The city of Boston offers hundreds of family friendly activities during 4th of July weekend, but which do you choose? So many activities, so little time! In celebration of the 35th Annual Boston Harborfest, here’s a list of our top “35 Things to do in (and around) Boston”. Check it out and get exploring!
Music & Entertainment
1. The Arts at Harborfest
Local artists and artisans will exhibit and sell their artwork, curated by Artists Crossing.
Saturday, July 2 | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Christopher Columbus Park, Boston, MA | More Information
2. Bob Dylan and Mavis Staples
Tanglewood welcomes Bob Dylan, with special guest Mavis Staples, to the Koussevitzky Music Shed.
Saturday, July 2 | 7:00 PM
Tanglewood, Lenox, MA | More Information
3. James Taylor and his All-Star Band
James Taylor returns to Tanglewood with his all-star band.
Monday, July 4 | 8:00 PM
Tanglewood, Lenox, MA | More Information
4. Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra | Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration
The “Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration” (with renowned guitarist Warren Haynes) returns to Tanglewood in an orchestral adventure of Deadhead favorites. Lockhart, Haynes, and the Boston Pops will present a program featuring some of Jerry Garcia’s masterworks including “Terrapin Station,” “Bird Song,” and “Morning Dew.” Warren Haynes (Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule, The Dead) lends his soul-soaked, introspective blend of rock, blues, R&B and jazz to the evening’s program.
Friday, July 1 | 8:00 PM
Tanglewood, Lenox, MA | More Information
5. Boston Symphony | Chamber Music Brass, Winds, and Percussion Extravaganza
Hear the sounds of the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s young talent. Only one of a 40 concert series for the BSO’s summer academy for advanced musical study.
Sunday, July 3 | 10:00 AM
Seiji Ozawa Hall, Lenox, MA | More Information
6. Boston Children’s Theatre Choir
Named Best of Boston by Boston Magazine and an Elliot Norton Award winning theater, Boston Children’s Theatre produces contemporary, classic and world premiere plays and musicals year.
Saturday, July 2 | 2:30 PM
Christopher Columbus Park, Boston, MA | More Information
7. Vocal Revolution
The Vocal Revolution Men’s Chorus, winners of WGBH’s second season of Sing That Thing, will perform.
Friday, July 1 | 1:00 PM
Summer Street (Outside Macy’s), Boston, MA | More Information
8. Danielle Prou
Danielle Prou will perform a variety of of classics from different genres, introducing her own talent to an incredible set.
Friday, July 1 | 7:30 PM
Christopher Columbus Park, Boston, MA | More Information
9. Kevin Hamel
Enjoy acoustic music from Kevin Hamel during Arts at Harborfest.
Saturday July 2 | 1:30 PM
Christopher Columbus Park, Boston, MA | More Information
10. Christian O’Connor
Blues rocker Christian O’Connor and his three piece power trio electrify & testify the gospel of rock ’n’ roll to the masses.
Friday, July 1 | 8:00 PM
Long Wharf, Boston, MA | More Information
11. Conundrum Nine
Conundrum Nine is a four-piece hard rock ’n’ roll band with progressive, funk, metal, classic rock, boogie, blues, and jazz influences from Boston, MA.
Friday, July 1 | 6:30 PM
Long Wharf, Boston, MA | More Information
12. North End Performing Arts Center
The North End Performing Arts Center will showcase a medley of Neapolitan Entertainment for the Arts at Harborfest.
Saturday, July 2 | 4:00 PM
Long Wharf, Boston, MA | More Information
13. Phunk Phenomenon
Don’t miss an incredible performance by Phunk Phenomenon, a top performance group on America’s Best Dance Crew and an official dance troupe for the Boston Celtics.
Saturday, July 2 | 8:00 PM
Christopher Columbus Park, Boston, MA | More Information
14. Ruiz Jazz Quintet
Ruiz will perform during Taste of Harborfest to make your tasting experience more delicious.
Sunday, July 3 | Noon
Long Wharf, Boston, MA | More Information
15. Sweet Harmony
Enjoy a variety of Broadway show tunes by this talented vocal performance troupe, leading up to an outdoor screening of Yankee Doodle Dandy.
Friday, July 1 | 6:30 PM
Christopher Columbus Park, Boston, MA | More Information
16. The House on Cliff
The House on Cliff headlines at the Long Wharf Concert leading up to the July 2nd fireworks over Boston Harbor! Come out for an evening of fun and dancing! Tickets to the beer garden available onsite to ages 21+.
Saturday, July 2 | 6:00 PM
Long Wharf, Boston, MA | More Information
17. Summer in the City | Boston Harbor Hotel
Spend your evenings at the Boston Harbor Hotel enjoying live entertainment on the waterfront.
For a complete schedule of entertainers, click here.
Dining & Shopping
18. Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is four great places in one location—Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market, all set around a cobblestone promenade where jugglers, magicians and musicians entertain the passers-by. So by all means, stroll, shop, eat, laugh, wonder, wander and explore it all.
19. Liberty Clipper Sunday Brunch
Come aboard any Sunday (through 9/11/16) from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Enjoy midday views of the Boston skyline while dining on brunch buffet offerings. Vegetarian options are available. Adults should be sure to stop by the bar for a mimosa or bloody mary!
To book your cruise, click here.
20. Odyssey Boston: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Cruises
Enjoy Sunday brunch, lunch, or a dinner cruise on board the Odyssey Boston. This 3-hour cruise along historic Boston Harbor from Castle Island to George’s Island, to the Boston Light on Little Brewster Island, and Charlestown Naval Yard will provide you with the most breathtaking views of the Boston skyline and waterfront landmarks.
To book your cruise, click here.
21. Shop Downtown Crossing
Need some retail therapy? Head downtown and be impressed by hundreds of speciality shops and boutiques. This is a shopping experience that you cannot experience anywhere else.
For a full list of shops and directions, click here.
Tours & Attractions
22. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
An entirely new kind of museum where you’ll not only view artifacts of historical importance, you’ll also have an all-encompassing, multi-sensory experience.
To purchase tickets, click here.
23. Freedom Trail
A 2.5-mile, red-lined trail that leads you to 16 historically significant sites — each one an authentic treasure. Explore museums and meetinghouses, churches, and burying grounds.
To purchase tickets, click here.
24. Harpoon Brewery Tours
See what’s brewing at Harpoon! The Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall, located in Boston’s Seaport District, offers brewery tours 7 days a week. Finish your tour with a pint and fresh pretzel.
Brewery tours are booked on site, click here for more information.
25. New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is not your average aquarium. It combines education and entertainment to address the challenges facing our oceans today.
To purchase tickets, click here.
26. USS Constitution Museum
Only yards away from “Old Ironsides,” the Museum is a “must see” for everyone visiting Boston. Interactive galleries take adults, families and children of all ages on a 200-year voyage.
To purchase tickets, click here.
27. Boston Duck Tours
Hop on board a “DUCK”, a W.W.II style amphibious landing vehicle, and tour Boston like never before. Enjoy an educational experience from the legendary ConDUCKtors® who will share interesting facts about the wonderful city of Boston. Quack! Quack!
To purchase tickets, click here.
28. Boston Harbor Cruises Whale Watch
Set sail on a whale watching experience of a lifetime. The cruise will take you to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground for whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine creatures. The New England Aquarium naturalists provide a truly educational experience as they share their knowledge about these magnificent creatures.
To book a cruise, click here.
29. July 4th Salute to Freedom Cruise
The 2-½ hour tour features expert narration from USS Constitution Museum historians, who explore Boston’s maritime history as well as the city’s vital role in charting America’s course toward prosperity and independence. You won’t go hungry on this cruise; the tour finishes with a lobster roll lunch and much more.
To book tickets, click here.
30. Codzilla
This 70 foot marine aluminum boat will take you on the wildest ride you’ve ever taken through the harbor of Boston. Let your hair down, secure your hats, and take off on the Codzilla this weekend!
To book tickets, click here.
31. Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
Just minutes from downtown is the largest recreational open space in Eastern Massachusetts. The Boston Harbor Islands are one of the northeast’s great destinations, as the National Park Service celebrates its 100th anniversary. Comprised of 34 islands, this sanctuary provides endless possibilities for family friendly activities.
To plan your visit, click here.
32. Architecture Cruise
This 90-minute tour, hosted by Charles Riverboat Company, offers spectacular views of historic and contemporary architecture along Boston Harbor, the Charles River Locks, and the Charles River basin.
To book a cruise, click here.
33. The Dark Side of Boston
Take the guided walk through misery, misfortune, malevolence and murder, a tour most tourists wouldn’t dare to take. Hear disturbing stories based on true historical events which occurred in Boston.
To purchase tickets, click here.
34. Reinventing Boston: A City Engineered
A walk through Boston is a walk through time! The city of Boston has transformed itself time and time again. Discover all the layers of Boston and the hows and whys of its changes.
To purchase tickets, click here.
35. Historic Sightseeing Cruise
Take a 90 minute tour through the beautiful inner and outer harbors of Boston. This fully narrated tour will entertain you with hero tales of the Revolutionary war, local legends of the sea, and stories of characters past and present.
To purchase tickets, click here.