Boston Harborfest 2013 kicks off tomorrow, a six-day event series that celebrates our historical city’s heritage, patriotism, and of course, July 4th, which, here in Boston, is steeped in centuries-old tradition. The Boston Harborfest has been around for 32 consecutive years now, and has grown into one of the nation’s biggest patriotic celebrations, beginning with a parade and ending in a Chowderfest, with fireworks, family-friendly fun, live music, and more in between.
…A lot more. Over 200 events are happening from Tuesday, July 2, until Sunday, July 7, so it’s impossible to hit them all. (With the expected excess of colonial garb and history lessons, you might not want to hit them all, either.) Here’s a breakdown of the most exciting Boston Harborfest 2013 events that are happening this week – most of them are free or very inexpensive, so don’t hold back.
Opening Ceremony
Tuesday 12-12:30 pm – Faneuil Hall Marketplace (West End)
The kick off will celebrate 32 years of the HarborFest at Faneuil Hall, complete with a cake-cutting (and eating) ceremony and live music. You’ll be right in the heart of downtown, so after that half-hour event, the city is your oyster.
At Home With the Otises
Tuesday 12-4:30 pm; Wednesday 11-4:30 pm – Otis House Museum, 141 Cambridge Street
Yes, it’s a tour, and yes, it will be historical, but a glimpse inside an elegant old mansion right in Boston is well worth it. Plus, it’s off the beaten Freedom Trail path. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for children.
Historic Boston Pubs
Tuesday 5:30-7 pm – ArtsBoston Booth, Faneuil Hall
Meet in Faneuil Hall and – while not officially labeled as such – pub crawl to Boston’s four oldest bars, or “the real headquarters of the American Revolution.” Cheers to that! Tickets are $43, 21+.
Tall Ship Sunset Sail
Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday 6-8 pm – Central Wharf at the New England Aquarium
Forget cruise liners and speedboats – during Boston Harborfest, it’s all about the tall ships. Hop on the antiquated boats in the harbor and view the skylines as the pilgrims (right?) might have seen it (almost). Admission is $19-30.
19th Annual Children’s Day
Wednesday 10 am-3 pm – City Hall Plaza
Family fun, food, festivities, jugglers, face painters, live music (including Wayne Potash and The Music Fun Band), and more. Admission is free – what more could Boston’s kids ask for?
The Town Hall Blues Band
Wednesday 4-7 pm – City Hall Plaza
City Hall Plaza will be transformed into a dance floor as The Town Hall Blues Band provides the evening with a blend of classic and original blues and rock jams. Admission is free.
Flag Raising Ceremony & Parade
Thursday 9-10 am – City Hall Plaza to the Old State House
If you’re an early riser, kick off your July 4th celebrations with a flag raising and a parade. It’s a holiday staple, and the parade stops at the Granary Burial Ground to lay memorial wreaths on Patriots’ graves, something you don’t see everyday. Admission is free.
Patriotic Concert
Thursday, 2-4 pm – City Hall Plaza
If you haven’t gotten enough live music in the shadow of City Hall, head out on Thursday afternoon for a “rousing patriotic concert” on the plaza. The details are vague, but it’s sure to be rousing.
Clambake on Spectacle Island
Thursday and Friday 6-9 pm – Spectacle Island
Enjoy a classic New England clambake away from the city and on the oasis that is Spectacle Island. Brought to you by Summer Shack, you’ll enjoy lobster, clams, and the like out in the sun. Tickets are $75-80. Reservations required, sign up here.
Fourth of July Concert on the Esplanade
Thursday 7:30-10 pm – the Hatchshell
Naturally. It wouldn’t be a July 4th in Boston without the Boston POPS, the fireworks, the crowds, the traffic- whatever; it’s America’s birthday! Complete lineup and details here.
Friday Concerts at City Hall
Friday 12-3 and 4-7 pm – City Hall Plaza
GUY will be performing at City Hall Plaza from 12 to 3, followed by the Down City Band. Admission is free.
Party on the Plaza with Primal Funk
Saturday 6-9:30 pm – City Hall Plaza
Primal Funk will be bringing an eclectic mix of soul, funk, and R&B to the plaza. Admission is free; rain date is July 7.
32nd Annual Chowderfest
Sunday 11 am-6 pm – City Hall Plaza
Sample different New England chowders from your favorite restaurants, and then vote for your favorite. Admission is $8-12.
Of course, this is just a glimpse of what’s to come during Harborfest. Check the complete listing of events here.
