It’s time to celebrate. America is celebrating its 248th year as a nation, and what better way to celebrate the holiday than in one of the country’s most historic cities. Greater Boston will be filled with patriotic festivities this Fourth of July, from walking tours and live performances to delicious food and, of course, fireworks. Here’s your ultimate guide to enjoying Independence Day this year.
Revelry, freedom and landmarks
The city of Boston will host a variety of events and celebratory experiences leading up to the holiday at its annual Boston Harborfest. The festivities begin on Monday and run through Independence Day. Most events take place downtown, and while most are free and open to the public, some have admission fees. Get into the city spirit in time for Independence Day by taking a history tour, watching a re-enactment, cooling off in a beer garden or grabbing a bite to eat at the Chowder Festival. Visit bostonharborfest.com/schedule for a complete schedule and locations.
Deeply engraved in history
If history buffs want to take their Independence Day celebrations back to the middle of the War for Independence, there are several educational and patriotic events planned for Independence Day. Relive history with a reading of the Declaration of Independence outside the Old State House, just as patriots did for the first time in 1776. At 10 a.m. on the 4th, the commander of Massachusetts’s ancient and honored artillery company will read the full text from the balcony of this historic building, Boston’s annual tradition. At 1:30 p.m., there will be a communal reading of Frederick Douglass’ “What is Independence Day to a Slave?” on the steps of Downtown Crossing. The speech, first delivered by the famous abolitionist and orator in 1852, will be read to the backdrop of African drumming, dancing and gospel music, followed by a free ice cream party. Join Boston by Foot on their “Walk the Freedom Trail” guided walking tour and talk about history as you walk through it. The 3.5-mile tour includes multiple morning stops at 16 historic sites, starting at the State Capitol and ending at the Charlestown Navy Yard. Tickets start at $15 and can be reserved at bostonbyfoot.org.
Members of the United States Army Field Band and the Boston Symphony Orchestra perform during the 2023 Boston Pops Fireworks Display at the Hatch Memorial Shell along the Charles River Esplanade in Boston. Vincent Alban, The Boston Globe
Obviously fireworks
No Independence Day celebration is complete without fireworks, but in Boston, it’s a renowned symphony orchestra performance featuring special appearances from world-renowned singers. Known as the city’s largest Independence Day celebration, the Boston Pops Fireworks Display returns to the Hatch Memorial Shell at the Esplanade for its 50th anniversary. This year, Pops conductor Keith Lockhart will be joined by special guests Tony Award-winning Broadway star and headliner Kelli O’Hara, Grammy Award-winning soul singer Darlene Love, multi-award-winning country rockers The Mavericks, and the Singing Sergeants of the United States Air Force Band. The free public concert begins at 8 p.m., and the sparkling sky show can be viewed on the banks of the Charles River from 10:30 p.m. Visit bso.org for more information.
No backyard? No problem
Living in the city doesn’t mean you have to give up on beloved Fourth of July traditions in your own backyard. Beyond sparklers, Boston has creative ways to relive nostalgic feelings and experiences. Grab a picnic blanket and head to Lawn on D to play cornhole or pickleball or lounge on an oversized Adirondack chair and admire the green grass. Concessions are available for snacks and alcoholic beverages to share, and don’t forget the solar-powered LED swings that change color as you swing at different speeds and heights. There are several options for getting out on the water on Independence Day, including a dinner cruise with Boston Harbor City Cruises or a morning trip to the USS Constitution with Charles River Boat Company. (Ticket prices vary. See cityexperiences.com and charlesriverboat.com for details.) For sailors, East Boston’s Tall Ship Boston offers sailing experiences on its 240-foot vessel docked in Boston Harbor. Of course, there will also be food, drinks and lawn games available.
Fourth day feast
It wouldn’t be Independence Day without the sizzle of the grill. On Wednesday and Thursday, Seaport’s City Tap House will be serving up a special Backyard BeerBQ menu with treats like the Freedom Frank, Liberty Lemonade Cocktail, and Red, White & BBQ Rib Plate. Across the street, Everett’s Short Path Distillery will let you pledge your allegiance to red, white and blueberry treats with alcoholic freezer pops and Independence Day-themed cocktail flights. And in Central Square, Viale will be selling Southern classics. Fill up on snacks like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and banana pudding. The Cambridge restaurant’s annual “Tradish” will only be available on Independence Day from 5 to 8 p.m.
Times, locations and other details are subject to change. Please check the individual organization or company websites for the most up-to-date information.
Bryn O’Connor is a Boston-based author.
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