10 free things to do in July in Boston (2024)

Travel

From festivals to outdoor movies to one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the country, these Boston events don't cost a thing.

By Cheryl Fenton

June 7, 2024

Summertime and the livin’s easy. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy all that the city has to offer. There are plenty of activities to experience without shelling out a single dollar. Get your fill of sunshine, outdoor movies, live music, and events that celebrate our country’s birthday. Here are 10 things to do in Boston for free this July.

1. Start the Independence Day party early

Why wait? You can enjoy hundreds of activities throughout the entire Independence Day weekend, as the city’s historic landmarks come alive with family-friendly fun during Boston Harborfest. Known as one of America’s largest Fourth of July festivals, it all kicks off with an opening ceremony in Downtown Crossing on July 1 and continues through July 4 with historical reenactments, an arts market, Chowderfest, and much more. Living historians and an array of local musical acts will perform in Downtown Crossing and Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, and the Harborfest Fireworks cap off the festivities with several vantage points along the Inner Harbor. (various locations in Boston)

2. Look up at the fireworks

All eyes are on Boston for Independence Day, and there’s good reason. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is one of the country’s biggest Independence Day celebrations.Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops kicks off the concert at 8 p.m. (although vying for a seat on the lawn starts much earlier in the day) with familiar favorites and rousing patriotic music, complete with real cannon fire, on the Esplanade. Tony-winning actress Kelli O’Hara will be the headliner for this year’s 50th anniversary celebration. The evening ends with fantastic fireworks above the Charles River. (DCR Hatch Memorial Shell, Boston)

3. Explore traditional Chinese celebrations

The annual Chinatown Main Street Festivalis heldJuly 6from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will feature various culturalperformances includingliondances, Chinese folk dance, traditional Chinese opera singing, and martial arts demonstrations. There will be even more chances to catch the great beast of fortune, as lion dances also start on the Rose Kennedy Greenway and move through Chinatown on July 13, 20, and 27. (Chinatown)

4. Watch a movie under the stars

Coolidge on The Speedway returns for another year of movie screenings along the Charles River from 7 to 11:30 p.m. The outdoor summer film series is entirely presented on 35mm, and screenings take place at sunset. This month’s film screening for July 10 is“The Rock.” The rain date is July 13. (525 Western Ave, Brighton)

The outdoor movies series on Prudential Center’s South Garden has resumed for the summer with screenings every Saturday, beginning at 6 p.m. on July 13 with “Legally Blonde,” and continuing with “The Marvels” on July 20 and “Elemental” on July 27. All movies will begin at dusk, and you don’t need to pre-register to attend. (800 Boylston St., Boston)

5. Spin and twirl the night away

Spice up your Thursday evening with salsa and bachata style music at The Superette Courtyard on July 11 and 25 at 6 p.m. You’re welcome to participate in free public lessons or just sit back and watch. Bring your own freestyle moves or ask the Urbanity Dance instructors to teach you the basics. (70 Pier 4 Blvd., Boston)

6. Saddle up with some country music and moves

South Boston’s newest event space, The LOT, is hosting its first Countryfest on July 13 from 2 to 8 p.m. There will be pony rides for your little cowboys and cowgirls, along with the best of live country tunes, games, and activities for all ages. The rain date is July 14. (383 Dorchester Ave., Boston)

7. Learn to grow your own cannabis

If you’ve always wanted to DIY your own cannabis, cannabis and pollination design company Weedscape can help. On July 13 at 2 p.m., you’ll discover the ins and outs of homegrown cannabis, as well as learn growing guidance and tips and information on how these plants can even entice ecosystems to flourish. Registration is required. (Parker Hill branch, Boston Public Library, 1497 Tremont St., Roxbury)

8. Work out in Boston’s parks

The Boston Parks Fitness Series brings free workout classes to Boston parks this summer, including yoga by the Boston Common Frog Pond, Afrobeats
Dance at Malcolm X Park and Zumba in Christopher Columbus Park. The free classes are led by certified fitness instructors.(Various dates and parks, Boston; free)

9. Experience the Bard’s works on the Common

The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s annual alfresco productions “Shakespeare on the Common” are being held this year during the months of July and August. This summer troupe takes on “Winter’s Tale” from July 16 to August 4 at 8 p.m. (August 3 is at 6 p.m.). Bring your own blankets or chairs, or you can rent chairs online in advance or on-site. (Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common)

10. Enjoy orchestral sounds along the Charles

Boston Landmarks Orchestra brings orchestral music to the Hatch Shell with two experiences in July. While details for its Community Block Party on July 17 at 5:30 p.m. are still being finalized, the concert “Gershwin & Williams: American Icons” is planned for July 24 at 7 p.m. and will have music from the famed productions such as “Girl Crazy,” “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,” and “Jaws.” (DCR Hatch Memorial Shell, Boston)