Event Highlights
Boston Harborfest Kick-Off
Public officials and hospitality leaders will help kick off Boston Harborfest 2025 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.
Wednesday, July 2 · Noon – 1:00 PM
Summer Street, Downtown Crossing
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 The Rose Kennedy Greenway
Waterfront Concert
Join us in Christopher Columbus Park for a concert featuring local talent performing a broad and diverse range of musical genres, and let the excitement grow for the evening fireworks.
Wednesday, July 2 · 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
Boston Harborfest Fireworks
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.
Wednesday, July 2 · 9:15 PM
Boston Inner Harbor
The City of Boston’s Independence Day Celebration
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.
Friday, July 4 · 9:00 AM
City Hall Plaza to Downtown Area