Boston Pops Fireworks: Fourth of July Spectacular

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular returns to the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade for its 51st year on Friday, July 4, from 7–10 p.m.

This year’s event is especially notable as Keith Lockhart celebrates his 30th anniversary as conductor of the Boston Pops. Under his direction, the orchestra will be joined by a talented lineup of guest performers.  Grammy-winning singer-songwriter LeAnn Rimes will headline the concert. Also performing: Tony and Grammy winner Leslie Odom Jr., R&B legends Bell Biv DeVoe, the U.S. Army Field Band Soldiers’ Chorus and the Boston Children’s Chorus.’

Boston Pops Fireworks

As always, the free concert holds special significance. This time it belongs to the Commonwealth’s Massachusetts 250 (MA250) initiative honoring America’s revolutionary history. The program will feature a collection of patriotic favorites, culminating in Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. To cap off the night, a spectacular fireworks display will light up the sky over the Charles River at approximately 9:40 p.m.

For those unable to attend in person, the performance will be broadcast nationally on The CW Network and locally on WHDH-TV Channel 7 (click here for additional tune-in details). While the local broadcast runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET, The CW’s national coverage airs from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Chad Smith, president of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, called the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular “one of the most iconic Independence Day celebrations.”

It draws “hundreds of thousands to the Charles River Esplanade and millions more watching on television and online,” he said. “It is fitting that this year’s event is part of the Commonwealth’s year-long Massachusetts 250 (MA250) celebration commemorating America’s revolutionary history, which began 250 years ago right here in Boston.”

* * *

Learn about Revolutionary history in this complete guide to Revolutionary War Sites in New England. Brought to you by the New England Historical Society. Click here to order your copy in paperback, and here to order an ebook.