4th of July in Boston - 2026
Attend the best 250th birthday party in the country! Boston celebrates the 4th with spectacular fireworks, historical reenactments & more!
Boston Harborfest
Boston will be booming with historical reenactments, live music, arts, and fireworks during Harborfest.
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops take the stage for a star-studded Fourth of July celebration culminating in Boston’s biggest fireworks display of the year.
Where to Watch Fireworks in Boston?
There are several great options for where to watch the Boston Pops 4th of July fireworks! Browse some of the most popular and picturesque spots to witness the dazzling fireworks display below.
-
- Along the Charles River Esplanade, near the Hatch Memorial Shell
- Castle Island Beach, South Boston
- Memorial Drive, Cambridge
Boston 4th of July Events
- Old North Church & Historic Site
Join us at the Old North Church for the release of public historian Tad Stoermer’s new book, A Resistance History of the United States. Tad will be joined by Prof. Vincent Brown of Harvard University and Sarah George, State's Attorney of Chittenden County, Vermont, for a panel…
- Hub Town Tours
- Recurring daily
As the United States marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence in 1776, five Boston landmarks have joined to create the BOSTON 250 PASS, providing access to five iconic museums and historic churches on a single ticket! This special offer grants discounted adult…
- John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
- Recurring daily
Come celebrate the country's 250th anniversary with historically important documents from the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection. On display are over thirty 18th century pieces examine the events that led to the revolution, and printed materials that influenced the writing…
- Boston Marriott Long Wharf
Celebrate Boston Harborfest on Thursday, July 2 at Boston Marriott Long Wharf, located on Boston Harbor. Enjoy an evening of waterfront dining, entertainment, and front-row views of the Boston Harborfest fireworks, beginning at approximately 9:15 PM. This ticketed experience on…
- American Ancestors
- Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Patriots of Color, a new exhibit in the Family Heritage Experience at American Ancestors, sheds light on the overlooked histories of Black, Native, and multiracial men and women who fought, labored, and led in the struggle for American independence across all thirteen colonies…
- Revolutionary Spaces - Old South Meeting House
Join Revolutionary Spaces on Thursday, July 2, for the Ruckus! First Look Encore. Be among the first to see Ruckus!, a bold new 25-minute immersive show at the Old South Meeting House that drops you into the heart of Revolutionary Boston. Watch the debates and defiance that once…
- Massachusetts Historical Society
The Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) is hosting a commemorative program marking the 250th anniversary of July 2, 1776 – the day the Continental Congress voted for independence from Great Britain. Although the nation ultimately adopted July 4 as its official birthday…
- USS Constitution Museum
- Recurring weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Old Ironsides is one of the most famous ships in the history of the United States. Learn about the legacy of the USS Constitution ship, the world's oldest commissioned warship, at the USS Constitution Museum. The museum of this historic vessel is open to the public for free…
- Boston Common
Boston conjures thoughts of Paul Revere, the Boston Massacre, and the start of the American Revolution. Take our walking tour and learn from a certified historian about these famous events that led to the birth of our nation. You'll also learn about Boston's humble beginnings in…
- Rose Kennedy Greenway
- Recurring daily
Discover Boston's iconic waterfront in Downtown and the all-new Seaport, exploring maritime history and the ongoing transformation of the city's shoreline. Experience Boston’s rich maritime heritage and contemporary vibrancy on a 1.5-hour stroll along the Boston Harborwalk, led…
- Old North Church & Historic Site
The Old North Church Congregation is pleased to offer traditional Choral Evensong on June 25 and July 3, 2026. Each service will be held at 6:00 p.m. and lasts approximately 45 minutes. The July 3 service will feature historic prayers for the nation on the Eve of the 250th…
- Massachusetts Historical Society
Join MHS staff for a gallery tour of the exhibition 1776: Declaring Independence. Discover how Americans drafted a path to independence through a selection of rarely seen manuscripts, artifacts, and treasures from the MHS collection. Attendance is free. Register for specific…
- Batifol
For $45, enjoy our all-day buffet, available from open to close, featuring a delicious selection of French favorites and festive classics. ✨ Plus, we're planning a few fun surprises throughout the day to make the celebration even more memorable! Whether you're joining us for…
- Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center
Come to Blue Hill Observatory this 4th of July to celebrate America’s landmark 250th anniversary from one of the most scenic vantage points! Schedule of Events: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Daytime Tours & Activities: Explore the historic observatory, enjoy the views, play yard…
- DCR Hatch Shell on the Esplanade
The Boston Pops July 4th Spectacular is returning for 2026! Led by legendary conductor Keith Lockhart, the Pops concert welcomes three very special guest artists: Grammy-winning country music superstar Lainey Wilson, three-time Grammy winner Chance The Rapper, and Grammy-winning…
- The Paul Revere House
In the guise of itinerant musicians, Al Petty & Deirdre Sweeney perform popular 18th-century tunes such as “Mr. Isaac’s Maggot” and “Jack’s Health” on the penny whistle, flute, fife, & other instruments.
- Massachusetts State House
A Boston tradition! Footloose on the Freedom Trail is a 3-hour guided walking tour of the entire Freedom Trail from the Boston Common and Massachusetts State House to the U.S.S. Constitution offered every Independence Day. Walk the 2.5-mile route with us on this patriotic tour…
- Old North Church & Historic Site
If you will be in the Boston area for July 4, we hope you’ll join us for our annual Independence Day celebration! Throughout the day, there will be dramatic readings of the Declaration of Independence in the sanctuary, complete with booing and hissing at the mention of the king…
- Spectacle Island
Join us for Red, White & Views, a fun-filled Fourth of July celebration featuring breathtaking waterfront views, live entertainment, and activities for all ages. Spend the day enjoying live music, relaxing in the beer garden, and taking part in family-friendly activities…
- Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate
- Recurring daily
Join us at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate for Welcoming Words: Construct a Symbol of Welcome Collage! Based on the Statue of Liberty, visitors are invited to design a symbol of welcome for newcomers to the United States using collage materials…
America's 250th Anniversary in Boston
Discover more events commemorating this historic milestone.
Tour the Freedom Trail
Discover Boston's role in the American Revolution and beyond on a guided tour of the Freedom Trail.
Boston's Famous Landmarks
Boston is home to an unrivaled array of landmarks & institutions that reveal a storied history of ingenuity, innovation, & trailblazing leadership.
History of Boston
Boston has transformed itself countless times over four centuries since the Puritans arrived in 1630 and founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Early figures such as John Winthrop, Cotton…
Summer in Boston
Experience the energy of Fenway Park, discover Boston's outdoor art scene, splash into the Charles with a Duck Tour, and attend a North End Feast - find your ultimate summer bucket list in Boston!
Summer Packages
Elevate your Boston experience this summer! Make it an overnight with these Summer getaway packages from participating hotels.
FAQs
What time are the Boston Pops 4th of July fireworks?
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular usually begins its fireworks display around 9:40 PM on July 4th and lasts for about 30 minutes, ending after 10:00 PM. The Boston Pops orchestra typically starts around 7:00 PM.
Where can I watch the Boston Pops Fireworks in Boston?
There are several great options for where to watch the Boston Pops 4th of July fireworks! The most popular spot is right along the Charles River Esplanade, especially near the Hatch Memorial Shell. For a different perspective, consider Castle Island or Memorial Drive in Cambridge for views from the other side of the river. For a more exclusive experience, check out one of Boston's rooftop bars like Over the Charles or View Boston.
Read More