Press Release  Governor Healey Highlights July 4th Celebrations Taking Place Across Massachusetts

Boston — Governor Maura Healey is encouraging residents and visitors to celebrate America’s 250th birthday across Massachusetts, unveiling a statewide guide to Independence Day events, parades, festivals, and fireworks taking place from Cape Cod to the Berkshires. 

As the birthplace of the American Revolution and the first state to officially celebrate Independence Day, Massachusetts will play a central role in the nation's Semiquincentennial commemoration. Communities across the state are hosting events that honor the country's history while showcasing the people, places and traditions that continue to shape Massachusetts today. 

The guide, available on Massachusetts250.org, provides information on signature events, regional celebrations, transportation resources, and opportunities to experience America's 250th Birthday throughout Massachusetts. 

"There is no better place to celebrate America's 250th Birthday than Massachusetts, where the ideas that shaped our nation first took root," said Governor Maura Healey. "Whether you're watching fireworks on the Esplanade, attending a hometown parade or gathering with family and friends in your community, this is a chance to celebrate our history, reflect on our shared values and support the local businesses, organizations and volunteers who make these celebrations possible." 

“America's 250th Birthday is a reminder that our greatest achievements have always come when people come together around a common purpose," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "The ideas that launched a nation spread from town to town, neighbor to neighbor, through conversation, collaboration, and a belief that ordinary people could shape an extraordinary future. This anniversary is an opportunity to reconnect with one another, celebrate our shared story, and carry that spirit forward for the next generation.” 

"Massachusetts has always been a place where big ideas become lasting impact," said Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley. "As we welcome visitors from around the country and around the world, we have an opportunity to showcase not only where America began, but where the future is being built. The impressions formed this summer can become tomorrow's investments, partnerships, jobs, and opportunities, creating benefits that extend far beyond this historic anniversary." 

"For 250 years, the spirit of America has been defined by the same qualities that continue to make Massachusetts special: innovation, resilience, creativity, and a willingness to bring people together," said Kate Fox, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. "This summer, every corner of the Commonwealth will offer opportunities to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories as we welcome visitors from near and far to experience America's birthday where its story began." 

"For 250 years, Boston has stood at the center of our nation’s story, and this July Fourth we’re proud to welcome people from around the world to celebrate where that story began,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As we honor the courage and determination that shaped our country, we also celebrate the strong, diverse communities that make Boston the city we are today. We look forward to marking this historic milestone together in every neighborhood." 

Massachusetts 250 Signature Event 

The 2026 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Charles River Esplanade will serve as the official Massachusetts 250 signature event. Hosted by Jane Lynch, the free concert will feature Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops alongside special guest artists Lainey Wilson, Chance The Rapper, Trombone Shorty, and Megan Hilty.  

The evening will also include a choreographed, state-of-the-art drone and one of the nation's most iconic fireworks displays. The nationally televised event will be broadcast locally by WHDH from 7-9:30 p.m. and featured as part of CNN’s national Independence Day coverage, with CNN's Anderson Cooper and Pamela Brown providing live coverage from the Charles River Esplanade. 

Celebrate Across Massachusetts 

Massachusetts 250 encourages residents and visitors alike to celebrate in communities across the state. Events commemorating America's 250th Birthday and Independence Day weekend include: 

Greater Boston 

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. 

City of Boston Independence Day Parade and Patriotic Exercises (July 4) 

Part of Boston’s ongoing commemoration of the nation’s founding and the city’s pivotal role in the American Revolution, this annual celebration begins with a 9:00 a.m. parade from Copley Square through downtown. The event concludes with a public reading of the Declaration of Independence from the Old State House balcony at 10:15 a.m. and a formal oration at Faneuil Hall at 11:00 a.m.  

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. 

Massachusetts 250 Programming Continues Throughout the Summer 

The July 4th celebration serves as a centerpiece of the broader Massachusetts 250 campaign, a statewide effort commemorating Massachusetts’ role in the American Revolution while highlighting the people, places, and ideas that continue to shape Massachusetts today. 

Throughout the summer, visitors can explore hundreds of events, exhibitions, performances, and experiences taking place across the Commonwealth, including Museums 250 exhibitions, historic site programming, public art installations, community festivals, and storytelling initiatives that elevate both iconic and underrepresented stories from Massachusetts history. 

MOTT recommends planning ahead by arriving early for major events, utilizing public transportation whenever possible, booking accommodations in advance, and reviewing event-specific transportation and safety information before traveling. 

To learn more about America's 250th celebrations in Massachusetts and view the full calendar of events, please visit Massachusetts250.org.

About Massachusetts 250 

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism is commemorating the Commonwealth's role in the American Revolution through the Massachusetts 250 campaign, celebrating 250 years of American independence and the revolutionary spirit that continues to define Massachusetts. The statewide initiative highlights iconic stories, elevates underrepresented voices, and invites residents and visitors alike to explore the places, people, and ideas that shaped the nation and continue to shape its future. 

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism  

Massachusetts is made for nights on the town, days on the trails, and everything in between. The mission of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) is to promote Massachusetts as a four-season leisure and business travel destination for domestic and international travelers and contribute to the state’s economic growth. MOTT offers assistance with itinerary planning, familiarization trips, images, and photographs and offers support in providing information to the travel trade, press, and media. To plan your trip to Massachusetts, please go to visitma.com. 

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