It’s summer and simple living. However, you can take advantage of everything the city has to offer without breaking the bank. You can engage in a variety of activities without spending any money. Enjoy plenty of sunshine, watch movies outside, commemorate the birthday of our nation, and much more. Here are ten free things to do in Boston in July.
1.
Start Independence Day early at Harborfest
As the city’s historic buildings come to life with family-friendly excitement during one of America’s greatest Fourth of July festivities, you can anticipate hundreds of activities over the course of Independence Day weekend. On July 2, the annual opening ceremony takes place in Downtown Crossing, and on July 4, there will be historical reenactments, tours of the State House, the Macy’s Great American fashion show, beer gardens, and more. Downtown Crossing and Cristopher Columbus Waterfront Park will host a variety of local musical performers, including the Middlesex Country Volunteers Fifes & Drums Concert, as well as living historians. With many views of the Charles River, the Boston Pops Fireworks provide a magnificent finale to the celebrations. (Boston, several locations)
2.
Celebrate the birth of our nation
For good reason, Boston is the center of attention on Independence Day. One of the largest Independence Day festivities in the nation is the July 4th Pops Concert and Fireworks Spectacular. The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra performs well-known hits and exciting patriotic music, complete with realcannon fire, on the Esplanade starting at 8 p.m. (crowds for lawn seats begin early in the morning). Amazing fireworks above the Charles River mark the conclusion of the evening. If you want the same experience as the Boston Pops during the big birthday party, you may also attend the day-before practice (without the fireworks). Boston’s DCR Hatch Memorial Shell
3.
Enjoy music in a sweet little park
Berklee musicians perform at Symphony Park’s Sunset Concerts, one of Boston’s most picturesque outdoor venues situated between Symphony Hall and Berklee College of Music. The City of Boston, Friends of Symphony Park, the Fenway Civic Association, and Berklee College of Music present this yearly series. Sofia Sunshine on July 8, Tom Almeida and Friends on July 15, George W. Russell Jr. and the Reimagined Project on July 22, and Augustina on July 29 are among the July concerts, all of which start at 6 p.m. (Boston, Symphony Park, 39 Edgely Road)
4.
Head to the Pru for an outdoor movie
At the Prudential Center’s yearly outdoor film series, it’s lights, camera, action. Every Saturday night from July 12 to August 23, it’s held at South Garden, where you can see movies ranging from recent blockbusters to oldies. Music entertainment starts at 6:30 p.m., and movie selections commence at twilight. Miss Congeniality is scheduled for July 12, 13 Going on 30 is scheduled for July 19, and Shrek is scheduled for July 26. (Boston, 800 Boylston Street)
5.
Appreciate orchestral sounds along the Charles
In July, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra will present three orchestral performances at the Hatch Shell. On July 16 at 7 p.m., the Boston medical community’s orchestra, the Longwood Symphony Orchestra, will begin its season. Celebrate the orchestra’s 25th season with The Best of Boston on July 23 at 7 p.m., which features some of Boston’s most renowned composers from the past and present, including well-known pieces by John Williams and Leonard Bernstein. On July 30 at 7 p.m., Prokofiev’s endearing Peter & The Wolf and More will conclude the season. Boston’s DCR Hatch Memorial Shell
6.
Experience the Bard s works on the Common
Shakespeare on the Common, the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s yearly outdoor presentation, is taking place this year in July and August. As You Like It will be performed by this summer company from July 23 to August 10. (Aug. 1 and 9 are at 1 p.m.) The show starts at 8 p.m. You can either bring your own chairs or blankets, or you can pay $10 to rent seats on-site or online. (Parkman Common, Boston Bandstand)
7.
Get spicy at Superette Summer Salsa Nights
On July 24, from 6 to 8 p.m., liven up your Thursday night by attending the exciting salsa and bachata-style music event at The Superette garden. Watch Urbanity Dance’s amazing moves with Clive and Blues Productions’ live music. Everyone is welcome to take part in the free public classes. Ask the instructors at Urbanity Dance to teach you the fundamentals, or bring your own freestyle techniques. Set aside your seat here. (Boston, 70 Pier 4 Blvd.)
8.
Stroll a famous street on sunny Sundays
In Boston, opening Newbury Street in July has become a summertime custom. On Sundays during the summer, the eight-block, mile-long strip of stores, salons, galleries, and eateries is closed to pedestrian traffic.As you go from Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue, people-watching is crucial, and every day is unique with music playing, free samples offered by some stores, and lots of window shopping. July 13, 20, and 27 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Newbury St., Boston) are the dates for this month.
9.
Celebrate Puerto Rico and its culture
The two-day Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts, which draws over 50,000 people annually, will be back in Boston on July 26 and 27 from noon to nine o’clock. What started in 1967 at Blackstone Park has grown into a massive festival at Franklin Park, where you can experience the rich culture of Puerto Rico and take in live performances by both local and foreign performers, as well as carnival rides, shops selling traditional Puerto Rican cuisine and crafts, and more. At noon on July 27, across from Roxbury neighborhood College, the event comes to a close with the Puerto Rican Parade, where the neighborhood displays its culture through amazing floats, vibrant dance groups, singers, dancers, and appearances by notable honorees. (Pierpont Road, Boston; Franklin Park Playstead)
10.
Start off Italian Feast season
The celebration of Saint Agrippina takes over the local streets through August 3, marking the start of the much anticipated feast season in the North End. On July 31, the festivities start with an opening ceremony at 7 p.m., and at 7:30 p.m., the children of the Saint Agrippina Society lead the procession of Saint Agrippina. Enjoy live music all night long, along with Italian treats and delicacies including fried calamari, cannoli, arancini, pasta, sausage, peppers, and onions, and fresh shellfish. (North End, Boston)
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