Fourth of July is a fantastic time to get outside and enjoy your locale. Whether it be with the kids, the dogs, or a cooler of drinks and a barbecue, the metro-Boston area has it all.
Boston
This year's Spectacular keeps alive several of the Boston holiday traditions including the Pops' now classic Independence Day rendition of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture," which features real cannons and the live ringing of area church bells.
And, of course, The Spectacular will be capped off by a magnificent fireworks array that fills the skies above Boston with a stunning exhibition of color and breathtaking pageantry. It is best to arrive early (before noon) if you wish to find a good place to sit.
July 3rd
- 7:30PM Dress Rehearsal Concert begins
- 9:00PM Concert ends
July 4th
- 6:00PM Local Radio broadcast begins (WBZ AM 1030)
- 7:00PM Local TV broadcast begins (WBZ-TV)
- 7:30PM Concert begins
- Grammy award winner Susan Tedeschi
- Singer/songwriter Howie Day
- Ayla Brown
- Ellis Hall
- 9:30PM Fireworks begin
- 10:00PM Concert & Fireworks finish
Where to Watch the Boston Fireworks
- Harvard, Longfellow, or BU Bridges
- Grassy lawn in front of MIT on the Cambridge side of the river
- Bunker Hill, Charlestown
- From a harbor cruise like Boston Seaport Boat Charters, Boston Yacht Charters, or Liberty Clippers
- Prospect Hill Monument, Somerville
- Larz Anderson Park, Brookline
Needham - Memorial Park
Fireworks - dusk, July 3rd
- Food stalls
- Pony rides
- Face painting
- Family entertainment
Grand Parade - 9 am, July 4th
- Food stalls
- Flea market
- Old fashioned baseball game
- Children's games
Newton- Albemarle Field, Watertown Street, Route 16
Open Air Market, 1-9 pm
- Handmade and International Crafts
- Food Vendors
- Children's Activities
- Amusement Rides
- Live entertainment in the gazebo featuring performances by:
- 3:30 - 5:30: The Jesse Liam Band
- 5:30 - 6:00: Ballroom in Boston
Music & Dancing with the Bo & Bill Winiker Band - 6-9 pm
- Bring blankets and lawn chairs
- Food vendors
- Crafters
- Novelties
Fantastic Fireworks - 9 pm, by Newton's own Tony Gentile, Maser of Fireworks
Walpole - Near the Walpole Fire Station
Parade - 6 pm
Fair - immediately following parade
Fireworks - 9:30 pm