The reading of “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” is July 4 at 1:30 pm at the Steps at Downtown Crossing, One Franklin St., Boston. Find more information here. Walk the Freedom Trail. Immerse yourself in America’s fight for independence by embarking on a tour of the Freedom Trail, led by guides dressed in 18th-century costumes. The 2024 edition of Boston Harborfest – the country’s largest and Boston’s most expansive July Fourth celebration – runs July 1 through 4 with events stretching from Downtown Crossing to the North End and from the Boston Common to Boston Harbor. Fourth of July celebrations are set to kick off around Boston this Thursday and Friday: Here’s what to expect. From June 30 to July 4, Boston will party like it’s 1776 as celebrations and activities stretch from the Boston Common to the harbor. Mayor Michelle Wu will deliver help kick off the week-long celebration with a ceremony at the Steps at the Downtown Crossing Friday at noon. Hundreds of activities throughout Independence Day weekend kick off with the annual opening ceremony in Downtown Crossing on July 2. July 7: The Steps At Downtown Crossing, 12-2 pm: Amy Kucharik & Friends w/ Benefits. July 8 : 125 Summer Street Plaza, 12-2 pm: Henry Acker Duo . July 9 : The Steps At Downtown Crossing, 12-2 pm; 3-5 pm: Irish Sesuin Day with Ceol Amuigh ; 125 Summer Street Plaza, 12-2 pm: Josiah Reibstein ; 133 Federal Street Plaza, 12-2 pm: Zol Zayn Klezmer With hundreds of activities over Independence Day week at Boston’s most iconic historic landmarks, this family-friendly event is one of the country’s largest Fourth of July festivals. Activities include the annual opening ceremony in Downtown Crossing, historical reenactments, live musical entertainment, fireworks, and much more! On July 4, cheer on USS CONSTITUTION’s Independence Day underway and celebrate the Military community. Constitution will cruise through Boston Harbor and pass Fort Independence in South Boston at 11:30 AM for a 21-gun salute! The opening ceremony takes place at the Downtown Crossing at 12 pm on July 1st and will include a roving reenactment from the USS Constitution and the Massachusetts 215th Army Band performance. Boston officials will cut the cake to mark the beginning of the whirlwind of celebration. It all kicks off with the annual opening ceremony in Downtown Crossing on July 2 and continues through July 4 with historical reenactments, State House tours, Macy’s Great American fashion show Check out Boston’s best July 4th events to celebrate Independence Day in 2025! From Harborfest’s historic charm to the iconic Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, these 8 must-do activities offer a chill holiday in the city for all to enjoy. The 2024 edition of Boston Harborfest – the country’s largest and Boston’s most expansive July Fourth celebration – runs July 1 through 4 with events stretching from Downtown Crossing to the North End and from the Boston Common to Boston Harbor. The Downtown Boston Business Improvement District (Downtown Boston BID) is a co-sponsor of The fun starts June 30 at 11:30 a.m. at Downtown Crossing with roving historical reenactors, the Massachusetts 215th Army Band, “ceremonial cake-cutting,” giveaways, puppets, live tunes The Boston Women’s Market brings together 20 local women-owned businesses for a vibrant artisan showcase in Downtown Crossing. Visitors can stroll through Summer Street and shop a variety of one-of-a-kind, handmade goods, including home decor, art, jewelry, and more. Downtown Crossing, Waterfront; Recurring daily; Happening from July 2 - 4, 2025, Harborfest features hundreds of family-friendly activities at Boston’s most iconic landmarks, making it one of the country’s largest Fourth of July celebrations. Activities include the annual opening ceremony in Downtown Crossing, reenactments 📜 Harborfest kicks off July Fourth with the 9am parade from City Hall Plaza to the Old State House, followed by the reading of the Declaration of Independence, 9-10:15am. Three days of celebrations in Boston kick off on Wednesday, culminating with Independence Day celebrations on Friday, July 4. With hundreds of activities over Independence Day week at Boston’s most iconic historic landmarks, this family-friendly event is one of the country’s largest Fourth of July festivals. Activities include the annual opening ceremony in Downtown Crossing, historical reenactments, arts market, Chowderfest, live musical entertainment, fireworks, and much more!
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