Guide To Boston's Best 2017 Independence Day Events
The Boston Pops Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
DCR Hatch Shell
The Charles River Esplanade
Boston, MA 02115
(888) 266-1200
www.bostonpopsjuly4th.org
Date: July 4 at 8:30 p.m.
Since 1900 the Boston Symphony Orchestra has offered Bostonians both serious classical music and lighter, popular fare in Pops concerts. None of those are more popular than the free outdoors concerts they present at the DCR Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, along the Charles River between the Longfellow and Massachusetts Avenue Bridges. There are two performances, the first, on the evening of July 3, without fireworks, and the second on July 4 with fireworks. The Pops calls this their Fireworks Spectacular for that is exactly what it is - spectacular. Although the show is free, space is limited and so it is first come, first serve - with many people coming very early to make a day of it picnicking and frolicking along the river. There is also a second open area on the Cambridge side of the river, which although it does not offer much of a view of the orchestra, the sound towers there give an almost as good as being there quality to the experience - and the view of the fireworks is every bit as, well, spectacular.
Related: Guide to Spending the 4th of July on the Esplanade
Fourth of July SAILabration
Community Boating Inc.
21 David G Mugar Way
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 523-1038
www.community-boating.org/4th-july-sailabration-fundraiser
Date: July 4, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.
Boston is an ocean port city and a river city, and the Charles River and Back Bay will be filled with all manner of pleasure craft on July Fourth. The parade of boats is part of the Community Boating Inc.'s annual charity fundraising effort in support of the Junior and Universal Access Programs. A private, not-for-profit corporation that works with the Massachusetts Department of Recreation and Conservation, Community Boating promotes the sport and skills of sailing. Its annual fundraiser is held in and around the Main Dock and Boathouse on the Esplanade near the Charles Circle footbridge. The event offers patrons guaranteed seating for the pops concert at 8:30 p.m. and the fireworks which follow around 10:30 p.m. Food and drinks are included in the price of admission, and feature burgers from B.Good, Polar Springs beverages and Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream. There are also face-painting booths and other forms of entertainment from 5:30 p.m. on, and the proceeds go to a pair of very good causes.
City Hall Plaza to Granary Burial Ground to Old State House
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 720-1713
www.bostonhistory.org
Date: July 4, 2017 at 9 a.m.
The City of Boston commemorates the Fourth with a flag raising at City Hall Plaza at 9 am, from where a parade kicks off that follows a route through the old city, to the Granary Burial Ground where many patriots were laid to rest. After a wreath-laying ceremony there, the parade continues to the Old State House (located at 206 Washington Street). There is also a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at 10 am from the balcony of the Old State House - where it was read to the citizens of Boston for the first time on July 8, 1776.
Related: Guide To The 4th Of July Pops Spectacular On The Esplanade
Samuel Adams Independence Day Bash
Ned Devine's
1 Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 248-8800
www.eventbrite.com
Date: July 3, 2017 at 9 p.m.
Samuel Adams was more than just a founding father - he was the inspiration for a modern brewing company, and for the sixth year in a row the boys who brew the best beer in Boston (or so they believe) are once again putting teeming up with the most famous Irish pub in Beantown (Ned Devine's) to put on a bash to mark Independence Day. Beer will flow freely, as will the live music and food starting at 9pm on Independence Day Eve (July 3). Free samples of beer (and more), plus raffles and other entertainments will be offered.
Hastings Park
Lexington, MA 02420
(781) 862-0500
www.lexingtonlions.org
Date: June 30 - July 4, 2017
The annual Lions Club Fourth of July Carnival out in Lexington - on whose green those embattled farmers stood to fire the shot heard round the world - is an Independence Day tradition for many Boston area families. Only 15 miles from Boston city center, Lexington is an historic, charming and lively town, and its Fourth of July Carnival is packed with rides, games, food, music and more. The carnival starts on June 30 and ends with a bang with fireworks on the night of the Fourth. Profits go to support the various charitable organizations and programs sponsored by the Lions Club.
