Boston Harborfest 2026

On this special morning tour, we'll focus on some of the scientific, technological, and social revolutions that started in Boston after the Revolutionary War ended.

And since 2026 is the 150th anniversary of the invention of the telephone in Boston, by Alexander Graham Bell and his assistant Thomas Watson, we'll take you to some of the locations tied to the earliest days of telecommunications.

We'll also talk about Thomas Edison's first failure; the grade school dropout who became one of America's most famous inventors; the woman who may have invented the Ponzi scheme; and why we wouldn't have had the Wizard of Oz without a Boston startup company founded in a railroad car.

All tickets for this tour are donate-what-you-wish! (Typical tour pricing is $20/adult, $10/student.) But if you donate $40 or more, you'll get a limited edition embroidered Innovation Trail hat. (See below for photo.) The Innovation Trail is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, with a mission to create new kinds of STEM learning experiences for people of all ages.

We start at the Irish Famine Memorial, at 24 School Street, close to the State Street, Downtown Crossing, and Park Street stations on the T, and right in front of the Old South Meeting House.

Requires advance registration at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/innovation-trail-walking-tour-special-boston-harborfest-edition-tickets-1985603588785

Explore the stories from USS Constitution's 228-year history. Join us on Independence Day to welcome the Ship's return to the pier and celebrate with hands-on activities and a round from the free public, 9-hole USS Constitution Mini Golf course. Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Website: usscm.org

Photo credit to Lfleur04

Come see what’s under the golden dome—free tours of the Massachusetts State Capitol! Guided State House Tours are offered June 30 through July 3. Recommended to call ahead to schedule tours, 617-727-3676.

Mon – Fri, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Website: sec.state.ma.us/divisions/state-house-tours/schedule-tour.htm

Photo credit to NPS

Immerse yourself in 250 years of Boston’s rich history, experience official Freedom Trail historic sites, and enjoy official 90-minute Freedom Trail tours led by 18th-century costumed guides.

From Boston Common Visitor Info. Center: Daily, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (on the hour)

From Faneuil Hall-ArtsBoston Booth: Daily, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM & 3:30 PM;

North End Tours, Daily, 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM

You can learn more at TheFreedomTrail.org.

Photo credit to Freedom Trail

Stop by the National Park Service Visitor Center to learn about the Charlestown Navy Yard's long and deep ties to the United States Navy and experience the USS Cassin Young, a WWII era Fletcher Class Destroyer. For current National Parks of Boston operational hours and programming information, visit nps.gov/bost.

One if by land, and two if by sea! Explore the iconic church that helped launch the American Revolution and learn the true story behind Paul Revere's ride. Visit the historic crypt, take a tour of the bell ringing chamber, enjoy special events, and try treats from America’s oldest candy company.

Mon-Sat, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sun, 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM

oldnorth.com

Photo credit to NPS

The Paul Revere House
July 2, 3, 4 10:00 AM - 5:15 PM

The home of legendary patriot Paul Revere, where he began the famous “Midnight Ride,” was built in 1680 and is the only home on the Freedom Trail. Tours are self-guided and include both the history home and the Visitor Center with exhibits, gift shop, and restrooms. Learn more at https://www.paulreverehouse.org to plan your visit.

Experience two historic sites! Old State House, site of the Boston Massacre, and Old South Meeting House, where the
Boston Tea Party began. Explore an array of interactive exhibits, engaging walking tours, and compelling public programs that speak to the heart of urgent questions about self-government, free speech, and the role of civic engagement in a free society. Admission grants entry to both historic sites.

Daily: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Learn more about the Old State House and the Old South Meeting House.

Photo credit to NPS

The 215th Army Band of the Massachusetts Army National Guard is one of America’s premier military music ensembles. For over 60 years, this exceptional group of citizen-soldiers has entertained audiences across New England and around the world—delivering powerful performances that showcase the Army’s proud musical traditions, inspire patriotism, and build lasting connections through the universal language of music. We are proud to present a full afternoon of powerful music by America’s bravest men and women.

We're excited to host a variety of musical acts at The People’s Stage at The Steps during Boston Harborfest!

You can enjoy live music from the The 215th Army Band of the Massachusetts Army National Guard! The 215th Army Band is one of America’s premier military music ensembles. For over 60 years, this exceptional group of citizen-soldiers has entertained audiences across New England and around the world—delivering powerful performances that showcase the Army’s proud musical traditions, inspire patriotism, and build lasting connections through the universal language of music. We are proud to present a full afternoon of powerful music by America’s bravest men and women.

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m: 215th US Army Band
2:00 p.m: Commonwealth Brass Quintet
3:00 p.m: Liberty Wind
3:30 p.m: Minuteman Brass
4:00 p.m: Official Party

Guests can also enjoy appearances from the William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps! Experience the unmistakable sound of America’s revolutionary spirit with a performance by the William Diamond Junior Fife & Drum Corps as part of Boston Harborfest and the 250th Anniversary Celebration. Founded in Lexington in 2001 and named in honor of William Diamond—the young drummer who stood on Lexington Green at the opening of the American Revolution—this remarkable youth ensemble preserves one of the nation’s oldest musical traditions through authentic wooden fifes, rope tension drums, and period-inspired uniforms. Comprised of musicians ages 8–18, the Corps brings history to life with precision, energy, and extraordinary musical talent. Recognized as the largest junior fife and drum corps in New England, the William Diamond Juniors have performed across the United States and internationally, carrying the sounds of early America to audiences around the world. Their Harborfest appearance offers a fitting tribute during this historic anniversary year—connecting today’s audiences with the rhythms that once marched alongside the birth of a nation.

TheWilliam Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps will perform at the following locations:

• Old City Hall on School Street
• In front of Walgreens across from Old South Meeting House
• In front of the Old State House
• The "Steps" at Franklin & Washington Street

Charles River Boat Company offers five unique pedal boats on the historic Fort Point Channel: Dragon, Flamingo, Duck, Blue Heron, and Pelican. Easy to use and fitting up to five people, these boats are perfect for a family adventure or a floating hangout with friends. Your captain's chair is waiting.

• $25 per boat for 30 min
• $35 per boat for 45 min
• Daily from 12pm until 30 minutes before sunset
• Available Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend
• Excludes 5% MA Convention & Facilities Surcharge

Step into the golden age of jazz with Annie and the Fur Trappers, Boston’s own high-energy revival of the roaring 1920s and swinging ’30s. Blending traditional jazz, blues, ragtime, and early swing with irresistible style, this spirited ensemble delivers brassy melodies, toe-tapping rhythms, and vintage charm that invite audiences to dance, clap, and celebrate. Annie and the Fur Trappers bring timeless American music roaring back to life—equal parts concert, celebration, and joyful time machine.

This tour highlights the revolutionary history that took place along the Freedom Trail in the North End including the Paul Revere House, Old North Church and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground.  The tour may be taken as a standalone tour or as an extension to the Walk Into History Tour. Begins at Faneuil Hall ArtsBoston Booth and concludes at Copp’s Hill Burying Ground.

ArtsBoston Booth: 1:30 & 2:30

Check out the latest trends in summer fashion as Macy's struts new lines and sleek looks.

The Macy's Fashion Show in Boston, MA is a highly anticipated annual event that showcases the latest trends and styles from renowned fashion designers. Held at the prestigious Macy's store, this glamorous affair attracts fashion enthusiasts, industry professionals, and curious shoppers alike. Attendees are treated to an immersive experience, with music, lights, and a vibrant atmosphere, making the Macy's Fashion Show a must-attend extravaganza for fashion lovers in Boston.

Join us in Christopher Columbus Park to jam out to live music from the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Free children's face painting such as a glitter bar and temporary tattoos will be available to all from 2:00pm-6:00pm at Christopher Columbus Park!

An array of local performances across all musical genres will perform from a stage, while historical re-enactors and costumed entertainers will engage with visitors to the area. Free for all to enjoy!

PK and the Mighty Seven is a premier 9-piece live wedding and event band based in Boston, performing throughout New England. Featuring dual lead vocalists and a 3-piece horn section, the band delivers exceptional live performances of classic soul, Motown, funk, and modern pop hits. Known for their high energy performances and packed dance floors, welcome to the stage PK and the Mighty Seven!

Boston Harborfest and presenting sponsor Citizens invite visitors to become part of history at Christopher Columbus Park this Fourth of July weekend. Stop by the interactive mural installation, Boston 250: A City Woven Together, and help create a community artwork celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Created in partnership with Artists for Humanity, the mural honors the history, culture, and community of Boston while looking toward the future. Guests of all ages are welcome to contribute to the piece throughout the weekend as part of this free, family-friendly activation.
Following its debut at Harborfest, the mural will spend the summer at Artists for Humanity before Citizens donates it to Boston Public Schools for permanent display at a local high school.
The interactive mural is free and open to the public as part of Boston Harborfest, see it at the Citizens tent in Christopher Columbus Park.

Enjoy cool jams from DJ Christjawn as we celebrate America 250!

World Premier Band is a highly sought-after, high-energy live entertainment group based out of Boston, Massachusetts. Originally getting their start at the historic Strand Theater alongside the legendary group New Edition, they have grown into one of New England’s premier performance attractions. Get ready for the ultimate party soundtrack. This electrifying live act turns every performance into a full-scale celebration—blending the biggest hits from the 1990s through today with funk, dance, R&B, hip-hop, and original music into one nonstop, high-energy experience. But this is more than a concert: expect choreographed performances, coordinated looks, crowd interaction, and surprise moments that transform the audience into part of the show. Beloved across generations, they’re famous for packing dance floors with everyone from grandparents to teenagers—proving great music (and a great party) never goes out of style.

Sweet Harmony is Riverside Theatre Works premier traveling performance troupe, featuring talented young professionals from across Greater Boston. Their energetic performances blend pop, Broadway, jazz, and rock showcasing a live music performance for Harborfest! Come see them play at Christopher Columbus Park from 5:00pm-6:00pm!

The Old North Church Congregation is pleased to offer traditional Choral Evensong on July 3, 2026. Each service will be held at 6:00 p.m. and lasts approximately 45 minutes.

The July 3 service will feature historic prayers for the nation on the Eve of the 250th Anniversary of American Independence.

Worship services at Old North are open to all without charge. Free-will offerings are collected in support of the church’s ministries. Visitors are always welcome. Pre-registration is helpful for planning, but not required. We seek to welcome all, in keeping with our mission as a House of Prayer for All People.

RSVP here: https://rsvp.church/r/ThNRigfN

The MBT Music Experience, led by the captivating Grammy-Nominated Recording Artist and former NBC’s the Voice finalist, Michelle Brooks-Thompson, is a dynamic 9 piece ensemble that brings together the best of R&B, Soul, Motown, Funk, Gospel, Inspirational, and Pop music. With their electrifying performances and soulful sound, they create an unforgettable musical journey that engages and excites audiences. Get ready for an experience that will leave you wanting more! Welcome to the stage The MBT Experience!

From the “destruction of the tea” to the Declaration of Independence, witness the founding of a nation through the eyes of one of colonial America’s most iconic couples. John Adams will take part as a delegate in the First and Second Continental Congresses in Philadelphia, while his wife, Abigail, remains in Massachusetts as the American Revolution begins. Their correspondence allows a window into the conflicts, the struggles of the people, the tedious nature of the Congress, and a loving marriage.

This July, we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of our nation. The letters of John and Abigail Adams reflect their lived experiences through this tumultuous time, and allow us to witness history in the making.

Refreshments and an assortment of cookies and scones available for purchase.

Run time is two hours with short intermission.

This performance takes place in Abigail's Tea Room at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum located at 306 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210. 

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the performance begins promptly at 7:00 p.m..