Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on July 4th, 2015 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus: parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling, and other useful links.
This year July 4th falls on a Saturday. According to the official holiday information on the Secretary of State's website this will not be a three day weekend because, "All holidays falling on Sunday must be observed on Monday, under state law. Saturday holidays are observed on Saturday."
The city of Boston is taking a different approach. The holiday page on the city website reads:
Friday July 3rd Independence Day- City Holiday
"City offices closed. Sunday parking rules in effect. BCYF Community Centers are closed. The Mirabella and Clougherty Pools will be open regular hours. Please Note: All Boston Public Libraries will be open on July 3rd."
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Update 06/25/15:
From the State Police- Security and Traffic Information for July 3 and 4 Esplanade Events
Update 06/30/15: City of Boston Traffic Advisory.
Restaurants, bars: Open
Convenience stores: Open
Supermarkets: Open
Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose.
Liquor stores: Open
City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities: Closed. This includes: Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.
Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a "Bank Holiday" with both banks and the stock markets in the United States closed. Some international markets are open. Also, some banks may open certain branch offices – often those inside supermarkets. Check with your own financial institution for details.
Boston Parking: Sunday Parking rules apply. You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. There will be some temporary parking restrictions and some street closures in the areas surrounding the Charles River Esplanade on July 4th. We'll add updates as they are published.
Towed Cars: The City says, "If you believe your vehicle was towed in Boston, then call either the Boston Police Tow Line at 617-343-4629 or the Boston Tow Lot at 617-635-3900 to locate the vehicle, or search the online towing database by license plate" at the City's Towed Car page.
Street Sweeping: The City says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."
Boston Trash: from the City Site:
"Independence Day Week Friday, Monday, June 29 – Saturday, July 4, 2015 NO DELAY of residential trash and recycling collections in all sections of the City."
Update 06/30/15 : Eater Boston has prepared a list of the restaurants that are open on July 4th. Great job Rachel! This took a ton of work. What's #OpenInBOS on July 4?
Fireworks from a Back Bay roof deck.
Here are some of our related posts about July 4th, the Charles River, and the Esplanade ...
How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston
Charles River Clean Up Boat Update
MBTA Schedule Changes is updated as of 06/26/15:
The MBTA website has July 4th schedule information posted on their events page through the holiday. "Fares will be free after 9:30 p.m."
Subways and the Silver line will "...operate a Sunday schedule with rush-hour levels of service beginning at 2 p.m. to accommodate holiday ridership and will operate extended late-night hours as Fourth of July is on a Saturday.
The Commuter Rail will run on a Saturday schedule. The last trains to leave Boston are on the MBTA Events Page and in the download below.
Buses and trackless trolleys will run on a Sunday schedule. This means some buses will not operate.
Boats will run on a Saturday schedule except the Charlestown service which will operate on a weekday schedule.
The Ride will run on a Saturday Schedule.
You can download a pdf copy of the schedule details here:
MBTA tips for those attending the Esplande Concert and Fireworks:
Customers are urged to take public transportation to and from Fourth of July events and advised to check T-Alerts for the most up-to-date service information during the holiday.
As a reminder, bicycles are not allowed on any subway lines for the entire day on the Fourth of July. Bicycles are also prohibited on inbound Commuter Rail trains from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as well as on outbound trains after 4 p.m.
Beginning at 2 p.m., subway service on all lines will operate at rush-hour levels to accommodate increased holiday ridership. Fares will be free after 9:30 p.m.
Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages and the Wellington Station lot will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on the Fourth of July in order to ensure all customers exit in a timely manner. Due to heavy parking demand, some MBTA parking garages and lots may fill more quickly than normal. Customers planning to park in an MBTA garage or lot should plan accordingly.
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. They're perfect for small city homes. We have a version of the Arctic Zone Ultra 50 can model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled! We not only use it for picnics, but grab it to go grocery shopping.
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Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: Penny Cherubino and istockphoto.com