The 38th annual Boston Harborfest, celebrating Boston’s maritime and revolutionary history over the Fourth of July, will take place the first week of July, 7/1 through 7/7.
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.
The festivities officially begin with an opening ceremony at 11 a.m. at Boston’s Faneuil Hall on Tuesday, July 2. There will be colonial era reenactments, a short speaking program, and the traditional cutting of the cake.
See weekend highlights listed below and the full Harborfest schedule here.
Monday, July 1:
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Arts at Harborfest. Local artists will display and sell their work at Downtown Crossing. There will also be interactive activities for children, including postcard making and billboard painting.
Tuesday, July 2:
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Opening ceremony at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Chowderfest. Come taste clam chowder samples from some of the best local restaurants! Vote on your favorite and enjoy live music at Downtown Crossing.
8:42 p.m.: Parade of Lights and Fireworks. A promenade of festively-lit boats will light up the Harbor. The evening culminates in a fireworks display. Suggested viewing locations are Christopher Columbus Park and Fan Pier.
Wednesday, July 3:
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.: Arts at Harborfest. Local artists will display and sell their work at Downtown Crossing. There will also be interactive activities for children, including postcard making and billboard painting.
Daily July 1 – 7:
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Freedom Trail Changing the Guard. See the Redcoats Changing the Guard and colonists and British soldiers interacting like it was in 1775 at Washington and Summer Streets.
