4th of July Fun Guide

With the 4th falling on a Monday (yay 3-day weekends!) and a beautiful weather forecast, all the elements are in place for a great Independence Day! Here are our suggestions for how to enjoy a happy and healthy holiday weekend:

By Mike Halsall CC BY-ND 2.0 via Flickr

The quintessential Boston 4th of July celebration is the Boston Pops performance and fireworks show on the Esplanade. Visit the official event website for a rundown of the schedule and more event details. CBS Boston has also put together a handy guide with viewing location suggestions and other useful tips.

By jimsideas CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 via Flickr

For fun throughout the weekend, head down to Boston Harborfest . Dedicated to celebrating Boston’s harbor and history, it’s the largest 4th of July festival in the country and features tons of activities, some free and some paid. Here’s the full schedule. Don’t miss the fireworks over the Inner Harbor on Saturday night!

By rda CC BY-NC 2.0 via Flickr

Don’t want to fight the crowds for Boston fireworks on the 2nd or the 4th? Here’s a list of all the fireworks displays planned for this summer in MA. Of particularly local note, Somerville will be having a display on Thursday 6/30 at 9:15pm and Newton and Waltham will also have fireworks displays on Monday 7/4.

Image courtesy of www.centercutcook.com

Hosting a barbeque? Check out our post from last year about quick summer desserts.

By Bertram Nudelbach CC BY-SA 2.0 via Flickr

Since lots of sun is in the forecast, don’t forget the American Cancer Society‘s mnemonic device for protecting yourself:

Slip! Slap! Slop!® and Wrap
Slip on a shirt.  Slop on sunscreen.  Slap on a hat
Wrap on sunglasses to protect your eyes and sensitive skin around them

Have a Happy 4th of July!