4th of July Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular Marks 50 Years

Keith Lockhart and Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra with the whole ensemble at end of Stars and Stripes Forever during the annual 4th of July Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on July 4, 2023 (Michael Blanchard).

As America celebrates its 248th birthday, the 4th of July Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The performance will be broadcast live on Bloomberg TV and Radio and SiriusXM channel 119, as well as in Boston on WHDH-TV Channel 7 and online at Bloomberg.com (click here for additional tune-in details including how to live-stream the concert on Bloomberg online).

The Boston Symphony Orchestra announced this year’s musical program for its annual 4th of July Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular back in mid-May. Marking 50 years since fireworks were added to the free musical celebration of Independence Day, a beloved Boston tradition that began almost a century ago under conductor Arthur Fiedler, the event returns to the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade on Thursday, July 4, 8–11 PM with Keith Lockhart conducting the Boston Pops alongside an exciting lineup of guest performers headlined by Tony Award-winning actress Kelli O’Hara. The event also features performances by The Mavericks, Darlene Love, and the Singing Sergeants from the United States Air Force Band. The 2024 Fireworks Spectacular will include the Pops playing patriotic favorites, closing with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, followed by a fireworks display over the Charles River, beginning at 10:30 p.m.

Statement from Keith Lockhart, Boston Pops Conductor:

“When philanthropist David Mugar introduced fireworks and cannons to the Pops annual July Fourth concert in 1974, he created an iconic tradition that would unite millions in music and celebration over the years and would showcase Boston as the birthplace of our democracy. I am grateful to be able to carry forward that legacy in this year’s Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of this extraordinary event, our orchestra’s gift to the great city of Boston. I also look forward to celebrating several other milestones at the Fireworks Spectacular over the next couple years: my 30th anniversary as conductor of the Boston Pops in 2025 and the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence in 2026.”

Statement from Chad Smith, BSO President and CEO:

“Since our beloved former Boston Pops conductor Arthur Fiedler first began leading a free July 4 performance on the Esplanade back in 1929, the concert has become a signature Boston event, the unofficial start to summer. The Boston Symphony is again proud to host this year’s celebration featuring Tony Award-winning, Broadway leading lady Kelli O’Hara, who just received her eighth Tony nomination as best actress in a musical. We are so grateful to Governor Healey and the Commonwealth, Commissioner Arrigo and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Mayor Wu and the City of Boston for their continued support. We also thank our presenting sponsor The Herb Chambers Companies, our media partner Bloomberg, Meet Boston, and Thomas and Winifred Faust for supporting this year’s event.”