How to Celebrate America 250th Birthday in Massachusetts 

Boston is the place to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America. Learn about the history of America’s independence like never before – discover the stories of hidden heroes, watch live reenactments, honor those who have sacrificed their lives, and celebrate 250 years of revolutionaries who paved the way for our future.  Take a look at this list of some of the best MA250 events that are in the Greater Boston area. We’ve also included a few that are easily accessible by the Commuter Rail and that are an hour or less away by car! Check out <a href="https://massachusetts250.org/events/">the full list</a> of MA250 events across the state. More events will be added throughout the year! by Yelena Nicolle Salvador Greater Boston Area <a href="https://www.thefreedomtrail.org/">The Boston Freedom Trail</a> When: Year-round, special 250th programming all summer Where: Downtown Boston Cost: $Varies   Info: The 2.5-mile red-brick path connecting 16 historic sites, from Boston Common to the Old North Church, Paul Revere House, and Bunker Hill Monument, has <a href="https://www.thefreedomtrail.org/boston-250">special MA250 programming</a> all summer long.  <a href="https://massachusetts250.org/events/list/?tribe-bar-search=The+Road+to+Revolution%3A+Massachusetts+and+the+Independence+Movement">The Road to Revolution: Massachusetts and the Independence Movement</a> When: Ongoing. Now through Wed. 9/2  Where: Downtown  Cost: Free Info: Step inside the Old State House, where protest turned into action, and explore the major Massachusetts events of the first year of the American Revolution. Created in partnership with Revolutionary Spaces and the Massachusetts Historical Society, this exhibit puts you right in the middle of 1775. A natural stop if you're already walking the Freedom Trail. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/1776-declaring-independence-boston-1033874">1776: Declaring Independence Exhibition</a> When: Mondays to Saturdays, starting Fri. 3/6 Where: Back Bay Cost: Free Info: Visit the Massachusetts Historical Society for a special exhibit that features manuscripts, artifacts, and other treasures. Find monumental documents like handwritten copies of the Declaration by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, as well as private letters and diary entries. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/patriots-of-color-exhibition-boston-1036084">Patriots of Color Exhibition</a> When: Tuesdays to Saturdays, starting Thu. 4/23 Where: Back Bay Cost: $10 Info: Check out the Family Heritage Experience at American Ancestors, which is free every Thursday until May 21. There, you can check out the Patriots of Color Exhibition which highlights the stories of Black, Native, and multiracial men and women who helped lead America to independence. <a href="https://massachusetts250.org/events/list/?tribe-bar-search=Handwriting+the+Constitution+and+Declaration+of+Independence">Handwriting the Constitution and Declaration of Independence</a> When: Every first Tuesday of the month, starting Tue. 5/5  Where: Back Bay Cost: FREE Info: Head to the BPL's courtyard and handwrite the Declaration of Independence or the U.S. Constitution yourself. The program is self-paced, so stay for the full session or as long as you'd like. Participants can also transcribe from reproductions of John Adams's personal copy of the Constitution, held by BPL's Special Collections.   <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/ma250-salute-to-service-parade-newton-1037521">Salute to Service Parade</a> When: Sun. 5/17 Where: Newton Cost: Free Info: Cheer on the annual Salute to Service Parade which will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. There will be new floats, special traditions, and other fun surprises for this year’s festivities.  <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/ma250-no-recombination-without-representation-cambridge-1037526">No Recombination Without Representation Show</a> When: Sat. 6/13, Sun. 6/14, &amp; Sun. 6/21 Where: Cambridge Cost: Free Info: 250 years ago, the Cambridge City Council faced a daunting question of who has the power to decide how far scientific discovery can go. Relive the tension, the debate, and more in this live theatrical performance of this hearing that discussed recombinant DNA research. Stay after the show for more conversation about community-centered science! <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-harborfest-2026-celebrating-america-s-250th-boston-1037547">Boston Harborfest 2026</a> When: Thu. 7/2 – Sat. 7/4 Where: Downtown Boston Cost: Free Info: This year's Harborfest is unlike any before. The 44th annual festival falls on America's 250th anniversary, making it the biggest Independence Day celebration the city has seen in a generation. Three days of fireworks, historical reenactors, live music at Christopher Columbus Park and the Greenway, art markets, and free family activities across the waterfront. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-pops-july-4th-fireworks-spectacular-2023-boston-400660">Boston Pops July 4th Fireworks Spectacular</a> When: Sat. 7/4 Where: Charles River Esplanade Cost: Free Info: Massachusetts was the first state to recognize July 4th, which makes it the best place to celebrate where the Revolution began. We know there’s nothing like spending an Independence Day in Boston, but this year will be even bigger. Celebrate Keith Lockhart’s 30+ anniversary as Pops conductor with a spectacular orchestra performance and fireworks extravaganza right on the Esplanade. <a href="https://massachusetts250.org/event/reading-of-the-declaration-of-independence/">Boston Reading of the Declaration of Independence</a> When: Sat. 7/4 Where: Downtown Boston  Cost: Free Info: Every July 4th, the Captain Commanding of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company reads the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Old State House – the same spot where it was first read publicly in Boston in 1776. This year marks the 250th anniversary of that moment.   <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/2026-tall-ships-in-boston-sail-boston-sail250-july-11-16-boston-1033704">Sail Boston 250</a> When: Sat. 7/11 - Wed. 7/15 Where: Boston Harbor Cost: Free Info: Cheer on the Grand Parade of Sail where giant ships will be making their way across the Harbor. Then, stay for the festival where you can enjoy public ship boarding, two fireworks shows, and a street parade for everyone to enjoy. There’s nothing like seeing the Harbor full of tall ships – check out and board a slice of history.  <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/ma250-boston-tea-party-special-anniversary-walking-tour-boston-1037524">Boston Tea Party Special Anniversary Walking Tour</a> When: Wed. 12/16 Where: North End &amp; Downtown Cost: $39 Info: Relive the pivotal moments of the Boston Tea Party with a special anniversary walking tour. Join Hub Town Tours as you wander along the Freedom Trail from Downtown to the North End, while learning new facts about the key revolutionary moment in history. See the full list of MA250 events <a href="https://massachusetts250.org/events/">here</a>.  Outside the city <a href="https://massachusetts250.org/events/list/?tribe-bar-search=Yankee+Ingenuity">Yankee Ingenuity at Old Sturbridge Village</a> When: Weekends throughout May Where: Sturbridge  Cost: Included with general admission Info: Old Sturbridge Village kicks off its MA250 programming with a month of weekend events celebrating New England's role in American innovation. Local makers, small businesses, and historical interpreters come together around four themes: Eat, Move, Play, Work. A great full-day trip outside the city. <a href="https://massachusetts250.org/events/list/?tribe-bar-search=Calling+All+Kids%2C+Patriots+and+Sailors">Calling All Kids, Patriots and Sailors: Revolutionary Summer Saturdays</a> When: Every Saturday through September, starting Sat. 5/2  Where: Newburyport  Cost: Free Info: Every Saturday all summer long, the Custom House Maritime Museum hosts free indoor and outdoor kids' programming centered on the Revolution. Fifteen new hands-on activities, plus the popular Discovery Center experience extended onto the lawn.   🚊 MBTA Commuter Rail accessible: Take the Newburyport/Rockport Line from North Station to Newburyport. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/second-annual-paul-revere-s-bike-ride-concord-1037552">Paul Revere Bike Ride </a> When: Sat. 5/16  Where: Concord  Cost: FREE to watch, $75 to register as a rider   Info: Two great reasons to make the trip to Concord this spring. Attend the community Patriots' Day celebration on April 20, then return in May for the second annual Paul Revere bike ride retracing his legendary midnight route. 🚊 MBTA Commuter Rail accessible: Take the Fitchburg Line from North Station to Concord. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/ma250-harbor-of-courage-fairhaven-1037520">Harbor of Courage</a> When: Sat. 5/16 - Sun. 5/17 Where: Fairhaven Cost: Free Info: Just an hour outside of the city, Fort Phoenix rests on the waterfront where you can watch a Revolutionary War encampment showcasing. There will be food trucks for savory bites and sweet treats as you watch demos, a cannon fire and a 10-gun salute, and other surprises.  <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/ma250-deborah-sampson-day-at-the-eustis-estate-milton-1037522">Deborah Sampson Day at the Eustis Estate</a> When: Sat. 5/23 Where: Milton Cost: Free Info: Pack a picnic and bring your family to the Eustis Estate in Milton for some neighborly lawn games and an immersive performance. Learn about Deborah Sampson, a woman who disguised herself to join the Continental Army, and enjoy a Q&amp;A after the show to learn more. 🚊 MBTA Commuter Rail accessible: Take the Fairmount Line from South Station to Readville, then a short ride share to the estate.  <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/ma250-revolution-250-salem-tour-salem-1037525">Revolution 250 Salem Tour</a> When: Sat. 6/13 Where: Salem Cost: $28 Info: Hop on the Commuter Rail and head to Salem for a different history lesson. While this city is known for the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, it also played an important role in the American Revolution. The shot heard round the world almost happened here, and legal Pirates in Salem were the most successful against the British. Take this walking tour and uncover new stories about the Revolution. 🚊 MBTA Commuter Rail accessible: Take the Newburyport/Rockport Line from North Station to Salem. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/47th-annual-old-newbury-garden-tour-newburyport-1037523">47th Annual Old Newbury Garden Tour</a> When: Sat. 6/13 - Sun. 6/14 Where: Newburyport Cost: $40 Info: Make your way to Newburyport for specialty garden tours that honor 250 Years of Growth. Learn about the history of American gardens — this event is perfect for garden designers, horticulturists, and nature lovers! Come explore the best of urban pocket gardens and formal landscapes. 🚊 MBTA Commuter Rail accessible: Take the Newburyport/Rockport Line from North Station to Newburyport. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/battle-of-gloucester-reenactment-gloucester-1037550">Battle of Gloucester Reenactment</a> When: Sat. 6/20 - Sun. 6/21 Where: Gloucester  Cost: FREE Info: Over 500 reenactors recreate the Battle of Gloucester on land and sea across two days at Stage Fort Park. This will be one of the biggest reenactment events in Massachusetts this year. A morning naval battle, an afternoon land battle, a colonial marketplace, and a Revolutionary War encampment fill the grounds all day.  🚊 MBTA Commuter Rail accessible: Take the Newburyport/Rockport Line from North Station to Gloucester. A shuttle runs from the station to Stage Fort Park.  See the full list of MA250 events <a href="https://massachusetts250.org/events/">here</a>.

Boston

Francesca

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

Where

How to Celebrate America 250th Birthday in Massachusetts

Website

Where?