Boston's Best 4th Of July Concerts

4th of July concerts can be patriotic or just plain entertaining to a diverse audience. The beat of American-themed favorites, plus some extra special favorites in between, is a favorite blend of entertainment for the entire family. Sing-a-long or just tap your toe to keep the beat and have some fun on the 4th.

Phil Berman
Concerts In The Courtyard
Boston Public Library
700 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02116
www.bpl.org

Friday, July 1, 2016 at 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

The Boston Public Library is a beautiful architectural structure set in the center of the busy city and is home to over 700,000 circulating volumes. The library, located in Copley Square, also hosts concerts in the lovely McKim Courtyard. Phil Berman is a local musician who plays every genre from folk to big band tunes and is the featured artist on July, 1, 2016. With a strong connection to Boston, Phil's first album was called The battle of Bunker Hill.

The House On Cliff
Christopher Columbus Park
Long Wharf
Boston, MA 02113
www.foccp.org

Saturday, July 2, 2016 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM 

Boston Harborfest organizes 4th of July festivities throughout the city from July 1 through July 4th. The Columbus Park Live Entertainment series features The House On Cliff, a 70's-inspired rock n' roll band. A fireworks display follows this free July 2, 2016 concert on Long Wharf, which is adjacent to the New England Aquarium and close to the historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

Independence Day Warm-Up Concert
The DCR Hatch Shell
47 David G. Mugar Way
Boston, MA 02108
www.july4th.org

Saturday, July 3, 2016 at 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM

The Independence Day Warm-Up Concert is a dress rehearsal of sorts for the 4th of July Boston Pops Spectacular. The crowds are smaller and there are no fireworks but, otherwise, the audience enjoys the same concert as will be performed on the 4th of July. This year's lineup features Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas and Little Big Town. The concert is attended by thousands, but is a bit more casual than the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular the following evening.

Related: Boston's Best Fourth Of July Events

James Taylor
Tanglewood
297 West St.
Lenox, MA 01240
(888) 266-1200
www.bso.org

July 3 and 4, 2016 at 8 PM

Tanglewood, located in the beautiful Berkshires, is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. James Taylor is returning to this venue with his All-Star Band to perform for two nights, July 3 and July 4th. James will perform a collection of his most popular music and some new original songs from a recently released album, Before This World. The 4th of July concert will be followed by a display of fireworks riding high over the Stockbridge Bowl.

Related: Boston's Best Free Summer Concerts

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
The DCR Hatch Shell
47 David G. Mugar Way
Boston, MA 02108 
www.july4th.org

July 4, 2016 at 8:30 PM

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is the signature 4th of July concert in Boston. Boston Pops conductor, Keith Lockhart leads the orchestra for an outdoor concert televised nationally on CBS. The concert takes place at the Hatch Shell, on the Charles River Esplanade. This year, the featured performers include Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, and Little Big Town. This concert, in its 43rd year, is a much-anticipated annual pilgrimage for thousands of families to get the perfect seat on the lawn of the Esplanade. The concert is followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the Charles River. 
 

Related: Boston's Best Fourth Of July Events
 

Nancy is a native Bostonian. She enjoys the sights, sounds and tastes of Boston while exploring the city by day or night. Nancy is also a school nurse at an independent middle/high school. Her work can be found on a variety of websites, including Examiner.com.