July 4th 2018

how to have a fun mid-week holiday

For the first time in five years, the Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday. Annoying, yes. Absolutely awful, not at all. It’s all in how you plan it. 

Maybe you have enough vacation time to make it a long weekend. Maybe you only have Wednesday off. No matter what your schedule looks like there are plenty of activities and events locally and in the city to keep you busy—or you can even opt for an at home celebration. Whatever you decide, you can have a fun fourth with these entertainment ideas.

Boston Bound. Plan a one-day-only staycation in the city. From the Freedom Trail to Top of the Hub to Boston POPS and fireworks, you can spend the day exploring food, fun and free activities, then end the day with a bang! Don’t want to deal with the crowds, but still want the city experience? Head in on the 3rdinstead. You can do almost everything, plus at 8:30PM, Conductor Keith Lockhart directs the Boston POPS Orchestra at the Hatch Shell, on the Esplanade, performing the identical concert which will be played on July 4th minus the fireworks display. 

Stay Local. Starting at 6PM, make your way to Lowell’s Edward A. LeLacheur Park to snack on ice cream, hot dogs, popcorn and drinks from the concession stands. At 7PM check out live music and awesome kids’ activities in the Swampland Kids Area, including balloon animals, face painting and more. Then take a seat in one of the park’s chairs or spread your blanket out to watch the fireworks at 9PM.

Pick Your Party. Even though you only have one day off this week doesn’t mean that you can’t create your own holiday schedule. Because of the non-traditional timing, many cities and towns have designated their own dates to celebrate. Fireworks displays start as early as Saturday, June 30th and go through July 7th, so this year you can choose the best day for you or even keep the party going all week long! Click here to find fireworks near you.

Hang at Home. Invite friends and family for a potluck BBQ. Fire up the grill, mix a signature cocktail, create an outdoor game area with cornhole, horseshoes, Frisbees and hula-hoops, then sit back and relax. And if you’ve got pool, you have to pick up a patriot float or two—you can even set your drinks a drift in stars and stripes floating cup holders!