Boston Harborfest 2017 Promises Fun For The Whole Family

In a few short days Boston’s population will grow by more than 3 million as people from all over the world gather for Harborfest 2017. The festivities begin on June 30 and culminate on Independence Day with the Boston Pops Concerts and July 4th Fireworks Spectacular.

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Boston Harborfest is the largest Independence Day festival in the United States and 2017 marks its 36th year. The array of events are tailored to celebrate the city’s colonial heritage and maritime history with Revolutionary War reenactments, harbor cruises, walking tours, music and performances along the iconic Freedom Trail.

In total, there are more than 200 scheduled events taking place at Historic Downtown and the Downtown Waterfront, Faneuil Hall, the Charlestown Navy Yard, and Long Wharf. Here are the highlights!

June 30

Main event:  Opening Ceremony, 2017

11am, Faneuil Hall Marketplace – Boston Mayor Marty Walsh will announce the kickoff of the Harborfest 2017 events at Faneuil Hall on the Freedom Trail. The 215th Army Band will play and the Official Boston Harborfest cake will be unveiled.

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A Visit with Paul Revere at Paul Revere House

1pm – 3pm, Bring the kids to meet “Paul Revere” and find out what really happened during his famous Midnight Ride!

 

Beacon Hill Treasures Walking Tour

1pm, 3pm – Join this 1.5 hour walking tour of Boston’s most historic neighborhood. Registration recommended; call 617-994-5920 or register online.

 

Revolutionary King’s Chapel Talks 

10:15am-4:15pm – Stories about key figures and events at pre-revolutionary King’s Chapel on the Freedom Trail – Every half hour from 10:15am – 4:15pm at King’s Chapel.

 

July 1

Arts at Harborfest 

11am-6pm – Local artists display and sell their work under the trellis at Christopher Columbus Park in the North End.

 

Colonialfest!

11am-4pm, Old North Church – Experience Colonial life through authentic hands-on activities such as fife-playing, sewing, chocolate-making, hat-making and quill writing.

Repost from @oldnorth1723! #Tricornehats galore! #Harborfest #Colonialfest @bostonharborfest

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July 2

Boston Harbor Island Events 

On Georges Island from 11am-3pm, Enjoy music by the 215th Army Band’s brass quintet, fife and drummers, pop/rock favorites and more!  On Spectacle Island from 1pm – 4pm, relax to the sounds of jazz by Boston-area ensembles at Jazz on the Porch.  Concerts are free.  More about getting to the Boston Harbor Islands.

#bostonharborfest #bostonharborfest2016 #reenactment #music #marching

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Family Walk: Never Be Bored in Boston

10am-12:45pm, Start at Chinatown Gate and walk along the Greenway and Freedom Trail to the skate park by the Zakim Bridge. Kids will love all the music, costumed actors and themed distractions along the way!

Making kids happy with balloons at #BostonHarborfest!

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July 3

Red, White, and Blue Scavenger Hunt

8am-8pm, Boston Public Market. This event is fun, family-friendly and educational to boot! The scavenger hunt winds through Boston’s locally sourced indoor marketplace.  Also takes place on June 30, July 1, 2, and 4.

 

Boston Pops Concert 

Join the Boston Pops for a night of music under the stars at the famous Hatch Shell on the Esplanade.

Happy 3rd of July! We are counting down the minutes until tonight's concert, are you?

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July 4

Dramatic Reading of the Declaration of Independence

1pm, 3pm, 5pm – A costumed re-enactor reads the document that started it all at Old North Church in the North End.

 

Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks

It’s time for the big finale! Boston’s famous July 4th celebration takes place on the Esplanade with fabulous music and one of the country’s biggest fireworks displays!

The countdown is officially over & it's time to celebrate. Happy Fourth of July to all! #BostonJuly4th

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H/T to Boston Discovery Guide

Featured Image via Facebook/Boston Harborfest

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