a movie but never had the chance to see them in person. You can remedy that problem and have a quacking good time by going on a Boston Duck Tour. The tour will take you by some of the top sites in the city including Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, Bunker Hill, Battery Wharf and of course, the Charles River. Getting In: Boston Bike Rentals are included with the Go Boston pass. Boston Duck Tour tickets are available as a premium attraction option on the 3-, 5-, and 7-Day Go Boston passes.

Water Activities & Cruises

If you want to cool off from the July heat,  enjoy a bit of the water with a USS Constitution Cruise through the Boston Harbor. This fun excursion out to Old Ironsides is informative and entertaining, as you learn about the history of this famed vessel and her many storied adventures. Another great option is the Charles River Cruise, which showcases the sights along this famous waterway dividing Boston and Cambridge, like MIT's campus, Beacon Hill, the Boston Esplanade, and much more. Getting In: USS Constitution Cruise tickets and Charles River Cruise tickets are both included with the Go Boston Card.

Art Museums & Special Exhibits

Art lovers are always in for a treat with a visit to Boston. From the iconic Museum of Fine Arts to the cutting edge Institue of Contemporary Art, you'll always find something to inspire you. Visitors of the MFA will see an exhibition on gender and fashion spanning a century, on display until August 25. At the ICA between June 26 - September 22, there will be a display on 'maximalism' in art and design. It will feature a variety of art pieces ranging from paintings, sculptures, ceramics and furniture. Getting In: MFA tickets and Institute of Contemporary Art tickets are both included with the Go Boston pass.

Shakespeare on the Common

Love to get in some quality theater, but don't always have the budget for tickets? Take advantage of one of Boston's most popular free summer activities on the Boston Common - Shakespeare on the Common. This free performance by local actors is a delight each year, and residents flock to the Common with picnics and blankets to enjoy the show. If you want a spot near the stage, you'll have to arrive early. This year's performance is Cymbeline. The play is on Tuesday-Saturday at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 7:00 pm. Getting In: Shakespeare on the Common performances are free to attend.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Boston in July to help you plan your 4th of July weekend itinerary. Remember, the Go Boston pass provides entry to many of these attractions. You can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!