Boston Harborfest

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.