Boston’s 4th of July festivities will return this year, with plans that will include fireworks, historical reenactments, a parade and more. Acting Mayor Kim Janey will kick off a parade on Sunday, July 4 from the steps off City Hall Plaza at 9 a.m. The procession will continue past the Granary Burial Ground, through Downtown Crossing to the Old State House for the traditional reading of the Declaration of Independence by the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.

Later on Sunday, the Boston Pops 4th of July Spectacular Televised program will be broadcast live on Bloomberg TV and radio and on WHDH-TV Channel 7 from 8 - 11 p.m. The Pops will perform this year from the popular Tanglewood venue in western Massachusetts.

The City of Boston will also co-sponsor and host Boston Harborfest, a summer tradition celebrating the city’s maritime and revolutionary history. Activities include historical reenactments, Freedom Trail walks, boat tours, live entertainment, fireworks, and more.

Last year, when the annual festivities were cancelled amidst the covid-19 pandemic, there was a major spike in an ongoing quality of life problem in the city: illegal fireworks.

This year, residents are urged to call 311 if you hear or see fireworks being displayed in your neighborhood, and report them using the Noise Score app -- new tracking technology that the city’s using. To learn more about fireworks safety in Boston, please visit boston.gov/firework.