Boston Harborfest 2026

Led by the Mayor of Boston and including the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, the procession will leave Copley Square at 9:00 a.m., stopping to lay wreaths at Granary Burial Ground, and concluding with a reading of the Declaration of Independence at Old State House.
 

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

USS Constitution is scheduled to get underway from the Charlestown Navy Yard, Massachusetts, on Saturday, July 4, at 10:00 a.m.
 
This underway honors Independence Day, commemorating the 250 years since the American Revolution and the founding of our nation on July 4, 1776.
The ship will be closed to the public in the morning and will reopen for tours from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. following her return to port.

During the underway, USS Constitution will render a 21-gun salute off Fort Independence on Castle Island at approximately 11:30 a.m., followed by a 17-gun salute as she passes the U.S. Coast Guard Base Boston—the former site of Edmund Hartt’s shipyard, where the ship was built and launched on October 21, 1797.

The underway will be visible from the Boston Harborwalk, Castle Island, and the Charlestown Navy Yard. While getting underway aboard USS Constitution is invite-only, the public is encouraged to view the ship's evolution at Castle Island, the Boston Harborwalk, and the Charlestown Navy Yard.

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.

You’re invited to the annual Independence Day celebration at Old North Church! Come and celebrate 250 years of American Independence at the church that helped spark the American Revolution.

Throughout the day, there will be dramatic readings of the Declaration of Independence in the sanctuary, complete with booing and hissing at the mention of the king. In the courtyard, the delightful musical duo Tripp and Toddy will entertain visitors with period music and stage a “duel to the death.” Old North will also offer guided tours of the crypt, where 1,100 people were laid to rest, and bell ringing chamber, where Paul Revere rang bells as a teenager.

Schedule of Events
• Readings of the Declaration of Independence: 11:00am, 1:30pm, 3:00pm

• Music and Fun with Tripp and Toddy: 12:00pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm

• Crypt Tours: 10:30am, 11:00am, 11:30am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 1:30pm, 2:00pm, 2:30pm, 3:00pm, 3:30pm, 4:00pm, 4:30pm, 5:00pm, 5:30pm

• Bell Chamber Tours: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm

Instead of their regular ticket options, Old North is offering a July 4th Pass for $10 that includes a self-guided tour of the beautiful sanctuary, their award-winning history exhibit, a fun family scavenger hunt, dramatic readings of the Declaration of Independence, and performances by Tripp and Toddy. The July 4th Pass is available online now.

Add-on tours of the crypt and bell chamber will be available for purchase onsite on Independence Day. Each add-on tour is $5 per person.

https://oldnorth.com/visit/#tickets-tours

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 Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Boston, MA is a cherished tradition that brings history to life. Held annually, this event gathers crowds in historic locations such as Faneuil Hall or the Old State House to witness the powerful words of the founding document being recited. With passionate speakers and a reverent atmosphere, this reading commemorates the spirit of liberty and serves as a reminder of the ideals that shaped the nation's journey towards independence.

As a beloved tradition that has occurred for more than two centuries, the Annual Oration has united generations of Bostonians during the Fourth of July. The Annual Oration began in 1771 to commemorate the anniversary of the Boston Massacre but eventually evolved into an event to celebrate independence. Two famous orators from the past include John F. Kennedy and John Hancock. 

USS Constitution Museum is hosting a Navy Yard Party that will feature a 9 hole mini-golf course, family friendly gallery programming and live music! More details to come.

On our 250th celebration of our Nation’s birthday, experience the power, precision, and energy of one of the U.S. Army Reserve’s premier musical ensembles. Based in Rochester, New York, the 198th Army Band delivers a dynamic performance that spans patriotic favorites, concert band classics, contemporary selections, and crowd-pleasing popular music. From ceremonial tradition to high-energy entertainment, their versatile musicians bring a memorable soundtrack to Boston Harborfest and a stirring celebration of service, community, and the American spirit.

The 198th Army Band features brass, woodwind, and percussion musicians performing a wide variety of music. Thus including: patriotic favorites, concert band classics, contemporary hits, and popular songs that appeal to audiences of all ages!

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

Hear history come alive. The Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums deliver a stirring performance that echoes the sounds of the American Revolution with thunderous drumlines, soaring fifes, and unmistakable colonial spirit. Dressed in period uniform and performing traditional martial music with precision and pageantry, this celebrated, award-winning ensemble transforms every appearance into a journey through America’s past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply love the excitement of live performance, prepare to clap, march, and be swept into the rhythm of a nation in the making.

In the guise of itinerant musicians, Al Petty & Deirdre Sweeney perform popular 18th-century tunes such as “Mr. Isaac’s Maggot” and “Jack’s Health” on the penny whistle, flute, fife, & other instruments. 

Event is included in the price of admission to our site.

Learn more: https://www.paulreverehouse.org/event/colonial-dance-tunes-and-love-songs-july-2026/ 

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

The Boston Pops July 4th Spectacular is slated to take place at the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Esplanade. The event is free and open to the public. Admittance to the event is on a first-come, first-served basis.