🎆🎉 Here comes the BOOM!

🇺🇸 And it’s Fourth of July week! We know lots of you will be unplugging this week (we are, too!), so here’s a quick, things-to-do-only newsletter to get you through the week. Log off, enjoy the holiday, and go touch some grass! We’ll be back in your inbox next Monday.

So without further ado … here are some things to do this week, whether you’re going hard for the Fourth, or you’re just hanging out. 

🎆 Experience a classic Boston celebration. The Boston Pops’ Fireworks Spectacular on the Fourth is basically a Bostonian right of passage, so if you’ve never trekked to the esplanade for the annual outdoor concert and fireworks show, this is your year. Bonus points if you hit this afternoon picnic extravaganza on the Common first.

🧨 Or try something new. If you live outside the city (or you’re lucky enough to have a ride) there are also a ton of other fireworks shows to choose from across the state. Here’s a full list.

🦅 Keep the vibes going all week long. Why stop at fireworks? From July 1 to 4, Boston Harborfest is putting on nearly continuous Fourth of July activities, from chowder tastings to reenactments to concerts and more.

🍻 Head to a good old fashioned party. Between these “backyard beerBQ” parties” by City Tap House on July 3 and 4 with food, drinks, games, and music, and this Red White and Blue party at The Greatest Bar on July 5, you can turn the Fourth into a three-day event.

🎬 Get patriotic at the movies. Tom Cruise or Chris Evans? You can take your pick of a leading man at the JFK Library’s “Top Gun: Maverick” screening on July 3, and Trident’s “Captain America” showing on July 6, both free of charge.

⛴️ Take your festivities to the water. If you’re willing to shell out a little bit of cash, you can celebrate the Fourth as the founding fathers intended: On a boat. For a party on the Fourth, check out this boat bash, and for a weekend party, check out this one on July 6.

🏓 Learn to dink. If you’ve been waiting to get into pickleball, you’re officially out of excuses. Get in on the ground floor at the Fenway Community Center’s intro to pickleball workshop on July 2, no experience required.

🏳️‍🌈 Celebrate Black queer joy. Boston’s Black Pride Parade isn’t until next weekend, but in the meantime, you can get in the spirit all week with other Black Pride events like pool parties, boat rides, and more.

🎨 Channel your inner Van Gogh. Trident is hosting two crafty nights this week: On July 2, grab your crochet hooks, knitting needles, and your pals for their Hooks and Books event. And then head back on July 9 for a wine glass design and movie night.

🎥 Catch a flick (or four!). Head to Fenway park on July 2 to see “Star Wars: A New Hope” on the field, or, hit up the West End Museum on the same night for a “Little Women” double feature (yes, including Greta Gerwig’s version).

💪 Get movin’. Lululemon is hosting a HIIT workout on top of the Pru on July 6. And if you want to go double or nothing, Trillium’s burn and brews class is the following day.

Poll nominees have been selected by Toast and B-Side’s branded content team

🧑‍🎓 At Mount Holyoke College, bold and curious students receive a world-class interdisciplinary education that prepares them to solve problems creatively in a vibrant global community. Since 2014, the leading gender-diverse women’s college has been accepting applications from female, transgender and nonbinary students with one mission: to develop the voices and visions needed to make positive, ground-breaking change. Learn more and start building your future. 

👋 Thanks for reading! See you on Monday, B-Siders! Enjoy your week!

💜 Special shoutout to today’s sponsor, Mount Holyoke College, for supporting local journalism and providing higher education to diverse communities.

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