Boston Harborfest | Independence Day Celebration

Celebrate Independence Day

The 41-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?

Reenactors at Boston, MA’s Harborfest
Photo courtesy of Boston Harborfest

Family-Friendly Events

There are many activities over Independence Day weekend at Boston’s best landmarks, making this the largest family-friendly event in the country.

2022 Schedule of Events:

FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2022

Public Announcement & Kick-Off

NOON @ The Steps of Downtown Crossing
With Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, Martha Sheridan, roving reenactors, and staff from the USS Constitution.

DTX Arts Market

11:00 AM – 5:30 PM @ Summer Street in Downtown Crossing

Entertainment

Enjoy free, local performances of all musical genres.

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM @ The Steps of Downtown Crossing

SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022

Classic Car Showcase

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM @ Summer Street at Macy's

DTX Arts Market

11:00 AM – 5:30 PM @ Summer Street in Downtown Crossing

Chowderfest

Noon – 2:00PM @ Downtown Crossing, 10 Summer Street in Downtown Crossing

Entertainment

Enjoy free, local performances of all musical genres, historical reenactors and costumed entertainers, and a fashion show, sponsored by Macy’s

2:00 PM – 8:00 PM @ The Steps of Downtown Crossing

Parade of Lights

8:00 PM - 9:30PM @ Boston Inner Harbor, Long Wharf

Fireworks Over Boston Harbor

The fireworks display will be visible from nearly all parts of the Inner Harbor.

Approximately 9:15 PM @ Boston Inner Harbor

Fireworks

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022

Entertainment

Enjoy free, local performances of all musical genres, and historical reenactors and costumed entertainers

12:00 PM – 7:00 PM @ The Franklin Steps @ Downtown Crossing

Independence Pooch Parade

Noon – 3:00 PM @ Summer Street in Downtown Crossing

MONDAY, JULY 4, 2022

THE CITY OF BOSTON’S 246TH INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

A short parade will step off from City Hall Plaza and pass the Granary Burial Ground, where wreaths will be laid on the graves of patriots. The parade continues through Downtown Crossing to the Old State House where the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company will continue its tradition of reading the Declaration of Independence from the balcony. Parade viewing will be available along the route and in Downtown Crossing.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM @ City Hall Plaza to Downtown Crossing