Nearly half a million spectators watch the Fourth of July fireworks in Boston every year. Boston’s famous Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular was just ranked one of the top 10 displays in the country and Boston Harborfest is America’s largest Fourth of July festival!
Where to watch Fourth of July fireworks in Boston?
Nicknamed “the spirit of America,” it’s no surprise that Boston is home to some of the most spirited and patriotic Fourth of July fireworks in the country! The biggest displays will take place on the Charles River Esplanade’s Hatch Shell and the Boston Harbor.
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
The first Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular took place in 1974, when businessman David Mugar revitalized the Fourth of July tradition by adding fireworks to the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Hatch Shell production. Just 2 years after, the Spectacular broke a Guiness World Record for the largest audience of any orchestral concert in history. 400,000 people were in attendance at the 1976 performance.
Now, nearly 50 years later, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular ranked on USA Today’s “10 must-see fireworks spectaculars happening this summer” at number 6! The 2023 show is one that simply cannot be missed!
The R&B and Soul Group En Vogue will headline the celebration with some of their hits like “Hold On,” and “Whatta Man.” The Grammy nominated group is one of the top 5 highest-selling American female groups with over 20 million records purchased worldwide!
Also performing will be Mandy Gonzalez from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton! Bostonians wil get to enjoy a mix of smash hits and patriotic performances from dozens of talented performers including the U.S. Army Soldier’s Chorus. The show will conclude with an overwhelming firework show above the Esplanade with sounding cannons to add to the New England style celebration.
Gates to the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular open at 12 PM on July 4
The fireworks display over the Charles River begins at approximately 10:30 PM
Boston Harborfest
While the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is the more infamous Boston Fourth of July firework display, Boston Harborfest is actually the country’s largest Fourth of July celebration. Spanning 5 full days, Boston Harborfest includes boat tours of the Harbor, historical reenactments, Freedom Trail excursions, a giant boat parade, and so much more!
The 5 day celebration commences at Faneuil Hall with various parades and events worth exploring. The official Independence Day commemoration and fireworks show take place on July 4 with a magical fireworks display reflecting off the Harbor!
Find Harborfest from July 1-5
Fireworks begin at 7 PM on July 4 at the Boston Harbor
Tall Ship
The floating seafood spot will have holiday hours and special events June 30 through July 4! Below is the list of events to check out all holiday weekend at Tall Ship!
- June 30: Concepts x Asics Party with DJ Braun
- July 1: Red, White, and Blue Party + Harborfest Fireworks
- July 2 and 3: Tall ship opens early from 11 AM
- July 4: Tall Ship BBQ and Boston Pops Fireworks Show
Tall Ship will also have $1500 in prizes for guests with the most festive outfits!
Helicopter Tour Boston
Unbelievably, you can watch the fireworks up close and personal from the air! At 10 PM, Helicopter Tour Boston will fly you into the city within 6 minutes. Then you can awe at the dazzling magic of fireworks-from 1,000 feet in the air!