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

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
Boston Summer

Going to be in Boston for the 4th 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

4th-july-fireworks-light-boston

Each year the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is the centerpiece of Boston’s 4th 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 4th, 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 3rd 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

patriotic-view-boston-harbor

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

one-markers-freedom-trail-boston-massachusetts

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

pictures-fenway-park-boston

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 4th 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

charles-bridge-prague-czechia-czech-republic

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.

Art Museums & Special Exhibits

ying-yang-bostons-institute-contemporary-art

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 are included with the 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 Boston pass provides entry to many of these amazing Boston 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!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Boston
Blog

2 Days in Boston: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

With just 48 hours in Boston, every moment counts. This guide maps out a sightseeing route that covers all the essentials – from famous landmarks and outdoor spaces to top-rated cultural attractions – so you can experience the best of Boston in a single weekend.
Casey Makovich
downtown boston
Blog

Things to do in Downtown, Boston

Downtown. Things will be great when you're Downtown. No song has ever been truer than Petula Clark's classic. Boston's Downtown area is one of the city's best, with plenty to do, see, and experience. It's dripping with history that dates all the way back to the War of Independence, so why not go and discover its greatness for yourself? There's no need to take our word for it; we'll show you why. Right now. Read on, and discover the wonders of Boston's Downtown district. Here are our recommendations for the best things to do on your vacation! Including: New England Aquarium Chinatown Freedom Trail Fenway Park Museum of Fine Arts See life Let's start our tour of Downtown under the sea. See sea life like never before at the New England Aquarium! Perfect for kids and big kids alike, this fantastic aquarium is one of Boston's crown jewels. Go nose-to-nose with seals, waddle to the penguin enclosure, be mesmerized by the giant Pacific octopus, and much more! There are a number of exhibits worth checking out at the moment, such as the Amazon Rainforest, where you'll discover piranhas, anacondas, and poison dart frogs! Or, stop by the Indo-Pacific Coral Reef. Here, you'll go on a journey through the waters of the Pacific, seeing coral catsharks, unicorn tangs, blue-striped cleaner fish, and all the beauty these natural habitats exude! Easily one of the best things to do in Downtown, this is one Boston attraction that you cannot pass up on! Eastern Promise Switching gears to something on dry land. Boston is one of many American cities that is fortunate enough to have its own Chinatown - the third biggest of its kind in the country! For those that don't know, the US we know and love today wouldn't have been possible without Chinese immigrants. So go give them some love, and indulge in some of the finer things while you're at it. Step over the threshold of the remarkable Chinatown Gate, and you'll be transported to a world of great food, great people, and plenty of knickknacks, clothes, and jewelry to purchase. And if your vacation happens to land on Chinese New Year, you're in for a sumptuous treat of performance, lights, and fireworks! Freedom is free Want to explore the nation's history, and walk in our forefathers' footsteps along many historical monuments to American Independence? Then take a historical tour of the Freedom Trail. Beside your fancy guide, replete with authentic accent, language, and costume, you'll explore Boston's famous red brick path and learn about over 250 years of American history. You'll see many historic sites, including Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, the Boston Massacre Site, and King's Chapel. And, you'll hear from patriots like Josiah Quincy and Phillis Wheatley as they tell you their own stories and share lively anecdotes about the places, events, and drama of the American Revolution and beyond. Easily one of the best things to do in Downtown if you're taking a vacation in Boston. If you miss out, maybe you're a red coat after all. Homerun fun Are you a sports person? Does the thought of people getting together and competing against one another excite you? Do you like balls? Well then, you must be a fan of the old baseball. Right? Boston is home to one of the most recognizable teams on the planet, the Boston Red Sox. Their socks? Red. Their arena? Fenway Park. So why not take a tour of this historic stadium and learn more about the stadium's history, the players that stepped into the diamond, and the team's highs and lows throughout the years. For a whole hour, you'll go behind the scenes at Fenway Park, exploring the ground, it's history, and the story of arguably the greatest baller of all time, Babe Routh, who called Fenway Park home. Keep your eyes peeled for Pesky's Pole, named after contact hitter Johnny Pesky, and the Red Seat, where the longest home run ever hit landed at Fenway Park. Given it's the longest-running ballpark on the planet, you best go while the getting's good! Get arty Boston is one of the country's oldest cities, with its own rich history and culture. But it's not the only culture you'll find there. In fact, one of the biggest Art Museums on the planet calls the city home. We're talking, of course, about the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Inside, you'll find over half a million works of art. Yes, really. 500,000 art pieces lie within its myriad galleries and buildings. Spanning millennia, you'll find works from ancient civilizations as well as more modern marvels from the likes of Monet and van Gogh. One unmissable exhibit currently showing is The Art of the Americas. Spanning two continents and encompassing 3000 years of culture, it takes a deep dive into works from ancient American civilizations like the Mesoamericans, all the way to prominent New York artists. The exhibit is a work of art itself, taking years to compile and curate. It really has to be seen to be believed, and is easily one of the best things to do in Boston's Downtown. But after all that wandering and wondering, you might be feeling famished. Never mind that, because the museum's got some great onsite solutions to your hunger problems! If the weather outside's fine, head to the Calderwood Courtyard and sample the delights at The Garden Cafeteria, where you can pick up small bites like pizza slices, subs, burgers, and even desserts. Or, if something small won't cut it, then the New American Cafe will sort you out. Their curated menu of filling dishes will hit the spot. And that's our list of the best things to do in Downtown, Boston! Looking for anything else Boston-related? If you're visiting from out of state or across the sea, check out our picks for the best places to stay. Looking for more of Boston's amazing culture? Check out our museum guide. Just want to learn more about the city? Check out some fun facts!
Dom Bewley
Public park in Boston with a walking trail
Blog

Best walks in Boston

On your marks, get set... walk! That’s the way to do Boston, anyway. Unassuming, academic and full of history, this city is the ideal place to stretch your legs as it’s also very accessible, very flat, and very pretty. There’s a good mix of city lights and green spaces, and the Charles River winds serenely on its way to Massachusetts Bay offering lovely walks along the esplanade. Beware the weather – the icy wind off the Atlantic can make things pretty wet and chilly in winter – but don’t let it put you off! Fuel up on some Boston baked beans, grab your raincoat and try out one of these awesome Boston walks: The Freedom Trail Financial District to the Theater District The Movie Mile Harvard to MIT The Battle Green Tour The Emerald Necklace Trail The Freedom Trail Many key events of the American Revolutionary War took place in Boston, and a lot of these historical sites are now accessible to visitors. To make it easy, 16 of them are connected by the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail which runs from Boston Common to Bunker Hill. It’s marked by a red path on the ground so you can’t really get lost – but if you’re finding all the history a little disorientating then use your pass to take a Freedom Trail Foundation guided tour. It covers 11 of the 16 sites on the trail, including Massachusetts State House, the USS Constitution and the site of the Boston Massacre. Your guide – complete in 18th century costume – will share all the stories of revenge and revolution so you won’t get your dates and declarations in a tangle. The Financial District to the Theater District This easy walk gives you a great overview of the modern and historic side of Boston in just a couple of hours. Start at the World Trade Center bus stop and enjoy the view of the wharf and Congress Bridge before exploring the financial district. Here, as well as being able to witness Boston’s buzzing economy in motion, you’ll find the Boston Children’s Museum, the Boston Tea Party Museum, King’s Chapel and Burial Ground and the Irish Famine Memorial. Soak up the history, then go for some retail therapy at Downtown Crossing before heading towards the Theater District via Washington Street and Tremont Street. This route will take you past Chinatown, which makes a colorful diversion if you’re feeling peckish, and you’ll come out by the Shubert and Wang Theaters. From here, it’s an easy saunter to Boston Common, where you can either have a look around Emerson College Campus or just flop down on the grass and give your legs a rest. The Movie Mile Many of Boston’s iconic landmarks are familiar to us because we’ve seen them so often on film and television – so why not get to know them in person? Take the Boston Movie Mile Walking Tour with Go City and discover over 30 locations you may have seen in films like Ted, Good Will Hunting and The Departed, or TV shows like Ally McBeal and Cheers. You’ll take in quiet, unassuming neighborhoods, historic homes, the original Cheers pub and the bench where Robin Williams and Matt Damon shot one of their most famous scenes. Make sure your big and small screen trivia knowledge is up to date, as your guide may just quiz you along the way! Harvard to MIT This is a great walk that combines two of the city’s most famous institutions with a generous taste of student life in the city. North of the river in Cambridge, these two academic heavyweights are only a mile or so apart, but a slightly detoured route will also take you past Harvard Stadium (home of the New England Patriots until the 70s) and Harvard Business School. Explore Harvard Square on your own or join a guided tour, then head west over the Anderson Memorial Bridge towards the stadium. If you’re lucky, there might be a game going on, if not, it’s still worth a wander around. From there, turn down Harvard Way past the Baker Library to the Business School, and then circle back to the river and use the Western Avenue Bridge to cross back over. Turn left and walk along the river to Magazine Beach, then head east towards MIT. If you need more intellectual inspiration, you can take another guided tour, or check out the List Visual Arts Center. The “Let it Begin Here” Battle Green Tour Take a deep dive into American Revolutionary History with a guided tour of Lexington Battle Green, included with your Go City Boston Pass. This small area is of huge historical significance, being the place where the first shots of the war were fired. See the Old Belfry that sounded the alarm, the Buckman Tavern where nervous militiamen gathered the night before the battle, the Revolutionary War Monument, the Old Burying Ground and the Henry H. Kitson Minuteman Statue. Hear stories of how the battle unfolded, George Washington’s thoughts on the whole affair, and the meaning behind the famous “Stand your ground” inscription. You’ll also see some houses and other buildings dating from the same era, so you can really feel that you’ve traveled back in time. The Emerald Necklace walk A favorite among locals and visitors alike, this walk gets its name from the way it links a chain of sparkling parks and green spaces through the city. It’s a great one if you want to get away from the concrete jungle and give your legs a proper stretch – it’s around nine miles and does include some elevation, so allow up to four hours – more if you want to stop for a picnic somewhere! Start in Franklin Park – Boston’s largest, where you’ll also find the Franklin Zoo. From here, the walk takes you through the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University, Jamaica Pond, Olmsted Park and along the Riverway to Muddy River. This route also takes you past the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. Continue along the long, green space that is the Commonwealth Avenue Mall all the way to the Public Garden, then either cross the suspension bridge or take the left path past the Robin Williams Memorial Bench. Finish by exploring Boston Common and be sure to take a selfie in front of Brewer Fountain! Step it up with Go City You can walk pretty much anywhere in Boston! Make sure you don’t miss anything with a Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass and save on dozens of attractions around the city.
Karleen Stevens

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.