Boston Harborfest

July 2-4, 2026

Celebrate Independence Day 

The 45-year-old Harborfest is always the best birthday party in the country! What better place to celebrate the nation’s independence than on the streets and places where it happened?

Boston Harborfest Schedule of Events / Highlights

2026 schedule subject to change

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Public Announcement & Kick-Off

NOON @ The Summer Street Stage

With Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, President & CEO of Meet Boston, Martha Sheridan, roving re-enactors, staff from the USS Constitution and the Massachusetts 215th Army Band.

Re-Enactors & Entertainment

1:00- 6:00 PM @ The Summer Street Stage

Enjoy free, local performances of all musical genres.

Pre-Fireworks Concert

7:45- 9:15 PM @ Christopher Columbus Park

Join us for a concert featuring local talent performing a broad and diverse range of musical genres and let the excitement grow for the evening fireworks.

Boston Harborfest Fireworks

9:15- 9:30 PM @ Boston Harbor

Visible from several vantage points along the Inner Harbor, the Harborfest Fireworks return to provide a spectacular display for all to enjoy. The fireworks will be launched from a barge at Boston’s Long Wharf.

Best vantage points include: Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park; Fan Pier; Flagship Wharf; Piers Park, East Boston; LoPresti Park, East Boston; Griffin’s Wharf

Friday, July 3, 2026

Music & Activities

1:00- 6:00 PM @ Christopher Columbus Park

Join us for fun activities and live music.

Re-Enactors & Entertainment

2:00- 6:00 PM @ The Summer Street Stage

Enjoy free, local performances of all musical genres.

Saturday, July 4, 2026

4th of July Procession

9:00am- 10:00am @ City Hall Plaza

Reading of the Declaration of Independence

10:00am @ the Old State House

The Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Boston, MA is a cherished tradition that brings history to life. Held annually, this event gathers crowds in historic locations such as Faneuil Hall or the Old State House to witness the powerful words of the founding document being recited. With passionate speakers and a reverent atmosphere, this reading commemorates the spirit of liberty and serves as a reminder of the ideals that shaped the nation's journey towards independence.

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

7:00PM @ DCR Hatch Shell on the Esplanade

The Boston Pops July 4th Spectacular is slated to take place at the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Esplanade starting at 8:00pm.

The concert ends with a fireworks display around 9:40pm (subject to change).

More Boston Found podcasts are available on our podcast page or wherever you get your podcasts.

More Boston Found podcasts are available on our podcast page or wherever you get your podcasts.