The beloved Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular returns Friday, July 4 for the city’s annual Independence Day celebration, with a slate of musical performances capped off with the classic pyrotechnics display.
The popular, free event is always packed with people on the Charles River Esplanade, so it’s good to be prepared. Here’s everything you need to know about what to expect, how to get there and more.
For more information, visit the Boston Symphony Orchestra website.
Where and when are the concert and fireworks display?
The performances will take place along the Charles River Esplanade at the Department of Conservation and Recreation Hatch Shell, at 47 Mugar Way, between the Longfellow and Massachusetts Avenue bridges.
Attendees will be able to watch from the Oval, the grassy area in front of the Hatch Shell, as well as elsewhere along the Esplanade. Access to the Oval will open at 12 p.m. and security staff will close the area once it reaches capacity, with no re-entry allowed.
There will be a second secured viewing area on the Esplanade island by the Storrow Lagoon.
The concert will start at 7 p.m. Fireworks will go off starting at about 9:40 p.m. and will be visible from both the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river.
Who will be performing at this year’s concert?
The Boston Pops Orchestra and conductor Keith Lockhart will be joined this year by several guest performers. This year marks Lockhart’s 30th anniversary leading the orchestra.
Singer-songwriter and country music artist LeeAnn Rimes will headline the 2025 concert. Film and Broadway performer Leslie Odom Jr., known for his breakout role in the musical “Hamilton,” and Boston hip-hop group Bell Biv DeVoe, comprising three original members of New Edition, will also make appearances.
The show will also feature performances by the Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band and the Boston Children’s Chorus.
Do I need a ticket for the event?
No, the concert is free and open to the public. However, the secured area at the Oval will be open on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to get there and where to park?
The secured viewing areas are best accessed from Storrow Drive at Berkeley, Clarendon or Dartmouth streets, but the Esplanade is also accessible from Fairfield Street and Massachusetts Avenue. Guests entering the Oval and island/lagoon viewing areas will need to go through a security checkpoint.
Because of street closures and parking restrictions to accommodate the crowds, city officials strongly recommend that attendees take public transportation if possible to get to the event. The closest MBTA stops are Charles-MGH on the Red Line and Arlington on the Green Line.
If you do take public transportation, the T and all other MBTA services will be free starting at 8:30 p.m. for people traveling home after the concert, fireworks and other events.
If you drive, be prepared to walk at least a short distance between the Esplanade and any available parking. Boston Symphony Orchestra recommends the Motor Mart Garage at 201 Stuart St., which is about 0.7 miles or about a 17-minute walk from the Hatch Shell, according to Google Maps, but there are also a number of other public parking garages in the area.
For a full list of road closures, click here.
You may also choose to bike to the venue, using your own bicycle or BlueBikes. However, cyclists should keep in mind that bikes will not be allowed inside the secured viewing areas and cannot be left unattended, even if locked up, or they may be removed.
What can I bring with me?
If you’re planning to camp out for the day or night to get a good viewing spot, don’t worry: folding and beach chairs, blankets and tarps up to 10 feet by 10 feet, and even pop-up tents and canopies are allowed on the Esplanade. Tents and canopies can be up to 10 feet by 10 feet and cannot have sides, and must be taken down by 6 p.m. so they don’t obstruct other guests’ view.
Coolers that are carried by a shoulder strap or single strap may also be brought in, but wheeled coolers are not allowed. Any liquids must be in sealed, clear plastic containers and cannot be larger than 2 liters, and no alcohol is allowed.
Other prohibited items include backpacks, firearms and other weapons, drones, grills, propane tanks and open flames, tobacco and cannabis.
Is there an accessible seating area?
Yes, there is a designated viewing area for disabled guests within the Oval, to the right of the Hatch Shell. Attendees with disabilities may bring one guest with them, who may bring a folding chair. This area will be open on a first-come, first-served basis and will close at 6 p.m. or when it meets the capacity, whichever comes first.
American Sign Language interpretation will also be provided at the Hatch Shell.
What happens if it rains?
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, including both the concert and fireworks display, will be held rain or shine.
While light rain will not stop the show, if there is severe weather that could jeopardize the safety of attendees, performers or event staff, some portions of the event may be curtailed or cancelled. In the case of severe weather, BSO will post on its website and make a public announcement.
How can I watch the show from home?
If you can’t make it into Boston on Friday (or don’t want to brave the crowds), you can still take part from the comfort of your living room.
Locally, you can watch the event from 7 to 10 p.m. on WHDH-TV Channel 7.
Nationally, the event will also be broadcast on The CW Network from 9 to 10 p.m. ET/PT. To find your local station, click here.
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