The 4th of July Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is making its long overdue return to broadcast cable with the final hour airing on the CW.

The 4th of July Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular returns to the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade for its 51st year on Friday, July 4, 7–10 PM. Keith Lockhart, celebrating his 30th anniversary as conductor of the Boston Pops, leads the orchestra alongside a talented lineup of guest performers headlined by multiplatinum selling singer-songwriter LeAnn Rimes along with Leslie Odom, Jr., Bell Biv DeVoe, the U.S. Army Field Band Soldiers’ Chorus, and Boston Children’s Chorus.

The free concert is part of the Commonwealth’s Massachusetts 250 (MA250) initiative honoring America’s revolutionary history and includes a collection of patriotic favorites, performed by the Pops, closing with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. The musical performance will be followed by a fireworks display over the Charles River, beginning at approximately 9:40 PM.

The 4th of July Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will be broadcast to a national audience on The CW Network, as well as locally on WHDH-TV Channel 7 (click here for additional tune-in details). The local broadcast coverage runs from 7-10 PM ET with The CW’s national presentation airing from 9 to 10 PM ET/PT.

For those planning to attend The 4th of July Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular in Boston, please be advised that gates will open at noon on July 4. Public safety details and everything else you need to know before you go can be found here.

Statement from Keith Lockhart, Boston Pops Conductor:
“Every one of our July 4 concerts is special to me. But this year, it will be just a bit more special because I am celebrating 30 years as conductor of the Boston Pops. That’s 30 years of fireworks, 30 years of performing the 1812 Overture, hundreds of dazzling guest artists, and 30 years of magical nights on stage at the Hatch Shell with this phenomenal orchestra. But my 30th anniversary can’t compare with the other big anniversary we’re celebrating this year: the 250th anniversary of “the shot heard round the world,” and Massachusetts’ role as the very cradle of the American Revolution. Our fabulous artists—LeAnn Rimes, Leslie Odom, Jr., Boston Children’s Chorus, the U.S. Army Field Band Soldiers’ Chorus, and Boston’s own Bel Biv DeVoe—are most definitely befitting the significance of the event. I can’t wait!”

Statement from Chad Smith, BSO President and CEO:
“For more than half a century, the Boston Pops July 4 Fireworks Spectacular has been one of the nation’s most iconic Independence Day celebrations, drawing hundreds of thousands to the Charles River Esplanade and millions more watching on television and online. It is fitting that this year’s event is part of the Commonwealth’s year-long Massachusetts 250 (MA250) celebration commemorating America’s revolutionary history, which began 250 years ago right here in Boston. It is also Keith Lockhart’s 30th anniversary as the Boston Pops conductor. The Boston Symphony is honored to again host this free concert, and we are so grateful to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and Commissioner Arrigo and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation for their partnership in this event, and to Mayor Wu and the City of Boston for their continued support. We are also grateful to our Presenting Sponsor The Herb Chambers Foundation, our Supporting Sponsors Meet Boston, Biogen, and Fairmont Copley Plaza, and to The Mugar Foundation for supporting the fireworks.

“We hope you will join us at Symphony Hall and at Tanglewood in the Berkshires for concerts and events throughout the coming year that will explore America’s history, music, and ideals—one piece, one story at a time. And save the date to be here next July 4 for our biggest celebration yet.”

The 4th of July Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will air 7-10 PM ET on WHDH-TV and on The CW at 9-10 PM ET/PT.

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