Keith Lockhart will celebrate his 20th year as conductor of the Pops at the 42nd Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday, July 4. If revelers can’t make it out on Independence Day, the Pops will perform a concert — without fireworks — on Friday, July 3. Events will take place both nights at the DCR Hatch Shell.
This year’s special guests will include Broadway star and pop singer Michael Cavanaugh, “American Idol” finalist Melinda Doolittle, “The Voice” finalist Michelle Brooks-Thompson, drum and bugle corps the Boston Crusaders, “America’s Got Talent” finalists Sons of Serendip, and the USO Show Troupe. The annual grand fireworks display will cap off the night.
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The live telecast of the concert, hosted by WBZ anchors David Wade and Lisa Hughes, will be from 8-11 p.m. The show will also air on WBZ NewsRadio 1030 AM at 7 p.m. and on WCRB 99.5 FM at 8 p.m. Watch a webcast at www.bostonpopsjuly4th.org and www.cbsboston.com.
Event information
The free July 3 concert on the Charles River Esplanade is from 8:30-10:30 p.m. On July 4, gates open at 9 a.m., and the free concert begins at 8:30 p.m. before fireworks begin at 10:30 p.m. (The schedule is subject to change; check www.july4th.org for updated information.)
Schedule
The DCR Hatch Shell is located on the Charles River Esplanade, Boston.
Friday, July 3
Concert NO FIREWORKS
Gates open at 5 p.m.
8:30 p.m. Concert begins
10 p.m. Concert ends
Saturday, July 4
Concert & Fireworks
Gates open at 9 a.m.
7 p.m. WBZ NewsRadio 1030 AM broadcast begins
8 p.m. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular broadcast begins on WBZ-TV
8 p.m. 99.5 WCRB Classical Radio Boston broadcast begins
8:30 p.m. Concert begins
10:30 p.m. Fireworks begin
11 p.m. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular ends
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*All dates/times subject to change.
Getting there
Public transportation
The event organizers recommend on their official website to take the MBTA instead of driving, noting that the two closest T stations in Boston are Charles-MGH on the Red Line, and Arlington Street on the Green Line. In Cambridge, nearby stops are the Kendall and Central Square stations on the Red Line. Free service will be provided after 9:30 p.m. on July 4. (Read more about the MBTA.)
For those driving into the city, there are public parking garages within walking distance of the Esplanade — if you can find a space. (Visit motormartgarage.com for more information.)
Handicap parking is also available in Boston and Cambridge on July 4. Get the details at www.july4th.org.
For boaters
Marine guidelines are in effect on July 3 and 4. West of the fireworks barges, boaters will be allowed anchor 100 feet from shore and must stay 1,000 feet from barges. Read the complete regulations at www.july4th.org.
Security
The Oval and the Island are two secured areas at the event. Attendees will need to go through a bag check/screening entrance and will be given a wristband specific to that area, which must be worn at all times.
• Road closures 2015 Esplanade
• UAV (“drone”) prohibition 2015
Visit mass.gov for a complete list of security and traffic information.
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Restrictions
What can you bring with you to the Esplanade? On July 3 and 4, per security rules, attendees cannot bring backpacks, shopping bags, similar containers — or “drones.” Bringing a drone, also called an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, or UAV, is strictly banned, according to a new rule this year. There are also restrictions in place for bicycles. As for what you can bring, consider pop-up tents or canopies with no sides, and blankets — all no bigger than 10x10 feet. Find a complete list of banned and permitted items here, and note that all items brought are subject to inspection.
Road closings
The following roads will be closed, according to the City of Boston.
July 4 at 6 p.m. until completion of the celebration
Arlington Street, from Back Street to Beacon Street
Beacon Street, from Charles Street to Massachusetts Avenue
Berkeley Street, from Commonwealth Avenue to Back Street
Clarendon Street, from Back Street to Beacon Street
Dartmouth Street, from Commonwealth Avenue to Back Street
Exeter Street, from Back Street to Beacon Street
Fairfield Street, from Commonwealth Avenue to Back Street
Gloucester Street, from Back Street to Beacon Street
Hereford Street, from Commonwealth Avenue to Back Street
Massachusetts Avenue, from Beacon Street to the City of Cambridge
Parking restrictions
The following parking restrictions will be in place, according to the City of Boston.
Tow Zone, no stopping – Tuesday, June 30, through Saturday, July 4
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Beacon Street, even side, from Berkeley Street to Clarendon Street
Tow Zone, no stopping – Friday, July 3 through Saturday, July 4
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
Tow Zone, no stopping – Saturday, July 4
Arlington Street, both sides, from Commonwealth Avenue to St. James Avenue
Beacon Street, both sides, from Dartmouth Street to Charlesgate East
Berkeley Street, both sides, from Back Street to Boylston Street
Boylston Street, both sides, from Berkeley Street to Arlington Street
Clarendon Street, both sides, from Commonwealth Avenue to Back Street
Dartmouth Street, both sides, from Commonwealth Avenue to Back Street
Exeter Street, both sides, from Commonwealth Avenue to Back Street
Fairfield Street, both sides, from Commonwealth Avenue to Back Street
Gloucester Street, both sides, from Commonwealth Avenue to Back Street
Hereford Street, both sides, from Commonwealth Avenue to Back Street
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Massachusetts Avenue, both sides, from Commonwealth Avenue to Back Street
Check updated information at www.cityofboston.gov .