Fun If By Land

Most people know Boston’s Independence Day celebration is set to music by the Boston Pops—Queen Latifah, Arlo Guthrie and The Texas Tenors add star power to this year’s show—but Boston Harborfest also offers revolutionary experiences around the Hub for a whole week. As the howitzers boom, reworks soar and thousands celebrate our nation’s birthday, here’s what not to miss.

- Matt Robinson

While the free Pops concert, officially the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, may be the best-known part of the city’s Independence Day festivities, it is only part of Boston Harborfest (www. bostonharborfest.com)—the celebration of the push for independence that began in nearby Lexington and Concord.

After taking in the opening ceremonies (and maybe some shopping) July 1 at Faneuil Hall (www.faneuilhallmarketplace. com), stroll the Freedom Trail (www. thefreedomtrail.org) through the restaurant-packed North End to the home of Paul Revere for a 1 pm fife and drum corps performance. Next, head to Old North Church, where Revere’s “midnight ride” began. Admission includes a pioneering photography exhibit, a chance to make your own “one if by land” lanterns, and a historically accurate (and participatory) chocolate tasting. There are also behind the-scenes tours of spots that are usually o-limits (www.oldnorth.com).