2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. While every Fourth of July is a special event, this year is extra festive across Massachusetts! Communities across Massachusetts always are in the spirit of America and offer an array of events to commemorate the holiday, from fireworks displays to historical reenactments. This guide highlights a short list of things to ensure a memorable Fourth of July experience in Massachusetts.
For even more ways to celebrate the Fourth and get into the spirit of the 250th, check out the event lineup on Massachusetts 250.
Greater Boston
Light Up the Night: Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
Join the iconic Boston Pops Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on the Charles River Esplanade for a night of patriotic music and dazzling fireworks. The extra special 250th celebration event features conductor Keith Lockhart and special guests Grammy-winning country music superstar Lainey Wilson, three-time Grammy winner Chance The Rapper, and Grammy-winning NOLA icon Trombone Shorty. Gates open at noon, the concert begins at 7:00 p.m., and fireworks light up the sky around 9:40 p.m. If you can’t join the spectacular in Boston, tune in at home on CNN and on Greater Boston’s WHDH-Channel 7.
Other Fourth Fun: Boston Harborfest
Experience one of the nation’s largest Independence Day festivals from July 2–4. Harborfest includes historical reenactments, live music, parades, and a fireworks display over Boston Harbor on July 2.
North of Boston
Light Up the Night: Marblehead Fireworks and Harbor Illumination
Celebrate Independence Day with one of the most picturesque seaside displays in Massachusetts. On July 4, Marblehead lights up its historic harbor with fireworks accompanied by the magical “Harbor Illumination,” where flares are set off along the coastline.
Other Fourth Fun: Wakefield Independence Day July 4th Parade
Wakefield’s Fourth of July parade is one of the biggest in New England and has been happening for over a century! The two-mile route ends on the shores of Lake Quannapowitt with a family-friendly fireworks display.
South of Boston
Light Up the Night: 250 Years of Freedom and Beyond
On July 4, you’ll find a full day of festivities in Plymouth including 5K road race, parade, and concerts. The day ends with a dazzling fireworks display.
Other Fourth Fun: Fairhaven’s Revolutionary Fourth of July Parade & Ceremony
Celebrate Fairhaven’s Revolutionary legacy with a festive Fourth of July parade at 9:00 a.m. followed by commemorative ceremony, complete with canon firing from the Fairhaven Village Militia.
Central Massachusetts
Light Up the Night: July 4 Family Fest with the Woo Sox
While this Polar Park event wraps up with a glorious fireworks display, you’ll find an afternoon and evening of fun for all ages in Worcester. Beside fireworks, enjoy a live performance from the Worcester Symphony Orchestra and a screening of the popular movie, Field of Dreams along with an array of family activities.
Other Fourth Fun: Templeton July 4 Celebration
The Templeton Cultural Council is hosting the annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Templeton Common. From noon – 4:00 p.m. the celebration will also include music, a colonial re-enactor, a genealogist from the Daughters of the American Revolution, raffle, and a parade of decorated doll carriages, bicycles and senior walkers. Don’t miss the ice cream social and a visit to the Narragansett Historical Society.
Western Massachusetts
Light Up the Night: East Longmeadow Fireworks
East Longmeadow hosts nearly a week of festive and fun events leading up to the fireworks on the Fourth at East Longmeadow High School. Don’t miss out on the carnival and massive parade filled with marching bands, floats, veterans’ groups, and community spirit. It’s a cornerstone of Independence Day in Western Massachusetts.
Other Fourth Fun: Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade
Don’t miss one of the biggest Fourth of July events in the Berkshires – the Pittsfield Fourth of July Hometown Parade. The parade, complete with bands, music, floats, and huge balloons steps off at 10:00 a.m.
Cape Cod & the Islands
Light Up the Night: Fireworks Over Rock Harbor
On July 2, head to Rock Harbor in Orleans at dusk for the annual fireworks show – a Cape Cod classic!
Other Fourth Fun: Cape Cod Baseball League Games
Celebrate America’s pastime on July 4 with free games across the Cape. Teams like Cotuit, Falmouth, and Yarmouth-Dennis take the field, offering classic summer fun rooted in local tradition.
Discover More with Massachusetts 250
As Massachusetts commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Massachusetts 250 initiative offers a wealth of patriotic events and resources. From reenactments and lectures to parades and walking tours, the state is honoring its revolutionary legacy with year-round celebrations.
Find your Revolutionary event on the Massachusetts 250 Event Calendar.
Plan Your Independence Day
There’s no better place to celebrate the Fourth of July than Massachusetts. Embrace the spirit of independence and enjoy time with family and friends all summer long in Massachusetts.
