Area Independence Day Celebrations, and MBTA Schedules for July 3 & 4

Fireworks

Boston will have plenty to do to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence, and buses, subways, and the commuter rail will operate on altered schedules. The MBTA released information about the schedule changes. Watertown hosted a light show on July 1, and the big 250th event will take place on July 18. The celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Watertown, the first treaty signed by the newly independent United States will take place at the at the Mosesian Center for the Arts from 2-5 p.m. Members or the Massachusett, Mi’kmaq, Maliseet tribes will join the celebration, with drumming, indigenous crafts, a documentary, artwork, military salutes and a reading from the Treaty. See more by clicking here.

WEEKEND FUN: South Asian Music, World Cup Watch, Art at the Armenian Museum, Crafts for Kids, Sewing Machine Group

The Fourth of July weekend has some activities, including a concert featuring South Asian music on Sunday, get out of the heat and see some art Friday or Sunday, or watch the World Cup all weekend. The Watertown Library will be the venue for kids crafts on Friday, and a sewing machine group meets on Sunday. SOUTH ASIAN MUSIC: Apna-Sa SOUNDS OF BELONGINGSunday, July 5, 2 p.m. Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St. Apna-Sa – Sounds of Belonging is a thematic South Asian concert series presented under the banner of Sarang: Colors of South Asian Music, celebrating the cultural heritage of South Asia. Curated by Indian classical violinist Pranav Swaroop Bettagere, the event features collaborations among talented artists from the Greater Boston area, representing diverse South Asian traditions and influences.

Fiesta Saturdays Will Bring the Sounds and Spirit of Latin America to Watertown

Flamenco Boston (left) and Los Mambiseros will perform during Fiesta Saturdays at Mosesian Center for the Arts. The Mosesian Center for the Arts will presents two outdoor concerts featuring the sounds, dance and culture of Latin America this summer. See more information provided by the MCA, below. This summer, no passport is required to experience the rhythms, flavors, and vibrant traditions of Latin America. The Mosesian Center for the Arts is proud to launch Fiesta Saturdays, a new outdoor concert series celebrating Latin music, dance, and culture on the MCA lawn.

COMIC: A Beach Day for Small Saves

James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net. Combining this with the love of cartooning Small Saves emerged in 1991 and took on a life of his own. “To play goal – then come home and draw Small Saves — is my ideal definition of a good day.”

Chris Bohjalian Launching New Novel at Armenian Museum of America with Author Nancy Kricorian

Chris Bohjalian’s latest book, “The Amateur.” The following announcement was provided by the Armenian Museum of America:

The Armenian Museum of America is pleased to announce an evening of conversation with bestselling novelist Chris Bohjalian and acclaimed author Nancy Kricorian in celebration of the launch of Bohjalian’s highly anticipated new novel, “The Amateur.” The event will take place on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Armenian Museum of America in Watertown. Bohjalian and Kricorian will engage in a thought-provoking discussion exploring literature, history, storytelling, and the creative process. Recently named a New York Times Book Review “Novel Everyone Will Be Talking About in 2026” and an Oprah Daily Best Book of Summer 2026, The Amateur has already garnered widespread critical acclaim.

WEEKEND FUN: Tipsy Tea Party, a Show at the Mosesian Center, Historic Mansion Tour, Drop into the Makerspace

(UPDATED: June 25, 3:10 p.m.: the Watertown Children’s production is in July, stay tuned for more information)

The Pride month celebration continues this week with the Tipsy Tea Party on Sunday. The final weekend of a play by a new theater company is at the Mosesian Center. Take a tour of the historic Gore Mansion and learn about the intricacies of the wallpaper in the former governor’s home on Saturday. In the mood to make something, learn how at the Hatch Makerspace on Friday. TIPSY TEA PARTYSunday, June 28, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.Commander’s Mansion, 440 Talcott Ave.

Watertown Summer Concert Series is Back; Submit Your Song for WaterTunes

Saltonstall Park will be filled with music on Wednesday evenings beginning July 1. Watertown’s Summer Concert Series features a variety of performers, and this year people can submit their songs to be included in WaterTunes. See more details in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Concerts will take place each Wednesday from July 1 to Aug. 19, from 6-8 p.m. on the new stage at Saltonstall Park, 149 Main St.

Watertown’s Independence Day Celebration Includes, Concert & Light Show

Celebrate America’s independence on July 1 when the City of Watertown with music and a light show in Saltonstall Park. See more details in the announcement from the City, below. Full Schedule • Wednesday, July 1, 2026

​Saltonstall Park, 149 Main St., Watertown (next to City Hall)

​​​​2:30–6:00 PM — Watertown Farmers’ MarketKick off the holiday with fresh produce, local food, artisan goods, and live music at the weekly Farmers’ Market. The Market supports local agriculture and small businesses while promoting healthy, sustainable living for the whole community. Cash, credit cards (for most vendors), SNAP, HIP, and Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupons are accepted.