Photo: Denise Maccaferri

As part of the statewide MA250 commemoration, Plymouth County is celebrating the people, places, and stories that helped shape America’s path to independence. From museum exhibits to community ceremonies and educational programs, Plymouth County is bringing Revolutionary-era history to life. Among the highlights are the Plymouth 4th of July Parade, Concert & Fireworks on Saturday, July 4 and Evening Under the Stars – American Landscapes: 250 Years of Song at the Carr Amphitheater in Hingham on Saturday, July 18.

Also coming up, Project Arts of Plymouth is celebrating 30 years of bringing incredible live music to Pilgrim Memorial State Park with its FREE Summer Concert Series every Wednesday night this summer! From high-energy bands to crowd favorites and everything in between, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Bring your friends and family, grab lawn chairs, and soak in perfect summer nights by the harbor. Full line-up here!


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Southeastern MA

Southeastern Massachusetts kicks off summer with the July 4th Stars & Stripes MA250 Celebration on the Fall River waterfront, featuring fireworks (watch on shore or onboard the USS Massachusetts). Early risers can jumpstart the holiday with a 9 am morning parade starting at Fairhaven’s Cushman Park. On July 19-23, maritime history comes alive as the Sagres, a Portuguese Naval tall ship, comes to New Bedford. New Bedford's lively Summer Sound Series music concerts are held select Fridays. And music lovers will love when The Narrows Center in Fall River delivers with roots-rockers The Brothers Comatose, and Taunton’s Liberty & Union Park hosts free Friday night concerts.


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Get ready for a culture fix in the Berkshires! Start in Stockbridge at the Norman Rockwell Museum for the engaging American Stories-Revolution to Rockwell exhibit, celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Next, head to Williamstown’s Clark Art Institute to lose yourself in legendary Impressionist masterpieces and the stunning CoastLines: American Prints and Drawings exhibition. Wrap up your art adventure in North Adams at MASS MoCA, where mind-bending, large-scale installations await. Don’t miss Homecoming, a compelling outdoor exhibition. Art is everywhere here—make sure to leave plenty of room on your itinerary for these incredible creative moments!


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The Lowell Folk Festival returns July 24–26, bringing one of the nation’s largest and longest-running free folk festivals to downtown Lowell! Visitors will experience a rich tapestry of music, dance, crafts, and international cuisine—all set against the backdrop of Lowell’s historic mill city charm. This beloved cultural event attracts thousands annually and offers an unforgettable summer experience for all ages. For details and planning resources, visit lowellfolkfestival.org.

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Photo: Game On Watch Party

July is packed with exciting events across Central Massachusetts. Celebrate Independence Day on the 2nd at Worcester’s Annual Fireworks, and the 4th at Polar Park’s Family Fest with activities, a movie, and fireworks. Soccer fans can experience the excitement at Game On Worcester watch parties. Shop local markets: Sturbridge 
Farmers Market , Out to Lunch, and Market on Exchange. Also, enjoy an evening surrounded by blooms during Extended Summer Evenings at New England Botanic Garden.  



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If you’re searching for the best way to beat the heat, Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont belongs at the top of your summer bucket list. Home to one of the longest zipline canopy tours in North America, Berkshire East sends riders soaring high above the Deerfield River Valley with mountain views, suspension bridges, and heart-racing speeds through the trees. While you’re there, hop aboard the Berkshire East Thunderbolt Mountain Coaster, an alpine-style coaster that twists and flies through the mountainside for one of the most unique summer rides in New England. Book now: https://berkshireeast.com/

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Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States at Sail Boston® 2026, an international maritime event that brings tall ships and naval vessels from around the world to Boston Harbor as part of Sail250®, featuring a Parade of Sail, ship tours, educational activities, and cultural exchange. Events will take place in various locations around the city from July 11-16.

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Hydrangeas are the signature flower of Cape Cod, and the 12th annual Cape Cod Hydrangea Fest will celebrate these beautiful blooms and local gardens at their peak! Tour some of Cape Cod's most spectacular private gardens during the 10-day summer garden celebration, happening July 10-19. In addition to garden tours benefiting local nonprofits, highlights include workshops by leading horticulturalists, promotions at participating nurseries, and painting demos by local artists. Find a guide to all the flowery fun that awaits here, or see the full line-up at CapeCodHydrangeaFest.com!

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It's fitting that Western Mass and Springfield (in particular) — a city whose story is inseparable from American invention — anchors this anniversary summer with two landmark experiences. Star Spangled Springfield brings the birthday party to the riverfront in grand style: world-class fireworks by Grucci, the legendary pyrotechnic family behind some of America's most spectacular displays, set against a live performance by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Just steps away, the Springfield Museums present Declaration of Innovation: Springfield's Revolutionary Ideas — an exhibition that traces the city's arc from the Revolutionary era to the present. Book your room now to see everything Western Mass has to offer.

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Photo: Lynne Graves

Enjoy the arts outdoors! Bands on Brewster brings Thursday concerts to a sidewalk stage at Northampton Brewery! Get in the groove at Salsa in the Plaza and Salsa in the Park, or dine out at Summer on Strong while enjoying free concerts every weekend. Bring your lawn chairs to the Amherst Summer Concert Series, or take in a movie under the stars. At The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, the Northampton Jazz Festival brings live jazz to Sunset Thursdays (bring your sketchbook!). Soak up summer in Hampshire County!



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Join Fitchburg’s biggest summer celebration! Get ready for two days of music, food, art, community fun and fireworks as the town celebrates Independence Day with the annual July 3rd Block Party and July 4th Parade. Next up, The Blueberry Jamboree will be held two weekends, July 11-12 and July 18-19, at Red Apple Farm in Phillipston. At this free event, enjoy picking your own blueberries, live music, local vendors, homemade blueberry treats, and all your favorite farm activities.


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Photo: Menemsha sunset, John Ashton

July’s Martha’s Vineyard, island alive! Events include: Edgartown’s Fireworks; Run the Chop Challenge (7/4); Tisbury Street Fair (7/8); Independence Now & Forever (7/7); The Sound of the Vineyard at Grange Hall (Wednesdays 7/1-9/2); Generations Picnic (7/10); Vineyard Cup Regatta (7/10-12); Elderly Housing Benefit (7/11); Fluke-for-Luke Fishing Tournament (7/11-12); OB Bluewater Classic (7/11-17); PA Annual Feast (7/18-19); Featherstone Annual Gala (7/18); MV Open @ MV Family Tennis (7/25-27); Flying Horses 150th Birthday Party (7/25); Legacy Week (7/26-8/1); MV Documentary Week (7/27-8/1). Stay, dine, shop, relax! 

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Downtown North Adams is the place to be this summer! At the Eagle Street Beach Party on Thursday, July 16, they don’t need an ocean to have a beach. Come celebrate as more than 250,000 pounds of sand is spread, curb to curb, the entire length of Eagle Street. At the 29th Downtown Celebration on Wednesday, August 12, bands play everything from Dixieland to Rock and Roll. Delicious aromas fill the air as local restaurants and vendors provide all kinds of wonderful food! And the 14 Annual Motorama welcomes all things motorized on Sunday, August 30.


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Photo: Emily Elisabeth Photography

Nantucket is July’s Jewel! Corner-to-corner, find beauty, wonder, peace. Enjoy Independence Day (July 6); Nantucket Dance Festival (July 6-12); Nantucket Garden Festival (July 7-9); Nantucket Comedy Festival (July 9-11); NISDA Sandcastle & Sculpture Contest (July 11); Nantucket by Design (July 13-16); Artists Association of Nantucket Gala (July 18); Pick Your Own Veggies Tour (July 18); En Plein Air with Nikoline Bohr (July 20); Pick Your Own Flower Tour July 20). Fishing, cycle, shop, dine, stay...it’s all here! 


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Photo: David Fox Photography

Happy 250th Birthday America! Celebrate in the 01776 at the Sudbury 4th of July Parade on 7/4. Join Lex from Vibes Candles for a Vibe Check Walk on the Lake Williams Boardwalk 7/11. Soak up the long summer days with Shawn Mullins at TCAN 7/12, be amazed by the dazzling Circus Vasquez at the Solomon Pond Mall 7/13, celebrate creativity at Hype the Arts presented by the Danforth Art Museum 7/18 or get hands-on at a Resin Wave Board Class at Lost Shoe Brewing 7/29.

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Marblehead Festival of Arts, July 1–5, hosts a wide range of art exhibits, outdoor music concerts overlooking Marblehead Harbor, Film Festival, Street Festival, Children’s Festival, Artisans Marketplace, and many other cultural activities designed to provide a fun and enriching experience for the entire family. Yankee Homecoming Celebration is a family tradition, taking place July 25–August 2 in Newburyport. Events include live music, historic walking tours, outdoor markets, art shows, a parade and fireworks!

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