Fourth of July events
Join the festivities Thursday, July 4, for the annual Fourth of July celebration. Watch the parade through the town center, and participate in field events in front of the library. The Lions Club will offer food for sale. For more information or to volunteer, visit harvard4thofjuly.org.
- 9 a.m.: Display of antique cars at the library field
- 10 a.m.: Bike decorating competition on the Common; bikes should arrive already decorated
- 11 a.m.: Parade, beginning at Depot and Ayer roads
- Noon: Flag-raising and award announcements at the library field
- 12:15 to 2:30 p.m.: Ongoing activities including greased pole, duck pond, tin can knockdown
- 12:45 to 2:30 p.m.: Activities and races by age group including pie-eating, candy scramble, sack race, three-legged race, parent-child relay, and egg toss
Fun run and 5-miler
The Great Harvard 4th of July Race will be run Thursday, July 4, starting at 8:15 a.m at the Bromfield School, 14 Mass. Ave. The 1-mile fun run will start at 9:30 a.m., and on-site registration for both opens at 6:30 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in seven different divisions, and refreshments will be available after the race. Learn more and register in advance at www.harvardraces.org/races/july-4th-5-miler.
At the library
The library is at 4 Pond Road. For a full calendar of events, visit harvardpubliclibrary.org/services/events. Register for all children’s programs at eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=Harvard.
Children’s programs
- Maker space build-along, best for grades K to 6, younger children with adult supervision. Monday, July 1, 3 p.m.
- The world of owls, ages 5 and up, Wednesday, July 10, 3 p.m. Not for children under 5.
- Story time, ages 2 and younger, Thursdays, July 11 through Aug. 15, 10:30 a.m.
- Family movie night, Thursday, July 11, 6:30 p.m. Movie is rated PG
Teen programs
- Teen cake competition, grades 7-12, Tuesday, July 16, 2 p.m. Decorate a cake in small teams.
At Fivesparks
Fivesparks is at 7 Fairbank Street. Closed Sunday and Monday; open Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Visit fivesparks.org for the complete schedule and more information.
- Exhibit, “Inheritance: The Art of Sebastian Ambrus Kiss and Mercedes Lucia Kiss, Father and Daughter in Dialogue.” On view through July 13.
- Author event and book release, Helen Batchelder, “Up On End and Spinning.” Saturday, June 29, 4 p.m.
- “Into the garden,” kids summer felting “mini camp.” Tuesday, July 9, and Wednesday, July 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Classic rock at Carlson Orchards
Harvard-based rock band Sonic Union will perform outdoors Saturday, June 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Carlson Orchards, 115 Oak Hill Road. The six-piece group plays a mix of classic and contemporary tunes.
Fruitlands summer band concerts
The Concord Band returns to Fruitlands Museum for their summer concert series, Wednesdays, July 3-24, at 102 Prospect Hill Road. Concerts begin at 7:15 p.m.; gates open at 5 p.m. Gather on the lawn for an evening concert with stunning sunset views. Pack a picnic meal and snacks; food or beverages are not available for purchase. Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed.
- July 3, Independence Day patriotic program
- July 10, Disney movie music and video game music
- July 17, music from John Williams and John Philip Sousa
- July 24, retrospective concert
OUT OF TOWN
Nashua River Brewers Festival
Beers for Good will host the 14th annual Nashua River Brewers Festival Saturday, June 29, 1 to 6 p.m. at Riverfront Park, 51 Commercial Street, Fitchburg. Meet some of the region’s top brewers and sample 30+ craft breweries from across New England. Enjoy live music, local food trucks, and plenty of fun; this year’s primary beneficiary is the Nashua River Watershed Association. For information and advance tickets visit beersforgood.com. Adults only, no pets or children.
Area fireworks
The following neighboring communities have announced fireworks displays:
- Pepperell, Saturday, June 29, on the back field behind Varnum Brook Elementary School, 10 Hollis St.
- Fitchburg, Wednesday, July 3, 10 p.m. at 83 Hazel St., rain date Sunday, July 7.
- Acton, Thursday, July 4, 9:30 p.m. at Nara Park, 25 Ledge Rock Way.
- Groton, Monday, July 8, 9 p.m. at Groton Field, Playground Road, rain date Tuesday, July 9.