Boston Harborfest & Fireworks 2024
Boston Harborfest is a proud tradition celebrating Boston’s maritime and revolutionary history.With hundreds of activities over Independence Day weekend at Boston’s most iconic historic landmarks, this family-friendly event is one of the country’s largest Fourth of July festivals.
Activities include the annual opening ceremony in Downtown Crossing, historical reenactments, arts market, Chowderfest, live musical entertainment, fireworks, and much more!
2023 Boston Harborfest Kick-Off
Monday, July 1 • Noon – 1:00 PM
Public officials and hospitality leaders will help kick off Boston Harborfest 2024 with the ceremonial cake cutting and giveaway. Roving reenactors and staff from the USS Constitution will engage with visitors, while the Massachusetts 215th Army Band will begin an afternoon of performances.
• Location TBD
Music & Live Performances
A robust variety of musical acts will perform free and open to the public. Focusing on local groups that highlight Boston’s vibrant and diverse music scene, talented artists will take the stage to provide live entertainment throughout the week. To see the full schedule of performances, please visit the Schedule page.
• Locations include Christopher Columbus Park, Downtown Crossing, and Rose Kennedy Greenway
Boston Harborfest Fireworks
Tuesday, July 2 • 9:15 PM
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.
• Boston Inner Harbor
Chowderfest
Wednesday, July 3 • 2:00 PM
Grab a bowl and join the action at the annual Chowderfest. Sample delicious chowders from the best local restaurants. Free to all while supplies last.
• Location TBD
The City of Boston’s Independence Day Celebration
Thursday, July 4 • 9:00 AM
The event kicks off with a flag raising ceremony at City Hall Plaza, then process to the Granary Burying Ground for a wreath laying on the graves of patriots, and continues through Downtown Crossing to the Old State House, where the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company will continue its tradition of reading of the Declaration of Independence from the historic site’s balcony, followed by an oration in the Faneuil Hall. The commemoration culminates with the annual, dramatic turnaround of the USS Constitution from its berth in Charlestown to Castle Island and back.
• City Hall Plaza to Downtown Area
The award-winning festival strives to honor and remember the past, celebrate the present and educate the future with reenactments, concerts, historical tours and much, much more.
View the full list of events
Over the years, Harborfest has grown from a local event to a national celebration. In 1982 there were 35 activities over the course of three days. Harborfest is considered to be the largest patriotic celebration in the nation with visitors enjoying more than 200 activities during the weeklong festival.
There's no better place to celebrate our nation's independence than at Boston Harborfest.
Find lots more fun things to do in Boston during the summer in our July & August guides to family fun. And since summer is a great time to be outside, check out our guide to Boston outdoor activities, featuring lots of cool places to enjoy a beautiful summer day.
Find lots more ideas on fun things to do in Boston.
| COST | ↑ top |
Most events are free however there is a cost associated with certain ones. Please visit bostonharborfest.com to see a full list of events.
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA map
| TIPS | ↑ top |
- And since it's the 4th of July week, make sure you Find a Fireworks Display near you in MA.
| REVIEWS | ↑ top |
Children's Day Is Lame| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
- Profiles
- Localities
- Events
- Boston Harborfest & Fireworks 2024, 7/1/24-7/4/24
Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with Boston Harborfest & Fireworks 2024 before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...