Fourth of July Events in Massachusetts - Fourth of July, 4th of July, Independence Day, Events, Fireworks, Parades

Fourth of July Events

Massachusetts celebrates July 4th with historic festivals, parades, fireworks

As the capital of the Commonwealth and a centerpiece of Revolutionary history, Boston and its magnificent Harborfest grab a lot of attention when it comes to July 4th revelries. The Harborfest is, indeed, a splendid display over several days, with hundreds of events like historic enactments, live music, food, and the Pops Goes the 4th band concert on the Charles River. But don't be too distracted: Independence Day celebrations in other parts of the state are bounteous. There is a reading of the Declaration of Independence at Old Sturbridge Village; a large palette of activities, including vintage baseball, at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge; the annual barbecue and band festival at the Old Whaling Church on Martha's Vineyard; Summerfest, with live music and whale boat races in New Bedford; as well as parades and fireworks in every part of the state. Notice that some events take place on July 3 through 5.

Barbeque on the Old Whaling Church Lawn
-- Edgartown, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
Celebrate July 4th at the backyard barbecue held on the Dr. Daniel Fisher House Lawn. Bring a blanket and settle in for a meal of backyard barbecue favorites prepared by Fella and Jane Cecilio. The Vineyard Haven Band plays in concert at the Old Whaling Church f before and after the parade. Food and beverages are sold concession style and the concerts are free. Tickets not required. Location: Old Whaling Church Lawn, Main Street. Time: 4-8 p.m. Information: 508-627-4440 or visit www.mvpreservation.org

Boston Harborfest
-- Boston, Massachusetts
June 30, 2009 to July 5, 2009
Festival includes more than 220 events: walking tours, concerts, Revolutionary-era historical reenactments, visits from U.S. and foreign naval ships; harbor cruises; State House tours; guided walking tours of the North End, Boston’s underground and the Harbor Islands; treasure hunt; tour of Coast Guard ships; whale watch and dinner cruises; chowder fest; USS Constitution Turnaround Cruise; Boston Pops concert and fireworks. Location: Various locations around Boston. Time: Various. Information: 617-227-1528 or visit www.bostonharborfest.com. Major events of Harborfest include:
Opening Ceremony on June 30 from noon to 12:30 p.m. at Faneuil Hall;
Children's Day on July 1 at City Hall Plaza, with entertaining and educational activities by the USS Constitution Museum, Historic New England, and the New England Aquarium; juggling and entertainment by Fly by Night; music by Wayne Potash and the Music Fun Band.
Chowderfest on July 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at City Hall Plaza. More than 2000 gallons of New England's signature dish will be ladled out to a crowd of 11,000 enthusiastic chowder-samplers in this fun-filled Boston tradition.
Pops Goes the 4th on July 4 from 8:30 to 11 p.m. at the Hatch Shell on the banks of the Charles River. This free outdoor concert is a musical celebration with performances of patriotic favorites like "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "America." and "Stars and Stripes Forever";
2009 Concert Series with Music in the Marketplace on June 30 at 12:30 p.m. at Faneuil Hall; the Navy Band Northeast on June 30 at 5 p.m. at Faneuil Hall; The BaHa Brothers on July 2 at noon at City Hall Plaza; USAF Afterburner on July 2 at 4:30 at City Hall Plaza; Calley McGrane and the Exiles on July 3 at noon at City Hall Plaza; Party on the Plaza on July 3 at 6 p.m. at City Hall Plaza with Souled Out; the Family Folk Chorale on July 3 at 7 p.m. at Faneuil Hall; Dunlap High School Choir on July 3 at 7 p.m. at Old City Hall; Mad Sweet Pangs on July 4 at 2 p.m. at the City Hall Plaza; Navy Showband Northeast on July 5 at 4 p.m. at Faneuil Hall.

Clambake with Fireworks and Cruise
-- Quincy, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
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. Cost: $99. Information: 617-479-7900.

Edgartown Fireworks
-- Edgartown, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
Come enjoy Martha’s Vineyard’s best July 4th fireworks on the harbor in Edgartown. Bring the family and get there early for a good spot. Fireworks begin at dark. (Rain Date July 5). Location: Memorial Wharf. Time: 9 p.m. Information: 508-939-0199 or visit www.edgartownboardoftrade.com.

Fourth of July Celebration
-- Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
Music by DJ Jimmie Johnson, decorated doll carriage and bike parade at 12:30 pm, food booths, face painting, and inflatable amusements. Location: Dean Park, 803 Main Street. Time: Noon to 4 p.m. Cost: Free event; wristbands or tickets for amusements available at event in picnic grove. Information: 508-841-8503

Fourth of July Celebration
-- Amherst, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
Hours of fun before the fireworks with food, entertainment, hot air balloon rides and much, much more. Location: Fields behind Alumni Stadium at the University of Massachussets. Time: 5-10 p.m. Information: 413-259-3067 www.lsse.org

Fourth of July Parade
-- Edgartown, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
Celebrate the Fourth at Edgartown's traditional July 4th parade--marching bands, floats, old fashioned fun for the whole family. Location: Departs Edgartown school, following Peases' Point Way downtown where it loops around joining Main Street at North Water Street. It then follows Main Street out of town returning to its starting point. Time: Starts at 5 p.m. Information: 508-627-6100 or visit www.edgartown-ma.us/

Fourth of July Parade
-- Chatham, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
This is one of the best parades on Cape Cod and attracts thousands of visitors. See the many floats and bands march down Main Street celebrating the country's independance. Time: (;30-11:30 a.m.

Fourth of July Sand Sculpting Spectacular
-- Salisbury Beach, Massachusetts
July 3, 2009 to July 5, 2009
Celebrate the Fourth of July weekend at the region’s most popular seashore destination and enjoy free activities for families, including sand sculpting demonstrations, live music on a beachfront stage and, of course, fireworks launched from a barge on the ocean on July 4 at 10 p.m. All weekend long, professionals from Fitzy Snowman Sand Sculptors will build whimsical creations from 12 tons of sand and lead activities for kids. Visitors can explore the coastline at the Salisbury Beach State Reservation, play games of skill and luck in an arcade, relax at deck side establishments overlooking the ocean, or enjoy a slice of beach pizza from popular eateries along Broadway. Live music by Fat City Band on July 3, 7-10 p.m. and the Bruce Marshall Group on July 4, 7-10 p.m. At 10 p.m. on July 4, see a sparkling fireworks display launched from a barge over the ocean. Information: 978-462-7274 or visit www.beachfests.org

Independence Day at Top of the Hub
– Boston, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
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. Location: The Prudential Building, 800 Boylston Street. Time: 7-11:30 p.m. Cost: $200 per person (tax and gratuity included). 617-536-1775.

Independence Day Celebrations
-- Sturbridge, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
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 (separate fee). Location: Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Time: 9:30-5 p.m. followed by music, games and fireworks from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Information: 800-733-1830 or visit http://www.osv.org

Independence Day Festival
-- Stockbridge, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
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. Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: Free for adults, with museum admission; youth age 18 and younger, free. Admission: Adults, $15; college students, $10; seniors, $13.50; children under age 18, free with an adult. Information: 413-298-4100 or visit www.nrm.org/

Independence Day Parade
-- Manchester by the Sea, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
This year the parade will have at least nine bands offering a variety of music from bagpipe to Mexican to jazz to steel drums and a lot in between. Location: Parade route starts at the High School, down Vine Street to School Street to Pleasant Street to Pine Street to Central Street to Union Street and ending up at Coach Field Playground. Time: 9 a.m.

July 4th Parade, Concert, and Fireworks
-- Plymouth, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
The Legion Bud Band performance starts at 7 p.m. and ends just before the fireworks begin, at approximately 9:15, with the playing of the 1812 Overture and the firing of the Howitzers on the waterfront facing the harbor. The fireworks will begin between 9:15 and 9:30 p.m. The fireworks are lit off on a barge in Plymouth Harbor and can be seen from many vantage points around town. Information: 508- 746-6181.

New Bedford Summerfest
-- New Bedford, Massachusetts
July 3, 2009 to July 5, 2009
The New Bedford Summerfest is three days of folk music, original crafts, and local food. The kick-off concert on July 3 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. will singer Maria Muldaur and the Red Hot Bluesania Band with singers Ellis Paul and Peter Mulvey. The festival continues Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day with well-known national and international artists, including the Jonathan Edwards Trio, Richard Shindell, John Gorka, the Lovell Sisters, Red Molly, Harry Manx and Tom Erickson. Summerfest also offers an artisan’s marketplace, juried crafts, international bazaar showcasing a diverse selection of imported goods, variety of delectable food vendors, whale boat races and harbor tours. Location : Custom House Square. Information: 508-979-1745 or visit www.newbedfordsummerfest.com

Pepperell Fourth of July
-- Pepperell, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
Parade at 12:30 p.m.; Rockin Rib Fest at the Community Center fields; fireworks at dusk. Location: Parade starts at Pepperell Town Hall, travels on Main Street East around the rotary, follows Hollis Street North past town field, turns left onto and marching up Tucker Avenue, and ends at the large parking lot between Nissitissit Middle School and the field where the fireworks are displayed. Information; www.pepperell4thofjuly.org

Picnic in the Park
– Concord, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
A program of favorite patriotic tunes by this 50-year-old concert band. Location: Emerson Field, Stow Street. The concert will be in the Concord Armory if it rains. Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with band performance at 3 p.m. Information: www.concordband.org/

Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade
-- Pittsfield, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
Called one of the ten best Fourth of July parades in the country by USA Today, Pittsfield’s annual Independence Day parade is legendary for its outstanding musical acts, balloons and floats and its hometown feel. Location: Downtown Pittsfield beginning at Park Square and ending at Wahconah Park Time: 10 a.m. Information: www.pittsfieldparade.com

Pops Goes the 4th
-- Boston, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
Free outdoor concert in the Hatch Shell aside the Charles River is a glittering, unforgettable Independence Day tradition. This Fourth of July musical celebration includes performances of patriotic favorites like "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "America," and "Stars and Stripes Forever"; thunderous rendition of Tchaikovsky''s "1812 Overture" followed by fireworks display over Charles River. Location: Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade. Time: 8:30-11 p.m. Information: 888-484-7677 or visit www.July4th.org.

Red, White and Blue at Garden in the Woods
– Framingham, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
It's a patriotic bouquet at Garden in the Woods. See Monarda didyma, Campanula rotundifolia, Hydrangea arborescens, and more red, white, and blue native plants in bloom. Take a guided tour Friday at 10 a.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.. Location: 180 Hemenway Road. Information: www.newenglandwild.org/visit/Garden-in-the-Woods

Rockport Independence Day Celebration – Rockport, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
Rockport Firemen's Parade at 6 p.m., followed by a Legion Band Concert and bonfire on Back Beach at about 8:30 p.m. Location: Downtown Rockport. Cost: Free. Information: 978-283-1601 or visit http://www.rockportusa.com

Sail Plymouth 2009
-- Plymouth, Massachusetts
July 3, 2009 to July 6, 2009
The three-day Sail Plymouth festival will kick off with the Welcome Sail Thursday night as the tall ships Mystic and Peacemaker arrive at Plymouth Harbor and dock by the Mayflower II on State Pier. Events include: daily boat tours, Friday Night Parade of Boats, Blessing of the Fleet, and viewing of July 4th fireworks aboard Mystic. Location: State Pier, Water Street. Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Information: 508-830-1620 or visit www.sailplymouthma.com

Salem Celebrates the Fourth
--Salem, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
Opening ceremonies begin at 7:15 p.m. with a United States Air Force military flyover, followed by a two hour pops concert by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra, a 40 -piece ensemble with vocal soloists performing opera to Broadway favorites. A special intermission show will feature a sneak peek performance by members of the Salem State College Summer Theatre cast of "Footloose." At 9:15 p.m. a magnificent fireworks display is launched from Derby Wharf.
Pre-concert activities begin at 4 p.m. with the opening of Kids' Space, an area filled with music provided by a local disc jockey entertaining youngsters with fun dances, contests and prizes galore. Free children's activities also take place all afternoon, including face painting, games, and crafts. Food vending tents will also open at 4 p.m. At 5 p.m., singer Sandra Lee and her band will be the pre-concert entertainment on the Main Stage.Location: Salem Maritime Historic Site,Derby Wharf, Derby Street. Time: 4 to 10 p.m. Cost: Free. Information: 978-745-9595 ext. 5676 or visit www.salem.com

Star Spangled Springfield
-- Springfield, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
Spirit of Springfield presents a July 4th celebration. Live musical entertainment, food, and fireworks on the Connecticut River. Location: Court Square. Time: 7 p.m. Information: 413-733-3800 or visit http://www.spiritofspringfield.org

Sudbury's Annual Fourth of July Parade
-- Sudbury, Massachusetts
July 4, 2009
All are welcome to come and watch one of the area’s best parades! (With a zip code like 1776, Sudbury's patriotic spirit is one to be reckoned with...) The parade forms on Union Avenue between Station Road and Codjer Lane. Step off time is 1 p.m.