What’s a better place to celebrate America’s independence than Boston?! From music, to fireworks, and more; we encourage you to take advantage of all the Patriotic festivities Beantown has to offer. See our timeline below for everything you need to know for this year’s celebrations.
Set yourself up for a fun, relaxing day and leave the car at home. Catch a C&J bus from Dover, Portsmouth or Newburyport to South Station for an Independence Day you’ll never forget.
C&J will operate holiday schedules on July 3rd and 4th with hourly service to Boston and Logan Airport. See our C&J holiday schedules here.
June 30th
36th Annual Boston Harborfest Celebration
The official start of Independence Day festivities, begins at noon with opening remarks, music from the 215th Army Band, and a special cake cutting in Faneuil Hall. Boston Harborfest celebration continues through July 4, 2017. See the full schedule of events.
July 3rd
Boston Pops Concerts
The Boston Pops Orchestra will hit the stage at the Hatch Shell, on the Esplanade at 8:30 pm for a free event, performing the identical concert which will be played on July 4th minus the fireworks display. Seating is on a first come basis.
Details:
Monday, July 3
Hatch Shell seating opens at 5:00 pm; concert begins at 8:30 pm and ends at 10:00 pm
Where: Hatch Shell, Boston Esplanade
Directions From South Station:
Take the Red Line towards Alewife
Ride for 3 stops till you reach Charles/MGH
Cross the Arthur Fiedler footbridge to the Esplanade.
July 4th
The City of Boston’s Official Independence Day Commemoration – Flag Raising Ceremony & Parade
At 9:00 am there is a flag raising ceremony at City Hall Plaza followed by a parade to the Granary Burial Ground, where wreaths are laid on the graves to honor the patriots. The parade then continues to the Old State House.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Starting at 10:00 am the Declaration of Independence will be read from the balcony of the Old State House just as it was read to Boston residents in 1776.
Boston Pops & Fireworks
Conductor Keith Lockhart leads the Boston Pops at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade. The show will begin at 8:30 pm, and seating for this free event is on a first come basis. Special concert performers include Andy Grammer, Melissa Etheridge, and Leslie Odom, Jr. Immediately following the concert will be a spectacular firework display over the Charles River. The best place for viewing the fireworks is along Memorial Drive on the Cambridge side of the Charles River.
Details:
Tuesday, July 4
Hatch Shell seating opens at 9:00 am; concert begins at 8:30 pm and ends at 9:30 pm
Fireworks to follow from 10:30 pm-11:00 pm
Where: Hatch Shell, Boston Esplanade
Directions From South Station:
Take the Red Line towards Alewife
Ride for 3 stops till you reach Charles/MGH
Cross the Arthur Fiedler footbridge to the Esplanade.
Subway and bus fares will not be collected July 4 from 9:30 pm-2:30 am
More information: Boston Pops and Fireworks
Check out these insider tips— from arrival times to best firework viewing spots, to making the most of your Independence Day Festivities.
Travel with C&J
Whichever Independence Day events you decide to enjoy, let us take you there. Parking in Boston is a nightmare on a good day. We’ll get you to and from South Station in comfort and convenience, and without the stress and hassle of city driving.
Double up on the savings by taking advantage of C&J’s kid’s ride free program.
What are you waiting for?! Book your trip today!
