Wicked Good Guides / Boston for Visitors / Special events

Summer: Fourth of July

In Boston, the Fourth of July is celebrated for an entire week.

Harborfest hosts scores of events leading up to July 4th, including historical talks and processions and Chowderfest. On the morning of July 4th, the Declaration of Independence is read from the balcony of the historic Old State House, which was formerly the seat of British government in the colony (if you go, look for the circle of bricks in front of the Old State House - it marks the location of the Boston Massacre, which helped start the chain of events that led to independence).

Also on July 4th is the Boston Pops concert and fireworks on the Esplanade along the Charles River. The locals know you need to get there several hours early if you want a decent seat on the lawn in front of the Hatch Shell (where the Pops play). The concert, which culminates in the "1812 Overture" and the fireworks, is simulcast over at least one local radio station; locals also know you can get a good view of the fireworks from the Cambridge side of the river.

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