The annual Fourth of July Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will be held on Thursday because of the bad weather expected from Tropical Storm Arthur. Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra welcome special guests the Beach Boys, Megan Hilty, and the Boston Children’s Chorus from 8-11 p.m. (fireworks start at 10:30 p.m. unless weather requires them to be moved to Saturday).
There will be several parking restrictions in place and some local streets will be closed to vehicular traffic because of the festivities.
The city of Boston recommends spectators traveling into the city use the MBTA. Expect large crowds. For information on service, visit www.MBTA.com.
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Event information
Thursday, July 3, 8 p.m.
The free concert will take place at the DCR Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade in Boston.
The public is allowed to start entering the checkpoints into the secure area on the Esplanade starting at 5 p.m.
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will be televised exclusively on CBS Boston’s WBZ- TV from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., and on CBSBoston.com. WBZ NewsRadio 1030 will also broadcast the event, tentatively beginning at 7 p.m.
Those who are not attending the concert can also watch a live web stream at bostonpopsjuly4th.org.
Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 10:30 p.m.
Boston streets closed to vehicular traffic
Storrow Drive will be closed in both directions at 1 p.m.
When the state closes Storrow Drive, sections of Boston streets that lead to Storrow Drive will also close. Otherwise, street closings on local city streets will be as follows:
July 3 at 6 p.m. until completion of the Fireworks
Memorial Drive, Mass Ave Bridge and Longfellow Bridge will be closed
Berkeley Street, from Beacon Street to Back Street
Clarendon Street, from Back Street to Beacon Street
Back Street, from Dartmouth Street to Mugar Way (resident access will remain from Dartmouth Street)
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Beacon Street, from Arlington Street to Massachusetts Avenue
Berkeley Street, from Commonwealth Avenue to Back Street
Dartmouth Street, from Commonwealth Avenue to Back Street
Fairfield Street, from Commonwealth Avenue to Back Street
Hereford Street, from Commonwealth Avenue to Back Street
Massachusetts Avenue, from Commonwealth Avenue to the City of Cambridge
Parking restrictions
Tow Zone, no stopping: Monday, June 30, through Thursday, July 3
Beacon Street, even side, from Berkeley Street to Clarendon Street
Tow Zone, no stopping: Thursday, July 3
Arlington Street, both sides, from Beacon Street to Commonwealth Avenue
Berkeley Street, both sides, from Marlborough Street to Back Street
Clarendon Street, both sides, from Marlborough Street to Back Street
Dartmouth Street, both sides, from Marlborough Street to Back Street
Exeter Street, both sides, from Marlborough Street to Back Street
Beacon Street, both sides, from Charles Street to Dartmouth Street
Back Street, both sides, from Dartmouth Street to David G. Mugar Way
Chestnut Street, both sides, from David G. Mugar Way to Brimmer Street
Mount Vernon Street, both sides, from David G Mugar Way to Brimmer Street
Pinckney Street, both sides, from David G. Mugar Way to Brimmer Street
Revere Street, both sides, from David G. Mugar Way to Charles Street
Security information
Restrictions from the Massachusetts State Police
No backpacks, shopping bags, or similar type containers may be carried onto the Esplanade, and all carried items are subject to inspection.
The following are changes from last year’s restrictions:
• Bicycles will not be allowed into secure areas (the Oval and the Lagoon/Island areas)
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• Bicycles will be allowed throughout the rest of the venue, but must not be left unattended and may not be attached or locked to fences, poles or other structures. Those that are may be subject to removal. This regulation has been enacted for public safety and crowd management in the event that a speedy and efficient evacuation becomes necessary.
• Due to ongoing construction on the Longfellow Bridge, there will be no fireworks viewing allowed from that bridge.
• The location of the fireworks barges has been moved slightly westward, closer to the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge. This impacts the safety zone for boaters.
• This year, no boats will be allowed between the bridge and the barges. Boaters must be east of the safety zone and west of the Massachusetts Avenue bridge.
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
Read more regulations at mspnews.org .
For more information, contact event organizers at 888-266-1200. www.july4th.org
More coverage:
• Beach Boys bring summer fun to Pops
• Complete Fourth of July coverage
• Fourth of July events west of Boston
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