Things to do in Boston for July 4 weekend 2024

Things to Do

BosTen is your weekly guide to the best events and coolest things to do in Boston.

Welcome to BosTen, your weekly guide to the coolest events and best things to do in Boston this weekend. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter here. Have an idea about what we should cover? Leave us a comment on this article or in the BosTen Facebook group, or email us at [email protected].

Catch a fireworks show in a town near you

Don’t want to make the trek into the city for the 2024 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on Thursday? You’ll likely be able to catch a great pyrotechnics display in a town near you, with more than 100 Fourth of July fireworks shows in Massachusetts scheduled to take place between now and July 13. Fireworks fanatics can find a show pretty much every night of the week starting on Wednesday, including Worcester (July 3), Lowell (July 4), Lexington (July 5), and North Andover (July 6). For a comprehensive list of town-by-town info (and the latest information in case of rain delays), check out our full list of 2024 July 4 fireworks shows in Massachusetts. (Now through July 13 at various locations; free) — Kevin Slane

Watch ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ at JFK Library

Before being elected President, John F. Kennedy was a naval officer who served in World War II. Kennedy and his crew were famously found alive four days after a Japanese destroyer sunk the boat Kennedy commanded, PT-109, near the Solomon Islands. As part of the U.S. Navy’s Boston Navy Week, the JFK Library is hosting several special navy events and windows of free admission throughout the week. One opportunity includes an after-hours event this Wednesday, when the library will open its exhibits and galleries for free from 5-8 p.m. and hosts a free screening of “Top Gun: Maverick” starting at 7 p.m. On Friday, July 5, the museum will offer free admission all day long, along with in-person demonstrations from Navy members and concerts from Navy bands. (Wednesday, July 3 from 5-8 p.m. and Friday, July 5 from 10-5 p.m.; Columbia Point, Boston; free) — Kevin Slane

Catch a special screening of “Jaws”

Fourth of July weekend is the perfect time to revisit “Jaws,” the movie that kickstarted Steven Spielberg’s career, turned Martha’s Vineyard into a giant film set, and made everyone a little more leery of going in the ocean. Generally regarded as the first summer blockbuster, it’s impressive that almost 50 years later, “Jaws” still inspires such terror. Cambridge’s Brattle Theatre will host a combined six 35mm screenings of “Jaws” split between Wednesday and Thursday, with tickets starting at just $12.50 for matinees. (Wednesday, July 3 and Thursday, July 4 at various times; 40 Brattle St., Cambridge; $12.50 and up) — Kevin Slane

Have a shark party at Alamo Drafthouse

The Brattle isn’t your only option for watching “Jaws” on the big screen this weekend. On Thursday, Alamo Drafthouse Boston will host one of its regular movie parties with a special screening of Spielberg’s masterpiece at 5:45 p.m., complete with special “Jaws” props, snacks, and other Alamo movie party hallmarks. (Side note: You can also catch all four “Jaws” movies streaming on Peacock, but that’s not nearly as fun.) (Thursday, July 4 at 5:45 p.m.; 60 Seaport Blvd.; $18) — Kevin Slane

Celebrate independence at Boston Harborfest

There’s no need to limit Fourth of July celebrations to just July 4, which is why Boston Harborfest celebrates our nation’s history with four days of activities each year. Step back in time with reenactments from the 2nd Massachusetts Regiment, take historic tours along the Freedom Trail, and enjoy oysters downtown. Finish the celebration off with a Thursday morning July 4 parade, which includes the traditional reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Old State House. (Now through Thursday, July 4 at various times and locations; free) — Kevin Slane

Celebrate July 4 with the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

The 2024 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular marks the 50th anniversary of the city’s annual Independence Day celebration, which will once again bring the sounds of the Boston Pops to the Esplanade on July 4. As is typically the case, the 2024 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will feature a number of musical guests accompanying conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Orchestra. Among the highlights of this year’s event are a headlining performance from Tony-winning actress Kelli O’Hara, best known for her Broadway roles in “The King and I,” “Days of Wine and Roses,” and “Kiss Me Kate.” The annual concert kicks off at 8 p.m., and the 30-minute fireworks show starts at 10:30 p.m. If you need more info on attending the fireworks in person or what channel you can watch the fireworks on TV, check out our full guide to the 2024 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. (Thursday, July 4 from 8-11 p.m.; Storrow Dr., Boston; free) — Kevin Slane

Visit the annual Chinatown Summer Festival

The annual Chinatown Main Street Festival will be held this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will feature various cultural performances including lion dances, Chinese folk dance, traditional Chinese opera singing, and martial arts demonstrations. There will be even more chances to catch the great beast of fortune, as lion dances also start on the Rose Kennedy Greenway and move through Chinatown on July 13, 20, and 27. (Saturday, July 6 from 10-5:30 p.m.; 34 W Lincoln St., Boston; free) — Cheryl Fenton

Check out the featured exhibit at the MFA

Whether you’re trying to beat the heat or avoid thunderstorms, the Museum of Fine Arts is always a great spot to check out in the summer, especially at a time when other potential visitors are out of town for the weekend. July marks the final month for the MFA’s featured exhibit “Hallyu! The Korean Wave,” which explores the growth of South Korea’s influence on global pop culture over the past decade, from award-winning films and shows like “Parasite” and “Squid Game” to chart-topping K-pop artists like BTS and BLACKPINK. Explore approximately 250 objects — including costumes, photographs, videos and props — that define the rise of hallyu, including a scale-model recreation of the bathroom from “Parasite” and a suit worn by Psy in the music video for global hit “Gangnam Style”. (Now through July 28 at various times; 20 Museum Rd., Boston; $10-27) — Kevin Slane

Explore ‘Ethiopia at the Crossroads’

This Sunday marks your final chance to see the Peabody Essex Museum’s exhibit “Ethiopia at the Crossroads,” which catalogues 2,000 years of the country’s culture history. The Salem museum’s exhibition features more than 200 pieces, including ancient religious icons, coins, metalwork, and carvings that tell the story of an African region that has served as a cultural hub that united the East and West for thousands upon thousands of years. The exhibition also includes contemporary artwork from Ethiopian artists like Julie Mehretu, Aïda Muluneh, and Elias Sime. (Now through Sunday, July 7 from 10-5 p.m.; 161 Essex St., Salem; $15-25) — Kevin Slane

Enjoy a car-free Newbury Street

Boston’s Open Newbury Street initiative, which first began in 2016, has steadily grown in recent years, going from six pedestrian-only days to every single Sunday from now until Labor Day. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Newbury Street will close to vehicle traffic between Massachusetts Avenue and Berkeley Street. The intersections at Berkeley, Clarendon, and Dartmouth will remain open to cars, but the rest will become foot traffic-only along with Newbury Street itself, meaning folks can walk in the street. Businesses are encouraged to activate the space outside their shops too, with tents, music, or expanded outdoor dining. (Sunday, July 7 from 10-8 p.m.; Newbury St., Boston; free)  — Natalie Gale