Where does the event take place?
The event takes place along the Charles River, between the Longfellow and Massachusetts Avenue Bridges, on both the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river.
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What is the "Oval"?
The Oval is the lawn area located directly in front of the Hatch Shell.
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How do you access the Oval?
To access the oval you must pass through one of the three bag check/screening entrances. At this entrance you will be given a wristband that allows you 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. The Oval opens to the public at 6:00PM on July 3rd and 9:00AM on July 4th. When the Oval is completely filled, no more wristbands will be distributed; this is usually around 7:30PM on July 3rd and 2:00PM on July 4th.
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What is NOT allowed in 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 (e.g., knitting needles, metal tent spikes, can openers, metal utensils) will not be allowed and will be confiscated. No pets are allowed unless they are service animals.
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Can I bring a grill to the event?
No. Grills are not permitted anywhere on the Esplanade on July 3rd and 4th.
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Can I buy a ticket to the event on the 3rd or the 4th?
The event on the 3rd and the 4th is free and open to the public. Admittance to the event is on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Can I bring a folding chair or blanket to the event?
Yes. Within the Oval, chairs must be foldable and beach style. Tarps and blankets must be 8' x 10' or smaller. Please be aware that reserving large sections of an area within the Oval is not allowed.
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Can items be left in the Oval in the morning and be reclaimed later in the day?
Yes, items can be left at a designated location within the Oval early in the morning and reclaimed near show time but at your own risk. Similar to any crowded public area, like a beach or a park, the items could be moved upon return. Remember 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.
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Where are the restrooms?
There are over 350 portable restrooms located in Boston and Cambridge. Handicap accessible restrooms can be found at all restroom locations.
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Is there a Handicapped Area?
Yes. The handicapped area is located within the Oval, to the right of the Hatch Shell. People with disabilities are admitted into the designated area on a first-come, first-served basis. Each person is allowed one guest. This area will close at 6:00PM or when it has reached capacity, whichever comes first. On the Cambridge side, there is a reserved handicapped area along a section of the Cambridge Parkway on the night of July 4th.
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Are there concessions at the event?
Yes, there will be a variety of food and merchandise options available for purchase. The food concessions are controlled by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The merchandise concessions are controlled by Boston 4 Celebrations and all proceeds benefit the event. This year we will have a variety of merchandise including t-shirts and hats, available for purchase by cash only, on the 3rd and the 4th.
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What is located on the Cambridge side of the Charles River?
The Cambridge side features sound towers, food concessions, restrooms and excellent views of the fireworks.
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Where can I stay?
There are a number of great hotels within walking distance to the Esplanade. We suggest the Liberty Hotel www.libertyhotel.com. You can also visit the Greater Boston Convention and Visitor's Bureau at www.bostonusa.com for more information.
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What is the difference between the shows on the 3rd and the 4th?
The July 3rd show features a full concert, however, it does not include the fireworks display.
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How long is the concert and fireworks?
On July 3rd, the concert begins at 8:20PM and ends 10:00PM. On July 4th, the concert begins at 8:20PM and ends at 10:30PM with a fireworks display from 10:30PM to 11:00PM.
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What is the event cancellation policy?
Should the concert be cancelled due to severe weather on July 4th, it will not be rescheduled. If the fireworks are also cancelled, they will be fired off over the Charles River on the next night that the weather permits at 9:30PM.
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Where can I get additional information?
If you have a question, comment or would like additional information about our event, please contact us here.
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