WITHOUT THE FIREWORKS. TODAY, THERE’S NOTHING LIKE THE ENERGY ON JULY 4TH. BUT THERE’S A STRESS FREE VIBE ON THE THIRD THAT A LOT OF LOCALS AND EVEN SOME VISITORS PREFER LESS CROWDS. YEAH, YEAH, A LOT LESS CROWDS. AND I ALMOST CAME AT FIVE, BUT I WAS LIKE, AH, I HAVE TO COOK DINNER. SO I JUST WANDER DOWN THE STREET AND I HAVE A FRONT ROW SEAT. HOW GOOD IS THAT? THE WAY HE WALKS DOWN THE STREET. THAT’S ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAMER DARLENE LOVE. NOW, TECHNICALLY, THIS DRESS REHEARSAL IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, BUT MOST OF THE ESPLANADE IS STILL OPEN. SO IF YOU DON’T MIND SITTING BACK A BIT, YOU CAN BRING DINNER AND KICK BACK TO AN AMAZING NIGHT OF MUSIC. YOUR VOICE IS HEARD. MANY LOCALS REMEMBER WHEN THE THIRD WAS COMPLETELY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. WE’D COME DOWN HERE AND MAKE SURE IT CAME OUT ON THE THIRD AND WE’D WALK RIGHT UP TO THE ALMOST THE STAGE. IT WAS SO FANTASTIC. WE LOVED IT. WE’VE BEEN DOING IT FOR 30, 40 YEARS ALMOST. I’M HERE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE AND I. AND THAT WAS THE COUNTRY BAND, THE MAVERICKS, WHO JUST SAW AGAIN. WE’RE BACK NOW LIVE WITH THE SINGING SERGEANTS FROM THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE BAND. THE THIRD REALLY IS A TRADITION FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE. WE’RE ALSO GOING TO SEE TOMORROW NIGHT FEATURED TONY AWARD WINNING BROADWAY STAR KELLI O’HARA. THE LINE
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular marks 50th anniversary of grand finale
Thursday night, for the 50th time, Boston’s annual Fourth of July celebration will come to a crescendo of cannon fire, fireworks and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. The tradition began in 1974 when businessman David Mugar approached Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler with an idea to revitalize an annual July 4 concert that began in 1929. Their collaboration became one of America’s most beloved Independence Day traditions, the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. “Mugar famously said, ‘You bring the music, I’ll bring the fireworks,’ just like it says on the statue over there,” said Jan Devereaux, a spokesperson for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In fact, both Mugar and Fiedler are remembered with statues along the Charles River Esplanade. Mugar’s statue was dedicated last fall, following his death in 2022.This year, the fireworks were renamed the Mugar Family Fireworks in honor of Mugar and the support of the foundation that carries his family name. “For 50 years, this event has been one of the largest and most beloved July 4 celebrations in the country and it remains free to the public. It’s the BSO’s gift to Boston and beyond,” said Devereaux. Thousands of people are expected to attend the annual concert.
Thursday night, for the 50th time, Boston’s annual Fourth of July celebration will come to a crescendo of cannon fire, fireworks and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.
The tradition began in 1974 when businessman David Mugar approached Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler with an idea to revitalize an annual July 4 concert that began in 1929. Their collaboration became one of America’s most beloved Independence Day traditions, the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.
“Mugar famously said, ‘You bring the music, I’ll bring the fireworks,’ just like it says on the statue over there,” said Jan Devereaux, a spokesperson for the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
In fact, both Mugar and Fiedler are remembered with statues along the Charles River Esplanade. Mugar’s statue was dedicated last fall, following his death in 2022.
This year, the fireworks were renamed the Mugar Family Fireworks in honor of Mugar and the support of the foundation that carries his family name.
“For 50 years, this event has been one of the largest and most beloved July 4 celebrations in the country and it remains free to the public. It’s the BSO’s gift to Boston and beyond,” said Devereaux.
Thousands of people are expected to attend the annual concert.
