Boston Harborfest & Fireworks 2024

Report Error

Email It

Write a Review

Dates:	Monday, July 1, 2024 - Thursday, July 4, 2024
Hours:	9:00am - 9:00pm
Ages:	Infants, Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults
In/Outdoor:	Outdoor
Cost:	Free see below
Category:	Holiday

Boston Harborfest is a proud tradition celebrating Boston’s maritime and revolutionary history.

With hundreds of activities over Independence Day weekend at Boston’s most iconic historic landmarks, this family-friendly event is one of the country’s largest Fourth of July festivals.

The festivities begin Monday, July 1 at 12:00 p.m. in Downtown Boston with an official Harborfest kick-off, cake-cutting, and salute. Music, re-enactors, and events will fill Boston that afternoon and the following three days, with activity centered in Downtown Crossing, Christopher Columbus Park, and on Boston Harbor.

Popular Activities include the annual opening ceremony in Downtown Crossing, historical reenactments, arts market, Chowderfest, live musical entertainment, fireworks, and much more!

Monday, July 1 Schedule

12:00pm EDT
Boston Harborfest Kick-Off Celebration
Public officials and hospitality leaders will help kick off Boston Harborfest 2024 with the ceremonial cake cutting and giveaway. Roving reenactors and staff from the USS Constitution will engage with visitors, while the Massachusetts 215th Army Band will begin an afternoon of performances.

12:00pm EDT
Re-Enactors & Entertainment
Historical re-enactors will rove throughout the Downtown Crossing area and engage with the audience. While an array of local performances across all musical genres will perform from a stage in Downtown Crossing. Free for all to enjoy. Additionally, performances from the U.S. Army Band will take place

U.S. Army Band will perform a concert at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Franklin Steps in Boston's Downtown Crossing area

12:00pm EDT
DTX Live Entertainment
Starting at 12pm, the Summer Street Stage will have four 40-minute performances from a variety of bands.

2:00pm EDT
Macy's Great American Fashion Show
The Macy's Fashion Show in Boston, MA is a highly anticipated annual event that showcases the latest trends and styles from renowned fashion designers. Held at the prestigious Macy's store, this glamorous affair attracts fashion enthusiasts, industry professionals, and curious shoppers alike. Attendees are treated to an immersive experience, with music, lights, and a vibrant atmosphere, making the Macy's Fashion Show a must-attend extravaganza for fashion lovers in Boston.

4:00pm EDT
Downton Boston Beer Garden

Tuesday, July 2 Schedule

12:00pm EDT
Re-Enactors & Entertainment

1:00pm EDT
Christopher Columbus Park Music and Activities

2:00pm EDT
Chowderfest
Grab a bowl and join the action at the annual Chowderfest where you can sample delicious chowders from the best local restaurants. Voting for your favorite chowder is highly encouraged as you sample as much as you can! Free to all while supplies last! Live DJ entertainment will keep the toes tapping at the Franklin Steps during Chowderfest.

2:00pm EDT
Downtown Boston Beer Garden
What better opportunity to enjoy a drink than the 4th of July week in Boston? For the first time select brews from Democracy Brewing and Distraction Brewing will be offered on Summer Street Plaza so make sure to stop by during your time at Harborfest! All alcohol must be purchased and consumed in the enclosed garden. Entry is 21+

4:00pm EDT
DTX Live Entertainment

7:00pm EDT
Revelry on Griffin’s Wharf! - Ticketed Event

7:45pm EDT
U.S Navy Band Northeast Pre-Fireworks Concert
Join us for a concert by the Navy Band to prepare yourself for the Boston Harborfest Fireworks display. Patriotic music followed by spectacular fireworks make an unbeatable Fourth of July combination!

9:15pm EDT
Boston Harborfest Fireworks
Visible from several vantage points along the Inner Harbor, the Harborfest Fireworks return to provide a spectacular display for all to enjoy. The fireworks will be launched from a barge at Boston’s Long Wharf.

Wednesday, July 3 Schedule

12:00pm EDT
DTX Entertainment

1:00pm EDT
Christopher Columbus Park Music and Activities
Enjoy a variety of free activities at Christopher Columbus Park to celebrate the holiday! There will be face painting, balloon art, and access to the Greenway Carousel (1:00 - 6:00 p.m.)

There will also be live entertainment from local artists throughout the afternoon:

1:00 - 2:30 p.m. - Sons of Levin
3:00 - 4:30 p.m. - Boston Music Project
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Boston Music Project

2:00pm EDT
Downtown Boston Beer Garden

7:00pm EDT
Writing a Revolution: The Letters of John & Abigail Adams 1773-1776 - Ticketed Event

Thursday, July 4 Schedule

Time TBA
Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums Concert
Come to Downtown Crossing to enjoy the beautiful music of the Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums and transport your mind back centuries in the past. The Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums is a repertory ensemble that performs martial, dance, and folk music draw from the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries on regimental fife and drum corps.

9:00am EDT
Ancient & Honorable Artillery Parade from City Hall
Lay wreaths at Granary Burial Ground and witness a reading of the Declaration of Independence at Old State House

10:00am EDT
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
The Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Boston, MA is a cherished tradition that brings history to life. Held annually, this event gathers crowds in historic locations such as Faneuil Hall or the Old State House to witness the powerful words of the founding document being recited. With passionate speakers and a reverent atmosphere, this reading commemorates the spirit of liberty and serves as a reminder of the ideals that shaped the nation's journey towards independence.

10:30am EDT
Annual Oration

11:00am EDT
USS Constitution Turnaround Sail
Prepare to witness the majestic USS Constitution sail past Long Wharf as the US Navy Band performs simultaneously!

1:00pm EDT
A Day of Unity: Reading Frederick Douglass
We gather to read one of the most iconic American speeches that supported the call for emancipation. “What, to the slave, is the Fourth of July” by Frederick Douglass will be read against a backdrop of African drums, dance, and gospel music. There will be a marketplace and a free ice cream social to round out the afternoon.

1:30pm EDT
Neighborhood Ice Cream Social
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Enjoy sweet treats with your whole family at our Neighborhood Ice Cream Social.

8:00pm EDT
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
The Boston Pops July 4th Spectacular is slated to take place at the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Esplanade starting at 8:00pm. Keith Lockhart will lead a program featuring the Boston Pops orchestra with special guests Darlene Love, Kelli O'Hara, and The Mavericks!

View the full list of events

Over the years, Harborfest has grown from a local event to a national celebration. In 1982 there were 35 activities over the course of three days. Harborfest is considered to be the largest patriotic celebration in the nation with visitors enjoying more than 200 activities during the weeklong festival.

There's no better place to celebrate our nation's independence than at Boston Harborfest.

Find lots more fun things to do in Boston during the summer in our July & August guides to family fun. And since summer is a great time to be outside, check out our guide to Boston outdoor activities, featuring lots of cool places to enjoy a beautiful summer day.

Find lots more ideas on fun things to do in Boston.

COST

↑ top

Most events are free however there is a cost associated with certain ones. Please visit bostonharborfest.com to see a full list of events.

WEBSITE

↑ top

www.bostonharborfest.com/schedule/

LOCATION

↑ top

City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA map

TIPS

↑ top

And since it's the 4th of July week, make sure you Find a Fireworks Display near you in MA.

REVIEWS

↑ top

Children's Day Is Lame

A large presence of the Naval recruiting folk at an event for young children. Free samples of processed meat and high fructose corn syrup for the kids. Ridiculous lines for a single person making balloon animals and for face painting. Mayor Mumbles just Barely sounding out a children's book. This was one of the few days this summer I think we were glad it started raining.