For those who want to make it more than a one-day affair, Boston Harborfest starts on Wednesday, July 2, and continues through Friday, July 4, ending with the Boston Pops Fireworks. Harborfest features a variety of activities over Independence Day at Boston’s historic landmarks. It is one of the largest events in America, including historical reenactments, an arts market, tours of local landmarks such as the Paul Revere house and the Freedom Trail, live musical entertainment, and more. On Wednesday, July 2, Boston Harborfest hosts its fireworks at Long Wharf starting at 9:15 p.m.

For Red Sox fans, history buffs, or those simply drawn to legendary American sports venues, this classic tour ticks all the boxes. Fenway Park, widely referred to as “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark,” has been the team’s home in the heart of the city since 1912.

Ballpark tours are available daily year-round, with various options including a 60-minute guided tour exploring the park's historic grounds complete with team, ballpark, and player history. The tour even has a “Fenway in Fifteen” experience for fans who want to see the landmark park — but don’t have time for the full hour tour — that includes a visit to the Nation’s Archives at the Royal Rooters Club and the Right Field Roof Deck with a stunning panoramic view of the ballpark and the Boston skyline.

No one wants to deal with parking or driving on a holiday, which is why the complimentary water shuttle, which runs from Long Wharf North to Encore Boston Harbor, might just be the ticket of the summer. Our luxury motor yachts depart day and night, and it is an experience that makes getting to the resort just as fun as being at the resort — plus, it is a great way to reach other events going on in the city during the 4th of July holiday without sitting in traffic. In addition to the Encore Premium Harbor Shuttle, local water taxis and private vessels may use the Encore Boston Harbor boat dock to drop off and pick up visitors. Reservations for short-term dockage are available through Dockwa.

While staying at the Forbes Travel Guide® Five-Star rated Encore Boston Harbor, we recommend guests take in the city’s rich cultural offerings during the 2025 Independence Day celebration. There is no more thoroughly Boston event than the legendary free Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. This takes place on the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade, with performances by LeAnn Rimes, Leslie Odom Jr., and Bell Biv DeVoe. The Boston Children’s Chorus and the US Army Field Band Soldiers’ Chorus also join this lineup of stars. 

The concert begins at 7 p.m., and the fireworks show starts at around 9:40 p.m. The spectacular finale is accompanied by Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, ending with drum rolls and cannon fire as church bells ring throughout the city. The best way to get to the Pops concert and the Boston fireworks show is by public transportation and walking, as parking is very limited in the area, and crowds will be dense.

Celebrate America’s birthday by heading onto the water to toast this historic city. Among the walking tours and Freedom Trail stops, a fleet of boat tours awaits in the harbor. Head to Long Wharf to choose from whale-watching tours and jazz brunch trips for special occasions. On the 4th of July, the USS Constitution will sail through the harbor and stop at Fort Independence for its annual salute, with a public lottery for those interested in climbing aboard.