July Events in Boston

There are few Boston traditions more memorable than the annual Fourth of July festivities on the Charles River Esplanade, featuring an inspiring mix of music and fireworks that captivates the city every year. But that is just the beginning of a very busy month.

Roger Waters at Fenway Park
July 1, 2012, 8 p.m., $55-$199

The legendary Pink Floyd bassist brings “The Wall” to…well, The Wall at Fenway Park while the Red Sox are on a West Coast swing.

Navy Week Boston
June 28-July 5, 2012

Part of Boston’s OpSail, which is celebrating the bicentennials of the War of 1812 and the Star-Spangled Banner, Navy Week will feature 20 U.S. and coalition ships on display in Boston Harbor through the Fourth of July holiday, including a handful of historic Tall Ships. Here’s a schedule to find out when and where you can visit the ships.

Fourth of July Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
July 4, 2012, 8:30 p.m.

The main event as far as the 4th of July is concerned. If you want a seat, you had better get to the Esplanade early to stake your claim, as tens of thousands ultimately spend the day there awaiting the annual Boston Pops concert at the Hatch Shell and the fireworks display that follows. This year, Jenifer Hudson will perform, with actor Michael Chiklis serving as master of ceremonies with the Pops in what should, no doubt, be another memorable Independence Day evening.

Boston Harborfest
June 29-July 4, 2012

The Fourth of July party on the Esplanade is just one component of Boston’s Independence Day celebration. The week-long Harborfest, which takes place June 28-July 4, is an encompassing celebration of the city’s colonial heritage. Over 200 events will be showcased over the span of the festival, including Sunday's ever-popular Chowderfest.

Chowderfest
July 2, 2012, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., $13 adults, $9 children under 12

Sample some of the best chowder that Boston has to offer at the annual Chowderfest, one of the highlights of Harborfest

Free Friday Flicks
Friday nights through August, approximately 6 p.m.

Grab a blanket, corral the family, and head down to the Hatch Shell on the Charles River for a Boston summer favorite. Picnic beneath the stars with a different movie each week. “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” (July 13), “The Muppets” (July 20), and “Cars 2” (July 27) are the films scheduled this month.

Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival
July 12-15, 2012

Witness the amazing talents of the country’s best sand sculptors at Revere Beach, an event attended by almost a quarter-million people each year. The weekend includes a concert and fireworks over Revere Bay on Saturday.

ArtBeat Festival 2012
July 20-21, 2012

Somerville’s Davis Square transforms into one of the largest art festivals in the area. This year's theme is "Migration." Various artists will explore the color in its many forms.

Coldplay at the TD Garden
July 29, 2012, 8 p.m., $47-$112.50

The popular alt-rockers arrive at the Garden to perform hits from their platinum-selling albums.