Fourth of July weekend in Boston starts right now, with plenty of events to celebrate America’s 246 years as an independent country. Those celebrations include parades, ceremonies, family-friendly festivals + summertime soirees.

Here’s an overview of the next few days…

Weather:

Sat: 83° | ⛈️ | 60% chance of rain
Sun: 84° | ⛅️ | 10% chance of rain
Mon: 83° | ⛅️ | 20% chance of rain

Things to do:

🇺🇸 City of Boston Annual Parade | Mon., July 4 | 9-10 a.m. | Free | As part of the HarborFest celebrations, the parade will step off from City Hall Plaza and pass the Granary Burial Ground to the Old State House (where there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence).

🇺🇸 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular | Mon., July 4 | 8 p.m. | Hatch Memorial Shell, Charles River Esplanade | Free | Boston Symphony Orchestra conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops return for the first time in three years with guest artists Chaka Khan + Heather Headley. Pro tip: avoid the hassle of road closures and take the Green Line to Arlington, Copley, or Hynes Convention Center.
🇺🇸 USS Constitution Museum and Ship | Mon., July 4 | 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. | Charlestown Navy Yard | The ship will conduct a 21-gun salute toward Fort Independence around 11:30 a.m. (which you can also view on Facebook) + visitors can come aboard from 3-6 p.m. to speak with the active duty US Navy sailors.
🇺🇸 “Independence Day” Screening | Mon., July 4 | 7 p.m. | Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline | $13+ | Stay cool this holiday and catch the film starring Will Smith + Jeff Goldblum.

If you’d rather focus on the fireworks, check out this list of all the displays scheduled around Massachusetts.

Plus, we’ve got a reader recommendation from Mark L: “Best way to see the fireworks: rent a kayak at Paddle Boston. It's festive, fun, and a great way to avoid the crowds!”