With many stunning firework shows on the waterfront, Massachusetts is an excellent place for Fourth of July family vacation. The Boston Pops show, Boston Harborfest and hundreds of more festivals, historic reenactments, concerts, art shows, and races take place all over Massachusetts on the 4th of July Weekend.
4th of July Celebrations in Boston | Boston Pops July 4th (July 4, 2024)
Boston has a rich heritage, which is reflected in huge Independence Day celebrations. The most awaited event is undoubtedly Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, one of the best in the country. The Boston Pops Orchestra, based in Boston, plays patriotic, light classical, and popular music. Other performers include stars like Leslie Odom Jr., Melissa Etheridge, and Andy Grammar. An impressive concert is followed by a 20-minute pyrotechnic show. The concert starts at 8 pm, and a fireworks display runs from 10:30 to 11 pm. On July 4th, Boston also hosts the Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Old State House at 10 am and The City of Boston's Official Independence Day Commemoration with Flag Raising Ceremony & Parade, starting on City Hall Plaza at 9 am. The parade ends at the Granary Burial Ground, where wreaths are laid.
Boston Harborfest (July 1–4, 2024)
The mayor of Boston officially opens Boston Harborfest. The main highlight of the festivities is the 6 pm concert at Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, followed by Boston Harborfest Fireworks at 9:15 pm on July 2nd. The festival also includes historical reenactments and live music. At noon on July 1st, roving reenactors from the USS Constitution engage with visitors, while the Massachusetts 215th Army Band plays patriotic tunes in Downtown Crossing. Boston Harborfest festivities run for four days.
4th of July in Provincetown (July 4, 2024)
Provincetown hosts Independence Week festivities, which culminate on the Fourth with a parade, beginning at 11 am near the Harbor Hotel. The parade participants, marching along Commercial and Franklin Streets, will receive awards on Most Patriotic, Best in Parade, Best Musical, Children’s, and Adult Floats. After dark, fireworks light up the Provincetown Harbor. Bayside beaches and MacMillan Pier are excellent places to watch the firecrackers light up the night sky.
4th of July Celebrations in Salem (July 4)
Historic Salem starts celebrating with a 9 am reading of the Declaration of Independence at Salem Commons. Further celebrations include kids' activities and attractions at the Maritime National Historic Site and other Salem's numerous historical sites. Live entertainment at the Main Stage, set at Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby Wharf, runs from 5 to 10 pm. The whole city gathers at Derby Wharf for an evening concert by the 42-piece Hillyer Festival Orchestra and the annual fireworks over Salem Harbor, which start at 9:15 pm.
July 4th Plymouth (July 4, 2024)
Plymouth has a different theme for 4th of July festivities every year. In 2024 the theme is "You're a grand old flag." The celebration usually features a parade, a 5K run, and a fireworks show. The parade starts at 9 am at Cordage Park. The Philharmonic Concert continues the festivities at DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park at 7:30 pm. The spectacular fireworks show over the waterfront ends the day at 9:15 pm. In addition DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park, other good spots to see the fireworks include Burial Hill, Stephens Field, and Nelson Park.
Martha's Vineyard Parade and Fireworks (July 4, 2024)
Martha's Vineyard is a beautiful getaway for Independence Day weekend. Edgartown hosts an impressive 4th of July parade and spectacular fireworks show over the historical Edgartown Lighthouse and harbor. The parade starts at 5 pm, followed by the fireworks at dusk. For the best views, head out to Lighthouse Beach or rent a boat and watch the amazing reflections all around you.
Wakefield Independence Day Parade (July 4, 2024)
The town of Wakefield holds the annual 4th of July Parade, which begins at the Lakeside Office Park at 5 pm. The second-largest New England parade travels down North Avenue, turns left onto Church Street, then right onto Common Street, and then heads straight to Main Street. The reviewing stand is located at the Americal Civic Center on Main Street. After the parade finishes at the Galvin Middle School, you can join enjoy various family-friendly activities and carnival rides. Fireworks illuminate the skies at dusk.
Wilmington Fun on the Fourth (July 2024)
Wilmington has an annual Fun on the Fourth festival that runs for four days from Thursday through Sunday and includes lots of live entertainment, a carnival with cushing amusements, an antique car show, and food court. There is also a Firecracker 5K Race and a spectacular fireworks display for the whole family to enjoy. Additionally, the program of events is jam-packed with diverse competitions, from blueberry pie eating contests and backyard BBQ games to ladies' 2-mile walk and cornhole tournaments.
Fourth of July in Barnstable (July 4)
Cape Cod is very festive on Fourth of July with parties and fireworks all around the coast. Downtown Barnstable has a massive annual parade at 9 am, which includes large floats, motorcycles, marching bands, dogs, bikes, and more. The parade starts on Railroad Avenue and ends at Village Hollow.
Bridgewater Arts and Music Festival | Parade and Fireworks (July 4)
Bridgewater holds the Bridgewater Arts and Music Festival on July 4th, starting at 10 am. It is located on the scenic grounds of Bridgewater State University. The festival features lots of art demonstrations and vendors, live music, dance, delicious food, children's events like face painting, circle drumming, train rides, petting zoo, puppets, sand art and field games. There is also a parade and firework show to cheer the crowds.
Natick 4th (July 4)
Natick has an annual Fourth of July celebration featuring a pancake breakfast from 7 am to noon at the First Congregational Church. Simultaneously, the annual 4th of July parade begins at 9 am at Wilson Middle School and travels down Route 27.
Worcester Independence Day Fireworks (June 28, 2024)
Worcester holds festivities at East Park (Cristoforo Colombo Park) on Shrewsbury Street in the afternoon. There is Kids Korner and food vendors. A flag-raising ceremony at 7:40 pm is followed by the concert of Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra or other classical music. A fantastic fireworks display is launched at 9:30 pm. The rain date for fireworks is June 29th.
4th of July Celebrations in Amherst (July 2024)
Amherst has an elaborate program to celebrate Fourth of July that includes a pie-eating contest, hot air balloon rides, and lots of kids' activities like face painting, clowns, bounce houses, a carnival with rides, raffles, and climbing walls. The day ends with a fireworks display.
Pittsfield 4th of July Parade (July 4, 2024)
Pittsfield's 4th of July celebration features the annual Parade, which starts at the intersection of South and East/West Housantonic Streets, then heads north up South Street, and ends at Wahconah Park. The procession heads out at 10 am. The staging is usually set on West Housatonic Street from Center Street to South Street, Bartlett Avenue, Broad Street, Taconic Street, and Pomeroy Avenue. The parade is followed by a show featuring drum corps and other performers at Wahconah Park. The local baseball team The Pittsfield Suns start the game at 7 pm, and the night ends with a fireworks display. Parking is available at Fenn & First St. lot, Eagle Street lot, McKay Street lot, and Summer Street lot.
