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 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 Darlene Love, The Mavericks, and Kelli O’ Hara. 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 9:15 PM on Tuesday, July 2 at the Boston Harbor
Tall Ship
The floating seafood spot will have holiday hours and special events, still to be announced! Spend the day relaxing with fresh seafood and stellar city views at Tall Ship, with a front row seat to the Harbor fireworks.
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!
More Fourth of July weekend fun in Boston
Keep the sparks flying Fourth of July weekend in Boston with this fiery flamenco show! The flamenco show will spice up the weekend with a world-renowned performance from Amador Rojas and the Royal Opera of Madrid! Find tickets to Authentic Flamenco here, from July 5-7.
Finish the weekend with a Musical Swiftie brunch! This Taylor Swift brunch features three courses a Lavender Haze breakfast bowl, Enchanted Eggs Benedict, and a Folk-Oreo Cheesecake.
From the menu, to the outfits and photobooth, it’s the ultimate Swiftie indulgence. If you can’t go to Swift’s lavish Fourth of July parties, this themed brunch is the next best thing and a great way to celebrate a few of your favorite eras! Learn more and reserve your seat!