Hatch Memorial Shell — Attraction in Boston

Boston Pops - July 4th Concert

My tween daughter and I visited Boston this week and were able to take in the July 4th concert at the Hatch Shell. This is very, very doable - as long as you are prepared in advance.

There is a morning security process where you are given wrist bands. Most routes to the hatch shell were closed off and we were directed to walk and stand on line at the Storrow Drive entrance.

The wrist bands are distributed at 9am. We arrived at 8:15am and that was absolutely fine for us. There was a very long line - about two blocks long - and at the very beginning some people had been camped out since the night before. Everyone in line was seated on the ground as they waited.

Just before 9am, security let the first block of people through to the Oval staging area. We got in with the second group at about 9:15am. At the Oval - your bags will be searched, and then marked with tape and you will have a security check as well. Then we were given the wrist bands. There is no charge to see the concert, or enter the grounds.

Once you have your wrist band, you are good for the day. They recommend coming back no later than 5:30pm.

We had a small blanket with us. We walked ahead to the Hatch shell and got an excellent spot about 6 rows back from the stage. The people who had camped overnight hopefully had first row or wherever they wanted to be, but there was hardly a difference from the first row to the first except obviously it was slightly closer.

We left our blanket spread out - and went sightseeing for the day. We returned at 6pm and the blanket was exactly as we had left it. I asked our "neighbors" and they said they also had gone out for the day.

Starting in the morning, there was a snack bar - which took credit cards, and kiosks which took cash. There is also a really nice playground between the Oval and the Hatch. Most people had books with them, or playing cards, as they waited for the 8pm concert to begin. Everyone was welcome to bring their own food but no alcohol.

The concert is televised. Starting at about 7pm they do last minute sound checks - and even tested the cannons for the finale. It's interesting to watch not only the concert, but the "behind the scenes" preparations during the commercials.

Make sure you grab a program which is in boxes back my the snack bars.

You should be aware that there isn't a formal "ending." - People seemed to leave at the end right before the fireworks started - because you really can't see them from inside the shell. We stayed until the end of the program - we sat on the side nearest the water, closer to the canon end. So we could see the canons go off, and in the distance we could see the fireworks. I was told that the MIT lawn has excellent views. Once the televised program is over, the fireworks continue with DJ patriotic music on booming speakers. As you walk back out of the Oval, you'll hear all of it and see the fireworks through the trees.

In the morning we were there for probably about an hour. At night we were there from 6pm to about 10pm .

I would gladly do all of this again, it was an excellent experience. I particularly loved the audience - they appreciate Music. They weren't there to drink or smoke - they were there to hear perfectly done performance, and to celebrate the...

This was the first time we drove up to see the Fourth of July celebration and it is worth the long drive. The last time was Williams lady performance back in the 60s and last week was no exception. Listening to the Boston Pops on a beautiful evening was enchanting.

The area in front of the amphitheater is a nice grassy area to spread out your blankets and enjoy the evening. As you would assume the music was excellent and the opportunity to talk to people from all over is a plus. I met a couple from England who wanted to experience a traditional fourth and they were so very pleased. Where we say we also could see the fireworks which were fun to watch. When the canon went off it was LOUD and so many people jumped. I think we forget how noisy those are. I must admit the audience and the people of Boston were especially kind. My husband is in a wheelchair and the people couldn't have been nicer and thoughtful. So many people have support and assistance when needed. They asked first to make sure to respect him. ...

What a wonderful, clean, and beautiful venue. My husband and I visited for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, and we loved it; you could hear everything even on the far side of the Lagoon, I will admit that some of the Concessions are pricey but you are in the city and one must expect city prices. and for a free venue who can complain, if it is that much of an inconvenience bring a picnic. Also the have some great historic memorials throughout the small park and even an extremely avante guard play ground for the kids. I would warn though that there are signs warning not to feed the animals, such as birds and the like, adhere to the rules the geese are vicious creatures and unafraid of humans ( one stole my Breakfast sandwich clean out of my hands all while I was stareing him down, I hope he enjoyed his...