Weekend Picks – July 4th, 2026 Edition
Happy 250th Birthday, America!
The Fourth of July is on Saturday, and celebrations are taking place all week long! We’ve rounded up everything from fireworks to special events just for you! Happy Birthday, America! And it’s a big one – it’s the 250th Birthday of America! Wow! Check out our roundup here.
Baby, You’re a Firework
On July 2nd, enjoy fireworks along the water via HarborFest around 9:15 p.m. Spots to watch – the Tall Ship, Reel House, Mida and La Tavernetta. Piers Park too!
Turn it around
USS Constitution is scheduled to go underway from Charlestown Navy Yard on July 4th at 10:00 a.m in honor of Independence Day! USS Constitution’s cruise will be viewable from the Boston Harborwalk, Castle Island, and Charlestown Navy Yard. There will fire a 21-gun salute viewable from Fort Independence on Castle Island at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Prepare for your July 4th Get-Together
It’s one-stop shopping at EBO + Co. Grocery! From snacks (including caviar), lobster roll kits, wine, beer, sweets + more, EBO + Co. Grocery has got you covered for your holiday celebrations!
Boston Harborfest
Boston Harborfest, one of the country’s largest Fourth of July festivals, returns to Boston Harbor and Downtown Boston for its Boston250 edition July 2-4. The long-running festival, celebrating Boston’s revolutionary history and its everyday vibrancy, will feature dozens of events and activities, including live entertainment, historical re-enactments, integration with U.S. Navy Week, fireworks, and more. The latest event schedule is now available at www.bostonharborfest.com.
Boston 250
For all you history buffs who want to experience and honor the birthplace of the American Revolution, there’s an event for you! From reenactments to citywide celebrations, MeetBoston has a list of events that you can check out here.
The City of Boston announced Boston 250 Independence Day events, which you can check out here.
Tour250 – Take a Walk Through History: Tour250 Highlights 25 New Boston Neighborhood Markers – Get the details.
Lawn on D Fourth of July Celebration
From 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm on July Fourth, expect specialty drinks, food, music, and a 250 Anniversary menu with select items for just $2.50. At 1 pm, enjoy round 26 streaming of the World Cup at The Grove. Live Music with Sweater Weather 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm, followed by Round of 26 streaming of the World Cup at The Grove at 5:00 pm. You can learn more here.
The Tall Ship is Celebrating on the Fourth
Take a sunrise or sunset kayak tour
What better way to start or end your day than with a guided sunrise or sunset kayak tour of Boston Harbor? The Piers Park Sailing Center offers guided sunrise and sunset tours this weekend! It’s a great way to explore the city from the ocean! You can book the morning session here and the evening one here! Kayaking at Piers Park helps support its public access, youth, and adaptive programs. They are also open for regular public kayaking; you can reserve a time to kayak the Piers Park Cove by booking here.
Enjoy a frozen drink at The Layover
Enjoy tropical drinks at Eastie’s rooftop destination, The Layover atop Cunard Tavern! Sip handcrafted cocktails amid lush greenery, vibrant ambiance, and panoramic views——the ultimate urban escape. Enjoy The Layover’s walk-up window bar offering craft beer, wine by the glass, specialty cocktails, and a rooftop dining menu! Get all the details here!
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
At 8pm on July 4th, the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will take place along the Esplanade, with a concert performance at the Hatch Shell. Hosted by Jane Lynch, the free outdoor event will feature musical performances by Lainey Wilson, Chance The Rapper, and Trombone Shorty, followed by a revolutionary-themed drone show and a massive fireworks display. Read this first!
SPORTS!!:
Red Sox vs. Angels – Friday, July 3rd at 9:38pm, Saturday, July 4th at 9:38pm and Sunday, July 5th at 9:30pm.
World Cup Matches – check out the schedule here.
Here are 7 Places to Watch in the Neighborhood!
Check back as this list may be updated!
Have a fun weekend! Thank you to our Caught in Eastie readers and Neighborhood Partners for supporting our local journalism efforts!
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
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Fourth of July + Boston 250 Celebrations in and around the Neighborhood