Stars & Stipes Over Framingham Returns For 2024

News release from City of Framingham.

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The City of Framingham will host the Stars & Stripes Over Framingham event on June 28 at Farm Pond Park from 5 pm to 10 pm. This family-friendly celebration will include entertainment and food, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over Farm Pond.

Mayor Charlie Sisitsky expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Last year's Stars & Stripes Over Framingham fireworks event was an amazing experience for our community. This year, we're ready to make it even better. We can't wait to celebrate together again and create unforgettable memories."

The event is free to attend and free to park. Attendees can enjoy the music of Decades by Dezyne and the 215th Army Band, bring their own food, and watch the fireworks at no cost. There will also be food trucks and vendors available for those who wish to purchase food.

We want to extend our gratitude to the following donors:

• Paradigm Properties
• Carruth Partners LLC
• Adesa Boston
• Rousseau Realty LLC
• Middlesex Savings Bank

Please check the FAQ below for answers to the main questions about this event:

1 - When & Where Can I Park?

Public lots will open at 4 p.m. Do not arrive early, as you may be turned away. There will be public parking at Cushing Memorial Park.

The entrance to these 2,500-plus parking spaces will be off Dr. Harvey Cushing Way. Spaces are free and first come, first served.

There will also be parking at Keefe Technical High School. These spaces are free. The only entrance for that parking will be on Fountain Street. You cannot access Keefe or Cushing parking lots from Winter Street.

See the maps in English, Spanish, & Portuguese for parking locations and how to access them.

2 - Is there handicap-accessible parking available?

Yes. There is a parking lot at the intersection of Dudley Road and Dr. Harvey Cushing Road with about 140 spaces, plus there are scores of additional spaces at Loring Arena.

These parking spaces are first come, first served.

There are viewing areas for those with disabilities near the stage, tennis/basketball courts near Loring Arena, and Cushing Memorial Chapel. Please bring chairs.

3 - Are there restricted parking areas?

Yes. Parking is prohibited on Dr. Harvey Cushing Way, Fountain Street, and Winter Street. Vehicles parked on those roads may be towed.

Parking on side streets off of Winter Street is restricted to the odd side of the road. Vehicles parked on even sides that could impact emergency vehicles are subject to being towed.

Framingham Police will be enforcing parking rules during this event.

4 - Are there any roads that will be closed?

Dudley Road will be closed from Dr. Harvey Cushing Road to Fountain Street for all vehicles from 4:30 p.m. to midnight.

5 - Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?

• This is a no-alcohol event.
• Bags are permitted but are subject to search.
• Please feel free to bring chairs, blankets, and picnics.
• No tents, pop-up tents, canopies, or umbrellas.
• Leave hard coolers at home, but soft coolers are permitted.
• No glass containers.
• No fire pits and no grilling will be allowed, per the fire department's order.

• No sparklers.

• No drones. The use of drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) anywhere in the area of the event is prohibited unless authorized by the Framingham Police Department.

There will be additional trash barrels, but please consider taking home what you bring. Please don’t litter.

6 - Will there be food?

Yes. Food trucks will be at Barbieri Elementary School, where you can purchase food and drink.

The food vendors will start serving around 5 p.m. until the fireworks begin. There will be no food or drink service after the fireworks.

7 - What food trucks & food vendors will be there?

Confirmed and approved by the Framingham Health Department are:
• Roadhouse Grille (gluten and nut-free options)
• BerrySweets
• Trolley Dogs(gluten-free options)
• Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
• Velma’s Kettle Corn
• Boston Events/Kayem BBQ Trailer
• Boston Events/Fried Goodness
• Kona Ice
• Papi’s Stuffed Sopapillas
• Eastleigh Farm Ice Cream (dairy-free options)
• Big T’s
• Birds Nest Italian Street Food
• Grub Guru
• Atrevete a probar
• Sabrosa Venezuela Inc
• Moo-Licious/The Mooving Cookie Bakery
• Mr. Gourmet
• The Cod Squad
• Chick-Fil-A

8 - What should I bring?

• Please bring sunscreen and bug spray.
• Feel free to bring blankets & chairs.
• You may also bring your food and drink from home as the wait time for food trucks may be long

9 - Will there be entertainment?

Decades by Dezyne will start the evening on stage around 5:00 p.m. with their repertoire of Motown and family favorites.

The 215th Army Band will follow! Throughout their performance, you will see the following musical performance teams: Fife and Drum, New Orleans Brass, Popular Music, and Concert Band playing patriotic music. It is the 215th Army Band’s Duty to tell the Army story and our Honor to recognize the efforts of our Veterans and our Country, which we come together to celebrate.

Fireworks will follow.

10 - What Time Do the Fireworks Go Off?

Fireworks are scheduled to go off after 9 p.m.

11 - Where will the fireworks go off?

The fireworks will be ignited from a barge in the middle of Farm Pond.

No boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, or inflatable devices will be allowed in Farm Pond, per Framingham Fire and Framingham Police, who will be patrolling the water.

12 - Where can I view the fireworks?

Viewing areas include Farm Pond Park, Cushing Memorial Park, Long Field Complex, and other areas along the pond.

The baseball complex fields, Farm Pond Park, and portions of Cushing Memorial Park will be open for chairs and blankets.

Individuals will be prohibited from being on the train tracks or the aqueduct path.

13 - Will I be able to see the fireworks over the trees at Farm Pond?

Yes. The fireworks will go off about 400 feet in the air, above most of the tree line around the pond. Cloud conditions, however, may impact the visibility of the fireworks.

14 - How long will the fireworks last?

About 20 minutes

15 - Is there a rain date?

No.

16 - Will the fireworks be delayed or postponed?

If there's lightning, the fireworks may be delayed. Rain won't prevent the fireworks from happening. However, if winds exceed 20 miles per hour, the fireworks will be postponed until the wind speed drops below 20 miles per hour.

17 - Is there a first-aid tent?

Yes. The Medical Reserve Corps will have a tent in front of Barbieri Elementary School, and at least one ambulance will be on site. Their tent will also be the lost & found and family reunification area.

18 - Are there bathrooms?

Yes, there are portable bathrooms & accessible bathrooms located throughout the area. (See maps in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. for those locations.)

19 - Will the concert and fireworks be recorded?

The Stars & Stripes Over Framingham Event will be recorded by Access Framingham TV (AFTV) and aired at a later date on the following AFTV Cable Channels: Astound HD Channel 1100 • Astound (RCN) Channel 3 • Comcast Channel 9 • Verizon Channel 43

There will be a live broadcast of the event on the Access Framingham YouTube Channel.

20 - Would you like to help with the clean-up on Saturday, June 29?

PLEASE DON'T LITTER.

If you generate trash, please place it in a barrel or carry it. If you want to help Keep Framingham Beautiful with a post-fireworks litter cleanup on Saturday, 6/29, @ 9 am, please fill out this Google form.

Parking Map Below