Boston Harborfest
June 30 - July 4, 2023
Celebrate Independence Day
The 42-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?
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.
2023 Schedule of Events:
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2023
Public Announcement & Kick-Off
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.
NOON @ The Steps of Downtown Crossing
DTX Arts Market
11:00 AM – 5:30 PM @ Summer Street in Downtown Crossing
Entertainment
Enjoy free, local performances of all musical genres.
11:30 AM - 7:00 PM @ The Steps of Downtown Crossing
SATURDAY, JULY 1, 2023
Entertainment
Enjoy free, local performances of all musical genres, historical re-enactors and costumed entertainers.
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Macy's Fashion Show
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM @ Franklin Steps
The Foundation Dance Battle Fundraiser - SMMR Edition
Join us for a live dance battle, brought to you by Stiggity Stackz Worldwide!
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM @ Spectacle Island Read More...
Pre-Fireworks Concert
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.
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM @ Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
Fireworks Over Boston Harbor
The fireworks display will be visible from nearly all parts of the Inner Harbor.
9:15 PM – 9:30 PM @ Boston Inner Harbor Read More...
SUNDAY, JULY 2, 2023
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
Patriotic Poochapalooza
Dogs and their humans dress up in patriotic spirit to impress the public and compete for prizes. The grand prize winner will receive a night stay at the Omni Parker House for two guests!
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM @ The Steps @ Downtown Crossing Read More...
Unlikely Strummers Band Performance
Enjoy live classics, early rock hits, and contemporary favorites.
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM & 3:00 PM – 4:15 PM @ The Summer Street Plaza Read More...
Waterfront Concert and Artisan Market
Join us for talented musicians and performers from various genres to entertain and delight audiences of all ages. The concert will feature local bands, renowned soloists, and even national acts.
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM @ Christopher Columbus Park
MONDAY, JULY 3, 2023
Entertainment
Enjoy free, local performances of all musical genres, and historical re-enactors and costumed entertainers.
12:00 PM – 7:00 PM @ The Franklin Steps, Downtown Crossing
Chowderfest
Attendees can sample a variety of chowders, vote for their favorites, and indulge in a flavorful feast that highlights Boston's rich culinary traditions.
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM @ Downtown Crossing (Washington Street, between Winter and Bromfield Streets) Read More...
TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2023
THE CITY OF BOSTON’S 247TH 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
Salute to Service Block Party
Enjoy live music, lawn games, USS Constitution-themed mini-golf, special service projects to honor our military, and much more!
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM @ USS Constitution Museum Read more...
A Day of Unity
We gather to read one of the most iconic American speeches that supported the call for emancipation: “What, to the slave, is the Fourth of July”. There will be a marketplace and a free ice cream social to round out the afternoon.
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM @ The Franklin Steps, Downtown Crossing
HYATT Regency Cambridge July 4th Celebration
Enjoy music, corn hole, foosball, and cash concession for food and a cash bar. We have partnered with Progression Brewery and will be offer tastings as well!
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM @ Memorial Drive, Cambridge Read More...
BOSTON POPS and Fireworks
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM @ The Esplanade, Hatch Memorial Shell. Read More...
Schedule is subject to change. For more information visit the Boston Harborfest official site.
For more Independence Day event listings, see our July 4th page.
Fall in Boston
Marvel at fall foliage in one of Boston's parks, experience Boston's beer scene at an Oktoberfest, watch the Head of the Charles...
Summer Packages
Extend your Summer in Boston experience! Make it an overnight with these Summer getaway packages from participating hotels.