After two years of subdued celebrations, Boston is all set to see some explosions and make up for lost time this Fourth of July.
With gatherings and crowds coming back in full force — piling in for everything from patriotic puppy parades to clam chowder competitions to Chaka Khan — here’s how best to get in on the celebrations and see some fireworks displays:
July 4: Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Charles River Esplanade
Boston’s biggest fireworks show is back and visible all along the riverfront.
“Obviously, the Esplanade is spectacular,” said David O’Donnell of the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It’s very crowded down there, but it’s kind of like Salem on Halloween, right? When visitors ask if they should go down there, we say yes. It’s amazing.”
Front row seats are available in secured access areas at the Hatch Memorial Shell. Those willing to brave the crowds at the venue will get the bonus of a concert featuring 10-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan, “The Voice” winner Javier Colon and Tony and Grammy winner Heather Headley, along with other musical groups.
The concert starts at 8 p.m. and ends at approximately 10:30 p.m. The fireworks then take place from approximately 10:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The event is free and first-come, first-serve. The venue opens at 12 p.m., and viewers are encouraged to come early, as the limited space is likely to fill fast.
More information regarding directions and rules is available on the Boston Symphony Orchestra website.
If you want more room though, O’Donnell said, the Longfellow and Massachusetts Avenue bridges, the Memorial Drive side and the Cambridge side is “equally spectacular.”
July 2: Harborfest Fireworks on the Inner Harbor
The Harborfest from July 1-4 is also featuring fireworks two days ahead of the holiday.
The fireworks will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. after the Harborfest concert, featuring Sweet Harmony and local artists, wraps up at Columbus Park.
“I would recommend East Boston areas on Saturday if they want the open spaces, parks, great viewing of the fireworks and not quite the congestion you’re going to get on the Fourth at Esplanade or on the Boston Harbor hotel side Saturday,” said O’Donnell. “It’s just so much more open. Not as many people go over there because they don’t necessarily know how to get there. But it’s pretty easy, especially earlier in the evening.”
In East Boston, Lo Presti Park and Piers Park are both good viewing sites, O’Donnell said, also noting Battery Wharf, Rowes Wharf, Fan Pier and Long Wharf.
But, said John Micheal Kennedy of JMKPR, the fireworks are visible well inland, as well as on the Inner Harbor shoreline and anywhere near the Navy yard.
More information is available on the fireworks and many other Harborfest events are available on the Harborfest website.
“We’re approaching the 250th anniversary of the country, and the Fourth of July celebrations are just can’t-miss in Boston,” said O’Donnell. “Not every place gets to boast two nights of fireworks. We’re just so excited that they’re back, they’re happening.”
BOSTON, MA – July 1: The crowd stands as the colors are placed as the Mayor and other officials open Boston Harborfest on July 1, 2022 in , BOSTON, MA. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald) 
BOSTON, MA – July 1: The crowd stands as the colors are placed as the Mayor and other officials open Boston Harborfest on July 1, 2022 in , BOSTON, MA. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald) 
BOSTON, MA – July 1:Christine and Christopher Kone, of the First Footguards promenade down Washington St. as the Mayor and other officials open Boston Harborfest on July 1, 2022 in , BOSTON, MA. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald) 
BOSTON, MA – July 1: Spc. Hannah LaFluer, of the 215th National Guard band, plays the fife as the Mayor and other officials open Boston Harborfest on July 1, 2022 in , BOSTON, MA. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald) 
BOSTON, MA – July 1: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu speaks as the Mayor and other officials open Boston Harborfest on July 1, 2022 in , BOSTON, MA. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald) 
Cambridge, MA. – July 1: Preparations are made on the stage at the hat shell on July 1, 2022 in Boston, MA. (Photo By Mary Schwalm/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald) 
Cambridge, MA. – July 1: Roscoe, a State Police bomb squad robot dog, stands in the grass in front of the hat shell as preparations are made ahead of the Fourth of July celebration on July 1, 2022 in Boston, MA. (Photo By Mary Schwalm/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald) 
Cambridge, MA. – July 1: The esplanade, hat shell and Boston skyline are seen from the Longfellow Bridge over the Charles River, July 1, 2022 in Cambridge, MA. (Photo By Mary Schwalm/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)
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