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Here's what to know about the Boston Pops Fourth of July concert
Like many other Bostonians, I grew up knowing that the Boston Pops' Fourth of July concert was a summer staple in the city. It's estimated that around 300,000 people head down to the Charles River Esplanade each year to watch it in person. Some years, my family and I would join those massive crowds on the Charles to catch snippets of the concert from our picnic blanket. Other years, we'd watch the fireworks from afar or tune in to the televised program from home. Wherever you decide to watch, this year's Fireworks Spectacular will be a special one — it marks conductor Keith Lockhart's 30th year helming the Boston Pops.
When and where does the event take place?
On Friday, July 4, the live concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Hatch Memorial Shell. The Mugar Family Fireworks start around 9:40 p.m.
Who is performing?
The concert boasts a musically varied lineup. The Boston Pops will perform along with crooner Leslie Odom Jr., country star LeAnn Rimes, R&B group Bell Biv DeVoe, the Boston Children's Chorus and The Soldiers' Chorus of the United States Army Field Band.
How do I get a seat? Is there accessible seating?
I know from experience that arriving early is key. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is free and open to the public. Keep in mind that seating in the "Oval" — the grassy area in front of the Hatch Shell — is first-come, first-served. This seating area technically opens on Friday, July 4, at 12 p.m. Most people line up in advance so that they can stake their claim on a patch of grass as soon as possible. Remember that once the "oval" reaches capacity, it'll be closed and re-entry will not be permitted.
If you need accessible seating, there's an accessible area located to the right of the Hatch Shell. This area is reserved for people with disabilities and is also first-come, first-served. Individuals seated in this area can bring one guest — that guest is allowed one folding chair. American Sign Language Interpretation is also provided at the Hatch Shell. Please note that the accessible area closes at 6 p.m. or when it reaches capacity.
What am I allowed to bring?
Don't be that person caught trying to bring a pack of beers through security. Take special note of the items that you can and can't bring with you.
- Pop-up tents/canopies with no sides — maximum size 10 feet by 10 feet (tents will need to be taken down at 6 p.m. to allow for better visibility).
- Blankets or tarps no bigger than 10 feet by 10 feet.
- Folding/beach chairs only.
- Coolers must be carried in by a shoulder strap or a single handle (no wheeled coolers).
Prohibited items:
- No coolers on wheels.
- No backpacks.
- No firearms, weapons, sharp objects, or fireworks.
- No glass containers.
- All liquids need to be in sealed, clear plastic containers not to exceed 2 liters in size (no cans, pre-mixed beverages or alcoholic beverages allowed).
- No grilling, propane tanks or open flames.
- No bicycles will be allowed through the checkpoints into the Oval or Island/Lagoon areas. Bicycles are allowed throughout the rest of the venue but must not be left unattended. Bicycles attached or locked to security fences, poles or other structures may be subject to removal.
- No drones/unmanned aerial vehicles
What happens if it rains?
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will take place on July 4, rain or shine. If there's severe weather, the Boston Pops will update guests via bso.org.
How do I get there?
The DCR Hatch Shell is located at 47 David G. Mugar Way Boston, MA 02108. It's on the Charles River Esplanade between the Longfellow and Massachusetts Avenue Bridges.
If you plan on taking the MBTA (trust me, this is probably a better option than driving), the closest stations in Boston are Arlington Street on the Green Line or Charles/ MGH on the Red Line. If you want to watch from Cambridge, getting off at the Central Square or Kendall stops on the Red Line will get you close enough for a good view of the fireworks. The subway will run on a Saturday schedule (with increased service after 3 p.m.). The MBTA will be free after 8:30 p.m.
Want to walk down to the Hatch Memorial Shell? Access Beacon Street from Fairfield, Clarendon, Dartmouth, and Berkeley Streets and Massachusetts Avenue.
Where can I park?
Believe me — save yourself the headache and avoid driving into the city. But if you're feeling brave and do decide to try to drive, event organizers in the past have suggested trying the Motor Mart Garage located at 201 Stuart St. This garage runs about $27 to park for 2 to 7 hours.
Are there restrooms?
There will be 350 portable restrooms in Boston and Cambridge available to attendees (accessible restrooms are at each restroom location). Accessible areas also have restrooms.
What if I can't make it to the concert?
Don't worry, there are other options to catch the Fireworks Spectacular if you're unable to be there in person. The event will be broadcast locally on WHDH-TV Channel 7 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Nationally, the Fireworks Spectacular will air on The CW Network. The CW’s national presentation will air from 9 to 10 p.m. You can find your local CW station here.
