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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.