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:
- Northern Lights - Harborfest Fireworks Cruise on a 1920's style commuter yacht - July 2
- Adirondack III - Harborfest Fireworks Cruise on an 80-foot schooner - July 2
- Adirondack III - USS Constitution Turn-Around Cruise with Continental breakfast- July 4
- Northern Lights - USS Constitution Turn-Around Cruise with 3-course brunch - July 4
- Northern Lights - July 4th Fireworks Cruise - 3 hour cruise from Boston featuring Winthrop's spectacular fireworks - July 4
- Adirondack III - July 4th Fireworks Cruise - 3 to 3.5 hour cruise from Boston to watch Winthrop's fireworks - July 4
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?
- Hop-On Hop-Off Boston Trolley Tour - Choose a 1-day or 2-day ticket
- History Pub Crawl Tour along the Freedom Trail - Visit Paul Revere's favorite tavern
- Whale Watching Cruise - These popular seasonal cruises start again in May
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
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:
- Boston Pops July 4th Free Concert - Hatch Shell on the Esplanade - July 4
- Tyler the Creator - TD Garden - July 8, 9
- Pixies - MGM Music Hall- July 18, 19
- Ghost - TD Garden - July 21
- Riley Green - MGM Music Hall- July 25
- Goo Goo Dolls - Leader Bank Paviion- July 29
- Candlelight Concerts - Multiple dates in July at various locations
Schedule & Tickets
Boston Theater & Shows for July 2024
Top July Shows in Boston - Schedules & Tickets
Check out the Boston theater schedule for July with its exciting mix of acrobatics and comedy:
- Shakespeare on the Common - Free on Boston Common, from mid-July through early August
- Blue Man Group - Charles Playhouse - Multiple shows all month
Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets. Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.
Fireworks Cruises & Other Boston Harbor Cruises - 2024
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 on the Northern Lights:
- 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
Sailing on the Adirondack III & IV (through mid-October):
- Adirondack III & IV Day Sail - Enjoy cool breezes and the afternoon sun on this relaxing sightseeing sail around Boston Harbor and the Inner Harbor Islands
- Adirondack III & IV Sunset Sail - Relax as the setting sun turns the sky brilliant colors
Fall Foliage Cruises - Starting October 5
- Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise on Northern Lights - Enjoy a tasty gourmet brunch, fall foliage, and panoramic views as you cruise around Boston Harbor
- Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise on Northern Lights - Sip hot cider as you enjoy lunch on this relaxing fall foliage cruise to celebrate seasonal colors
Boston Red Sox Schedule - Home Games at Fenway - July 2024
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
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
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
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.
Whale Watching Cruise Tickets
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
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
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
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
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 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
Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets. Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.
Cirque du Soleil's Ovo dates: July 19 - 28
Corteo venue: Agganis Arena, Boston
Boston Lights: Lanterns at Franklin Park Zoo 2024
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
- Verb Hotel next to Fenway Park (shown in photo) - Find Lowest Rates
- Colonnade Hotel near Prudential Center - Find Discount Rates
- Revere Hotel in the Theatre District -Find Discount Rates
Find more Boston hotels with outdoor swimming pools
Berklee Summer in the City: Free Summer Concerts in Boston 2024
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
Special Exhibits
- Changing Landscapes: An Immersive Journey - Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites in this new immersive exhibit about adapting to climate change
- 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: $29 general museum admission ($24 for kids; children under 3 free; seniors 60+ $25). Reserve your tickets, or get free museum admission when you have a GoBoston Discount card or CityPASS card.
Not Sure about Boston Neighborhood Locations?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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:
- Renaissance Boston at Patriot Place
- Residence Inn Boston Foxborough
- The Hilton Garden Inn Patriot Place
- Sonesta Select Hotel in Foxborough
- Comfort Inn Foxborough
Check out more hotels near Gillette Stadium
More hotels near Wrentham Premium Outlets and Gillette Stadium
Boston Pops July 4th Concert & Fireworks 2024
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.
Fireworks Cruises - Harborfest & July 4th - 2024
- Northern Lights - Harborfest Fireworks Cruise on a 1920's style commuter yacht - July 2
- Adirondack III - Harborfest Fireworks Cruise with complimentary drink - July 2
- Adirondack III - USS Constitution Turn-Around Cruise with Continental breakfast- July 4
- Northern Lights - USS Constitution Turn-Around Cruise with 3-course brunch - July 4
- Northern Lights - July 4th Fireworks Cruise - 3 hour cruise from Boston featuring Winthrop's spectacular fireworks - July 4
- Adirondack III - July 4th Fireworks Cruise - 3 to 3.5 hour cruise from Boston to watch Winthrop's fireworks - July 4
Boston Harborfest with Chowderfest & Fireworks 2024
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
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:
2 Easy Ways to Save BIG in Boston
Find out more about Boston discount cards, and how they give you big savings on top attractions.
Looking Ahead to August Events in Boston
Shakespeare on the Common (continuing)
More Things to Do in Boston in July
Continuing during July
- Boston Wine Festival at Meritage Restaurant
- Noon Concerts at King's Chapel on the Freedom Trail
- First Fridays at Museum of Fine Arts
Boston Events Each Month
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | Year at a Glance
