Boston's Best 4th Of July Parties

It's one festival, carnival or firework celebration after another on the fourth of July in Massachusetts. Settle into the historic areas of the city and watch the magic happen, but please be sure to drive safely and drink responsibly.

Patriotic Festival  
Harborfest Opening Ceremony
1 Faneuil Hall Sq.
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 439-7700
www.bostonharborfest.com

Date: Jul. 1, 2016 at 12 p.m.

Did you know there was cake being served to start off the Harborfest weekend celebration? The opening ceremony begins at Faneuil Hall with a few well delivered speeches, a complete concert featuring the 215th Army Band and the cutting and serving of the Harborfest Cake. It's cake that makes an official party -- ask any of the kids! The 35th Annual Boston Harborfest promises to be loaded with music, activities and fireworks beginning July 1, 2016 at Quincy Market. The USS Mesa Verde welcomes passengers at the North Jetty the following day with complete Navy honors and The Arts at Columbus Park kicks of July 2, 2016 as well. Christopher Columbus Park looks to be the place for music and festivities before heading into the Esplanade this year for fireworks and the Boston Pops. Hosting activities, live music, food and family activities among gardens, a children's play area and water front views from July 1 'til Independence Day.

Date: Jul. 4, 2016 at 10 a.m.

The Lion's Club of Lexington is sponsoring its annual week-long carnival beginning June 30, 2016 and ending with children's games and tons of fun on Independence Day. Take a thrilling ride each evening, or spend the day with food, prizes and fireworks July 2, with fireworks starting just after dusk on Saturday. Volunteers are always welcome an all day discount bracelets are the best way to enjoy the event. Situated at Hastings Park, the vantage point for the perfect viewing spot from lawn chair or blanket is a simple trip to the trunk of the car. The live music and festival atmosphere in one of the most historic cities of Massachusetts is quite an advantage this Fourth of July. Contact the Lion's Club of Lexington if the family wishes to volunteer in a team effort this year.

Date: Jul. 1, 2016 at 12:30 p.m.

Join the Boston Public Library staff and volunteers this summer for Boston's Concerts in The Courtyard series. The series brings performance artists from all types of genres and master classes into Boston for a line up of afternoon or evening concerts to enjoy. This season, just before the fourth of July, Phil Berman, a native of Cambridge, takes his songwriting and orchestral skills on stage to muster up folk and big band era music for the audience. Enjoy the new aged, synthetic keyboards of LUHX the following Wednesday evening, and bring the family and friends back each Friday afternoon for a different ensemble featuring classic chamber music. It's a party that will last all summer long for Boston residents.

Related: Boston's Best Fourth Of July Events

Sunset Cruise/Luncheon Buffets
Entertainment Cruises
Rose Wharf or Seaport Blvd.
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 997-2134
www.odysseycruises.com
www.spiritcruises.com

Date: Jul. 4, 2016 at 11 a.m. or 6 p.m.

Entertainment Cruises of Boston announces the very best luncheon buffets and dinner galas aboard your choice of cruise ship. View the glorious fireworks above Boston Harbor during the Hatch Shell celebrations with family while feasting on lobster tail or quenching your thirst with friends. You'll find first class accommodations await aboard both The Spirit of Boston, or The Odyssey. Boston loves their harbors, and seafarers everywhere know the destination for the best view of rockets mid-air is upon the water. Live music, ample food and attentive service await patrons on each and every sunset, luncheon or dinner cruise with special entertainment for guests this holiday weekend. Take in the majesty that is Independence Day of Boston beginning at dusk or travel the harbor mid-day then set out on foot to the Esplanade with the Boston Pops Orchestra.

Date: Jul. 2, 2016 at 10 a.m.

Marking the thirteenth year of a free family event for the public, Chinatown Main St. Festival is an anticipated event in Boston. Colorful dragons prowl the streets, beginning with the dragon dance and parade down the center of Chinatown. There are plenty of fun activities and dancing for the children, face painting, rides and arts & crafts. As always, there is promised live music, martial arts exhibits and drum lines native to the China homeland. With authentic cultural dancing and food that will intrigue each and every member of the audience. Join in the fireworks and parade as a welcome guest enjoying the day's events well into the evening. Have you ever seen a lion dance? Or witnessed Chinese Folk dancing? This is the year to experience a host of stage performances in a festival atmosphere.

Related: Boston's Best Restaurants With A View Of July 4th Fireworks