The 2025 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, an annual outdoor concert and pyrotechnics show on the Esplanade, is unquestionably one of the top things to do on July 4 in Boston. You will be participating in a treasured tradition that has delighted Bostonians for almost a century, whether you decide to go downtown to hear the Boston Pops Orchestra or sit at home and feverishly browse cable menus trying to figure out how to watch the fireworks on TV.
But Boston’s July 4th celebration isn’t just about the fireworks. A number of historical events are planned for Independence Day, including the dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Old State House. Additionally, the city’s dining establishments, event venues, and cultural organizations all embrace the American spirit.
Everything you need to know about Boston’s top July 4 activities is provided below. You will find useful resources for Fourth of July weekend festivities, information on other Massachusetts fireworks shows, and more, even though the focus is mostly on helpful information for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, such as who is performing and how to watch the fireworks on TV.
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What time do the Boston fireworks start?
The 2025 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will have a revised schedule this year, which is crucial information for everyone who plans to attend the event on Friday, July 4 at the DCR Hatch Shell on the Esplanade in Boston as well as for those watching at home.
Compared to prior years, the entire event is happening one hour earlier. The 30-minute fireworks show begins at 9:40 p.m. instead of 10:30 p.m., and the annual concert begins at 7 p.m. instead of 8 p.m.
Visitors can start to arrive at midday in the hopes of finding a seat at The Oval, the grassy space in front of the Hatch Shell. First-come, first-served, and free seats are available.
How do I watch the 2025 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on TV?
You may still see the 2025 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on TV if you’re not spending July 4 in Boston or just don’t want to deal with the crowds or the MBTA.
From 7 to 10 p.m., the show will be televised locally on Boston’s WHDH-TV (Channel 7). Not around Boston on July 4th? Beginning at 9 p.m., the CW will also broadcast the full concert and fireworks show nationwide.
In past years, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular’s media agreement with Bloomberg allowed for online streaming. There have been no statements as of yet regarding whether WHDH or CW would provide an internet streaming option for the fireworks due to a shift in partnerships for 2025.
In a same vein, in prior years, the Boston Pops performance was broadcast on Bloomberg radio stations. In 2025, that won’t be an option.
Who is performing at the 2025 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular?
With the assistance of star LeeAnn Rimes, the 2025 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will once again bring the Boston Pops sounds to the Esplanade on July 4 for its 51st annual display.
With hits like “How Do I Live,” “Can’t Fight the Moonlight,” and “I Need You,” the Grammy-winning vocalist first gained popularity as a country music sensation in the 1990s at the age of 13.
Boston-raised quartet Bell Biv DeVoe will join Rimes on the Esplanade stage. Best known for its popular song “Poison,” the New Edition spinoff led the new jack swing movement in the early 1990s.
Broadway artist Leslie Odom Jr. will also be playing at the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular in 2025. As part of the tenth anniversary celebration of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s historical musical, Hamilton, the vocalist who first played Aaron Burr, recently reunited with his fellow cast members at the Tony Awards.
The entire 2025 celebration is a part of the Massachusetts 250 initiative, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of significant Revolutionary War events, such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. In addition, conductor Keith Lockhart will be celebrating his 30th year as the conductor of the Boston Pops orchestra.
What you can and can t bring to the 2025 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular:
Backyard barbecues and leisurely beach days with a cooler full of beverages are sure to be commonplace in Boston on July 4. However, if you’re going to the Esplanade, don’t bring the glass bottles, grills, or portable coolers.
On the Esplanade, security guards will be on duty to ensure that you don’t bring anything of the following:
- Coolers on wheels
- Backpacks
- Firearms, sharp objects, or fireworks
- Glass containers
- Cans
- Alcoholic beverages
- Pre-mixed beverages
- All liquids must be carried in sealed clear plastic containers, and may not exceed 2 liters in size
- Grilling, propane tanks, or open flames
- Pop-up tents/canopies with no sides (maximum size is 10 x10 ).
- Blankets or tarps no bigger than 10 x 10 .
- Folding/beach chairs only.
- Coolers, which must be carried in by shoulder strap or single handle (no wheeled coolers).
- All liquids need to be in sealed clear plastic containers not to exceed 2 liters in size.
Parking and transportation details for the 2025 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
The BSO encourages anybody who can take public transportation to do so because of the numerous traffic closures and parking restrictions. Arlington Street on the Green Line and Charles-MGH on the Red Line are the two stops nearest to the Hatch Shell. Don’t worry about the cost of your commute home because the T will be free starting at 8:30 p.m.
You can look for several garages close to the Hatch Shell if you intend to drive to the 2025 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. If you want more options, the best address to find the Hatch Shell on Google Maps or Apple Maps is 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston, MA 02108. The BSO suggests the historic Motor Mart Garage, which is situated at 201 Stuart Street.
Nevertheless, motorists should be mindful of the large number of road closures. The majority of traffic on the river roads (Memorial Drive and Storm Drive) close to the Hatch Shell will either be stopped entirely or drastically reduced.
See the city of Boston’s July 4 traffic warning for a complete list of the restrictions on parking and travel on July 4.
What are other fun things to do for July 4 in Boston?
In 2025, July 4 falls on a Friday, therefore the week before the holiday is dedicated to Independence Day activities. Boston Harborfest is a three-day celebration of our country’s history that includes many of the most well-known events. It takes place from July 2 to July 4.
Some of the highlights you should not miss throughout the lengthy week of events include daily drum and fife performances and frequent Freedom Trail trips.
Boston fireworks don’t have to wait until July 4th. The fireworks for the Harborfest show will start from a barge at Long Wharf at 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2. There will be a music at Christopher Columbus Park at 7:45 p.m. right before the fireworks.
Learn about some of the most significant events in early American history via the letters of John and Abigail Adams, a colonial power couple. In Abigail’s tea parlor at the Boston Tea Party and Ships Museum, take in a theatrical presentation of the couple’s letters to one another while sipping wine, beer, colonial-style drinks, cookies, and scones.
A traditional reading of the Declaration of Independence will take place on the Old State House balcony on July 4th, and the parade will conclude your weekend. It starts at 9 a.m. on Washington Street at the Franklin Street steps.
Visit the organization’s website to get a schedule of all the events that take place during Harborfest, which number in the dozens.
Where can I watch July 4 fireworks near me?
Is July 4th the pinnacle of Independence Day festivities in Boston? From mid-June to late-July, over 90 Massachusetts towns and cities have their own Fourth of July fireworks displays.
Here is a complete list of Massachusetts’s 2025 July 4 fireworks displays, along with time, venue, and rain date details for every town and city in the state.
Kevin Slane writes about culture and entertainment as a staff writer for Boston.com. Movie reviews, streaming guidelines, celebrities, and Boston activities are the main topics of his work.
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