Along with Thanksgiving, July 4 is a holiday Americans can claim all to themselves. There’s no shortage of fun, family oriented things to do in Massachusetts this July 4th.
GREATER BOSTON | NORTH OF BOSTON | SOUTH OF BOSTON | CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS | CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS | WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
Greater Boston
USS Constitution: 21-gun Salute
On July 3, cheer on USS Constitution’s Independence Day underway and celebrate our Military Community at the free Huzzah! Salute to Service Block Party! Constitution will depart Charlestown Navy Yard, cruise through Boston Harbor, and pass Fort Independence in South Boston at 11:30 a.m. for a 21-gun salute! Welcome the ship back to the Navy Yard, and enjoy live music, lawn games, USS Constitution-themed mini-golf, special service projects to honor our military, and much more!
July 3, 4 – 8 p.m.
Castle Island, South Boston
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
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.
July 4, 10 a.m.
Old State House, 206 Washington St., Boston
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
The Boston Pops July 4th Spectacular is slated to take place at the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Esplanade starting at 8:00pm. Keith Lockhart will lead a program featuring the Boston Pops orchestra with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and R&B/soul singer Darlene Love, along with headliner Broadway star Kelli O’Hara (“The King and I”, “Kiss Me Kate”), and the Americana group The Mavericks. Special guests also include the Singing Sergeants from the United States Air Force Band.
The concert ends at 10:30 p.m. with a fireworks display from 10:30 – 11 p.m. (subject to change).
July 4, 8 – 11 p.m.
DCR Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston
Cape & Islands
Orleans 4th of July Fireworks
If you can’t make it to Rock Harbor to view these fireworks, you also have a great vantage point from Skaket Beach. Note: The sunset just prior will be as awe-inspiring as the fireworks display.
July 2, Dusk
Rock Harbor, Orleans
Nantucket Celebrates the Fourth of July
On Thursday, July 4th, the Town of Nantucket will offer activities all day long to celebrate the nation’s Independence Day. Locations include the Main Street area, Children’s Beach, and Jetties Beach.
July 4
Various times and locations across Nantucket
Children’s 4th of July Parade
Parade flows down Clinton Ave. and around Trinity Circle, ending by the MVCMA Cottage Museum where a treat will be waiting! All are welcome. Line up on West Clinton Avenue at 9:45 a.m. with decorated bikes, scooters, and strollers! Parade is at 10 a.m.
July 4, 10 – 11 a.m.
Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard
Downtown Hyannis Fourth of July Celebration
Downtown Hyannis will offer lively music on Main Street and at the Hyannis Village Green Bandstand. There is something for everyone to enjoy and admission is FREE! The street will be open to traffic and regular parking. Pop-up musical performances and deejays will be stationed in locations along Hyannis Main Street during dinner hours. A variety of musical genres will be featured with live performances by local musicians, deejays and community groups.
July 4, 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Downtown Hyannis
Falmouth 4th of July Fireworks
Rated one of the most spectacular displays in the country, this patriotic extravaganza kicks off at dusk over Falmouth Heights Beach. Bring a portable radio and tune in to PIXY 103 (102.9 FM) for a music show that accompanies the fireworks.
July 4, Dusk
Falmouth
Provincetown 4th of July Fireworks
The July 4th revelry in Provincetown culminates in this crowd-pleasing display at dusk. Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch offers an annual fireworks whale watch cruise, where your prime viewing of breaching humpbacks is also a front seat to the fireworks over the harbor.
July 4, Dusk
MacMillan Pier, Provincetown
Fourth of July Fireworks
Fireworks show starts at dusk at approximately 9 p.m. on the harbor. Early for a good viewing spot.
July 4, 9 p.m.
Edgartown
Central Massachusetts
Downtown Block Party
The city’s biggest annual gathering celebrates civic pride and attracts visitors from throughout the region. Enjoy a diverse range of food vendors, an assortment of fun activities, and a great mixture of live entertainment. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Fitchburg! Along Main Street in Fitchburg.
July 3, 4 – 10 p.m.
Main Street, Fitchburg
July 4, 10 a.m.
Upper Common, Fitchburg
Independence Celebration
Join Old Sturbridge Village in celebration of Independence Day! Experience fife and drum music, cannon demonstrations, games, a parade, and more. Hear special readings of poetry and the Declaration of Independence. Join in a game of base ball, or watch a toy hot air balloon take flight. Marvel at the work of our skilled artisans and tradespeople, meet and greet sheep, chickens, cattle, and pigs, and learn about life in early 19th-century rural New England.
July 4 – 7
Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd. Sturbridge
North of Boston
Salem Celebrates the Fourth
Free concerts, fireworks, and other festivities take place on historic Derby Wharf starting with live entertainment.
July 4, 12 – 9:30 p.m.
Derby Wharf, Salem
Chelmsford 4th of July Parade
Please join us for our Annual 4th of July Parade! This parade starts at Mccarthy Middle School and ends in the Chelmsford Center of town. Expect live bands, performers, dancers, characters, antique cars and more! There are events the night before on the 3rd and the 4th! Concerts, fairs and art festivals. Come join!
July 4, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Chelmsford
Acton’s Independence Day Celebration – 2024
This is a free event (donations are very much appreciated). Parking will be off various parking lots along Nagog Park Drive where free shuttle buses will bring guests to and from the NARA starting at 5:30 p.m. until the end of the event. There will be a variety of food vendors. A free concert featuring the Nation’s #1 Cars Tribute Band – Best Friends Girl from 7-9:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Please follow yellow directional signs to parking areas.
July 4, 7 – 10 p.m.
NARA Park, Acton
South of Boston
Franklin Fourth of July Celebration
Daily concerts, food booths, and carnival, plus an all day Blues Festival that will end with fireworks on July 6. See website for daily concert schedule. Concerts are free!
July 3 – 6
Franklin Town Common
4th of July Laser Show
A modern show to start our next century.
July 4, 8:30 – 10 p.m.
Holliston High School
Western Massachusetts
Hampton Ponds Association July 4th Parade
4th of July Parade featuring, Sarah the Fiddler, floats, di gnitaries, kids on bikes, cool vehicles, music and the famous “barrel train”.
July 4, 10 – 11 a.m.
Hampton Ponds Plaza North Rd, Rte 202, Westfield
The Shelburne Falls Military Band Concert – Independence Day Parade
All concerts are FREE to the public! Bring a lawn chair and some spare change for refreshments. They also perform at various events throughout the summer.
July 4, 12 p.m.
Shelburne Falls
4th of July Firework North Adams
Fireworks are an integral part of America’s Fourth of July celebrations all over the country, and our local show in North Adams is one of the most prestigious in Western Massachusetts. Our celebration draws thousands of viewers from the Capital region of New York State, Southern Vermont, and Berkshire County. For an evening of all-American fun, grab some tickets to the annual 4th of July Steeple Cats game, and stick around for the fireworks, which start immediately afterward, at approximately 9:30 p.m.
July 4, 9:30 p.m.
North Adams
Williamstown 4th of July Parade and Celebration
Celebrate July 4th with Williamstown’s Annual Hometown Parade. Stick around for a whole day of events culminating in a fireworks display at night!
July 4 , 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Williamstown
Fireworks Train
Skip the traffic jams & parking issues and take the train! Depart from Adams and travel in air-conditioned comfort for arrival in North Adams shortly before the anticipated start of the fireworks. Our reserved location for viewing will be just a few steps from the train. Bring your own snacks and beverages.
July 4, 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Adams