Advertisement
Field Guide to Boston
What to know about the Boston Pops' Fourth of July concert
On the banks of the Charles River, the Boston Pops will be joined by a line-up of all-star guest performers for its annual Fourth of July concert. Families can expect an Independence Day that celebrates the breadth of American music, from gospel to rock to R&B and golden oldies.
This event is not just a local tradition. Marking its 50th anniversary, the Fireworks Spectacular draws the eyes of the nation, according to Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart.
"It reminds us of our commonalities," Lockhart said. "In a time when we seem to be fractured on pretty much every point, I think this concert where we can all come together and celebrate the fact that we’re allowed to have such differences in this country is a very important position."
Lockhart noted that the number of people who come to see this concert in person — an estimated 300,000 — is more people than almost any other orchestra sees in the course of an entire year. This fact pushes him to keep the concert fresh and relevant; to connect with the people of Boston and beyond.
"It has been over that time, I think, reflective of who we are as a people, both what we're proud of and what we need to continue to work on," Lockhart said.
When and where does the event take place?
On Thursday, July 4, the Boston Pops take the Hatch Memorial Shell stage at 8 p.m. The Mugar Family Fireworks start at 10:30 p.m. and last about 30 minutes.
Who will perform?
Alongside the Boston Pops, audiences can expect music from Tony Award-winning actress Kelli O'Hara, Americana band The Mavericks, the Singing Sergeants from the United Air Force Band, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Darlene Love.
While Lockhart didn't share details about the songs to be performed, Love hinted at a number she's excited about.
"We have a beautiful gospel song that we sing when we're doing this," Love said this week. "Singing with the orchestra is a dream, but for singers, especially for me and to do that song with the full orchestra, it's amazing."
How do I get a seat? Is there accessible seating?
All attendance is first come, first serve. The accessible area is to the right of the Hatch Shell and those with disabilities will be admitted into the designated area, which is also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each individual can bring one guest with a folding chair. American Sign Language Interpretation will be provided. This area will close at 6 p.m. or when it has reached capacity.
What am I allowed to bring?
- Pop-up tents/canopies with no sides – maximum size 10 feet by 10 feet.
- Blankets or tarps no bigger than 10 feet by 10 feet.
- Folding/beach chairs only.
- Coolers that can 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.
Prohibited items:
- 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.
How do I get there?
The DCR Hatch Shell is located on the Charles River Esplanade between the Longfellow and Massachusetts Avenue Bridges. Fireworks can be seen from both sides of the river.
For those planning to walk to the Esplanade, the easiest access is from Beacon Street via Berkeley, Clarendon, Dartmouth and Fairfield Streets and Massachusetts Avenue. For those using public transportation, the closest T stations are Charles/MGH on the Red Line and Arlington Street on the Green Line in Boston. On the Cambridge side, the Kendall and Central Square stations on the Red Line are nearby. Fares are free from 9:30 p.m. on that night.
Where can I park?
The Motor Mart Garage, 201 Stuart Street, is an easy walk to the Esplanade, according to event organizers. Public transportation is recommended as "a number of road closures will make driving very challenging," according to Massachusetts State Police Interim Col. John Mawn.
What safety measures are in place?
There will be an undercover team of troopers and officers to identify potential threats.
"Spectators will see a recognizable presence of officers in uniform," Mawn said. "K-9s and other specialized teams will continuously sweep the site. The marine unit and the wing unit will patrol the waterways and the sky above us."
James Hooley, Chief of Emergency Medical Services, said there will be EMTs and paramedics stationed on foot teams as well as multiple staffed medical tents and stations.
"We have a couple emergency physicians with us," he said. "There will be ambulances dedicated to this event and EMS capable of responding on the river as well."
He encouraged people to find shade, wear hats, drink water and keep an eye on small children especially if families find themselves near the river.
Can I watch from home?
For those who'd prefer enjoying the show from the comfort of their home, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will be broadcast live on Bloomberg Television, radio and SiriusXM channel 119. You can also catch the excitement streaming on Bloomberg.com and locally on Boston's WHDH-TV Channel 7.
Carrie Jung contributed to this report.
