Boston Fireworks plus Boston Pops Concert
Celebrate July 4th in the Birthplace of American Liberty
The spectacular annual Boston fireworks display over the Charles River lights up the sky for half a million spectators.
After all, Boston is where the fight for American liberty began, and saying that July 4th is a very special occasion here is an understatement. The city is always proud of its revolutionary heritage, but around July 4th, historic pride escalates to such a degree that you'll experience patriotism on steroids.
The celebration actually starts on July 3rd with a special Boston Pops concert at the Hatch Shell, the open-air stage on the Charles River Esplanade that's also the site of other free summer concerts and movies. The July 3rd show is only a concert - no fireworks - and lasts about 2 hours.
The nationally televised Boston Pops show on July 4th also lasts 2 hours. The music is terrific, and then comes the finale - Tchaikovsky's explosive 1812 Overture, ending with drumrolls and cannon fire, while church bells ring throughout the entire city.
At this point, the real fireworks begin to be launched from barges in the middle of the Charles River. The colorful explosions light up the night sky.
In this photo of the July 4th Boston fireworks, you can see the golden dome of the Massachusetts State House in the right of the photo and a bit of Beacon Hill to the left.
Bostonians look forward to this display all year - the extravagant, multi-colored display of Boston fireworks never seems to last long enough.
If you're visiting the city on the 4th, find yourself a comfortable spot, and watch.
When, where, how to get there, and other practical info
Both Boston Pops concerts start at 8pm, and both are free. The awesome Boston fireworks, which begin after the end of the Pops concert on the 4th, usually begin around 10pm and are also free.
If you want to be able to actually see the concert, you need to be within what's called the "Oval" - a grassy area in front of the Hatch Shell where the musicians play. Although this may sound like the ideal place to sit, there's a down side: you won't be able to see the fireworks very well because of all the trees surrounding this area.
The area around the Oval is fenced for the concert in order to prevent overcrowding. If you want to sit there, you need to enter through one of three entrances, where a bag check is performed (alcoholic beverages, blankets larger than 5 feet by 7 feet, glass containers, and sharp pointy objects like knitting needles and can openers are banned).
The entrances to the Oval open at 4pm on the 3rd, and 9am on the 4th. In order to get a seat in the Oval, you need to arrive as early as possible. The area usually fills up by 7pm or earlier on the 3rd, and soon after 9am on the 4th. Especially on the 4th, people tend to line up well before 9am.
Best spots to watch the Boston fireworks
If watching the fireworks is your main objective, you'll find plenty of great spots along the 3-mile Boston Esplanade and the Cambridge side of the river. The event takes place between the Longfellow and Mass Ave Bridges.
Waiting for fireworks on the Boston side of the Charles River
Photo courtesy of Steven Issacson
In my experience, great viewing sites are more plentiful on the Cambridge side, partly because it has fewer trees. You'll be able to hear the concert, just not see it, from both sides of the river as it is broadcast from sound towers placed throughout the area.
You'll be happy to know that plenty of portable toilets are located throughout the Boston and Cambridge areas along the river during this event.
You'll also see lots of concession stands selling food, drinks (but no alcohol - alcoholic beverages are banned throughout the entire area), and souvenirs such as t-shirts. Concession prices are regulated by the City of Boston, and all merchandise profits are donated to help fund the event.
The best way to get to the Pops concert and Boston fireworks show is by public transportation and walking, as parking is very limited in the area.
If you're planning to watch from the Esplanade, you will not be able to use either the Fiedler Footbridge or the Charles Street Footbridge to cross Storrow Drive as they are blocked off on these days. Instead, cross over to the Esplanade using the Dartmouth, Fairfield, or Mass Ave Footbridges.
Insider Tips
Here's what you should bring:
- Something to sit on
- Plenty of sunscreen and perhaps a long-sleeved shirt and hat
- Water bottles for everyone in your group
- Umbrellas, if there's any chance of rain
- A book to read, since you'll probably arrive early in order to get a good spot
- If you're arriving very early, bring something to eat unless you want to buy it from the concessions
Details and directions for the Boston Pops concert and Boston fireworks
Location:
- Boston Pops Concert: Hatch Shell, just to the east of the Fiedler Footbridge which crosses Storrow Drive from Arlington Street
- Boston Fireworks: Easily viewed from both sides of the Charles River between the Longfellow and Mass Ave Bridges
More information: Check the Boston Event Calendar for July.
If you're interested in Boston Fireworks, Pops Concerts, and other July 4th festivities, you should also check out:
- Boston Harborfest - A 6-day Fourth of July Festival (believed to be the largest patriotic celebration in the U.S.) that celebrates the colonial and maritime heritage of historic Boston, sometimes called the "cradle of the American Revolution." Over 200 concerts, reenactments, historical performances, and tours take place in Boston's City Hall Plaza, Faneuil Hall / Quincy Marketplace, and along the Boston Harbor Waterfront. If you're in the area, simply wander around and you'll find lots going on. Many events are free, and many are not. Check the Boston Events Calendar for July for more details.
- Chowderfest - Part of the Boston Harborfest, this takes place rain or shine on City Hall Plaza. It's your chance to try chowder from the city's top restaurants and vote for the best. More information: 617-227-1528.
- Freedom Trail - July 4th is a great time to walk along the Freedom Trail. You're sure to encounter lots of the Boston Harborfest activities as well as lots of costumed guides along the way.
- Boston History - Especially the events leading up to and immediately following the Revolutionary War. Read about Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and other Patriots who made this happen: No Taxation without Representation, the Boston Tea Party, the American Revolution, Siege of Boston, Menotomy. Then head to one of the historic Boston bars and taverns for a frosty pint of Sam Adams.
- Boston Esplanade - Find out about other activities that you can enjoy in this gorgeous water-side park
- Return from Boston Fireworks to Boston Tourism and Discovery Guide home page
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