Here’s an updated list of Boston 4th of July events. Know of another that should be on this list? Let us know in a comment below. Happy Boston Independence Day!
Boston Area Fourth of July
Boston Harborfest: June 28-July 4. Features daily events including Children’s Day, Party on the Plaza, Chowderfest, and more. Fourth of July Concert on the Esplanade and fireworks on July 4 8:30-11pm.
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular: July 3-4, 2011 at the Oval in the Esplanade along the Charles River in Boston, MA. This is part of Boston Harborfest 2011. July 3 events feature a live concert. July 4 events include a live concert and Fireworks at 10:30pm. The concerts feature Lionel Ritchie, Michael Chiklis, Keith Lockhart, and Jennifer Hudson.
Barnstable Fourth of July: July 4, 2012 in Barnstable, MA. Parade at 9am down Main St, left on Mill Way, ending at Village Hollow. Fireworks at dusk in Lewis Bay.
Beverly Farms, Prides Crossing 4th of July: July 3-4, 2012 in Beverly Farms, MA. July 3, 5-8pm family and friends cookout with kids’ entertainment at Hastings House. July 4, Horribles Parade on Oak St at 8am, Old Timer’s Softball Game at Dix Park at 10:30am, races and games at West Beach at 2pm, music entertainment at West Beach at 5pm, flare dedication/shore illumination at 8:45pm and fireworks at at 9pm at West Beach.
Chatham Independence Day Parade: July 4, 2012 at 9am on Main St in Chatham, MA. The parade will feature the history of Chatham, from the 17th century to today.
Chelmsford 4th of July Parade: July 4, 2012 at 10am in Chelmsford, MA, starting at McCarthy Middle School near the Drum Hill Rotary, traveling down North Road past the town common and reviewing stand, ending at the Mobil station in the center of town.
Concord Picnic in the Park: July 4, 2012, 10am-4pm at Emerson Field on Stow St in Concord, MA. The event includes tethered balloon rides at 10am, children’s decorated bicycle parade at 11:30am, Fire Department 911 House, police department radar toss, balloon twisting 1-3pm, Boston Hula Hoop Troop demonstration, henna tattoos, and live music from 11:45am-1:30pm featuring Jolly Roques, bluegrass music by Southern Rail, and concert music by the Concert Band.
Danvers Family Festival: June 15-July 3, 2012 in Danvers, MA. The festival includes events on most days, such as a library book sale, an oldies night, and the Polish Club Picnic.
- July 3, 2012: Fireworks Festival 5-10:30pm at Plains Park, Holten Richmond Middle School. Event includes live music, games, dancing, food, kid’s rides, and hot air balloon rides. Fireworks start at 9:30pm.
- July 4, 2012: Back Bay Parade, 11am-12pm, starting at the corner of Damon and Porter St. Highland’s Horribles Parade, 9-11am, from Seaboard Products to the Training Ground / Highland Common on Centre St.
Falmouth 4th of July: Fireworks at 8:45pm at Falmouth Heights Beach July 4, 2012. Bike parade at 10am from Village Green to Mullen Hall School on Main St in downtown Falmouth, MA. There will be a bike raffle and snacks at the school.
Hingham’s Fourth of July: June 30, July 4, and July 7, 2012 in Hingham, MA. Community celebration and fireworks on June 30 3-11pm at Hingham Harbor Gazebo. Road race on at 7am at Hingham Notre Dame Academy and a parade on July 4. Vintage baseball game at Derby Academy on July 7.
Manchester’s Annual Fourth of July Celebration: July 3-4, 2012 in Manchester, MA. Beachbreaker’s Pre-Fireworks Concert on Singing Beach 7:15-9:15pm, fireworks 9:15-9:45pm. Annual Fourth of July Parade on July 4 at 10am, sky divers land at Coach Field Playground at 12:15pm.
Needham 4th of July 2012: July 3-4, 2012 in Needham, MA. July 3 at Memorial Park features food, pony rides, face painting, entertainment followed by fireworks. Grand Parade featuring special guests and musical groups on July 4 at 9am followed by food, flea market, old fashioned baseball game, children’s games, and more.
Newton Fourth of July Celebration: July 4, 2012 in Newton, MA. Kid’s Morning 10am-noon at the Newton Centre Playground at Tyler Terrace. The event features a Grand Pet Parade, Teddy Bear Parade, Decorated Doll Carriage Promenade, and foot races with free ice cream, candy, and drinks. Open Air Market and amusement rides 11am-10pm at Russell J. Halloran Field & Sports Complex featuring handmade and international crafts, food vendors, and children’s activities. Music and dancing at 6pm with live music by the Bo Winiker Orchestra. Fireworks at 9pm.
Orleans Fourth of July: July 2 and July 4, 2012 in Orleans, MA. Fireworks on July 2, parade on July 4.
Plymouth 4th of July: July 4, 2012 in Plymouth, MA. Parade at 9:30am begins at Hedge Rd, N Plymouth. Concert at 7:30pm at the Plymouth Waterfront. Fireworks begin at 9pm at the waterfront.
Salem Celebrates the Fourth: July 4, 2012, 4-10pm at Derby Wharf in Salem, MA. Festivities begin at 4pm with the opening of Kids’ Space, an area with children’s activities, including face painting, games and crafts. Food booths will open at 4pm and at 5pm, pre-concert entertainment on the main stage will begin. Opening ceremonies at the Salem Maritime Historic Site on Derby Wharf begin at 7:15 p.m. with a U.S. Air Force military flyover, followed by a two-hour Pops concert by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra. Fireworks start at 9:15pm.
Sharon Independence Day Celebration: July 3, 2012 at Memorial Park Beach in Sharon, MA. Event features DJ music, games, food, roaming railroad, slot racing game, climbing wall, miniature pony rides and petting zoo. Bandstand concert 6:30-9:15pm. Fireworks start at 9:15pm.
Six Flags New England: July 4, 2012. Enjoy a day at the park and stick around for the Fireworks Spectacular at 9:30pm. Several discount ticket deals available.
Summertime in Somerville: June 25-July 4, 2012. Activities TBA.
Walpole Night Before the 4th Celebration: July 3, 2012 6-9:30pm in Walpole, MA. Fire Engine Parade starting at E Walpole Square at 6pm, band concert on Stone Field at 6:30pm, Fireworks at 9:30pm.
Wakefield Independence Day Parade: July 4, 2012 at 5pm in Wakefield, MA. Parade features marching bands, floats, music, clowns, celebrities and more. The parade starts at North Ave, in front of Lakeside Office Park and follows Church St, Common St and Main St, ending by the American Civil Center, just before North Ave.
Waltham 4th of July Celebration: July 4, 2012 in Waltham, MA. 10am-2pm family event at Prospect Hill Park featuring free children’s rides, pony rides, animals shows, and music. At Leary Field there will be live music by Profile at 5:30pm and fireworks at 9:30pm.
Weymouth Fourth of July Event: July 3, 2012 at the George Lane Beach in North Weymouth. Event features musical groups, food and novelty vendors, and moon walk structures for children and concession stands. Fireworks at 9:30pm.
Wilmington Fun on the Fourth: June 29-July 3, 2012 on the Wilmington Town Common in Wilmington, MA. Features daily events, including a carnival, horseshoes, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, and live concerts. Fireworks on July 2 at 9pm and July 3 at 9:30pm.
Worcester Annual Independence Day Celebration: July 1, 2012, 6pm-10pm at East Park on Shrewsbury St, Worcester, MA. Activities TBA.
BOSTON 4TH OF JULY DEALS:
- Boston FIREWORKS Harbor Cruise and Dance Party 50% Off — $15.40 (reg. $30.80) after free email sign-in. July 4, 2012.
- Boston Harbor Tour to View the TALL SHIPS 50% Off – $13.75 (reg. $27.50) after free email sign-in. July 3 & 4, 2012.


