A Parade, a Picnic, and a Big Day for the Country

After a year without a parade, Burlington residents will once again line Cambridge and Winn Streets on July 4 to enjoy the entertainment provided by some of the area’s most fun and dynamic personalities – and afterward, the community will gather on the Town Common to celebrate a new favorite tradition.

Burlington’s 4th of July Committee, headed up by Select Board member Nick Priest and consisting of a dwindling number of resident volunteers, made the difficult decision to cancel the 2025 parade. Priest cited a number of factors for the cancellation, including the state’s repaving project on Cambridge St. (Route 3A) and the Committee’s small size, which made fundraising and outreach an ever more difficult task each year.

Residents were sad about the loss of the parade, and Burlington Buzz opted to host a Community Picnic in its place. Hundreds came out for music, treats, and the opportunity to spend the beautiful summer’s day with friends and neighbors.

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This year, on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Burlington residents can have their cake and eat it, too. The town announced this spring that the Fourth of July parade will proceed this year, and in May Town Meeting appropriated $34,000 to support the Committee’s efforts.

The parade will take the familiar route beginning at the Presbyterian Church at 335 Cambridge St., marching down to Winn St., taking a left, and continuing down Winn to Marshall Simonds Middle School. This year’s entertainment offerings will include Ghostbusters, a diverse array of band performances, classic cars, and maybe even some favorite children’s characters.

Following the parade, the party doesn’t stop. Residents can join their neighbors at the Town Common for the second annual 4th of July Community Picnic, hosted by Burlington Buzz and made possible by the generosity of local businesses. Full Throttle Boston will be back to play energizing rock hits, and families can enjoy games and activities together.

The 4th of July parade begins at 11:00 AM, and participants and spectators are encouraged to continue on to the Town Common from 1:00 to 3:00 for fun with friends and neighbors.

Bring a picnic blanket and your best 4th of July face paint, accessories, and clothing!