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Things-to-do

How to Spend the July Fourth Weekend in Boston

BU Today’s unofficial guide to celebrating Independence Day in America’s most historic city

Travel + Leisure magazine recently named Boston one of the best places in the country to celebrate the Fourth of July—and for good reason. In addition to our gorgeous East Coast beaches, the fresh lobster rolls, and the chance to watch a baseball game at ever-so-historic Fenway Park, we have the annual three-day Boston Harborfest, the yearly USS Constitution turnaround, and fireworks over the Charles River. This year is also the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War, which began in the suburbs of our great city in 1775 (although, as history buffs will be quick to point out, the 250th anniversary of American independence won’t be celebrated until July 4, 2026!).

AAA is predicting that almost 62 million Americans travel by car for the holiday weekend, so the roads are bound to be busy, but whether you’re a local or are coming from out of town, we can guarantee that there will be plenty to do and see. Check out BU Today’s suggestions below for this weekend’s top patriotic activities.

Boston Harborfest 2025

Nothing screams “Fourth of July in Boston” more than the annual Boston Harborfest, returning this weekend for the 44th year in a row. Dubbed “the best birthday party in the country” by organizers, Harborfest is a multiday celebration, running this year from July 2 to 4, packed to the brim with all sorts of activities. Enjoy historical reenactors, live musical entertainment, Freedom Trail tours, a musical celebration of the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday, and Macy’s Great American Fashion Show. Many events are free, making it a family-friendly way to celebrate the Fourth of July. 

Wednesday, July 2, through Friday, July 4, 2025, various locations throughout Boston. Most of the Harborfest celebrations are free; check the event website for information on any entrance fees.

The Art of the Americas Wing at the Museum of Fine Arts

Like many of the exhibitions at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, those in the Art of the Americas wing paint a robust picture (no pun intended) of the rich history of our world, country, and city, but in honor of the July Fourth holiday, we recommend you take a peek at the wing’s gallery titled “Boston on the Eve of Revolution and the New Nation.” Art enthusiasts and more casual viewers alike will surely appreciate the wide variety of unique pieces detailing the birth of the United States, such as an array of portraits, paintings, and statues, like Thomas Sully’s iconic The Passage of the Delaware. Be sure to catch these pieces and more on Wednesday, July 2, or Thursday, July 3, as the museum will be closed on Independence Day.

Find the museum’s hours here. The MFA will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025. MFA admission is free for all BU students, faculty, and staff with current ID. 

See Fireworks Outside the City

This holiday weekend, use the MBTA Commuter Rail to your advantage and check out some suburban fireworks displays. There’s quite a long list of happenings, including the Town of Cohasset fireworks on Wednesday, July 2, fireworks displays in Needham, Andover, Gloucester, and Weymouth on Thursday, July 3, and the Town of Beverly fireworks on Friday, July 4. 

Wednesday, July 2, through Friday, July 4, 2025, in various suburbs around Boston. Check individual town event pages for attendance information and policies.

Boston Harborfest Fireworks Along the Boston Harbor

Are you looking to watch an impressive fireworks display, but hoping to ditch the crowds? Try celebrating America’s independence two days early with the Boston Harborfest fireworks, held along the Boston Harbor on the evening of Wednesday, July 2. The event is set to begin between 9 and 9:15 pm and can be enjoyed from several different vantage points, including Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park in the North End, Fan Pier Park in Seaport, Flagship Wharf in Charlestown, and Piers Park, LoPresti Park and Griffin’s Wharf (the site of the Boston Tea Party) in East Boston.

Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 9 pm. The fireworks are free and open to the public.

21-Gun Salute at Fort Independence

If you’re an early riser, consider heading over to Fort Independence in South Boston on the morning of Thursday, July 3, to catch the iconic 21-gun salute fired from the USS Constitution (a ship with great historic significance and nicknamed “Old Ironsides”). The vessel will begin its journey earlier in the morning from the Charlestown Navy Yard and sail through Boston Harbor before arriving at Fort Independence for the event’s grand finale at 11:30 am.

Thursday, July 3, 2025, 11:30 am, Fort Independence, 2010 William J. Day Blvd., South Boston. This event is free and open to the public.

Friday, July 4

USS Constitution Turnaround Sail

”Old Ironsides” famously embarks on a turnaround sail past Long Wharf every year on the morning of Friday, July. This year, the ship is expected to depart from Rowes Wharf (downtown) around 10 am, cruise along the harbor for a few hours, and return that afternoon between 1 and 2 pm. There are plenty of great sights to see and places to eat nearby—grab a slice of pizza and a gelato from the many North End eateries, visit Paul Revere’s House, and stroll through Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall.

Friday, July 4, 2025, 10 am, Rowes Wharf, Boston. This event is free and open to the public.

Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Old State House

Hear ye, hear ye…calling all history buffs! If you’re feeling inclined to put yourself in the shoes of America’s founding fathers, we strongly recommend that you head over to the Old State House in the heart of downtown Boston on the morning of Friday, July 4, to listen to the reading of the Declaration of Independence. This annual event, which begins at City Hall Square and proceeds to the historic Old State House, is known for the passionate orators that lead it, really immersing the audience in the experience.

Friday July 4, 2025, 10 am, Old State House, 206 Washington St., Boston; free and open to the public.

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

Arguably the biggest and most beloved July 4th tradition is listening to the Boston Pops and watching the fireworks at the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade on the evening of the holiday. Once you stake your spot in front of the Hatch Shell (the area opens at noon and fills up fast; spectators should bring a blanket, towel, or some beach chairs), sit back, relax, and enjoy a breathtaking performance by the Boston Pops, conducted by Keith Lockhart (Hon.’04), who is celebrating his 30th year with the Pops this year. This longtime cherished tradition also features performances from famous musicians, and 2025 is no exception: American country singer ​​LeAnn Rimes will headline the concert and contemporary musician and Tony winner Leslie Odom, Jr. (Hamilton) will make an appearance, among other acts. Once the musicians finish, the fireworks display will begin along the Esplanade, accompanied, of course, by the Pops’ rendition of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. If you can’t make it out to the Hatch Shell, you can still find great vantage points for the fireworks just about anywhere on the Esplanade, including the docks that are just beyond the BU Beach.

Friday, July 4, 2025, 7 to 11 pm, Hatch Shell, 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston. This event is free and open to the public, but be advised that it will be busy, and it’s best to secure your spot on the grass as early as possible.

Experience the Once-a-Year “Footloose on the Freedom Trail” Walking Tour

While you can walk the Freedom Trail on any given day and in any sort of weather…if you’re visiting for the Fourth of July, why not participate in a special once-a-year walking tour of the iconic route? “Footloose on the Freedom Trail” follows a 2.5-mile-long route, hitting more than 15 of Boston’s most treasured historic landmarks along the way throughout the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, downtown, the North End, and Charlestown/Bunker Hill. This tour is guaranteed to be a patriotic, and certainly unique, way to get your steps in and do some sightseeing.

Friday, July 4, 2025, beginning at the Massachusetts State House (24 Beacon St., Boston). Find information and purchase tickets here.