The biggest block party in American history takes place next weekend! Saturday, July 4 marks the 250th anniversary of the nation, and hometowns everywhere are hosting massive celebrations—from Boston all the way to San Francisco.
Boston’s festivities mark a larger-than-ever Fourth of July celebration, with the city’s most remarkable fireworks since 1777, when Boston’s Fourth of July fireworks first took place on Boston Common. In 1974, the city relocated the fireworks display to the Charles River when businessman David Mugar collaborated with conductor Arthur Fiedler to make a grander showcase for spectators.
The 2026 Boston fireworks promise to be the grandest of them all, with the biggest Fourth of July celebration in Boston’s history taking place in just days!
Fourth of July fireworks in Boston
The fireworks for MA250 celebrations assume their usual location on the Charles River this year.A free star-studded concert at the Hatch Shell with Grammy-winning artists precedes the fireworks spectacular.
The free event brings notable headliners and a performance of the National Anthem with the Boston Children’s Chorus and Tanglewood Festival Chorus with the Boston Pops.
Boston Pops Spectacular and MA250
This year’s Pops spectacular marks more star power than ever.
Legendary conductor, Keith Lockhart, leads the Pops concert, welcoming four very special guest artists: Grammy-winning country music superstar Lainey Wilson, three-time Grammy winner Chance The Rapper, Grammy-winning NOLA icon Trombone Shorty, and Tony- and Grammy-nominated actress Megan Hilty.
This year’s Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will be an unforgettable celebration for our residents and visitors from around the world, honoring Boston’s revolutionary history, the courage of our communities, and the traditions that bring us together. Boston’s July 4th festivities are a cherished opportunity for friends and family to come together in celebration. We are proud to host this iconic event and to provide a memorable experience for all,” said MAyor Michelle Wu.
Emmy-and Golden Globe-winning actress Jane Lynch from “Glee” joins as the host. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular marks a key signature event of an ongoing series of commemorative events for the nation’s birth as part of MA250.
Massachusetts is where the American Revolution began, and this July 4, we’re proud to welcome people from across the state and country to celebrate 250 years of our nation’s history right here in Boston. From the incredible lineup of artists including the Boston Pops and fireworks over the Charles River, this year’s Spectacular will honor our past while celebrating the energy, creativity and diversity that define Massachusetts today. We’re excited to share this special moment with millions of people here in Boston and watching around the world,” notes Governor Maura Healey.
In addition to an all-American lineup of top-tier performing talent, the 2026 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will feature a revolutionary-themed drone show during the performance of the 1812 Overture and a fireworks display choreographed to music by the Pops, with fireworks beginning at 9:15 PM.
With such a large hand in the American Revolution, the state strives to ensure that the 2026 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular marks “one of the nation’s largest July 4 celebrations.”
When does the Hatch Shell lawn open
Public access to the Oval Lawn in front of the Hatch Shell opens at 12 PM. The state anticipates at least 500,00 to attend the fireworks, with many other visitors already touring America for the World CUp.
The lawn area will have concessions and a massive American Flag from The Lego Group, welcoming finishing touches from bystanders.
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular x America250 arrives on Saturday, July 4:
➡️ Lawn opens at 12 PM
🎤Free concert from 7-9 PM
🎆 Fireworks begin at 9:15 PM
