If you’ve lived in Boston for any length of time, you probably already know about the fourth of July mainstays. They are the concert at the Esplanade and Harborfest, but did you know about these events:
Community Boating Sailabration – Boston, Massachusetts
Enjoy the 4th of July on the docks of Community Boating this year. Avoid the commotion of the masses on the Esplanade, yet preserve the spirit of camaraderie and the sounds of the Boston POPS as you enter our gates. A summer cookout, cold non-alcoholic beverages, and an unobstructed waterfront view of the fireworks, this Independence Day option is by far the best that Boston has to offer.
Clambake with Fireworks and Cruise – Quincy, Massachusetts
USS Salem, based at the United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum in Quincy, presents a clambake dinner and fireworks cruise. Start your evening with a clambake aboard the USS Salem from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Then cruise Boston harbor in a high-speed ferry while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, live music, and fireworks. Information: 617-479-7900.
4th of July Tasting Spectacular @ The Spirited Gourmet – Belmont, Massachusetts
Independence Day at Top of the Hub – Boston, Massachusetts
Top of the Hub at the Prudential Building will present its annual Independence Day gourmet celebration 52 floors above the city. The evening begins on July 4, with a chef’s hors d’oeuvres & cocktail reception from 7 to 8 p.m. A five-course dinner designed by Executive Chef Mark Porcaro follows at 8 p.m. accompanied by a simulcast of the Boston Pops concert, live from the Hatch Shell. The night will be capped with a sky-high view (weather permitting) of the fireworks at 10:30 p.m.
Independence Day Celebrations - Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Celebrate a fabulous Fourth of July the way 1830s New Englanders did in the 1830s, with marching, musket firing, games and gala celebrations, including a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Take part in the citizens parade and practice patriotism, early 19th-century style. In the evening (6-9:30 p.m.) come back for music, mirth, games and a fireworks display to cap the day’s celebrations.
Independence Day Festival – Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Kick off your July 4th celebration at Norman Rockwell Museum. Enjoy a game of catch with the Pittsfield Defenders and Troy, N.Y.-based ValleyCats; play fun, back-to-basics games with Jeanne Bassis; listen to the harmonizing sounds of the Berkshire Hillsmen; view an impressive collection of all-American classic cars from the Piston Poppers; and savor a classic Independence Day barbecue prepared by The Red Lion Inn. Families will also have the opportunity to create their own red, white, and blue Fourth of July art projects inspired by the work of Norman Rockwell. Location: Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Glendale Road /Route 183.














