Boston Fireworks & Pops Concert | July 4th 2025 | Hatch Shell Esplanade
Music and fireworks will once again ring out across the Charles River in Boston this Fourth of July, 2024! The concert kicks off at 8 p.m., and the 30-minute fireworks show starts at 10:30 p.m.Join us and special guests (TBD), beloved favorites from the Boston Pops, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, and fireworks over the Charles River.
**2025 Protocol**
Concert-area gates will open at noon for guests who want to grab themselves a spot at the first-come, first-served event.
The Oval and Island entrances to the Esplanade are best accessed from Storrow Drive at Berkeley, Clarendon, and Dartmouth Streets.
Spectators entering these secured areas will be required to pass through one of the bag check/screening entrances and will receive a wristband specifically for that area, which must be worn at all times during the event to ensure access in and out of that secured area. When the secured areas are full on July 4, NO additional wristbands will be distributed.
Because of crowds, be aware that Public Safety may close access to these secured areas as it gets closer to concert time.
ROAD CLOSURES & PARKING RESTRICTIONS
You can find more info on this list of road closures and parking restrictions.
BRIDGE ACCESS
The Longfellow Bridge will be closed to bikes and pedestrian traffic from approximately 9pm until the end of the fireworks. No fireworks viewing from the Longfellow Bridge will be allowed.
The Massachusetts Ave (Harvard) Bridge will be closed to bikes and pedestrian traffic from approximately 9pm until the end of the fireworks. No fireworks viewing from the Massachusetts Ave (Harvard) Bridge will be allowed.
Enjoy the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and a spectacular display of fireworks over the Charles River. This year maestro Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra are set to entertain at Boston’s annual Fourth of July celebration.
This year’s Spectacular keeps alive several of the Boston holiday traditions including the Pops’ now classic Independence Day rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” which features real cannons and the live ringing of area church bells.
And, of course, The Boston Fireworks Spectacular will be capped off by a magnificent fireworks array that fills the skies above Boston with a stunning exhibition of color and breathtaking pageantry. It is best to arrive early (before noon) if you wish to find a good place to sit.
Find other Fireworks Displays in Massachusetts.
Pack a lunch, water, sunscreen, blankets, and things to keep the kids occupied. Best to take public transportation as parking will be scarce.
What to Bring & What's Allowed
Pop-up tents/canopies with no sides – maximum size 10’x10’.
Blankets or tarps no bigger than 10’x 10’.
Folding/beach chairs only.
*Coolers, which must be carried in by shoulder strap or single handle (no wheeled coolers).
All personal items must be carried in clear bags only.
What's NOT Allowed / Prohibited Items
To ensure the safety of all visitors to the Esplanade, the following rules will be strictly enforced for the concert and fireworks show on July 4. Unless noted below, no backpacks, shopping bags, or similar type containers may be carried onto the Esplanade, and all carried items are subject to inspection.
No coolers on wheels.
No backpacks.
No firearms, weapons, sharp objects, or fireworks.
No glass containers.
No cans.
No pre-mixed beverages.
All liquids will be carried in sealed clear plastic containers not to exceed 2 liters in size.
No grilling, propane tanks, or open flames.
No alcoholic beverages.
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.
MBTA
MBTA bus, T, & commuter rail fares will not be collected from 9:30pm to end of service on July 4. MBTA July 4th Service Info
Parking & Transportation Info
Visit this helpful FAQ page for any additional logistical questions.
RESTROOMS
There are over 350 portable restrooms located in Boston and Cambridge. Accessible restrooms can be found at all restroom locations. There are restroom facilities located in the accessible area on both the Boston and Cambridge side.
July 3rd Dress Rehearsal Concert
WAS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC IN 2022 - TBD THIS YEAR
-----------------------------------------
July 4th Schedule of Events:
**Oval opens at 12:00pm**
7:00pm WBZ News Radio AM 1030 broadcast begins
8:00pm Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular broadcast begins
8:30pm Concert begins
10:30pm Fireworks begin
11:00pm Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular ends
*All dates subject to change
Prohibited Items No alcoholic beverages are allowed on any DCR property, which includes the Esplanade, Memorial Drive, Cambridge, or on waterways. Grills, hibachis or other fires are prohibited. No overnight camping. No Bicycles in the Oval. Spectators can stake their claim in the morning on July 4.
Prohibited Items
Coolers on wheels
Backpacks
Firearms, pepper spray, sharp objects, or fireworks
Glass containers
Cans
Alcoholic beverages
Pre-mixed beverages
All liquids must be carried in sealed clear plastic containers, and may not exceed 2 liters in size
Grilling, Propane tanks, or open flames
Bicycles will not be allowed through checkpoints in order to facilitate a timely evacuation in case of emergency. Bikes are allowed in other parts of the Esplanade, but must not be left unattended. Bikes locked to security fences, poles, or other structures may be subject to removal.
Things you CAN Bring
Pop-up tents/canopies with no sides (maximum size is 10’x10’).
Blankets or tarps no bigger than 10’x 10’.
Folding/beach chairs only.
Coolers, which must be carried in by shoulder strap or single handle (no wheeled coolers).
All personal items must be carried in clear bags only.
After inspection, small clutch bags/purses may be taken into the venue with the clear bag.
Not up for making the trip into Boston? Many towns will be hosting fireworks displays this year. Find a Fireworks Display near you in MA, and make it an evening to remember.
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will be broadcast on both Bloomberg Television and WCVB Boston from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM Can't make it to the big event? You can still tune in to enjoy the show via television, mobile & radio.
The entire concert and fireworks display will be live-streamed on Bloomberg.com and on the Bloomberg mobile and OTT platforms, and will be available for 24 days following the concert.
Television
Bloomberg Television (DISH: 203 / RCN: 325, 672 / DirecTV: 353 / COMCAST 45, 757 or 844)
WCVB Boston
Radio
Boston - 106.1FM / 1330AM | Newburyport 106.1FM / 1450AM | Cape Cod- Easy 99.1FM | Sirius/XM 119 | 92.9-HD2, and 99.1 WPLM-FM
You can also listen to musical performances at at bloombergradio.com and on the Bloomberg Radio and iHeartRadio apps.
Mobile/Web
Bloomberg Radio App/IHeartRadio App | Stream- Bloombergradio.com
Looking for more July events in Boston? Check out our guide to summer fun for lots more ideas.
Find lots more ideas on fun things to do with kids in Boston.
Find other Fireworks Displays in Massachusetts.
Looking for more July events in Boston? Check out our guide to summer fun for lots more ideas.
Find lots more ideas on fun things to do with kids in Boston.
| HOURS | ↑ top |
**Oval opens at 12:00pm for in-person attendees**
On July 4, the television broadcast begins at 8:00pm. The concert starts at 8:00pm and ends at 10:30pm with a fireworks display from 10:30-11pm (subject to change).
*Dress Rehearsal is usually July 3 (was closed to the public in 2022 - TBD for 2023)
TUESDAY, JULY 3
*Includes all guest artists. *No fireworks.
Gates open at approximately 5:00pm.
8:00PM: Concert begins
10:00PM: Concert ends
WEDNESDAY, JULY 4
*Concert & Fireworks
Gates open at 9:00am
8:00PM: Concert begin
10:30PM: Fireworks begin
11:00PM: Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular ends
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
www.bso.org/boston-pops-fireworks-spectacular
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
Charles River Esplanade, Boston, MA map
View MBTA Service Schedule
The Oval is the grass-filled area directly in front of the DCR Hatch Shell on the Esplanade.
| TIPS | ↑ top |
- Unique Spots to watch Boston 4th of July Fireworks - when it's on the Esplanade
- Arnold Arboretum — Over in Jamaica Plain, grab a blanket and head to the top of Peter’s Hill in the Arboretum to peep the fireworks show far away from the Esplanade crowds.
- Castle Island — Venture out to Castle Island. The park overlooks the Boston Harbor, and if its a clear night, you’ll be able to see other towns’ fireworks along with Boston’s own show on the Esplanade.
- Great Prospect Hill in Weymouth
- Wollaston Beach Look northward from this stretch of shore in Quincy and behold a decent view of the fireworks a few miles away.
- Find 4th of July Fireworks Near Boston
| REVIEWS | ↑ top |
Pops Concert
please televise this nationally4th of July Fireworks-Boston| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
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- Boston Fireworks & Pops Concert | July 4th 2025 | ..., 7/4/25-7/4/25
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