Boston's Fourth of July festivities center around a weeklong affair called Boston Harborfest (617-227-1528), which includes the following events:
July 2, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Chowderfest attracts huge crowds to City Hall Plaza, where a dozen local restaurants compete for "best clam chowder" honors.
July 4, 10 to10:30 a.m. True patriots can attend a reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Old State House (State and Devonshire Sts.).
July 4, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The U.S.S. Constitution, the oldest commissioned ship in the navy, takes its yearly turn around Boston Harbor. The prime viewing place is Castle Island, in South Boston, where Old Ironsides fires a 21-gun salute to the nation at noon, which is followed by a 19-gun salute to Massachusetts fired from Fort Independence.
July 4, 8 to 10:30 p.m. The Boston Pops Orchestra takes the stage at the Esplanade along the Charles River for its annual concert; people start staking out spots on the lawn at dawn (888-484-7677).
July 4, 10 p.m. To watch the fireworks display over the Charles, those in the know go to the Cambridge side of the river and avoid the worst crowds.
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