Boston Harborfest 2026

Join us as Boston Harborfest officially begins with a stirring waterfront tradition presented by Citizens Bank.

The Harborfest Opening Ceremony brings together civic leaders, maritime dignitaries, military representatives, and community partners for an unforgettable kickoff to Boston’s celebration of history, harbor, and independence. The program features ceremonial remarks, the posting of the colors, and patriotic music performed by the 198th Army Band from Rochester, New York.

The ceremony reaches its signature moment with the unveiling and ceremonial cutting of the Harborfest cake—performed in true maritime fashion as the Commander of USS Constitution uses a ceremonial saber to slice the first piece. Guests will witness this historic tradition before enjoying complimentary cake and fresh lemonade for all,
generously sponsored by Raising Cane’s.

Presented by Citizens Bank, this signature press event marks the official opening of Harborfest and launches days of celebration leading into America’s birthday in one of the nation’s most historic cities.

Come early, stay for the ceremony, and celebrate with us—because nothing says Boston Harborfest quite like history, music, and cake shared together.

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!

Tune in for the 198th Army Band giving a classic rock performance at Boston Harborfest from 1:00-2:00pm! 

Based in Rochester, New York, this United States Army Reserve ensemble is made up of professional musicians who serve both their communities and their country. Their versatile repertoire features patriotic favorites, concert band classics, contemporary selections, and popular music, offering something for audiences of all ages. 
With powerful brass, woodwind, and percussion sections, the band combines military tradition with outstanding musicianship for an inspiring performance celebrating service, community, and the American spirit.

We're excited to host a variety of musical acts at The People’s Stage at The Steps during Boston Harborfest! After the Kickoff Ceremony, you can check out some of the following acts:

1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m: Colonial Reenactors
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m: Stephanie McKay
4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m: Tenile Ja’Nae

Guests can also enjoy performances from the Berkshire Fife and Drum! The Berkshire Fife & Drum Corps brings the stirring sound of early America to life as part of Boston Harborfest and the 250th Anniversary Celebration. Re-established in 2022 and inspired by the rich tradition of the hundreds of historic fife and drum ensembles that once performed across Berkshire County, this dynamic group combines authentic American fifes and rope-tension drums with an energetic, modern performance style. With martial rhythms, soaring fifes, and the unmistakable pageantry that helped soundtrack the nation’s earliest generations, their performance offers audiences a powerful connection to America’s past while celebrating the enduring spirit of community music-making. Join us for a performance that is equal parts history, celebration, and living tradition as Boston Harborfest commemorates 250 years of the American story.

The Berkshire Fife and Drum 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

The Bridge is a high-energy 5-piece ensemble from Rhode Island, bringing together powerhouse vocals, driving rhythms, and exceptional musicianship. Our guitarist Greg, proudly served in the Rhode Island National Guard as a guitarist with the 88th Army Band. His military service has shaped the discipline, professionalism, and leadership that he brings to every stage and every event. Please welcome Take it to the Bridge!

From Oklahoma roots to stages across the country, our next performer is a Josie Music Award winner, U.S. Army veteran, and the 2024 New England Country Music Awards Country Artist of the Year. Known for authentic heartland country music with an outlaw edge, please welcome Houston Bernard!

Sophisticated, energetic, and impossible to resist, Soul of Boston is the Northeast’s premier party band. Featuring five standout vocalists, an electrifying horn section, and a versatile repertoire spanning club hits, Motown, pop, and rock. This band creates an unforgettable live music experience that keeps guests dancing from the very first song. Are you ready for Soul of Boston?

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.