Boston’s Harborfest 2010

Bostonians celebrate the Fourth of July in grand style with six days of Harborfest events that take place throughout the city from June 30-July  5. Music, entertainment  and historical reenactments will provide endless entertainment options for visitors and residents all week long.With more than 200 events scheduled during the festival, There really is no better place than Boston to commemorate America’s birthday.

This year, Boston’s Navy Week will run in conjunction with Harborfest. Highlights include the arrival of the amphibious assault ship the USS Whidbey Island at the South Boston Industrial Park and the frigate the USS Hawes at the Charlestown Navy Yard (Map). Both ships will be open to the public with free guided tours throughout the week.

Coming with the family? There will be oodles of free family fun at Children’s Day which takes place on July 1 from 10 AM- 3 PM at City Hall Plaza (Map).

On July 3rd be on the lookout for roving Fife and Drums by the Middlesex County Volunteers all day along the Freedom Trail.  In the evening from 6 PM-9 PM the Party on the Plaza (City Hall Plaza )will feature Disco Inferno spinning your favorite tunes from the 70′s.

The  Fourth of July reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Old State House (Map) takes place from 10 AM-10 PM and has a true poignancy- it was first  read from this balcony on July 18, 1776 and has been read from here every year since.

Launched in 1797, the USS Constitution is the world’s oldest commissioned naval ship afloat and her annual turnaround cruise allows her to retain her active US Navy commission. This year’s turn-around cruise takes place on  July 4 from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM. Some of the best viewing is at Castle Island (Map).

Wrap up your week of summer fun at the 29th annual Chowderfest, July 5 from 11 AM- 6 PM at City Hall Plaza (Map). Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for children ages 12 and under.  Local restaurants compete for bragging rights to  Boston’s best chowder and you get to pick the winner!

Note: Dates, times and locations are subject to change, so be sure to check the Harborfest website for updates before you head out.

Image Credit: Boston Convention and Visitor’s Bureau