Arts & Culture Event Notices Kids & Families

37th Annual Harborfest Celebrates Independence Day June 28 through July 5

The 37th annual Boston Harborfest will kick off on Thursday, June 28 with an opening ceremony at 11 a.m. at Faneuil Hall Marketplace!

Harborfest is a multi-day, family-friendly festival with activities celebrating American Independence, honoring the city’s colonial roots and showcasing Boston’s harbor. It is the largest Fourth of July festival in the country.

Cake cutting ceremony 2017

The festivities begin at the Opening Ceremony where the 215th Army Band will play and Mayor Walsh will cut the official Harborfest cake. This will mark the official start of the eight-day celebration!

See weekend highlights listed below and the full Harborfest schedule here.

Saturday, June 30:

11AM – 4PM: Colonialfest at Old North Historic Site. Experience colonial life through hands-on activities including fifing, chocolate-making, quill writing and more.

12PM – 4PM: Independence Day Celebration at Christopher Columbus Park. Join the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park at their annual parade led by Uncle Sam followed by face painting, crafts, a magician and more.

5PM: Music by The Squeezebox Stompers at Christopher Columbus Park.

7PM: Music by Sweet Harmony at Christopher Columbus Park.

9PM: Illuminate the Harbor. Find a spot along the water to view the harbor fireworks, free and open to the public.

Sunday, July 1:

11AM – 7PM: Arts at Harborfest. Local artists will display and sell their work, curated by Artists Crossing, under the trellis in Christopher Columbus Park.

12PM – 3PM: Chowderfest. Come taste clam chowder samples from some of the best local restaurants! Vote on your favorite and enjoy live music in Christopher Columbus Park.

See photos from Harborfest 2017 here.