Start Your Own Revolution!
Head out to the parks this summer and honor the revolution by completing any two of the activities listed and earn a special MA250 sticker and be entered to win a grand prize of a Family 4 pack of ferry tickets to Boston Harbor Islands!
This initiative will be offered throughout 2026 with drawings on held August 2, 2025 and 2026. To redeem your sticker and be entered for the grand prize please complete the Prize Form & Survey.
Did you know? Although the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, it wasn’t until August 2, 1776 that it was engrossed on parchment paper and signed by John Hancock, the President of Congress and other delegates in Philadelphia.
DCR Properties with a Connection to the American Revolution
Across Massachusetts, the American Revolution lives on in the places we still walk, hike, and explore today. From harbor islands and hilltops forts to quiet forests and riverbanks, DCR properties hold powerful stories of resistance, sacrifice, and the ideals that shaped a new nation. This collection of short informative pieces invites you to look beyond famous battlefields and discover how everyday landscapes played a role in the fight for independence and in the challenges that followed. Each site reveals a different chapter of the Revolutionary story, grounded in place and shaped by the people who lived it.
Check out DCR Properties with a Connection to the American Revolution to explore how history and landscape come together and see familiar DCR places in a whole new way.
Upcoming Events
47 David G Mugar Way, Boston, MA 02108
(617) 626-1250
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
Saturday, July 4, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Event Description:
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular returns to the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade for its 52nd year. Led by legendary conductor Keith Lockhart, the Pops concert welcomes three very special guest artists: Grammy-winning country music superstar Lainey Wilson, three-time Grammy winner Chance The Rapper, and Grammy-winning NOLA icon Trombone Shorty, each making their first appearance with the Pops.
With a revolutionary-themed drone show during the performance of the 1812 Overture and a fireworks display choreographed to music by the Pops, the event will showcase Massachusetts’ creativity, collaboration, and community spirit to an in-person audience expected to break attendance records. As the Signature Event of the Commonwealth’s MA250 initiative honoring the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, this year’s free July 4 concert anchors a multi-year, statewide commemoration highlighting Massachusetts’ legacy of leadership and innovation in shaping the nation’s founding and future.
Things to Know Before You Go:
The rehearsal on July 3 is closed to the public. Gates will open to the public at 12 pm (noon) on July 4. Alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis are prohibited on the Esplanade per DCR rules. For more information and public safety information including details about when Storrow Drive will be closed to vehicles will be provided by state officials closer to the day of the show and posted on the event website at Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular,
DCR Places to View Fourth of July Fireworks
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) hosts and manages several prime July Fourth fireworks viewing locations across the state. Top spots to watch displays include the Charles River Esplanade for the Boston Pops Spectacular, and DCR Fall River Heritage State Park for the waterfront celebration.
Boston / MetroDCR
- Charles River Esplanade (Hatch Memorial Shell): Located at 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston. This is the Commonwealth's signature site for the Boston Pops and the country's most massive fireworks celebration. Fireworks start at 9:00 PM. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
- Castle Island & Pleasure Bay (South Boston): These locations provide open, uncrowded harbor viewing with direct sightlines across the water.
South Coast & Southeastern MA
- DCR Fall River Heritage State Park: Located at 5 Water Street, Fall River. The waterfront provides prime seating for the city's annual pyrotechnics display over the Taunton River. There will be music and food trucks kicking off the celebration at 5:00 PM at Heritage State Park. The fireworks over the Taunton River will begin at 9:00 PM. 2025 Fall River Fourth of July Waterfront Celebration
- DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park: Located at 79 Water Street in Plymouth. The Plymouth Philharmonic concert will begin at 7:30 PM at the amphitheater in the south section of the park. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 PM. July 4th Plymouth schedule of events
North Shore
- Salisbury Beach State Reservation: located at 154 Beach Rd, Salisbury. This beachfront location offers excellent views of the oceanfront fireworks in the area. The Liberty by the Sea: Salisbury Beach 4th of July Fireworks Show starts at 10:15 PM. Liberty by the Sea: Salisbury Beach 4th of July Fireworks Show
- Lynn Shore & Nahant Beach Reservation: located at1 Nahant Road, Nahant. This is a great location to view the July 3rd fireworks. The main fireworks display launches from a barge off the shoreline at 9:00 PM. The closing of Lynn Shore Drive and surrounding streets will begin at 6 PM and remain closed until after the show. Parking restrictions go into effect at 3 PM.
1 Jackson Street, Lawrence, MA 01840
Tel: (978) 794-1655
Celebrating MA250 Through Patriotic Memorabilia
Daily in June & July from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Community Gallery, Visitor Center, third floor
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with local historian Tom Spitalere’s collection of patriotic memorabilia from the 1976 bicentennial in the Community Gallery during June and July.
Fall River Heritage State Park
100 Davol Street, Fall River, MA 02720
Tel: 508-675-5759 Ext 0 or 774-438-7905
Road to Revolution: The Boston Tea Party
Daily in June, July, & August from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Community Gallery, Visitor Center
The Boston Tea Party was a pivotal moment in the American Revolution and inspired protests in societies around the world. This exhibit, a MA250 event, tells the backstory of one of the most iconic events in the nation’s history and is derived from records and images from the State Archives. On loan from the Commonwealth Museum.
Hatch Memorial Shell Charles River Esplanade
47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston
(617) 626-1250
Free Friday Flick: Hamilton: An American Musical
Friday, July 10, movie starts at dusk
Experience an unforgettable evening of history, music, and community at the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade. As part of DCR’s MA250 commemoration, join us for a special outdoor screening of Hamilton: An American Musical, where the story of the American Revolution comes alive through powerful performances and unforgettable songs.
As the sun sets and the city skyline begins to glow, settle in under the open sky with a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy this inspiring film in one of Boston’s most iconic waterfront settings. Surrounded by the gentle flow of the Charles River and the energy of a shared experience, this is a perfect way to connect the past while celebrating together in the present. The movie begins at dusk – come early to find your spot and be part of this memorable evening! Rain cancels.
2010 Day Blvd., Boston, MA 02127
(857) 702-3884
Boston Parade of Sail
Saturday, July 11th, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Event Description:
Boston’s maritime history stretches from the American Revolution to today. In 2026, as the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, Boston will welcome a fleet of international tall ships and military vessels for Sail Boston® 2026 as part of Sail250®. This historic gathering will bring crews and cadets from around the world to Boston Harbor, offering visitors opportunities to experience maritime history, educational programming, and cultural exchange. There will be over 50 ships participating. The fleet will glide through the harbor, led by the historic USS Constitution. The ships will parade into the harbor, turn at Charlestown, and proceed to their berths, passing by Castle Island on their way. Please visit Sail Boston for more information.
Things to Know Before You Go:
Castle Island will operate as an enhanced security area with visitor screening prior to entry. Prohibited items include backpacks, other large bags, coolers on wheels, firearms, weapons, sharp objects, fireworks, pop-up tents or canopies, glad containers, pre-mixed beverages, alcoholic beverages, wagons or pull carts, drones, pets (excluding certified service animals), grills, propane tanks or open flames, bicycles and electric scooters. Please stay hydrated, follow sun safety guidelines, and be aware of street closures.
More information
