The Boston Events Calendar for July gets off to a rousing start with the big annual 5-day Harborfest celebration of American Independence (including a big fireworks show over Boston Harbor on July 2), the July 4th Boston Pops concert at the Hatch Shell, and the spectacular July 4th fireworks display over the Charles River.

The USS Constitution's annual turn-around cruise in Boston Harbor also takes place on July 4th.  Watch from anywhere around the Waterfront or on a turn-around viewing cruise such as these:

There's plenty of fun events too:  the Harborfest celebration in early July, city beaches are open, Boston Red Sox games at Fenway Park, and fun sightseeing tours, whale watching cruises, and Provincetown and Salem cruises.

Boston July weather typically serves up lots of gorgeous hot sunny days with occasional brief afternoon thunderstorms. 

You'll find plenty of fun ways to enjoy the city this month!

Looking for Fun Activities for Boston in July?


Find more fun things to do in Boston during July

Top photo:  Confetti rains down at the Boston Pops July 4th concert at the end of the 1812 Overture - photo courtesy of U.S. Navy

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Boston Concerts & Shows - July 2024

Top July Concerts & Shows in Boston

Boston concert schedule - July
Aerosmith concert at TD Garden- Photo courtesy of bobnjeff

Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.

Top Boston July concerts for 2025 include the annual Boston Pops July 4th, Tyler the Creator, Pixies, Ghost, Candlelight Concerts, & more:

 

Schedule & Tickets

More Concerts & Shows for July

Boston Concerts throughout the Year 


Boston Theater & Shows for July 2024

Theater productions and shows for July in Boston

Top July Shows in Boston - Schedules & Tickets

Check out the Boston theater schedule for July with its exciting mix of acrobatics and comedy:

Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.

More Shows for July

More Boston Theater District Shows


Fireworks Cruises & Other Boston Harbor Cruises - 2024

Downtown skyline from Boston Harbor
The Northern Lights on Boston Harbor at sunset - Photo credit: Classic Harbor Line Boston

Tour Boston by boat - the best way to see the city!  

Check out these fun sightseeing, music, and entertainment Boston Harbor cruises on the Yacht Northern Lights and Schooner Adirondack III, and don't miss the Fireworks Cruises on July 2nd and 4th:

 Popular Cruises

  • Northern Lights Sunset Cruise - Grab a refreshments from the bar and then relax as you watch the sun set on this sail around the Harbor, just in time to catch the USS Constitution fire its cannons as the sun dips down past the horizon
  • Brunch Cruise on the Northern Lights - Savor a delicious 3-course brunch on this relaxing sightseeing cruise around Boston Harbor
  • Boston Harbor Cruise on Northern Lights - Soak up Boston's unique sites and rich history on this comfortable sightseeing cruise around the Harbor - perfect friends and family experience!  Food and beverages available for purchase at the bar

 Holiday Cruises

New Year's Eve & New Year's Day Cruises

  • New Year's Eve Cruise - Say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025 on this elegant Boston Harbor cruise with fireworks, live music, and gourmet appetizers; purchase the beverage of your choice onboard - or pre-order a bottle of Moet & Chandon when you book - Book now
  • New Year's Day Brunch Cruise - Welcome the New Year with a tasty hot 3-course brunch on this relaxing sightseeing tour around Boston Harbor - perfect start to the New Year! - Book now
  • Gift Card - Give the perfect holiday gift!  Shop now

Valentine's Day Cruise

  • Romantic Valentine's Day Jazz & Champagne Tasting Cruise - Toast your valentine on this romantic evening cruise as you sample 3 champagnes and nibble on chocolate-covered strawberries while a live jazz band plays in the background.  Capacity is limited, and these special cruises always sell out early.  February 14 and 15

 


Boston Red Sox Schedule - Home Games at Fenway - July 2024

The Red Sox take on the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park
The Red Sox on the mound at Fenway Park

Location:  Fenway Park
Nearest T stations:  Green Line B or C/Kenmore; Commuter Rail Worcester Line/Yawkey

The quintessential July experience in Boston is watching the Red Sox play at Fenway Park - so don't miss it!

Get Schedule & Tickets

Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.

Find Red Sox Home Games at Fenway for Other Months

August  - September  -   October

Stay:  Hotels near Fenway Park
Park:  Garages & lots near Fenway Park
Celebrate:   Best sports bars near Fenway Park

Find out about more Boston sports


Fun Events & Activities on the Rose Kennedy Greenway 2024

Splash fountain on the Greenway
Splash fountain on the Greenway

The Rose Kennedy Greenway is offering so many fun things to do this summer: 

  • Night Shift Beer Garden at Dewey Square Plaza across from South Station.  Beer, seltzer, wine plus bites from rotating food vendors.  Open Wednesday - Friday from 3pm - 9pm, Saturday 12 noon - 9pm, and Sunday from 12 noon - 7pm
  • Trillium Beer Garden in the Wharf District Parks (High Street and Atlantic Ave) featuring draft beers by Trillium Brewing Company and a rotating selection of food trucks.  Open Tuesday - Saturday from 3pm - 10pm, and Sunday from 12 noon - 6pm.
  • Weekly Lion Dances at the Chinatown Gate - Starts at the Chinatown Gate on the Greenway and continues through the streets - Every week from 12 noon - 1pm, starting June 29 through August 31 (except for July 6)
  • Chinatown Farmer's Market - Shop for fresh Chinese veggies, fruits, grains, fresh fish, and pastries at this twice-monthly market in the Greenway's Auntie Kay/Uncle Frank Park on July 13 & 27; August 10 & 24, September 14 & 28, and Oct 5 & 19 from 10am - 1:30pm
  • Fountains - You'll find them in 7 different locations along the Greenway - so get ready to splash, wade, and cool off! 
  • Carousel - Open daily, 11am-6pm.  Tickets: $4 (buy online)
  • Greenway Food Trucks:   A rotation of 20 trucks offer Korean, Jamaican, Indian, Caribbean, Italian, seafood, and other specialties along the Greenway at Night Shift on Dewey Square, the Carousel, Rings Fountain (Milk Street), State Street, the North End, Rowes Wharf Plaza, and Trillium Beer Garden.  You'll find them at several locations each day, usually with a total of about 3 trucks per day.  You can track the schedule and locations of your favorites here
  • Public Art - See new installations by top artists
  • Plants & Landscapes - Enjoy the sustainable organic gardens, including the Greenway's Meadow, Beehives, Pollinator Ribbon, Carolyn Lynch Garden with brightly colored flowers, and the Armenian Heritage Park with an abstract sculpture and maze
  • Fitness Program - Join any or all of the free fitness classes (many different types) - find the schedule here

More about the Rose Kennedy Greenway

Check out our self-guided Greenway walking tour and map


Visit Cape Cod on the Fast Ferry

Cape Cod village and beach
Cape Cod village and beach

The easiest and fastest way to get to scenic Provincetown at the eastern tip of Cape Cod is on the "Fast Ferry" - a sleek and luxurious passenger-only catamaran that whisks you to this charming village in only 90 minutes.

Explore Provincetown's many art galleries, chic clothing boutiques, and picturesque lanes at your leisure.

Watch the sun set as you feast on clam chowder and a lobster roll at one of the many restaurants overlooking the water.

Get Your Fast Ferry Tickets to Provincetown

Find out more about visiting Provincetown


Whale Watching Cruise Tickets

Whale watching cruise
Tail of a humpback whale, seen on a whale watching cruise - Photo credit: iStock.com/stephenalien75

Join one of the exciting 3-hour Whale Watching Cruises departing from the Downtown Boston Waterfront, and experience the thrill of spotting whales off the coast of Boston. 

You'll see magnificent creatures such as Humpback and Finback whales close-up from the deck of your ship, and spot White-Sided Dolphins frolicking in the waters.

These cruises sell out quickly, so don't wait to get your tickets now for this iconic Boston experience!


Free Drop-In Summer Yoga on Boston Common

Dropping in on free summer yoga sessions near the carousel on Boston Common is part of what makes Boston fun in the summer.  Instructors will lead a vinyasa flow class focused on releasing stress and expanding energy and welcome participants of all levels.

When:  Every Thursday, 6-7, May 18 - August 31
Where:   Frog Pond at Boston Common
Nearest T station:  Green Line/Park

Cost:  Free
Bring:  Your own mat, blocks, towels, and belt


Night Market in Boston's Little Saigon 2024

Seafood and meat roasting over hot coals at the Boston Little Saigon Night Market
Seafood and meat roasting over hot coals at the Boston Little Saigon Night Market

Boston's Little Saigon Cultural District will host their first annual Cho Dêm, Boston Little Saigon Night Market Street Festival, in Fields Corner, Dorchester on Saturday, July 13, 4pm-9:30pm.

Look for crafts, games, entertainment, a beer garden, mouth-watering street food, and bubble tea.  And in case you're wondering:  Yes, the food really does taste as good as it looks in the above photo - we're already looking forward to indulging ourselves at this year's fun event!

Fields Corner is known for its numerous Vietnamese restaurants.

Admission:  Free
Location: Dorchester Avenue between Park Street and Adams Street (Town Field Park - you'll see the market when you get off the T)
Closest subway station:  Red Link/Fields Station

Find more information about the Street Market


Landmarks Orchestra Concerts at the Hatch Shell 2024

Landmarks Concerts at the Hatch Shell
Landmarks concert at the Hatch Shell

The Boston Landmarks Orchestra's weekly free summer Esplanade concerts attract large crowds to the Hatch Shell on evenings during late July and August with its mix of classical, traditional, modern, and contemporary music.  

Concerts start at 7pm (unless noted) and run about 2 hours.  Bring a blanket or low folding chairs to sit on, and a picnic dinner.

Landmarks Concert schedule for July

  • July 17, starting at 5:30 - Community Block Party for the whole family with performances by Four Strings Academy and HONK! plus other activities - Find out more
  • July 24 - Gershwin & Williams American Icons

Find more concerts in August

Weather alerts and alternate locations in case of rain: 617-987-2000; orchestra website
Cost:  Free

More about what to see & do on Boston's Esplanade


Fun Boston Sightseeing Tours


New England Coastal Tours

Lighthouse in Maine - Photo credit: Adobe/Harold Stiver
Lighthouse in Maine - Photo credit: Adobe/Harold Stiver

This special 1-day Boston to Coastal Maine & Kennebunkport Guided Day Trip with Trolley Tour with a driver/tour guide shows you beautiful beaches, wetlands, quaint seaside villages, harbors, and lighthouses along the New England Coast. 

You'll stroll along Ogunquit's coastal Marginal Way, take a 1-hour trolley tour around idyllic Kennebunkport, and have plenty of time to visit and photograph 19th century Nubble Light (light house) in York, Maine. 

Don't miss this chance to see New England's glorious coast at its best!

Pickup/dropoff at central Boston locations near hotels is included.

Find out more about the New England Coastal Tour

Want to explore a different coastal area?  Check out this popular day trip from Boston to Martha's Vineyard:

Find out about the Martha's Vineyard day trip with an option island tour


Cirque du Soleil's OVO 2024

Cirque du Soleil's OVO - Photo courtesy of Cirque Du Soleil, Creative Commons license
"Ants" perform in Cirque du Soleil's OVO - Photo courtesy of Cirque Du Soleil, Creative Commons license

Cirque du Soleil's joyous OVO at Agganis Arena celebrates the beauty of a colorful ecosystem where insects work, play, fight, and love in a whirlwind of color, energy, and movement.

With a dazzling performance by a spectacular cast of internationally acclaimed ice skaters, acrobats, musicians, and of course the world of beautify biodiversity that is OVO, this is a family-friendly show you won't want to miss! 

Tickets for OVO

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Find more dates & tickets

Cirque du Soleil's Ovo dates:  July 19 - 28
Corteo venue:  Agganis Arena, Boston

Find out more about Cirque du Soleil


Boston Lights: Lanterns at Franklin Park Zoo 2024

Celestial lights at Franklin Park Zoo's Boston Lights festival
Celestial lights at Franklin Park Zoo's "Boston Lights" festival

Franklin Park Zoo transforms into an evening wonderland as more than 55 brilliant outdoor all-new displays take you through fantastic journeys filled with color and light. 

You'll discover magical forests, an underwater paradise with sea turtles and a 115-foot octopus, a journey to India with flowers, an ornate palace, and animal lanterns, and Chinese lantern scenes with pagodas, cranes, and a mythical fish.

Not to be missed:  a 80-foot glowing walk-through dragon tunnel.

Get your tickets at the gate (if available), or secure your spot (highly recommended) and also save a little by booking online in advance on the Zoo's website.

Boston Lights dates/hours:  August 2 - September 30, 6pm-10:30pm, and October 1 - November 3, 5pm-10:30pm

Just want to visit the zoo during the day?  You can also book or pre-book tickets online for a regular visit (does NOT include the Boston Lights show).

More Fun Things to Do in Boston


Bastille Day in Boston 2024

Bastille Day, the French Fête Nationale holiday celebrating the storming of the Bastille prison, the beginning of the French Revolution against the tyranny of the monarchy in 1789, and the birth of modern France occurs on July 14. 

Boston's French Cultural Center celebrates Bastille Day this year with a gala event at La Voile restaurant in Brookline.  Come celebrate with other revelers, sing "La Marseillaise," and raise your glass to Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité.

Look for a jazz band playing your favorite French music, dancing, your favorite beverages including glasses of rosé de Provence, and fun activities and games for kids.

Delicious French hors d'oeuvres such as quiche, pissaladiere, samon fumé, brie aux truffes, cannelés, croque-monsieurs, olive tapanade on gluten-free bread, and verrine tartar de betteraves and mangue will be served all evening.

When:  Saturday July 14 from 5pm - 9pm
Where: La Voile restaurant (both air-conditioned floors), Brookline
Nearest T station: Green Line/Brandon Hall
Cost: $90 (includes tip), with advance resvations required; free for children under 12 (alert: tickets normally sell out well in advance)
Tickets & more info: French Library website


Boston Hotels with Outdoor Swimming Pools

Boston hotels with outdoor swimming pools:  The Verb
Enjoy your summer vacation to the fullest in when you stay at a Boston hotel with an outdoor swimming pool:

Find more Boston hotels with outdoor swimming pools 


Berklee Summer in the City:  Free Summer Concerts in Boston 2024

Jazz concert at Brewer Fountain Plaza on Boston Common
Jazz concert at Brewer Fountain Plaza on Boston Common

Berklee College of Music students, faculty, and alumni give hundreds of free outdoor concerts all over the city from May through September. 

Music ranges from jazz to classical, Latin to funk, folk to world, and are free. 

Locations include Atlantic Wharf, the Boston Public Library, Brewer Fountain Plaza on Boston Common, the Charles River Jazz Festival, Club Passim in Cambridge, Boston Institute of Contemporary Art, Kendall Center, Regattabar and Henrietta's table, Sam Adams Park, South Boston Maritime Park, Spectacle Island, Sunset Concerts at Symphony Park, Tito Puente Latin Music Series, SoWa Open Market, Prudential Center, Jazz at the Fort, Cambridge Discovery Park, The Green at 401 Park in the Fenway, and Swingin' in the Fens.

You can find the schedule here:  Berklee events website


Museum of Science Exhibits

Museum of Science Boston Exhibit
Electricity in action at Boston's Museum of Science

Special Exhibits

  • All Aboard!  Trains at Science Park - This seasonal exhibit for all ages returns, expanded and enhanced, ready to immerse you in a winter wonderland
  • Sustainable Farm - See a first-of-its-kind hydroponic indoor farm
  • Arctic Adventure: Exploring with Technology- Fly a virtual drone and become an Arctic explorer
  • Exploring AI Making the Invisible Visible: Discover how AI is already part of your life, and examine your choices about how and when you use it

With fascinating permanent exhibits for all ages, there's always something to see, do, and learn.  Here are just a few of the most popular: Engineering Design Workshop, Colossal Fossil - Triceratops Cliff, The Light House, Dinosaurs, Hall of Human Life, Animal Sculptures, Live Animal Care Center, a Rock Garden, Mathematica, New England Habitats, Garden Walk & Insect Zoo, Electricity.

Where:   Boston's Museum of Science
When:   Daily, 9am-5pm; open until 9pm on Fridays
Admission:  $31 general museum admission ($26 for kids; children under 3 free; seniors 60+ $27).  Reserve your tickets, or get free museum admission when you have a GoBoston Discount card or CityPASS card. 


Not Sure about Boston Neighborhood Locations?

Map of Boston showing central neighborhoods

This neighborhood map should help you get oriented. You can find a list of top attractions in each neighborhood here.

Need a more details?  Here are our favorite free and low-cost Boston maps.


North End Feasts and Festivals 2024

Garlands sporting Italian flag colors line the North End's streets during feast days
Garlands sporting Italian flag colors line the North End's streets during feast days

Boston's North End Italian Feasts and Festivals draw huge crowds to this historic neighborhood.  You can smell the wonderful food, hear the music, and sense the excitement as you walk across the Greenway to Hanover Street, where many of the celebrations take place.

These festivals take place almost every weekend throughout the summer. 

North End Festivals scheduled for July:

  • Madonna delle Grazie's Procession - July 14, 2pm - After a solemn mass to honor the Madonna delle Grazie of San Sollio, Baronia, at 10:30am at St Leonard's Church (Hanover and Prince Streets), a procession will start at the church at 2pm and will proceed through the streets.  If you wish to join the procession, please wear a white shirt if possible.  More information
  • St. Joseph Procession - July 23 1pm (to be confirmed) - Procession starts at St Leonard Church (Hanover and Prince Streets) 

Find out about North End Feasts and Festivals taking place in August

Interested in staying in the North End?  Check rates at Bricco Suites, in the heart of the neighborhood, and the waterfront Yacht Haven Inn and Battery Wharf Hotel.


Chinatown Main Street Summer Festival 2024

Chinatown Main Street Festival - Beach Street, near the Chinatown Gate
Chinatown Main Street Festival in Boston - Beach Street near Chinatown Gate

Enjoy colorful open-air market booths selling crafts, food, lucky bamboo, traditional silk clothing, and lots more, plus Chinese folk dances, Lion dances, and martial arts in this mid-summer festival in Chinatown.  

Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy a tasty meal in one of these fun Chinatown restaurants.

When:  Saturday, July 6, 10am - 5:30pm     
Location:  Beach Street near the Chinatown Gate and Chinatown Park on the Greenway, plus other locations around Chinatown
Cost:  Free
Closest T station:   Orange Line / Chinatown, or park under Boston Common and walk over - 5-minute walk


Free Summer Flicks @ Prudential Center 2024

Enjoy this free fun family-friendly activity - movies under the stars on Saturday nights during July and August in Prudential Center's lovely South Garden (go up the escalators from Huntington Ave, and the garden is to your right; from Boylston, the garden is on your left). 

All of the family-friendly movies have PG or PG-13 ratings.

Bring a picnic blanket or low beach chairs, and grab dinner at Prudential Center.

Schedule:

July 13:  Legally Blonde
July 20:  The Marvels
July 27:  Elemental

When:  Movies start at dusk but children's entertainment begins at 6pm and the garden will be open for the event until 10pm

Where:   Prudential Center, South Garden
Cost:  Free

Nearest T station:  Green Line/Prudential
Nearest parking garage:  Prudential Center Garage - enter after 5pm for $20 rate, or get discounted parking with a $25 purchase from any Pru Center store, restaurant, cart, or kiosk; bring your parking ticket with you when you leave the garage and have your sales associate validate your parking ticket after you make your purchase

Find More Family Flicks at Pru Center for August


Sand Sculpting Festival at Revere Beach

Sand sculpture at Revere Beach near Boston MA
Mermaid and castle sand sculpture at Revere Beach

Over 1 million spectators gather at Revere Beach during the course of the big 4-day New England Sand Sculpting Festival to watch 16 renowned master sculptors from around the world work their magic with individual 12 ton allotments of sand imported from Hudson NH, plus water. 

Sculptors compete for $14,000 in prize money, and the sculptures they create will amaze you with their detail and artistry.  The theme this year is "Kong," in celebrating of his 90 years in pop culture.

With music performances, a food truck festival and local food vendors lining the boardwalk, entertainment, and of course the gorgeous beach, you'll find plenty of family fun.  

On Saturday night, a Fireworks Extravanza lights up the sky over the water.

Don't forget to bring your swimsuits, sunscreen, and towels for the beach!

When:  July 28-30; sculptors work from 8am until 8pm - plus fireworks at 9pm on Saturday

Where:   Revere Beach, Revere (about 2 miles north of Boston, but easy to get to by subway); nearest T station:  Blue Line/Wonderland - the beach is just 2 blocks away.

Avoid driving if at all possible.  Traffic in this area always gets highly congested in the summer, even on weekdays.  The main street along the beach will be closed, and nearby (legal) parking is extremely limited.

Cost:  Free

Find out more about Revere Beach and other Boston beaches


Free Summer Movies in Christopher Columbus Park

Trellis and waterfront at Columbus Park
Trellis and waterfront at Columbus Park

Enjoy free outdoor Summer Sunday Movies on most Sunday evenings during July 16 and August 20 at Christopher Columbus Park in Boston's North End.  (to be confirmed) Movies start at sundown, which means 9:30pm in mid-July, moving gradually to 8pm for the last film in August.   Bring a blanket or low folding chairs and watch family favorites.

Check the lineup and schedule on the park's website.  


Fun Boston Tours for July


Shakespeare on the Common 2024

Shakespeare on the Common in Boston MA
Shakespeare on the Common

One of the most popular summer Boston events, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company presents The Winter's Tale in this year's production of Shakespeare on the Common

In case you've never heard of this particular play, it's one of the playwright's lesser-known romantic-tragedies in which a toxic mix of jealousy, paranoia, and false accusations unleash a torrent of losses, exile, abandonment, and death before more plot twists bring about an almost improbable happy ending. 

The fast-moving plot is sure to keep you entertained!

Bring a blanket or low folding chair, perhaps a picnic basket, and get ready to enjoy a magical evening of free theater under the stars. 

You can bring food (but please note, there's not enough room for a lavish picnic spread).  Portable toilets are located near the tennis courts.

You can also rent a chair on site for $10 (price to be confirmed closer to the dates - prepay on Comm Shake's website).  A small "Friends" section of beach chairs in a prime location are available in return for donations of $100 or more, made through the website.

When:  July 16 -  August 4 (no performances on July 22 or 29) at 8pm on all nights except for August 3 when the show starts at 6pm; performances normally run about 2.5 hours with no intermission.

Heavy rain and lightening storms can cause delays or cancellations for safety reasons; if in doubt, call the group's Weather Hotline at 617-362-7485. 

Where:  Boston Common, near the Parkman Bandstand
Getting there:  By subway:  Green/Red line to Park Street Station, or Green Line to Boylston;  By car:  Park under the Common in the Boston Common Parking Garage:  pick up a discount coupon at one of the event tents (you'll spot them easily) - you'll save a bit on parking, and the garage donates the proceeds to CSC
Cost:  Free

More information:  Shakespeare on the Common


Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow

The 102nd annual Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow takes place on traditional tribal lands on Cape Cod just an hour south of Boston.  Dancers, drummers, and other participants celebrate Mashpee Wampanoag culture during this 3-day historical festival with dancing, drumming, games, food, art, jewelry, and crafts.  Special events include a Fireball spiritual healing ceremony on Saturday evening at sundown, and a traditional Clambake and crowning of the Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow Princess on Sunday afternoon. 

When: July 1, 2, 3
Where:   Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Powwow Grounds, 483 Great Neck Road South, Mashpee, MA
Tickets:  $12; Elders $10, free for children 4 and under
More information: 774-413-0520

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is part of the Wampanoag Nation of people living in Southeastern Massachusetts and Eastern Rhode Island for more than 12,000 years. 

Find out more about the Wampanoags from the Stone Age to the present by visiting the Mashpee Wampanoag Museum (414 Main Street, Mashpee, MA; website).


Free Family Flicks at the Hatch Shell 2024

Boston Hatch Shell - Free Friday Flicks in July
The Hatch Shell

Enjoy free outdoor concerts at the Hatch Shell on Boston's Esplanade throughout July and August. 

This series of family movies sponsored by WBZ NewsRadio 1030 and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) provides the perfect excuse to grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and head for an evening of entertainment under the stars.

The July movie lineup includes: 

  • July 12 - Ferris Bueller's Day Off
  • July 19 - Teenage Mutant Ninja and Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
  • July 26 - Elemental

When:  Movies start at sundown (about 8:15 in July)

More information, including the movie schedule and weather cancellations:  Website


Puerto Rican Festival & Parade 

The annual Puerto Rican Festival takes place on July 28 (2pm-10pm), 30 (noon-10pm), and 31 (noon-10pm) on City Hall Plaza and features Puerto Rican music, entertainment, carnival rides including a ferris wheel, and vendors.  Free admission.  (to be confirmed)

On Sunday, July 28, the festival's huge Grand Parade kicks off at Franklin Park (1 Franklin Park Rd) at 12 noon, then continues down Seaver street to Blue hill and then returns to Playstead Park behind the Franklin Park zoo.  

More information:  https://www.puertoricanfestivalofma.org/


Greenway Artisan Market - 2024

Greenway Open Market - Boston
Greenway Open Market in Boston

The Greenway Artisan Market, sister market to SoWa Open Market (held Sundays in the South End), brings an eclectic mix of hand-made art, music, and locally produced products to Boston. 

Look for the sea of white vendor tents with over 50 vendors - and get ready for some fun shopping, plus good eating at the gourmet food trucks. 

With a different mix of vendors present each week, you never know what treasures you'll find!  It's a quintessential Boston event.

When:  Saturdays and Sundays through October, 11am - 5pm

Where:   Rose Kennedy Greenway, near Rings Fountain along the Wharf District parks (look for the Carousel and the vendors' white tents)

Nearest T station:  Blue Line/Aquarium, or Orange and Green Lines/Haymarket
Cost:  Free (but of course you'll probably be tempted to buy things


Summer in the City

Boston Harbor Hotel's Blues Barge - Summer in the City

Boston Harbor Hotel's popular "Summer in the City" series lets you kick back and enjoy live music overlooking the waterfront throughout the summer until August 26. 

Listen to music between 6pm - 10pm as musicians perform on the Blues Barge on Tuesday (Pop-Soul), Wednesday (Rat Pack), Thursday (Blues Barge), and Friday (Movie Night).

Combine these events with a drink and dinner on the hotel's terrace overlooking the Harbor for the perfect summer evening.

More about Boston Harbor Hotel

Check reviews and rates for the Boston Harbor Hotel


New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium 2024

New England Revolution vs Seattle Sounders - Photo courtesy of Art Bromage
New England Revolution vs Seattle Sounders - Photo courtesy of Art Bromage

Watch our local soccer team, the New England Revolution, bring men's soccer to a new level at Gillette Stadium.

Only 1 home game is scheduled for July - so don't miss the chance to see the Boston area's professional men's soccer players in action!

Find New England Revolution's Game Schedule & Tickets

Getting there:  Gillette Stadium from Boston
More at Gillette:  See all events at Gillette Stadium


Hotels near Gillette Stadium

Going to Gillette Stadium for a game or concert or to Patriot Place for shopping? 

Stay in one of these convenient nearby hotels:

Check out more hotels near Gillette Stadium

More hotels near Wrentham Premium Outlets and Gillette Stadium


Boston Pops July 4th Concert & Fireworks 2024

Boston June Events
Boston Pops Orchestra playing at the Hatch Shell in July 4th concert

Celebrate America's birthday on July 4th in Boston with a spectacular fireworks show. 

The Boston Pops July 4th Concert conducted by Keith Lockhart feature a wonderful lineup of special guests including Rock & Roll Hall of Fame singer Darlene Love, Broadway star and Toni Award winner Kelli O'Hara, and Americana favorites, The Mavericks, along with the Singing Sargents from the US Air Force Band.

The concert starts at 8pm on July 4th, and will be broadcast (along with the fireworks) on Bloomberg TV, Bloomberg.com, and Boston's Channel 7 WHDH.  

Fireworks will start at approximately 10:30pm and last half an hour. 

Both the concert and fireworks show are free, but you must get a free ticket (which means lining up hours in advance) to enter the concert "Oval" in front of the Hatch Shell's concert stage.

Find out more details about the July 4th concert and Boston fireworks, including concert ticket information


Fireworks Cruises - Harborfest & July 4th - 2024

Fireworks over the Charles River
Fireworks over the Charles River

Boston Harborfest with Chowderfest & Fireworks 2024

Fife and Drum band playing on Washington Street in Downtown Crossing
Fife and Drum band playing on Washington Street in Downtown Crossing during Harborfest

Harborfest is Boston's gala celebration of American Independence, July 4th, and the joy of summer in Boston. 

Revolutionary War reenactments, live entertainment, Arts at Harborfest, cruises, an artisan craft fair, walking tours, and more exciting events showcase Boston's colonial, Revolutionary War, and maritime history. 

Highlights this year:  A gala fireworks show over Boston's Inner Harbor on July 2 and Boston's #1 favorite seafoood event, Chowderfest.

When:  July 1 - 4
Where:
  Main events take place in Boston's Historic Downtown district, Downtown Crossing, along the Freedom Trail, and on the waterfront.
Cost:  Many events are free, with some ticketed tours and cruises.

More about Boston Harborfest events and schedules

Best Boston hotels for Harborfest


USS Constitution Turn-Around Cruise on July 4th

USS Constitution in Boston Harbor
USS Constitution doing her turn-around cruise in Boston Harbor on July 4th - Photo credit: Journalist 2nd Class Todd Stevens, US Navy photo, public domain

The USS Constitution makes her annual turn-around cruise in Boston Harbor each Fourth of July to celebrate our nation's independence. 

The magnificent 204 foot-long wood-hulled ship which first launched in 1797 and is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world will sail out to Fort Independence on Castle Island, exchange a 21-gun salute, and then turn around and head back into the Inner Harbor and exchange cannon fire with Boston's Coast Guard Base in the North End.

Departure from Charlestown Navy Yard's Pier One takes place at  about 10am.  The 21-gun salute happens at approximately 11am - 11:30am, and the ship returns to her Navy Yard berth across from the USS Constitution Museum by 1pm - 2pm. 

Watch from the Navy Shipyard, many points along Boston Harborwalk, or from Castle Island, or even better, from the water on the Schooner Adirondack III or the Northern Lights:

More about the USS Constitution


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