What to do in Boston

Despite being a relatively small city, Boston has one of the largest 4th of July celebrations in the nation and is televised each year on CBS.

This year’s headline artist singing alongside the Boston Pops is Jennifer Hudson, and the host for the evening will be Michael Chiklis.

The entire event starts early in the day for those who want to stake out space along Boston’s beautiful Esplanade Park so they can watch and listen to the concert in person.

You can find out more about the event at www.july4th.org.

Aside from the obvious show on July 4th there are a few other suggestions or tips on ways you may celebrate and enjoy some of the city’s festivities leading up to the 4th of July.

Here are just a few of my suggestions.

Saturday, June 30th: Boston Navy Week Festivities by Day and Epic’s 4th of July Party by night The Tall Ships started arriving in Boston for “Navy Week” today.  A complete listing of all the festivities which are mostly along the Waterfront and in the Charlestown Navy Yard are on the event’s website.

Saturday night at the House of Blues in the Fenway is always gay night and Epic’s 4th of July party tonight should be fun.  Doors open at 10:30 but the party doesn’t really get started until midnight.

Sunday, July 1st:  Beach Day and Underbar by night Boston’s weather forecast shows the city will be in the low 90s for a third day in a row.  Be sure to get a respite from the heat and head to the beach. You can take the Commuter Rail to one of the beaches on the North or South shore or you can hop the “T” to the beach in Southie.

The Underbar in Boston’s theater district will be busy, busy, busy. Get there early to avoid the lines and enjoy Hot Mess Sunday.  The bar will start to fill up by midnight but you can beat the rush by arriving a bit early. Sunday nights at the Underbar can provide some of the best people watching around so check it out if you’ve not been.

Monday, July 2nd: Jacques salutes the Troops with their drag show Loose Lips – Padded Hips One of the best things about living in the US  is you can speak your mind and I have a feeling these ladies will have you rolling in your chairs if you head over to Jacques in Bay Village.

The show starts at 10:30 and there is more information on their website www.jacques-cabaret.com.

Tuesday, July 3rd:  Boston Pops at the Hatch Shell At 6PM the oval in front of the Hatch Shell opens and at 8:20 the Pops will play through their entire performance minus the super stars and fireworks.  If all you want to see is the 1812 Overture, get there before 9:30. The show concludes by 10:00.