Update: Tropical Storm Arthur has caused the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular to be rescheduled from July 4 to Thursday, July 3. For more information, click here.
July 4th is creeping up fast, and thanks to today’s World Cup game and Independence Day on Friday, this work week hardly feels grueling. The best way to celebrate America’s birthday, we say? With bar crawls and drink specials to last you through a long weekend, hello. Why don’t we throw in some free duck boat rides while we’re at it? Just don’t forget to make it to Friday’s night fireworks.
Boston Harborfest
Multiple locations; July 2 through 6
Boston’s Fourth of July Festival kicks off on Wednesday, July 2 and lasts through the weekend with plenty of patriotic events to attend. Perfect for history buffs, the festival includes free tours, discussions, the flag raising ceremony and parade, dinner and fireworks cruises and much more. Mayor Walsh will be kicking off the 33rd Harborfest on Wednesday at 2 p.m.; learn more about the festival here.
Free Boston Duck Tours
Boston Duck Tours; July 3 through 5
Yoplait Greek is in town to celebrate the Fourth with Boston by offering up free duck boat tours Thursday through Saturday this week. Head to one of the Boston Duck Tour ticket stations at the Prudential Center, Museum of Science or New England Aquarium to grab free tickets, which will be given on a first come, first served basis with more tickets released each day, and you’ll get free samples of Yoplait Greek as well.
Red White and Brew Bash
Howl at the Moon; July 3, 4 p.m.
Ring in Independence Day with a night of Dueling Pianos and $20 86 oz. Bomb Pop buckets. It’s not explicitly disclosed as to what a Bomb Pop bucket contains, but if it’s Fourth of July Eve and you’re feeling lucky, we say go for it. There will also be $6 Sam Adams and $8 Washington Apple shots for sale. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the party lasts through the night.
Fourth of July Eve Bar Crawl
Faneuil Hall; July 3, 5 p.m.
Why hit up one bar when you could go to seven in one night? This bar crawl kicks off the festivities early with a Thursday night bar crawl through Faneuil Hall hosted by Boston VIP List. Check in is at 5 p.m. at Stadium, and then the crowd will travel to local spots like Wild Rover, The Place, Durgin-Park and The Hideout. Remember to wear your stars and stripes. Tickets are $10.
July 3rd Fireworks Cruise
Odyssey Cruises; July 3, 7 p.m.
Embark on the Boston Harbor before America’s birthday for a romantic night on the Odyssey’s Fireworks Cruise. You’ll be treated to dinner, drinks, dancing, live music and a fireworks show over the water. Tickets start at $114.90 per person, and the boat begins boarding at 7 p.m.
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular Preview
DCR Memorial Hatch Shell; July 3, 7:30 p.m.
If you’re of the type who just can’t muster up the energy to fight for a spot on the Esplanade for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Fourth of July, you don’t have to miss the show entirely. The rehearsal will take place Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. and the event is free and open to the public to come and watch the Beach Boys and more performers go through dress rehearsal. It will be the entire show, minus the fireworks.
Third Annual Samuel Adams Independence Bash
Ned Devine’s; July 3, 9 p.m.
Sam Adams and Traveler Beer Co. will be taking over Ned Devine’s Thursday night with limited edition brews, prizes and giveaways to help your ring in the Fourth. There will also be live music by the Beat Drops, and no cover charge at the door.
Fourth of July Bar Crawl
Faneuil Hall; July 4, 12 p.m.
Continue the party you started on Thursday night with Boston VIP List and join them on their Fourth of July Bar Crawl, which will kick off from Stadium at noon and last through the night, and get in on the drink and food specials at each bar. Tickets are $10, or if you want to go to both bar crawls, a two-day pass is $15.
Waterfront Independence Bash
Pier 6; July 4, 12 p.m.
Pier 6 in Charlestown will be opening their patio earlier to kick off their Independence Bash on the waterfront, and you’ll even get a front row seat to watch the USS Constitution make its annual turn around the Boston Harbor. If the weather hold up, the fireworks will also be visible from the rooftop patio. Drink and food specials will be served all day.
Fourth of July Fireworks Pre-Mixer: Red, White and You
Moksa/Naga; July 4, 4 to 8:30 p.m.
Get the party started before the fireworks with the city’s largest July 4th mixer at Moksa/Club Naga in Central Square. The party will last from 4 to 8:30 p.m., when the whole gathering will head down to the river to catch the fireworks at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door and include appetizers, three raffle tickets and glow sticks.
Fourth of July at the Hyatt Regency
Hyatt Regency Cambridge; 5 to 10 p.m.
This hotel overlooking the Charles River is throwing an Independence Day party that will give you front row seats to the fireworks. Their July 4th barbecue will kick off at 5 p.m. on the Zephyr lawn space with summer cocktails, hot dogs and hamburgers, an ice cream and pie bar and snow cones, as well as lawn games. At 7 p.m., the party will head up to the Charles View Ballroom on the sixteenth floor for a great view of the fireworks show. Tickets are $43, and half price for kids.
Parvenu at W Boston
W Hotel Boston Lounge; July 5, 10 p.m.
Keep the celebrations going through the weekend at the W Hotel’s party on Saturday night. DJ duo Parvenu will be providing the music, and there’s no cover charge: All you have to do is RSVP on Facebook or via email by July 3.
Image via Shutterstock
