The Most Spectacular Ways To Celebrate The 4th Of July

Everyone in New England knows there is just one place to celebrate the 4th of July and that’s right here in Boston. From a gourmet picnic basket to take with you to watch the fireworks to a private helicopter flight to check out the Boston Pops happenings on the Esplanade’s hatch shell, we have rounded up some of the best spots to celebrate Independence Day in style.

On June 30, Boston Harborfest is hosting a pre-Fourth fireworks display on the Boston Harbor again this year thanks to the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park, the Wharf District Council and Boston Harbor Now. Here, you can kick back and listen to live music from local bands like the Squeezebox Stompers and Sweet Harmony at Columbus Park before the fireworks begin. (Some of the best spots for a front row seat include the Seaport District’s Fan Pier, East Boston’s Harborwalk and the North End’s Christopher Columbus Park).

One of the best places to get in on all the viewing action is from the patio at Mastro’s Ocean Club where you can order up some colossal crab cocktail, their famous king crab gnocchi, foie gras or 22-ounce bone-in ribeye that you can enjoy al fresco. There is no better way to celebrate the holiday.

Photo Credit: Mastro’s Ocean Club

If you are looking to check out a new brewery (we’ll be telling you all about them next week so stay tuned), Democracy Brewing will be opening its doors on the 4th in Downtown Crossing. Look for beers like the Consummate Rioter IPA, Workers Pint and the Fighting 54th Saison.

If you want to dine al fresco for the celebratory June 30 pre-fireworks display, be sure to reserve a three-course gourmet picnic basket at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse. From salads and sandwiches to their signature desserts, this might be the best way to enjoy some of your favorite dishes in a picnic experience.

One of the most celebratory ways in Boston to honor our nation’s Independence Day is watching the Pops perform on the Esplanade. Under the direction of conductor Keith Lockhart, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular kicks off at 8 p.m. with singer/songwriter and Massachusetts native, Rachel Platten as headliner. Also performing this year will be American musician and recent MacArthur Grant recipient Rhiannon Giddens, and the folk music duo Indigo Girls. Keep an eye out for legendary singer/actor/dancer Rita Moreno, who played the role of Anita in the film adaptation of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking Broadway musical, West Side Story, who will also be making a special appearance at the performances in honor of the Leonard Bernstein centennial tribute.

Photo Credit: Boston Pops

If you are looking for a haute way to see the city’s celebrations that come with complimentary bragging rights, be sure to check out the Onyx Hotel’s partnership with Tuckamore Aviation’s Hover Boston. Their super exclusive package, which can be further customized to include a bottle of champagne, picnic basket and personal photographer, will give you the most spectacular view of the fireworks from 1,000 feet above the city. The “Hover Boston Fireworks” helicopter excursion will take you and a guest over the city for a stunning view of the fireworks and a night you won’t soon forget.