5 days of patriotism at Boston Harborfest

While some people take to the backyard for barbecuing, boozing and fireworks on the Fourth of July, others take to the road and explore the beautiful Land of the Free that the day is meant to commemorate. This holiday commemorates the Declaration of Independence and the country's freedom from Great Britain, and one of the most famous celebrations on this joyous day is Boston Harborfest. Book your Massachusetts car rental and prepare to take part in this American tradition.

History of the festival

Boston Harborfest is one of the city's most beloved events and is known across the country as perhaps the most patriotic display in America. Boston is, after all, among the most historically rich locales in the nation - it was founded by Puritan colonists and served as a military hub for the Revolutionary War. A drive around the metropolis in your Boston Harborfest car rental will expose you to heritage sites such as the Freedom Trail and Liberty Bell. The fest was established in 1981 to celebrate the nation's birth and the region's role in leading the country to freedom. It's grown from its paltry size over the decades, attracting more people each year.

Festival features

While most of America sets aside only one day to celebrate Independence Day, Boston Harborfest spans five. With a Boston car rental, visitors can partake in the more than 200 events hosted by businesses, venues, galleries, museums, pubs and restaurants located all across the metropolis, though the main festivities take place downtown at the City Hall Plaza.

With so much going on during the festival, it's important to plan your schedule ahead of time. Those bringing the kids along might enjoy Children's Day, and adults will enjoy the many free open-air concerts that feature both local and international acts. Other days, the plaza becomes home to huge public parties that offer up food, beer, wine and live musical entertainment. A big focal point of the event is the Boston ChowderFest, which takes place every years and is comprised of a competition among restaurants from the Greater Boston area to determine which makes the best New England chowder. Patrons can stroll through the plaza to sample chowder before choosing their favorite and placing their votes.

In addition to these fun festivities is the main event: the Fourth of July. There's a full day of fun to be had, starting early in the morning with the raising of the flag followed by a vibrant parade spanning from City Hall Plaza to the Granary Burial Ground, where wreaths are placed on soldiers' graves. Take a tour of the Freedom Trail, eat dinner on a cruise of the Boston Harbor, discover the USS Constitution and listen to a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence before the night ends with a dazzling pyrotechnics display. Other activities include special dinner cruises, museum exhibitions, art shows and lectures.