Event_Info

Event Grounds

THE OVAL
The Esplanade is the area along the Charles River in Boston, including the Hatch Shell and the lawn in front of the Hatch Shell known as the Oval. Spectators entering the Oval will be required to pass through one of the three bag check/screening entrances. During the screening process alcoholic beverages, glass containers, tarps larger than 8’ x 10’ and sharp objects will not be allowed and will be confiscated.

Everyone admitted into the Oval will receive a wristband that must be worn at all times during the event. This wristband ensures access in and out of the secured area until 6:00PM. Please be sure to be inside the Oval no later than 6:00PM on July 4th as you may not be able to be readmitted even with a wristband due to crowds and public safety concerns.

When the Oval area is full, usually by 2:00 PM on July 4th, NO additional wristbands will be distributed. If you lose your wristband you will only be admitted if there are additional wristbands available. Reserving large sections or areas within the Oval is not allowed. Tarps and blankets are restricted to an 8’ x 10’ size and chairs must be foldable or beach style. Pop up tents are allowed during the day, but must come down at 6:00 PM.

ESPLANADE LAGOON BRIDGES
The Esplanade has five footbridges over its lagoon. The Curtis footbridge closest to the Hatch Shell will be closed all day on July 3rd and July 4th. On July 4th the Berkeley and Clarendon Street bridges will close at 8:00PM or sooner if necessary. The Exeter and Fairfield Street footbridges will remain open at all times during the event.

FOOD
There are food vendors located in Boston and Cambridge. All vendors are permitted by, and come under the supervision of, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

RECYCLING
We encourage spectators to recycle. Recycling bins will be located next to trash receptacles scattered throughout the Esplanade on July 3rd and 4th.

RESTROOMS
There are over 350 portable restrooms located in Boston and Cambridge. Handicap accessible restrooms are at all restroom locations.

MERCHANDISE
Official Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular T-shirts and hats are for sale at the B4 merchandise tent located in the main concession area.

SOUND SYSTEM & VIDEO SCREENS
There are 19 sound towers in Boston and Cambridge. The sounds system is operational in Boston from noon to 11:00PM on July 4th. Public service announcements and recorded music are broadcast throughout the day. The sound in Cambridge is operational from 6:00PM until 11:00PM. On the Boston side, there are two large video screens on each side of the Hatch Shell stage and there will also be video screens spread throughout the Esplanade that will carry the concert.

TV & RADIO BROADCAST
The “Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular” can be seen locally on July 4th on WBZ-TV from 8:00PM to 11:00PM. The nation joins the telecast at 10:00PM on the CBS Television Network. The concert and fireworks score are simulcast on WBZ News Radio 1030 and WGBH-FM Classical 99.5.