16 Things to Do in Boston This Week · July 2–5, 2026

Festivals & Special Events

Boston Pops July 4th Fireworks Spectacular

Maestro Keith Lockhart leads a free outdoor concert and spectacular fireworks display on the Esplanade for the Fourth of July.

Saturday, July 4, 2026 · Hatch Shell Esplanade, Boston

The MBA Tour Boston

Meet admissions directors from the world's top business schools, get insider application advice, and connect with ambitious professionals — free to attend with drinks and snacks included.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 5:00 PM · Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center, 415 Summer Street, Boston

Free Events

2026 Boston Harborfest Fireworks: America 250 Edition

Celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks show over the harbor as part of the America 250 commemorations.

Friday, July 3, 2026 9:00 PM · Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, Boston

Outdoors & Active

Innovation Trail Walking Tour (Special Boston Harborfest Edition)

A special Harborfest edition of the Downtown Boston Alliance's Innovation Trail walking tour through historic downtown streets.

Thursday, July 2, 2026 4:00 PM · Downtown Boston

Community Boating's July 4th Sailabration

Celebrate the Fourth of July on the docks of Community Boating with sailboat access and harbor views away from the Esplanade crowds.

Saturday, July 4, 2026 · Community Boating, Boston

Independence Day Road Race Boston

A July 4th road race starting at Fort Independence — a festive community run to kick off the holiday morning.

Saturday, July 4, 2026 7:30 AM · Fort Independence, Boston

Backyard Run Club x NOBULL

A special edition of Backyard's community run club in partnership with NOBULL, featuring an exclusive first look at new gear — all levels welcome.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 8:00 AM · Backyard Boston, 5 Necco Street, Boston

Arts & Culture

A Resistance History of the United States

Public historian Tad Stoermer joins Harvard's Vincent Brown and other scholars at the Old North Church for a panel discussion on resistance in U.S. history, tied to his new book release.

Thursday, July 2, 2026 6:30 PM · Old North Church, Boston

Writing a Revolution: The Letters of John & Abigail Adams

A special Harborfest evening event at the Boston Tea Party Museum exploring the iconic letters between John and Abigail Adams from 1773–1776.

Thursday, July 2, 2026 7:00 PM · Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum, 306 Congress St, Boston

JAWS at Brattle Theatre

The classic Spielberg shark thriller gets a big-screen revival at the beloved Brattle Theatre for the Fourth of July weekend.

Friday, July 3, 2026 · Brattle Theatre, Cambridge

The Moth StorySLAM: REVENGE

The beloved true-story competition night returns to WBUR CitySpace with the theme REVENGE — come ready to tell or just to listen.

Tuesday, July 7, 2026 · WBUR CitySpace, Boston

Music & Nightlife

Will & The Way at Boston Harbor Hotel

Live outdoor waterfront music continues at the Boston Harbor Hotel's free Summer in the City concert series, tonight featuring Will & The Way.

Thursday, July 2, 2026 6:00 PM · Boston Harbor Hotel, Downtown Boston

Tiny Desk Contest On The Road Tour

NPR's celebrated Tiny Desk Contest comes to Boston for a live showcase of emerging local and national music talent.

Tuesday, July 7, 2026 · Boston

Maui The Writer: 'For The Lovers'

R&B/soul artist Maui The Writer brings a romantic and intimate live show to City Winery Boston.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 7:30 PM · City Winery, 80 Beverly Street, Boston

Date Night

After 5 Social – Here Comes the Sun on the Greenway!

Boston YPA's monthly after-work social moves to Nightshift on the Greenway for outdoor drinks and new connections along the waterfront.

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 6:00 PM · Nightshift on the Greenway, 600 Atlantic Avenue, Boston

Sports

Team USA Watch Party at SoWa Power Station

Cheer on Team USA at this World Cup watch party at the SoWa Power Station in the South End, with drinks and a lively crowd.

Thursday, July 2, 2026 7:00 PM · SoWa Power Station, South End, Boston