Nearly 500,000 spectators watch the Fourth of July fireworks in Boston every year. The city’s famous Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular ranked among the top 10 displays in the country, and Boston Harborfest is America’s largest Fourth of July festival. Safe to say, Boston is an incredible destination for Fourth of July fireworks and events.
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 (July 4)
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 Guinness World Record for the largest audience of any orchestral concert in history. 400,000 people were in attendance at the 1976 performance.
Now, over 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 fireworks show is one that simply cannot be missed!
Bostonians will get to enjoy a mix of smash hits and patriotic performances from dozens of talented performers including Leanne Rimes and Leslie Odom Junior. The show begins at 7 PM and will conclude with an overwhelming firework show above the Esplanade with sounding cannons to add to the New England style celebration at 9:40 PM.
Gates to the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular open at 12 PM on July 4 at the Oval by the Boston Hatch Shell
The fireworks display over the Charles River begins at approximately 9:40 PM
Boston Harborfest (July 2-4)
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 3 full days, Boston Harborfest includes boat tours of the Harbor, historical reenactments, Freedom Trail excursions, a giant boat parade, and so much more!
The 3-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 2-4
The pre-fireworks concert begins on July 2 at 7:45 PM at Boston Harbor
Fireworks are from 9:15-9:30 PM on Tuesday, July 2 at Boston Harbor
Tall Ship
The floating seafood spot will have holiday hours and special events the first week of July! Spend the day relaxing with fresh seafood and stellar city views at Tall Ship, with a front row seat to the Harbor fireworks on July 2!
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!