QUINCY, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The City of Quincy is celebrating the 400th anniversary of its settlement with the launch of the inaugural Quincy400 Maritime Festival.

The three-day celebration kicked off on July 4 on the Marina Bay Boardwalk with an opening ceremony at the Clock Tower featuring Mayor Thomas Koch. The ceremony will be followed by a reenactment of the Lexington Minutemen and a performance from the Orchid Reed Band. The event highlights the city's naval legacy.

“Quincy’s history has always been tied to the water— from shipbuilding to seafaring, our 27 miles of coastline is part of who we are,” shared Mayor Thomas P. Koch in a press release. “The Quincy400 Maritime Festival is a celebration of that proud heritage and the vibrant community we continue to build today. I invite everyone to join us this Independence Day weekend for a festival that honors our past and brings joy to the present.”

Attendees will enjoy a variety of free, family-friendly activities, including schooner tours, parades, reenactments, and live musical performances, during the Fourth of July weekend.

Known as the birthplace of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, festivalgoers can partake in the historic Marina Bay and Quincy Waterfront event honoring the city's past while looking towards the future.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, July 4th | 2:00 – 9:00 PM

Opening and Cake Cutting Ceremony with Mayor Thomas Koch at the Clock Tower – 3:00 PM

Lexington Minutemen Reenactment – 3:30 – 4:30 PM

Orchid Reed Band – 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Saturday, July 5th | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Decorated Children’s Bike & Wagon Parade – 11:00 – 11:30 AM

Adirondack 3 80’ Schooner Sails In & Docks – 2:30 PM

Adirondack 3 80’ Schooner Open for Tours – 3:00 – 10:00 PM

Middlesex County Fife and Drum – 3:00 – 3:30 PM & 4:00 – 4:30 PM

The Sultans Band – 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Light Up Your Boat Display (Marina Bay Members) – 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Sunday, July 6th | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Decorated Dinghy Parade – 11:00 – 12:00 PM

Lexington Minutemen Reenactment – 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Ongoing Weekend Activities:

Stage Performances with Live Music and DJ

Fire Eaters & Magic Shows

Food for Purchase from Marina Bay Restaurants

Shop Marina Bay Retail Stores

Plein Air Maritime Artists

Break Rock Brewery Beer Garden

Children’s Activities & Face Painting

Sand Sculpture

Dining Tent & Boardwalk Strolling