Light the grill! America’s birthday – a.k.a. the Fourth of July holiday weekend – is finally upon us. From the Fourth of July fireworks show to celebratory patio parties, we recommend heading to a few of these exciting events happening around town this weekend.
Friday
First Fridays Party in the ICA – 5 to 10 p.m. – ICA – This Fourth of July inspired First Friday event will feature live music from Motown-influenced singer-songwriter Ruby Rose Fox. This month’s specialty cocktail includes the Star-Spangled Sparkler. DJ YVNG PAVL, founder of CLLCTV BOSTON, will also be onsite. Ticket price varies.
Red, White & Brew Bash – 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. – Howl at the Moon – Come by Howl at the Moon on July 3 to kick off the national birthday weekend with a bang. Guests can expect dancing, drinks, fun games, and prizes. Admission is free.
MFA First Fridays – 6:30 to 9 p.m. – MFA – MFA First Fridays is on the first Friday of each month. The events feature fine art, music, cash bars featuring signature cocktails, and delicious tapas available for purchase. Ticket price varies.
Boston Harbor Fireworks Cruise and Dance Party – July 3 to July 4 – Massachusetts Bay Line Vessels – Join Massachusetts Bay Lines Vessels for a Star Spangled Dance and Fireworks Cruise of Boston Harbor. This three-hour cruise comes with a DJ for dancing, and a cash bar. During this colorful cruise, you will get a great unobstructed view of the Winthrop fireworks and a view of the Boston fireworks. Tickets are $38.50.
Boston Pops July 4th Concert and Fireworks – July 3 to July 4 – Admission is free – The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is known as the premier Independence Day celebration in the nation. On July 3, there will be a concert but no fireworks. The Gates open at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 8:30 p.m. On July 4, the gates will open at 9 a.m., the fireworks kick off at 10:30 p.m. Admission is free.
4th Annual Sam Adams Independence Bash – 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. – Ned Devine’s – The Fourth of July party kicks off with a Tap Takeover featuring Specialty Craft Brews & Sam Classics, giveaways, live music by Under the Covers, and more. Admission is free until 10 p.m. After that admission is $10.
Saturday
Sweet Cheeks Q Fourth of July – 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Sweet Cheek Q – This July 4th, enjoy traditional American barbecue at “Top Chef” star Tiffani Faison’s restaurant Sweet Cheeks Q. The restaurant will be serving up classic Independence Day favorites all day. In addition to the full BBQ menu perfect for a holiday celebration, Sweet Cheeks Q is offering a Roasted Stone Fruit and Corn Salad, a Raw Bar in the Garden, and a homemade Maine Blueberry Pie sure to win the crowd.
Boston Harbor Cruises & USS Constitution Museum Salute to Freedom Lunch Cruise – Noon to 2:30 p.m. – Boston Harbor Cruises – Boston Harbor Cruises, in partnership with the USS Constitution Museum, invites you to set sail for an afternoon of sites, history and celebration on their Salute to Freedom Lunch Cruise. Tickets are $69.95.
An All American Celebration – 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. – Beat Brasserie – This July 4th, Beat Brasserie in Harvard Square will open its doors to celebrate freedom the true American way with cuisine, libations and live entertainment all night long. The menu will include All-American dishes and American crafted spirits and artisanal wines. Admission is free.
Cinquecento Hosts Fourth of July Celebration at The Rosso Patio Bar – 4 to 10 p.m. – Cinquecento – The award-winning Roman Trattoria, Cinquecento, is hosting the ultimate Independence Day celebration at Rosso Patio Bar, the brand new shipping container outdoor bar. The event will include bocce ball tournaments, seafood specials and free-flowing wine. Admission is free.
Red, White and Ewe – 5 to 8 p.m. – The Liberty Hotel – The Liberty Hotel is hosting a patriotic feast of American lamb prior to the fireworks show. The event will take place in The Yard, The Liberty’s private outdoor courtyard and will include live music from Conscious Reggae Band. The menu will include Lamb Shawarma, a Lamb Burger and more. Tickets are $30.
July 4 SAILabration Fundraiser for the Junior and Universal Access Program – 5:30 to 11 p.m. – Community Boating – The event includes a summer cookout, ice cold beverages, family fun, and an awesome waterfront view of the fireworks. Tickets are $120.
#LesterBangsPresents DJs on D: Major Dundee – 7 to 10 p.m. – The Lawn on D – Saturday nights at The Lawn on D will feature local DJs, musicians, and music industry luminaries paying tribute to their favorite artists and musical moments in time. This July 4, #LesterBangsPresents will highlight soul, r&b, punk, big beat, rock, and all things Lester Bangs approved. Admission is free.
July 4 Party Cruise with James Montgomery Band – 7 to 11 p.m. – Beauport Princess Cruise Ship, Cruiseport Gloucester – Dance with blues icon James Montgomery and his rockin’ band to celebrate our independence on his July 4th Party Cruise. Your ticket includes the first appearance by legendary blues man James Montgomery aboard the Beauport Princess Cruise Ship plus a very special July 4th Gloucester Harbor Cruise and Party Buffet. Ticket price varies.
4th of July Fireworks Cruise on Yacht Beacon – 8:15 to 11:15 p.m. – Classic Harbor Line – Celebrate our nation’s independence aboard Beacon for the best fireworks spectacular in New England. Listen to the Boston Pops from the ship’s comfortable wrap-around seating or watch the fireworks from the open bow or aft deck. Sandwiches, pasta salad, fruit platter, and dessert are included with your ticket purchase. Tickets are $225.
Saturday Sidewalk BBQ – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Formaggio Kitchen in Cambridge – This weekend, Formaggio Kitchen is hosting a special July 4th edition of its Saturday Sidewalk BBQ with plenty of barbecue for the taking. Call the Cambridge shop at 617-354-4750 for more details. Prices vary.
Davio’s Boston Clambake Special – July 4 – Davio’s Boston – The Back Bay restaurant is hosting a special Fourth of July Clambake special this holiday weekend. The New England clambake special includes 1.25-pound lobster, Steamers, Corn on the cob, Sweet sausage and potatoes and Lemon tarte or Strawberry shortcake. The special costs $45.
Party on the Drive” BBQ Spectacular – 5 to 10 p.m. – Zephyr on the Charles Lawn, Hyatt Regency Cambridge – This Fourth of July, Hyatt Regency Cambridge’s front lawn, on Memorial Drive, will be open for drinks, BBQ and fun—for those looking to spend the day or for those heading to see the fireworks. Party on the Drive features $20 all-you-can-eat all-American fare, summer-inspired drinks, craft beers and cocktails. Food is $20.
Sunday
Seaport Festival featuring Smokin’ Joe and the Henchmen – 3 to 5 p.m. – Piers Park – Kick off the hot summer with our Seaport Festival, full of fun, games, and music for all ages, featuring East Boston legend, Smokin’ Joe and the Henchmen. Admission is free.
Summer Harbor Jam with Eric Paslay – 3 to 11 p.m. – Seaport World Trade Center – Country 102.5 & Six String Country Music brings New England’s premier country music boat cruise concert series. This year’s “Summer Harbor Jam” features the best up and coming acts in country live on the open water. Tickets are $40.
Oysters and Craft Brews Cruise – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Karma Crew Yacht Charters, Dock at Portside at East Pier – Slurp fresh New England oysters and sip on local craft beers as you take in the sights of Boston Harbor on this sunset cruise from Karma Crew Yacht Charters. This cruise will be done retro-style, on a 1948 vintage motor yacht. East Boston Oysters will be shucking fresh oysters and there will be a selection of craft brews from Jacks Abby and Dogfish Head, samples of which are included in your admission. Tickets are $55.
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