Things to do this in Boston this week: June 30-July 6

Dockfest at The Anchor in Boston is a week-long celebration, beginning July 1 and running through July 6, that features themed cocktails, live music, movie nights, and more. On the tails of The Anchor’s recent feature in Conde Nast Traveler as "Where to Watch the Boston July 4th Fireworks in 2025," this hot spot in one of Boston's historic neighborhoods offers up a ton of fun and fireworks views. Patio reservations are free, but there are also ticketed meals such as the BBQ Package with themed drinks and swag and Red White & Brews Package For Two (which adds beer and Rocket Pop margaritas to the mix). There’s also a VIP Mezzanine Experience with reserved seating, private bar access, food and beverage, and VIP patriotic swag.

This isn't your typical bingo night. Prepare for a unique twist, with multiple rounds packed into one hour at the Honan-Allston branch of the Boston Public Library in Allston. Expect fun, fast-paced gameplay, exciting prizes, as hostess Rose Quartz keeps the energy high and the bingo balls rolling with sass, style, and a sprinkle of comedy. Come for the bingo, stay for the fun (and surprise giveaways), and get ready to be shook by Rose Quartz’s performances.

The free outdoor workouts in Athlete's Park in Boston Landing continue with a total body, heart pumping, aerobic and strength conditioning workout at 5:30pm. The hour-long, interval-based class combines full-body strength training with high intensity cardio bursts that are designed to tone your body, improve your endurance, and clear your mind. There will be modifications for all fitness levels provided.

There’s good reason why America’s eyes are on Boston for Independence Day. It's the home of the country’s biggest patriotic celebration, the July 4th Pops Concert and Fireworks Spectacular. The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra puts on their best performance of familiar favorites and rousing patriotic music, complete with real cannon fire, on the Esplanade, beginning at 7pm (although people vy for lawn seats in the wee hours of the morning). The evening ends with fireworks above the Charles River. The "Oval" opens at noon, with the Mugar Family Fireworks starting at approximately 9:40pm. You can also catch the day-before rehearsal (minus the fireworks) for the same experience you’ll get from the Pops during the big birthday party. 

The city’s historic landmarks come alive with family-friendly fun during one of America’s largest Fourth of July festivals – Harborfest. Hundreds of activities throughout Independence Day weekend kick off with the annual opening ceremony in Downtown Crossing on July 2. The fun runs through July 4 with historical reenactments, State Hours tours, Macy’s Great American fashion show, beer gardens, and much more. Living historians and an array of local musical acts (including the Middlesex Country Volunteers Fifes & Drums Concert) will perform in Downtown Crossing and Cristopher Columbus Waterfront Park. The Boston Pops Fireworks cap off the festivities with a spectacular display with several vantage points over the Charles River. 

An incredible evening out awaits you with a delicious chef-curated buffet for all ages savored alongside the breathtaking city skyline during Boston Harbor City Cruises' Signature Boston 4th of July Dinner Cruise on the Boston Harbor. You'll soak in spectacular views of the city's iconic landmarks, such as The Seaport and USS Constitution, from the breezy open-air decks and comfortable indoor spaces while a DJ spins today's top hits. This dinner cruise bash is complete with a fully stocked cash bar, games, and dancing into the night.

Savor the season at highly anticipated Annual Lobster Party at Petit Robert Bistro in the heart of Boston’s South End. A summer tradition celebrating the flavors of the sea with an elegant French touch, you can indulge in a specially curated five-course menu crafted by Chef Chris Ipus that highlights fresh, locally sourced lobster in a refined dining experience. The meal begins with an amuse bouche of Lobster Mousseline, and continues with the next four courses of creamy lobster soup, lobster salad on watercress with fennel and Mandarin with a champagne vinaigrette, stuffed half lobster with cognac tarragon cream sauce, and a peach soufflé with Grand Mariner creme anglaise.

Each summer the ICA offers residencies for choreographers to develop new work. Get a special sneak peek at exciting works in progress by Eiko Otake and DonChristian Jones on July 6 at 2pm. Inspired by the ever-changing nature of water and the body as a river of memories, Eiko Otake and DonChristian Jones, who began their collaboration in 2017, will continue to develop and expand their artistic connection at the ICA. In a work-in-progress presentation overlooking the Boston Harbor, Otake and Jones will share new materials and engage in conversations with visitors. Bonus: It’s also the first Sunday of the month, which translates to Play Date: Free Family Art Day - art-making, gallery activities, performances, and workshops designed to deepen connections with contemporary art. 

Passim's Summer Boston Celtic Music Festival (BCMFest) returns to Harvard Square on July 6. The day kicks off at 3pm with free shows on Palmer Street right outside of the Club, with performances by Irish fiddler Clare Fraser and her trio, followed by a powerhouse supergroup featuring Erin Hogan, Kate Knudsvig, Helen Kuhar, and Kat Wallace in Forsyth. The festival moves indoors Sunday night at 7pm with a ticketed show featuring Boston's versatile multi-instrumentalists Matt & Shannon Heaton, guitarist Adam Hendey and his band, and the dynamic fiddle-and-piano duo Katie McNally and Neil Pearlman. 

Tom Hanks narrates an epic experience that offers a unique new perspective on humankind's past and future voyages to the Moon. This new in-person immersive cinematic experience by Lightroom and Paquin Entertainment Group is opening June 27 at The Saunders Castle at Park Plaza and will serve as the first stop of the North American tour of The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks. The 50-minute show transforms the venue into a spectacular voyage to the Moon, combining powerful storytelling, rare NASA archival footage, and cutting-edge spatial audio to bring the gripping stories of the Apollo missions to life.