Everything you need to know about Boston’s July 4 celebrations
Music and fireworks will once again fill the air as part of Boston’s legendary July 4 celebrations. As they have since 1976, the Boston Pops will take the stage beside the Charles River as the pyrotechnics put on a show above.
Whether you’re heading out to see the fireworks or watching them from your couch, here’s what you need to know about the storied Independence Day event.
What time does it start? And where?
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is held at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade. Gates open to get into the secured areas near the concert space at 9 a.m. The concert starts at 8 p.m., and the fireworks show begins at 10:30 p.m.
Who is performing?
This year, Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops will be joined by singers Melissa Etheridge, Andy Grammer, and Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr., who promised that fans of the hip-hop musical will not be disappointed with the show. Along with some of the usual patriotic tunes, the Pops will also perform a new song by famed composer Alan Menken and Tony-winning lyricist Jack Feldman called “The Sum of Us.”
What’s the weather going to be like?
“Absolutely delightful,” according to National Weather Service meteorologist Alan Dunham. Expect mostly sunny skies and highs in the lower 80s during the day. The temperature will drop to the mid-to-low 70s by 8 or 9 p.m., just in time for the fireworks.
What you can and can’t bring to the Esplanade:
The two security-cleared areas include the oval in front of the Hatch Shell and the Island/Lagoon. To enter these areas, spectators will pass through a security checkpoint and obtain wristbands. All personal items must be carried in a clear bag, and liquids less than two liters must be in sealed, clear plastic containers, according to Massachusetts State Police.Here’s the full list of items you can and can’t bring:Not allowed:
- Coolers on wheels
- Backpacks
- Firearms, weapons, sharp objects or fireworks
- Glass containers
- Cans
- Alcoholic beverages
- Pre-mixed beverages
- Propane tanks or open flames
Allowed:
- Pop-up tents and canopies, up to 10 by 10 feet, without sides
- Blankets or tarps no bigger than 10 by 10 feet
- Folding or beach chairs
- Small clutches or purses can be taken in following inspection with your clear bag
Bicycles aren’t allowed through the checkpoints, but you can bring them to other parts of the Esplanade as long as they are not left unattended, police said.
What about parking?
If you’re planning to drive into Boston to see the fireworks, be sure to plan your route ahead of time since many streets will be closed to traffic or impacted by parking restrictions. Here’s the full list of streets affected by the fireworks.
How to see and hear the festivities if you’re not there:
In previous years, you could simply turn on WBZ Channel 4 to watch the fireworks, but this year, the show will air on Bloomberg TV. Here’s how to watch, stream, or listen to the 2017 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular via Bloomberg. More info is available on the event website
, too.
What else is there to do?
If you plan to skip the fireworks but still want to celebrate, you have a couple of options: You can see one of the 14 original copies of the Declaration of Independence at the Commonwealth Museum on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission and parking are free. You can also hear the Declaration of Independence read from the balcony of the Old State House, the same place the document was first read to Bostonians in 1776. The reading starts at 10 a.m., and the Old State House Museum opens immediately after the reading concludes.
Related Links
Photos: Boston’s Fourth of July celebration through the years:
[bdc-gallery id=”110839″]
