Celebrate America's 250th Birthday in Massachusetts
Where America Began. Where America Comes to Celebrate.
On July 4, 2026, America turns 250, and there’s no better place to celebrate than in Massachusetts, the birthplace of the American Revolution and the first state to officially celebrate Independence Day.
From the iconic Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular to hometown parades, waterfront festivals, Revolutionary reenactments, concerts, and fireworks displays, communities across the state are coming together for a once-in-a-generation celebration.
Whether you’re visiting from across the world or exploring your own neighborhood, Massachusetts invites you to experience America’s birthday where its story began.
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Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
BSO | Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
Boston, July 4
The official Massachusetts 250 Signature Event takes place on Boston’s Charles River Esplanade.
Hosted by Jane Lynch and led by Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Orchestra, this free celebration features performances by:
- Lainey Wilson
- Chance the Rapper
- Trombone Shorty
- Megan Hilty
- Regie Gibson
- Boston Children’s Chorus
The evening concludes with one of America’s most iconic fireworks displays to music by John Williams, enhanced by a state-of-the-art drone show synchronized to the 1812 Overture.
CNN’s Anderson Cooper and Pamela Brown will broadcast live from Boston as millions tune in to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday.
Join America's 250th Block Party
Boston is one of five official host cities participating in America250’s nationwide Block Party initiative, joining communities across the country in creating the largest synchronized Fourth of July celebration in American history.
As part of America’s Block Party, Boston will host citywide Boston 250 programming, including the annual July 4th Parade, Reading of the Declaration of Independence, Oration at Faneuil Hall, the turning around of the USS Constitution, neighborhood celebrations, public art installations, and special activations throughout the city.
Communities across the country will gather on July 3 and 4 for neighborhood celebrations, live music, civic engagement, and charitable giving through the national “Giving 4th” campaign. Residents can participate by attending local events, hosting their own gatherings, or joining the nationwide celebration through the official America250 app.
Greater Boston
Boston Harborfest | America’s Finest Fourth of July Festival
Boston Harborfest (July 2 – 4)
One of the nation’s largest Independence Day festivals, Harborfest features historical reenactments, harbor activities, live music, family programming, and celebrations throughout downtown Boston and the waterfront.
Sudbury Fourth of July Parade (July 4)
The MetroWest tradition returns with the theme “We the People,” commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
North of Boston
Gloucester Harbor Celebration (July 3)
Live music, waterfront activities, and fireworks over Gloucester Harbor on July 3.
Salem Celebrates the Fourth (July 4)
Salem Maritime National Historic Site hosts family activities, live music, performances by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra, and fireworks over Salem Harbor.
Marblehead Harbor Illumination & Fireworks (July 4)
A beloved North Shore tradition featuring harbor illumination, live festivities, and fireworks over historic Marblehead Harbor.
Wakefield Independence Day Parade (July 4)
One of New England’s oldest and largest July 4th parades, concluding with family festivities near Lake Quannapowitt.
South of Boston
Plymouth Fourth of July Celebration (July 4)
America’s Hometown celebrates with a road race, parade, concerts, family activities, and fireworks over Plymouth Harbor.
Fairhaven’s Revolutionary Fourth of July Parade & Ceremony (July 4)
The annual parade steps off at 9:00 a.m. before proceeding to Fort Phoenix, site of the first naval battle of the American Revolution, for a commemorative ceremony and cannon firing by the Fairhaven Village Militia.
Fall River Waterfront Celebration (July 4)
Food trucks, live entertainment, family activities, and fireworks over the Taunton River from the city’s historic waterfront.
New Bedford Independence Day Celebration (July 4)
Fireworks over New Bedford Harbor accompanied by waterfront festivities and one of the South Coast’s signature summer traditions.
Central Massachusetts
July 4 Family Fest with the WooSox (July 4)
Polar Park hosts family activities, entertainment, music, and fireworks in downtown Worcester.
Fitchburg Civic Days & Fourth of July Parade (July 4)
One of Central Massachusetts’ largest Independence Day traditions featuring a downtown block party, parade, and fireworks celebrating America’s 250th Birthday.
Grafton Fourth of July Parade (July 4)
A longstanding community celebration bringing together residents and visitors alike.
Western Massachusetts
East Longmeadow Fourth of July Celebration (July 3)
A week-long community celebration culminating in a massive parade and fireworks display.
Tanglewood July Fourth Celebration (July 3 – 4)
The Boston Symphony Orchestra’s summer home marks America’s 250th Birthday with special performances and fireworks in Lenox.
United States Semiquincentennial Observance & Celebration, Agawam (July 4)
A once-in-a-lifetime commemoration featuring a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, living history demonstrations, military encampments, musket drills, bell ringing, archaeological activities, and a community picnic.
Star Spangled Springfield (July 4)
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra returns to Riverfront Park for an evening of entertainment, family activities, food vendors, and fireworks over the Connecticut River.
Freedom Rocks! Williamstown Fourth of July Celebration (July 4)
A two-day festival featuring live music, historical demonstrations, family activities, a hometown parade, food, exhibits, and fireworks. Performers include Albert Cummings, James Montgomery, Wanda Houston, and others.
Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade and Car Show (July 4 – 5)
One of the Berkshires’ largest Independence Day traditions featuring bands, floats, community organizations, and patriotic celebrations.
North Adams Fireworks Train (July 4)
A unique Berkshire experience offering rail excursions to a private fireworks viewing location.
Cape Cod & The Islands
Mashpee Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration (June 27)
Family fun begins at 5:00 p.m. at Mashpee Middle High School with live music, train rides, food trucks, and face painting before fireworks begin at dusk.
Sandwich Fourth of July Kickoff Celebration (June 27)
Sandwich launches its 250th Fourth of July season at Henry T. Wing School Fields with a live performance by The Moonlighters beginning at 7:00 p.m., followed by fireworks at dusk.
Chatham Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration (July 2)
Chatham’s annual Fourth of July celebration begins at Veterans Field with family-friendly activities starting at 6:00 p.m., followed by patriotic favorites performed by Dan Clark, the Singing Trooper, at 8:00 p.m. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over Chatham at 9:00 p.m.
Fireworks Over Rock Harbor, Orleans (July 2)
A beloved Cape Cod tradition returning to Rock Harbor on July 2.
Falmouth Fireworks (July 4)
One of New England’s most iconic Independence Day traditions, featuring a spectacular fireworks display over Vineyard Sound at Falmouth Heights Beach.
Hyannis Fourth of July Celebration (July 4)
Featuring the People’s Procession, harbor festivities, family activities, live entertainment, and Cape Cod Baseball League games.
Provincetown Parade & Fireworks (July 4)
A vibrant community celebration with a parade through town and fireworks over Provincetown Harbor.
Edgartown Fourth of July Parade & Harbor Fireworks (July 4)
A quintessential Martha’s Vineyard celebration featuring a downtown parade, community events, concerts, and fireworks over Edgartown Harbor.
Oak Bluffs Children’s Parade (July 4)
A family-friendly Vineyard tradition celebrating Independence Day.
Nantucket Fourth of July Celebration (July 4)
Featuring the Firecracker 5K, children’s events, Main Street festivities, live music, and fireworks over Jetties Beach.
July 4th is just the beginning.
Throughout the summer, Massachusetts 250 will feature hundreds of events, exhibitions, tours, performances, and experiences that explore the people, places, and ideas that shaped our nation.
Discover untold stories. Explore historic sites. Experience world-class culture. Celebrate in every corner of the Commonwealth.
