Boston Fireworks & Pops Concert | July 4th 2023 | Hatch Shell Esplanade

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Dates:	Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Hours:	Hours Vary see below
Ages:	Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults
In/Outdoor:	Outdoor
Cost:	Free see below
Category:	Holiday

boston fireworks pops concert july 4th 2023 hatch shell esplanade photo

Music and fireworks will once again ring out across the Charles River in Boston this Fourth of July, 2023! The concert kicks off at 8 p.m., and the 30-minute fireworks show starts at 10:30 p.m.

**2023 Protocol**
Concert-area gates will open at noon for guests who want to grab themselves a spot at the first-come, first-served event. This is a change from past years, when the gates opened at 9 a.m.

Viewing fireworks from both the Longfellow Bridge and Mass. Ave. bridge is not allowed this year. You can find more info on this list of road closures and parking restrictions.

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
Allowed Items
All personal items must be carried in clear bags only
Pop up tents/canopies with no sides - maximum size 10x10 (no tents/canopies allowed on July 3)
Blankets or tarps no bigger than 10x10
Folding/beach chairs only
Coolers, must be carried in by shoulder strap or single handle (no wheels)
After inspection, small clutch bags/purses may be taken into the venue with the clear bag.

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.

July 3rd Dress Rehearsal Concert
WAS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC IN 2022 - TBD THIS YEAR

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July 4th Schedule of Events:
**Oval opens at 12:00pm (NEW for 2022)**
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

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*Dress Rehearsal is usually July 3 (was closed to the public in 2022 - TBD for 2023) and the performance is July 4.

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

COST

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Free | Reserved Tickets Available on June 21

WEBSITE

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www.july4th.org/

LOCATION

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Charles River Esplanade, Boston, MA map

View MBTA Service Schedule

TIPS

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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

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Pops Concert

We're in Birmingham Alabama and have no television coverage of the concert & fireworks. Plenty of displays in this area but it's not Boston! Sad day!

please televise this nationally

We're up here in Alaska. We so look forward to the Boston Pops 4th of July Celebration every year! Someone needs to put this on national television somehow! It's always the best celebration nationwide! Maybe PBS will pick it up and televise it later. They are already doing the Capitol 4th with Bary Manilo, not nearly as good a show!

4th of July Fireworks-Boston

This was a wonderful display. The music was superbly orchestrated with the brilliant bursts of color. My question is, ' who was the female vocalist singing the National Anthem at the end of the display or for the grand finale.' I have a hunch, but would like some verification.