Spending the Fourth of July in Boston is a celebration by itself. The city has numerous Independence Day celebrations for visitors and locals to enjoy. Here are some of the best events happening for the Fourth of July!
Five Things to Do on the Fourth of July in Boston
2022 Boston Pops’ Fireworks Spectacular
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will once again be held at Hatch Memorial Shell on Charles River Esplanade this Fourth of July. The 2022 program presents the Boston Pops Orchestra, the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and the Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes and Drums. Visitors will need to plan ahead as lines will be long. If you can’t make it out to enjoy the fireworks in person, local TV station WHDH - TV Channel 7 and Bloomberg TV and Radio will be broadcasting the event.
Annual Boston Harborfest 2022
Boston Harborfest is a family event that occurs each year around the Fourth of July holiday. It is known as one of Independence Day’s most significant festivals. Flights and hotels must be booked well in advance as the demand for accommodations will be high. Programs highlight historical reenactments, boat tours, live entertainment, the City of Boston’s Official Independence Day Commemoration and more. Activities commence on Friday, July 1 at 10:00 a.m. EDT with the grand finale on Monday night, July 4.
USS Constitution Turn Around
Each year on the Fourth of July, USS Constitution is taken out of its berth in the Charlestown Navy Yard and travels to Castle Island in South Boston. At Castle Island, she fires a 21-gun salute before returning to Charlestown. Many boating companies take the opportunity to offer tourists cruises to follow or alongside the “Old Ironside” as it ventures out into the Boston harbor. Cruises last about 3 hours, and the price varies.
Explore the Freedom Trail
It is most fitting to explore The Freedom Trail, a 2.5 miles red-line route covering 16 historical sites on the Fourth of July. Visitors can explore through public and private walking tours. Many prefer self-guided tours on foot with maps and guidebooks, either physical or audio. By visiting each site, one learns about the events that led to the birth of our nation.
James Taylor Live at Tanglewood
If you can venture outside of the metropolitan Boston area, Tanglewood is a fantastic summer spot. James Taylor will perform live at Tanglewood: Koussevitzky Music Shed on July 3 and 4. Some of his all-time favorites, like “How Sweet It Is” and “Something in the Way She Moves,” will be included in the program. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. for both performances.
