Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular returning to the Esplanade on July 4th for first time since 2019

BOSTON — A great Boston tradition, sidelined during the pandemic, will make its return to Boston’s Charles River Esplanade on July 4th.

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will be back at The Hatch Memorial Shell for the first time since 2019.

The usual rehearsal by The Boston Pops on Sunday, July 3 will happen, but that rehearsal “will be closed to the public to focus on the return of the Fourth of July holiday celebration,” according to the Pops. The July 3rd show, which does not include any fireworks, has always been quite popular because it’s a little less crowded than the show on the 4th.

Keith Lockhart will direct his 27th Fourth-of-July program as Boston Pops Conductor. The show will feature legendary singer Chaka Khan will headline the lineup of performers, which also includes “The Voice” winner Javier Colon, Grammy recipient Heather Headley, the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, the Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums, and the Honor Guard of the Massachusetts 54th Volunteer Regiment.

“The past three years have given us profound lessons on the importance of not taking things for granted and appreciating the many everyday gifts of our lives, as well as caring and looking out for each other. I am so grateful that we can come together once again to celebrate Independence Day and all that we aspire to be as citizens of this great country and the city we’re proud to call home,” said Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart.

The program on Monday, July 4th runs from 8 p.m. - 11 p.m and includes a world-renowned fireworks display.

The 2022 Fireworks Spectacular will include a special moment in memory of David Mugar, who died this past January. Mugar’s support of Boston’s Independence Day celebration starting in 1974 transformed the event into one of the most recognized Independence Day celebrations in the country.

“Massachusetts is thrilled to be able to welcome people from across our state and nation back to the Charles River Esplanade to celebrate our nation’s independence. This celebration is one of the most iconic ways that the Commonwealth honors the Fourth of July, and we are glad that it is returning to its traditional format this year,” said Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, in a statement shared by the Pops.

Organizers say the rules below will be strictly enforced for the concert and fireworks show on July 4.

Allowed Items:

• Pop-up tents/canopies with no sides – maximum size 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 personal items must be carried in clear bags only.
• After inspection, small clutch bags/purses may be taken into the venue with the clear bag.

Prohibited Items:

• No coolers on wheels.
• No backpacks.
• No firearms, weapons, sharp objects, or fireworks.
• No glass containers.
• No cans.
• No pre-mixed beverages.
• All liquids will be carried in sealed clear plastic containers not to exceed 2 liters in size.
• No grilling, propane tanks, or open flames.
• No alcoholic beverages.
• No bicycles will be allowed through the checkpoints into the Oval or Island/Lagoon areas. Bicycles are allowed throughout the rest of the venue but must not be left unattended. Bicycles attached or locked to security fences, poles, or other structures may be subject to removal. No bicycles will be allowed through the checkpoints into the Oval or Island/Lagoon areas. Bicycles are allowed throughout the rest of the venue but must not be left unattended. (This measure is being enacted for public safety and crowd management in the event a speedy evacuation becomes necessary at the Esplanade.)

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

©2022 Cox Media Group