What’s Open on July 4th, 2012 in Boston & MBTA Schedules

Here's a run-down of what's Open & Closed in Boston on Monday, July 4th, 2012 and changes to MBTA schedules.

This is an old post. Here's a link is the 2015 resource page for July 4th:

What's Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

We publish these reminders before a holiday to help you make your plans, and we update the information as more official word is released. Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates. Or, scroll down to the bottom of this post and subscribe to the comment feed to receive email notice of updates.

Photo: John Schinker used under this creative commons license. Here's a link to his wonderful July 4th photostream! 

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.

Photo: John Schinker used under this creative commons license.

Boston Parking: 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.

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's site, "Independence Day, Wednesday, July 4 | 7am – Saturday, July 7, 2012 | 5pm. Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in South Boston, Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury AND your trash and recycling is normally collected on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

Here are some of our related posts about July 4th, the Charles RIver, and the Esplanade 

    How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

    Once Grand, Now Unnoticed

    Charles River Clean Up Boat Update

MBTA Schedule Changes

Here's a link to the information released by the MBTA. With all the special schedules for the tall ships in addition to the July 4th schedule changes, we feel you need to look at the original material. 

Remember! Fare increases and some changes to MBTA services including The Ride are "effective July 1, 2012." Check www.MBTA.com in advance to be certain the bus, or train, and the stop that you intend to use is still available.

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. Perfect for small city homes. We have an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled. We not only use it for picnics, but grab it to go grocery shopping. 

Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: By John Schinker used under this creative commons license. Here's a link to his wonderful July 4th photostream!