Fourth Of July Events, Traffic, Parking Info

Harborfest is well under way in Boston, but the Fourth of July celebrations kick into high gear Tuesday and Wednesday.

Looking for ways to celebrate? The Harborfest website has a full schedule of events. BU Today has put together a comprehensive guide to Boston's Fourth of July festivities (including other places, besides the Esplanade, to watch the city's fireworks). Boston's Fourth of July fireworks program is here, and here's a list of other local fireworks displays.

What about getting around? Officials are urging residents to take public transportation, and the MBTA will operate on a holiday schedule with enhanced service. Here are the details.

If you are driving, Boston parking meters are free Wednesday, but there a number of temporary parking restrictions in the city:

Tow Zone/No Stopping Boston Police Special Event Monday-Wednesday:
Beacon Street, both sides from Arlington To Clarendon Street

Tow Zone/No Stopping Boston Police Special Event Wednesday:
Arlington Street, both sides from Beacon Street to Boylston Street
Beacon Street, both sides from Charles Street to Arlington Street
Berkeley Street, both sides from Beacon Street to Back Street
Berkeley Street, eastside from St. James to Boylston
Boylston Street, both sides from Berkeley Street to Arlington Street
Chestnut Street, both sides from David G. Mugar Way to Brimmer Street
Clarendon Street, both sides from Beacon Street to Back Street
Mt. Vernon Street, both sides from David Mugar Way to Brimmer Street

Additionally:

- Beginning 9 a.m. Tuesday, there's no public parking along Storrow Drive. Then, at 12 a.m. Wednesday, there's no public parking on either side of Storrow Drive or Memorial Drive.

There are also a number of road closures. Beginning at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Storrow Drive will be closed to westbound traffic. At 7 a.m. Wednesday, both sides of Storrow Drive will be closed to traffic.

Beginning at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Memorial Drive will be closed in both directions from Massachusetts Avenue to the Longfellow Bridge. Then, at 6 p.m., Memorial Drive will be closed from Massachusetts Avenue to the Boston University Bridge.

For additional road closures and parking restrictions, see this page from the Department of Transportation, this PDF from the Department of Conservation and Recreation and this page from the City of Cambridge.

And for MassDOT real-time traffic updates and live roadway cameras, visit our traffic page.

Have a happy and safe Fourth!