Bill Brett for The Boston Globe
The 40th annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will take place along the Esplanade on Thursday, July 4. The concert is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., followed by the fireworks, which are scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m.
The Boston Pops concert will be held at the Hatch Shell. The performance will be led by Keith Lockhart, and guest performers include Susan Tedeschi, Ellis Hall, Howie Day, and Ayla Brown. WBZ News Radio 1030 and WCRB-FM Classical 99.5 will begin their local programming at 6 p.m. WGBH Boston Public Radio will begin at 7 p.m. The event will be broadcast live on television on WBZ-TV at 7 p.m.
JULY 4 SCHEDULE
9 a.m. Oval opens
6 p.m. WBZ News Radio 1030 simulcast begins
7 p.m. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular broadcast begins on WBZ-TV Boston
7:30 p.m. Concert begins
9:30 p.m. Fireworks begin
10 p.m. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular ends
SECURITY MEASURES
Visitors desiring access to "the oval" — the restricted area in front of the Hatch Shell — should plan to arrive early. The checkpoints will open at 9 a.m. Access to the checkpoint can best be accomplished by accessing the DCR Esplanade from Berkeley Street. Those who arrive early will receive wrist bands.
Prohibited Items:
- Backpacks
- Firearms, weapons, sharp objects, and fireworks
- glass containers and cans
- Pre-mixed beverages
- Liquids in sealed clear plastic containers should not exceed 2 liters
- No grilling, propane tanks, or open flames
- Coolers on wheels
Items allowed:
- Pop up tents, canopies with no sides
- Blankets or tarps less than 10x12 feet
- Folding, beach chairs only
- After inspection, small clutches and purses will be allowed.
Note: On Thursday, July 4, all allowed items must be checked and carried through security checkpoints by 4 p.m. After 4 p.m., only chairs, tarps, or blankets less than 10x12 feet will be allowed. Security measures are extremely tight this year. Make sure to read the restrictions in full.
TRAFFIC AND PARKING
The Massachusetts Avenue bridge, the Longfellow bridge, parts of Storrow Drive, and parts of Memorial Drive will be closed to traffic during the fireworks display and will be expected to reopen by the morning of July 5. For more detailed road closings and parking restrictions, check out the official press release here.
In anticipation of large crowds and road closures, using public transportation is highly advisable. Use the MBTA website to plan your trip. For those who drive, parking garages will be available. Local company LAZ Parking is letting patrons reserve spots in advance. Handicap parking is available July 4 at at the Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary. In Cambridge, there will be a reserved handicapped parking area on the Cambridge Parkway.
For information on restrooms, fireworks viewing spots, restaurant and bar locations, use Boston.com's interactive map. Visit our full guide here.
For complete information about the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, visit www.july4th.org.
