Celebrating July 4 in Boston

Fourth of July fireworks light up the Boston skyline. Photo by Flickr contributor Lei Han

About 42 million Americans are expected to travel this Fourth of July weekend, according to the Automobile Club of America. For those staying local, celebrating the holiday in Boston offers myriad festive opportunities. We’ve put together a list of parties, concerts, sightseeing tours, and museums to choose from.

It’s all topped off by the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on July 4, featuring the world renowned Boston Pops. The 34th annual Boston Harborfest, already in full swing, showcases Boston’s colonial and maritime heritage. So break out the sunscreen and a pair of comfortable walking shoes and enjoy all the city has to offer this weekend.

Following is a guide to celebrating America’s birthday, Boston-style.

Friday, July 3

Boston by Land and Water: Charles River Sightseeing Tour

This 60-minute sightseeing cruise along the Charles River is a fine way to kick off your Independence Day weekend. The boat’s captain and crew narrate the tour, which highlights cultural and historical landmarks around Boston and Cambridge, including Beacon Hill, Esplanade Park, the Back Bay, Boston University, MIT, and Harvard.

Daily Charles Riverboat Company tours start at 10 a.m.; the last boat leaves at 5:15 p.m. See a full schedule here. A 60-minute tour is $16.50 for adults; $14.50 for students, seniors, and members of the armed forces; and $9 for children under 12. Tickets are available online, and advance reservations are recommended. Tours depart from Lechmere Canal Park at the CambridgeSide Galleria Mall, Fan Pier, and the World Trade Center. Find directions here.

Concert in the Courtyard at the Boston Public Library

Boston’s Handel and Haydn Society, the nation’s oldest continuously performing arts institution, is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, and to commemorate the occasion, the society members in the Rowe’s Lane Quartet will perform a lunchtime concert of string quartets composed during the Revolutionary War era, played on instruments from that period. The concert, at the Boston Public Library’s main branch in Copley Square, is part of the BPL’s Concerts in the Courtyard series. Be sure to visit the special exhibition, The Handel & Haydn Society: Bringing Music to Life for 200 Years, on the library’s first floor.

The Rowe’s Lane Quartet performs at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, July 3, in the Boston Public Library’s McKim Courtyard, 700 Boylston St., Copley Square; free and open to the public. The concert will be moved to the Commonwealth Salon if weather makes it necessary. Find a series list here. Take an MBTA Green Line trolley to Copley Square. 

Presidential Getaway: JFK on Cape Cod at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Few places meant more to John F. Kennedy than Cape Cod. For decades, the family compound in Hyannis Port was a private refuge for the Kennedy family and where JFK came for renewal and inspiration. A fascinating new exhibition at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum offers original, never-before-seen artifacts, including the president’s golf cart and clubs, photographs, and historic film footage of Kennedy and his family. Other highlights: a set of carved shorebirds and a sailboat weather vane, gifts from Jacqueline Kennedy to her husband.

Presidential Getaway: JFK on Cape Cod is at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston; hours: daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission, $12 with student ID, $14 for adults. Take an MBTA Green Line trolley to Park Street, transfer to the Red Line towards Ashmont, and get off at JFK/UMass; a free shuttle bus, marked “JFK,” goes to the museum every 20 minutes during museum hours.

Party in the ICA

Celebrate the Fourth in style at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston’s special event, Party in the ICA, with Star-Spangled Sparkler cocktails, Richie’s “Rainbow USA” Italian ice, dance floor DJs, and live Motown-inspired music; part of the museum’s First Friday programs.

Party in the ICA, at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, 100 Northern Ave., Boston, is from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 3. Admission is $15 for nonmembers, free for ICA members. Find upcoming ICA exhibitions here. Take any MBTA Green Line trolley to Park Street, transfer to a Red Line inbound train to South Station, then to the Silver Line Waterfront bus. 

Boston Pops Concert

Although there won’t be any fireworks accompanying this concert, you can listen to the Boston Pops perform a run-through of their Fourth of July concert, highlighted by Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Best of all, it won’t be nearly as crowded as on Saturday evening.

The Boston Pops Concert is from 8:30 to 10 p.m. at the Hatch Shell, 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston. Attendees can enter the Oval (the lawn/seating area in front of the Hatch Shell) beginning at 5 p.m.  The concert is free and open to the public, but plan to arrive early. Security is expected to be tight. Take an MBTA Green Line trolley to Park Street, transfer to the Red Line towards Alewife, and get off at the Charles/MGH stop.

Saturday, July 4

Flag-Raising Ceremony and Parade

Kick off the most patriotic day of the year by attending the flag-raising ceremony at City Hall Plaza, followed by a parade to the Granary Burial Ground, where wreaths are laid on the graves of some of America’s most noted patriots, including three signers of the Declaration of Independence, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine. The parade concludes at Faneuil Hall, which played a significant role in Boston’s battle for independence from the British.

The flag-raising ceremony and parade is at 9 a.m. at City Hall Plaza, One City Hall Square, Boston. It is free and open to the public. Take an MBTA Green Line trolley to Government Center.

Declaration of Independence Reading

After following the parade to the Old State House, stay to be reminded of what the holiday is all about by listening to a reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the historic building, just as it was read on July 18, 1776.

The Declaration of Independence reading, free and open to the public, is at 10 a.m at the Old State House, 206 Washington St., Boston. Take an MBTA Green Line trolley to Government Center and walk to Washington Street.

Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros at Fenway Park

What could be more patriotic than watching the game that’s been called America’s pastime in the country’s oldest baseball stadium, Fenway Park? Add a Fenway frank and some Cracker Jack for the full experience as the Red Sox host the Houston Astros. If you can’t score a seat inside the park, watch the game in one of Kenmore Square’s bars, like Cask ’n Flagon or Boston Beer Works. It’s the next best thing to being there.

The Red Sox–Astros game begins at 1:35 p.m. Take an MBTA Green Line trolley to the Kenmore station and walk to Fenway Park. Tickets are still available; find ticket information here. Students can purchase standing room tickets for $9 through the Red Sox Student program. Check out the Red Sox Twitter account @RedSox.

Pirates & Patriots

The Freedom Trail Foundation’s Pirates & Patriots tour immerses participants in the world of riots, revolution, slavery, and piracy that is part of Boston’s history. The tour begins at Long Wharf with a visit to 18th- and 19th-century buildings, proceeds to the harbor, where visitors will hear fascinating tales of John Hancock’s smuggling and the hanging of pirates Jack Quelch and William Fly, and ends at Griffin’s Wharf, site of the Boston Tea Party in 1773.

The Pirates & Patriots tour, offered once daily, at 1 p.m., departs from the freestanding ArtsBoston booth on the south side of Faneuil Hall, near the Samuel Adams statue. Admission is $12 for students, $14 for adults. Take an MBTA Green Line trolley to Government Center and walk to Congress Street.

The 42nd Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

One of Boston’s most beloved traditions, the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Esplanade, is celebrating its 42nd year. The incredible fireworks display is preceded by a free Boston Pops concert, led by Keith Lockhart (Hon.’04), marking his 20th anniversary as Pops conductor. Tonight’s concert will include performances by singer-actor Michael Cavanaugh, handpicked by Billy Joel as the lead piano man and vocalist in the Broadway musical Movin’ Out, the Boston-based quartet and America’s Got Talent finalists Sons of Serendip, comprising BU alums Micah Christian (STH’13), Mason Morton (CFA’12), Kendall Ramseur (CFA’12), and Cordaro Rodriguez (LAW’12), and American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle.

Something new debuts this year—an interactive component where viewers can request by text message pieces for the Pops to play. In keeping with tradition, the Pops will conclude the concert with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture as fireworks explode and church bells ring. The 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts National Guard will fly over the spectacle while The Star-Spangled Banner is played.

Note: Be prepared for heightened security this year, and plan to arrive early. Seating is first-come, first-served. The Oval opens to the public at 9 a.m. and is expected to fill by 2 p.m. Do not bring backpacks, grills, coolers on wheels, glass containers, weapons, sharp objects, or pets (with the exception of service dogs). New this year is an advisory not to bring an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), or drone. All personal items must be carried in clear bags and are subject to inspection.

Find a complete list of prohibited and allowable items here.

The 42nd Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular concert begins at 8:30 p.m., with fireworks at 10:30 p.m., at the Hatch Shell, 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston. Take an MBTA Green Line trolley to Park Street, transfer to the Red Line towards Alewife, and get off at the Charles/MGH stop. There will be extra subway service on July 4, and fares will be free after 9:30 p.m. More information on the event can be found here. 

Other places to watch the fireworks

Don’t want to get caught in the massive crowds at the Esplanade? Listed below are some places with a terrific view of the pyrotechnics display, but without quite as many people.

Along the Charles River, Cambridge

For a top-notch view of the fireworks, simply walk across the Longfellow Bridge to Cambridge and hang a left onto Memorial Drive. Spectators will be able to hear the music and the crowds will be smaller.

Larz Anderson Park
23 Newton St., Brookline

Families should consider setting up camp at this beautiful park. There’s more room for games and picnics, and its high vantage point offers a wonderful view of the fireworks.

Oakley Country Club
401 Belmont St., Watertown

Park at the entrance of this country club and score a great view of the display. Grab a seat at one of the highest points of the golf course, sit back, and enjoy the show.

Information on other fireworks displays in nearby towns is available here.

Sunday, July 5

Note: The following events, with the exception of the scavenger hunt, are ongoing.

Freedom 7 Space Capsule at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Relive one of the most thrilling moments in America’s race to enter space at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, where you can see the Mercury Space Capsule, which launched the first American, US Navy Commander Alan B. Shepard, Jr., into space in May 1961. Currently on loan from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the capsule—nicknamed Freedom 7 by Shepard—is on view through December 15 as part of the museum’s permanent Space Race exhibition.

The Freedom 7 Space Capsule is at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston; hours: daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission $12 with student ID, $14 for adults. Take an MBTA Green Line trolley to Park Street, transfer to the Red Line to Ashmont, and get off at JFK/UMass; a free shuttle bus, marked “JFK,” goes to the museum every 20 minutes during museum hours. 

Forest to Frigate at the USS Constitution Museum

The USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship, was recently drydocked for a major renovation expected to take three years. In the USS Constitution Museum’s new exhibition, Forest to Frigate, viewers can trace the ship’s storied history and learn about the forest that provided the timber to build the ship, known as “Old Ironsides,” and how shipwrights are preparing to restore the world’s oldest commissioned warship. The exhibition has hands-on displays and a chance to learn how the ship has been maintained since its initial launch in 1797. Although the ship is out of the water, visitors can board, but will be able to explore the ship’s top (spar) deck only. To board the ship, visitors must pass through a security inspection and have valid state or federal photo identification.

Forest to Frigate is on view at the USS Constitution Museum, Building 22, Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown. Admission is free, but a donation of $5 to $10 for adults, $3 to $5 for children, and $20 to $25 for families is suggested. Visitors must pass through a security inspection to board the ship and have valid state or federal photo identification and will be able to explore the ship’s top (spar) deck only. Find directions here.

Tours of the Freedom Trail: Walk into History

There would be nothing to celebrate this weekend without the brave Bostonians who stood up against British taxation, oppressive policies, and other forms of tyranny. Assert your independence (and show your Boston pride) by walking the Freedom Trail, where costumed guides, portraying some of the city’s most famous residents during the Revolutionary War era, greet visitors at 16 historic sites, among them the Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, the Old State House, the site of the Boston Massacre, Paul Revere’s house, and Faneuil Hall. The 2.5 mile walking trail takes about 90 minutes to complete.

The Walk into History tour begins at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center, 139 Tremont St., Boston. Take an MBTA Green trolley to Park Street walk down Tremont. Tours begin on the hour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an additional tour at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $6.50 for children. Purchase online in advance here.

Boston Harborfest Scavenger Hunt: Where the Boston Tea Party Began!

This interactive event at the Old South Meeting House, sponsored by Boston Harborfest, offers an interactive scavenger hunt, with guests attempting to piece together the events leading up to the Boston Tea Party in 1773. Take a quiz to find out whether you would have been a Patriot or a Loyalist in colonial Boston, and decorate a flag depending on your allegiance. Prizes are awarded to those successfully completing the hunt.

Boston Harborfest Scavenger Hunt: Where the Boston Tea Party Began! is at the Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St., Boston, from July 1 to Sunday, July 5, between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. The scavenger hunt is free with museum admission ($6 for adults, $1 for children 5 to 17), and for museum members. The event is designed for ages 6 and up. Find a complete list of Boston Harborfest activities here. Take an MBTA Green Line trolley to Park Street and walk to the Old South Meeting House. 

A Night in King’s Chapel Burying Ground

Interested in exploring the darker side of Boston’s history? Join the ghoulish guides from Ghosts and Gravestones on a tour through the haunted King’s Chapel Burying Ground, Boston’s oldest graveyard. Prepare for chilling tales of some of the city’s more nefarious characters, including the story of Ephraim Littlefield and his shocking black-market body trading scandal.

Tours are at 7, 7:30, 8, 8:30, and 9 p.m. at King’s Chapel Burying Ground, near the corner of School Street and Tremont Street, Boston. Reservations are required; call 617-269-3626 or purchase tickets here.

Michelle Marino can be reached at michelle.g.marino@gmail.com.