Boston Summer

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

By Katie Sagal

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

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Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular - Charles River Esplanade July 4

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

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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

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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

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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 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

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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

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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!

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Things to do in North End, Boston

Heading to Boston for your vacation, and keeping an eye on North End? Good choice! North End has a load of great things to do and places to eat and drink. We're going to talk about those now. Scroll down, and discover our picks for the best things to do in North End, Boston! Including: Paul Revere House Old North Church Improv Asylum Great food Great nights out and more! A House Revered Let's start our trip through North End with some history. Boston was the heart of the revolutionary efforts when the US fought for independence. On one fateful night in 1775, one man saw a frightening sight. Men clad in red, as far as the eye could see. Invaders, coming to claim what they thought was theirs. But this bastion of chivalry wasn't having any of that. So he valiantly mounted his faithful steed, and he rode. God, did he ride. If he didn't, the war could be lost. He rode and rode until he reached his countrymen. And when he pulled up in front of them, he uttered four words immortalized in this nation's heart forevermore. "The British are coming." Or did he? Find out at the Paul Revere House! Not only will you learn more about the legend himself, but you'll also discover whether there's any truth to the poem that utters his famous phrase. One of the oldest buildings in Boston, step inside the house and get a fascinating insight into colonial history. Tour the historic rooms and see authentic period furniture, real documents, and silver made by Paul himself. Clearly, he was a man of many talents. Not immortal, though, so there is that. A Statue Revered And if all that wasn't enough Revere for you, go and see the massive statue of him for yourself! Sculptor Cyrus Dallin designed this bronze statue of Revere riding his horse. His hand raised, we can only assume what Paul was gesticulating towards. Was it his fellow countrymen, patriots one and all? Or was he shooing a dog out of his path? We will never, ever know. Old North Church Sticking with the historical theme, let's talk churches. Whether you're a believer or not, there's no denying the beauty that went into their creation and ornamentation. Why not go and see one of the nation's longest-standing churches, Old North Church? Built back in 1723, and inspired by the works of British male Sir Christopher Wren, it played a key part in the War of Independence. The church's steeple held lanterns that warned the minutemen of incoming British forces. See, learning can be fun! These days, it may be less exciting, but it's still just as beautiful! You can enjoy a self-guided tour of the sanctuary, a fun family scavenger hunt, and even tour the crypt and the gallery. Of all the things to do in North End, Boston, this is definitely one of them. A gift for you In the market for some keepsakes, or perhaps a gift or two for the people you left behind? Check out the Boston Gift Shop! It's right by Paul Revere's House, so if you've been following our instructions, you'll be thereabouts anyway. For over 100 years, they've been offering reasonably priced and decently made Independence memorabilia to visitors from far and wide. So go pick up some swag and either give it away, or rub it in people's faces. It's really up to you! Winging it crazy Out with the old, in with the new, as we continue with our tour of Boston's North End. Looking for things to do? How about laughing until you can't stop? Until it hurts? If that sounds delightful, give Improv Asylum a browse. For over 20 years, they've hosted improv and sketch comedy shows for literally anyone willing to pay money. They aim to put one on every night, but head there on the weekend, and you might be spoiled by two or more! While they tend to be for all ages, midnight shows often take a turn into the crass and adult. Just what us adults want! And if that wasn't enough (is it ever?), you can also attend workshops and learn how to actually be funny. That would be nice, wouldn't it? Food, glorious food Food, yeah? It's pretty good. A necessity for humans, food is the fuel that keeps us going. Some people think they can survive on sunlight and water, but they're wrong. That's plants, not people. And when that fuel inevitably runs out, you'll be needing a top-up. Thankfully, Boston's North End has some great places to eat some great food. There are our favorites. Spoiler alert - they're all Italian. For nearly a century, Regina Pizzeria has been providing hungry visitors with fantastic pizza. And once they eat it, they're no longer hungry. Brilliant! They attest to being Boston's original Pizzeria, and who are you to question that? You weren't around then. With a menu full of the usual greats, cooked with comfort and care from scratch, it's a must-visit for slice aficionados. Fancy throwing some seafood into the mix? Check out The Daily Catch, because their Sicilian seafood pasta fishes will blow your mind and fill your tummy. Born from the mind of Paul Freddura, who turned his knowledge of the seafood trade into seafood plates, it's easily one of the best restaurants in North End. Or, if you want something a little out of the way, check out Maria's Pastry Shop. Inside, you'll find delightful Italian pastries both sweet and savory, and the best cannoli money can buy. Drink it up Let's round off this list with a round of our own. Looking for a place to sit and drink till the early morn? Here are our picks. Ex speakeasy Stanza dei Sigari is now a cigar parlor and liquor lounge. Stepping inside is like being transported back to the roaring '20s. With an enviable cocktail menu and a host of fine liquors to sample, it's a great place to wet your whistle. Looking for something a little more gutter-like? Try Corner Cafe, a dive bar with plenty of beers, sports on the TV, and a handful of cocktails classics like margaritas. It's cash only, so bear that in mind. And that's our list of the best things to do in North End, Boston!
Dom Bewley
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Things to do in Boston in December

One of the oldest European settlements in North America, but no enemy of the contemporary, visits to the Massachusetts state capital marry revolutionary history with a great mix of modern sights. Not even wintry New England weather forecasts can dampen the gaiety of Boston in December. The chance of snowfall and its open-air ice rinks makes it one of the most festive destinations this side of Santa’s workshop at the North Pole. A great alternative to the crowded sidewalks of New York, Boston has no end of charm leading up to the festive and New Year celebrations. Not convinced December is a good time to visit Boston? Check out all the things to do in Boston in December right here. Check out the historic harbor If you’re looking for the heart and soul of Boston, you’ll want to turn your attention to its expansive harborside. Etched with creeks, rivers and wharves, its waters were the ignition point for the American Revolutionary War when protestors poured an entire shipment of tea into it – an extraordinary insult to any Englishman. Reenactments take place at Old South Meeting House on December 16. A different view of harbor life can be had at Boston’s New England Aquarium on Central Wharf. Spanning the globe’s seas and oceans, it’s home to a fascinating variety of life usually hidden beneath the waves, be that the sharks, turtles and corals of the magnificent 760,000 liter Caribbean habitat or the octopus of the Pacific Northwest tanks. Cross by the artworks dotting Rose Kennedy Greenway and you’re just a couple of streets away from Faneuil Hall Marketplace. A shopping precinct that has been serving Bostonians since 1743, it hosts a popular December holiday market, but is better known for its street performers. Do some last minute shopping Faneuil Hall certainly isn’t the only market in town, with options ranging from European-style Christmas markets serving up steaming mugs of mulled wine and gingerbread to authentic New England craft fairs where you’ll find knitted hats, gloves and other handicrafts. Out of the city center, Harvard Square Holiday Market in Cambridge and Kilroy Square Market in Quincy are ones to keep a close eye on. Swapping Cambridge Massachusetts for Boston’s Cambridge Street you’ll be only a few hundred meters from the Charles River Esplanade and the Cheers Bar. Used for the exterior shots of the 1980s sitcom, and containing a replica of the program’s bar, it also has a charming location overlooking the city’s Public Garden and Common. Fill up on Christmas cheer Right at the heart of Boston’s Christmas festivities, Boston Common is the location for the annual switch on of the city’s lights by its mayor, with a decorated Christmas tree forming the backdrop for the evening. Elsewhere in Boston the arching trellises of Christopher Columbus Park twinkle with fairy lights whilst Blink! back at Faneuil Hall Marketplace usually boasts the northeast’s largest Christmas tree. Around 24 m (or seven stories) tall, it sits alongside more than a quarter of a million individual LEDs. If that wasn’t enough, the common’s Frog Pond becomes something like a scene out of Frozen. Skaters can take a turn on the ice before cheering on the Bruins ice hockey team at The Garden Arena. And although it’s not baseball season, it’s still possible to take a tour of one of the most famous ballparks in America – the Red Sox’s Fenway Park. Line up the snow day activities The mildest month of the Boston winter, average temperatures are still less than balmy with highs of 5°C and overnight lows of -2°C. With rain, sleet and snow all possibilities, it’s wise to mix up any Boston December itinerary with indoor and outdoor alternatives. Thankfully, Boston has an extraordinary array of museums to lose a few hours – if not a few days – in. Top of the list has to be the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. One of the largest galleries in the world, its artworks are by greats from Claude Monet to Andy Warhol. History buffs won’t want to miss the historic ship USS Constitution and its next-door museum. Forming part of Boston’s Freedom Trail, the museum details the vital role the ship lovingly known as ‘Old Ironsides’ (despite having a wooden hull) played during the War of 1812 against the British. She technically remains on active service with the US Navy more than 200 years after her construction. Keep the kids entertained It’s multitude of waterways, parks and museums makes Christmas in Boston a perfect treat for the kids. The dinosaur skeletons and taxidermy animals at Harvard Museum of Natural History provide an excellent introduction to the natural world. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston will delight and inspire young minds whatever the weather may be doing outside. To give them a bird’s eye view of all the city has to offer, head to the observation deck on the 26th floor of the harborside Marriott Customs House Tower, or climb the 294 steps to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument. A Washington Monument in miniature, it was built to commemorate the first battle of America’s Revolutionary War. New Year Events in Boston As well as a whole host of Christmas events, Boston sees in the new year with equal amounts of aplomb. Known as First Night, the celebrations of December 31 include a mini-fireworks display at 7PM so younger children don’t have to miss out on the fun. This is followed by a grander display over the harbor at midnight, only rivalled by those of Independence Day on July 4. Copley Square hosts its own pyrotechnic display, and a People’s Procession takes place down Boylston Street from Copley Square to Boston Common from 6PM. Gala concerts take place in venues big and small to ensure the new year starts as it means to go on. Save on December Boston attraction admission No one wants to have to skimp when on vacation. There’s no worse feeling than wanting to do something but knowing you can’t really afford it. Explore with Go City and this feeling can be a thing of the past! How so? We work hard with attractions to allow you the freedom to do what you want, when you want, whilst making incredible savings.
Ian Packham
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Getting Around Boston - How to Get Around Boston for Tourists

Get from A to B in no time with our extensive guide to traveling around the dynamic city of Boston!
Casey Makovich

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