Boston Fireworks plus Pops Concert

July 4th events celebrate the birth of American liberty

Spectacular Boston fireworks light up the sky over the Charles River for half a million spectators watching this beloved annual July 4th event. 

If you're traveling to Boston for this national patriotic holiday, consider spending a memorable evening at the free Boston Pops Concert and FIreworks Spectacular located on the Esplanade along the banks of the Charles River.

Boston fireworks, seen from behind the golden dome of the Massachusetts State House
Photo copyright 2008 Stephen Orsillo

After all, Boston is where the fight for American liberty began.  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 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, America's premier Independence Day celebration, takes place on July 3rd and 4th on the Esplanade next to the Charles River. 

Concerts on both days feature Conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra along with special guests in the historic Hatch Shell. The skies light up on July 4th with dazzling pyrotechnics reaching as high as 1,500 feet.

The nationally televised Boston Pops show on July 4th, like the show on the 3rd, lasts 2 hours.  The music is terrific, and then comes the finale - Tchaikovsky's explosive 1812 Overture, ending with drumrolls and real cannon fire, while church bells ring throughout the city. 

Soon after, the real Boston fireworks begin to be launched from barges in the middle of the Charles River. 

Bostonians look forward to this display all year - but the lavish 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 enjoy this special Boston patriotic event.

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 10:00 - 10:30 pm and are also free.

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. 

Most of the area behind the Hatch Shell, extending back to about Revere Street in Beacon Hill, is used as a staging area for equipment and so forth, and is closed off to pedestrians.

Check out this video of the Pops' rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, followed by a fly-over of fighter jets from Hanscom Air Force Base, to get a sense of the excitement of being there!

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 as well as the Cambridge side of the Charles River.  The fireworks event takes place between the Longfellow and Mass Ave Bridges. 

Waiting for fireworks on the Charles River - late afternoon
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 for Boston Pops Concert and July 4th fireworks

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, as well as the July 4th website.