Jennifer Hudson Headlines Fourth of July Celebration at the Hatch Shell

Programs

Jennifer Hudson will headline the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular during the city's 39th annual premier Fourth of July celebration. 

The fun starts Tuesday, July 3 at 6 p.m., with a concert at 8:30 p.m., followed by more festivities on the Fourth of July as thousands of people from across the country will flock to the Hatch Shell on the  for live music, food, and of course, fireworks.

The Oval (the area in front of the Hatch Shell) opens at 9 a.m. Wednesday with entertainment throughout the day and into the evening. Other performers include Michael Chiklis, Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops, and performances from the Broadway hit "MAMMA MIA!" as the city goes all out with cannons, military plane flyovers, performances by the National Honor Guard and more.

Gearing up for the fireworks display at 10:30 p.m., the 101st Field Artillery Regiment will shoot cannons to honor our nation's birthday. The Navy Band Sea Chanters—the United States Navy’s official chorus— will also perform.

Jets overhead will feature the 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard—one of the oldest flying units in the state.

And a joint forces honor guard, which includes members from the United States Navy USS Constitution, the United States Coast Guard and the United States Marines who will all be participating in the “Star-Spangled Banner.” In addition, some of the honor guard members will be wearing period uniforms to mark the War of 1812 Bicentennial.

Check out the full schedule of events.

Getting There

Your best bet is to take the T and walk. With Boston's Tall Ships festival the weekend before, the MBTA will provide extra buses and train service June 29-July 1; and for the Fourth of July on Wednesday. Public transportation on the Fourth of July will be free after 10:30 p.m. And don't forget about the  that went into effect on July 1.

The closest T stops are Charles MGH, Kendall and Central Square on the Red Line, or Arlington Street on the Green Line. On the Fourth of July the Esplanade is accessible from Beacon Street via Berkeley, Clarendon, Dartmouth and Fairfield Streets and Massachusetts Avenue. On July 3 you will need to use one of the footbridges to cross Storrow Drive.

If you have to drive, suggested parking is at the 100 Clarendon St. garage, which is within walking distance to the Esplanade.

Watch From Home

Can't make it this year? Tune in nationally on the CBS Television Network to view the event during a live one-hour primetime special. Locally, you can watch the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on WBZ-TV Channel 4 from 8-11 p.m.

Good to Know

• Get there early. You have to go through a screening/bag check, and you'll get a wristband which gives you access in and out of the area until 6 p.m. After that, "you may not be able to be readmitted even with a wristband due to crowds and public safety concerns." Also, they'll stop issuing wristbands when the Oval is completely filled, usually around 7:30 p.m. on July 3, and 2 p.m. on the Fourth of July.  

• Bring cash to buy food from plenty of concession stands and goodies like t-shirts and hats. All proceeds benefit the event.

• Don't bring your grill, and keep alcohol, glass containers and sharp objects (knitting needles, metal tent spikes, can openers, metal utensils) at home. You can bring foldable and beach-style chairs, and tarps and blankets must be 8-foot-by-10-foot or smaller.

• Use the porta-potties. There will be over 350 portable restrooms located in Boston and Cambridge. Handicap accessible restrooms can be found at all restroom locations.

• Handicapped area is to the right of the Hatch Shell. People with disabilities will be admitted into the designated area on a first-come, first-served basis. Each person is allowed one guest, and the area will close 6 p.m. or when it has reached capacity, whichever comes first. On the Cambridge side, there is a reserved handicapped area along a section of the Cambridge Parkway on the Fourth of July.

Schedule

Tuesday, July 3rd Concert

6 p.m.  Oval opens 8:20 p.m. Concert begins 9:30 p.m. "1812 Overture" is played 10 p.m. Concert ends

NO FIREWORKS DISPLAY ON JULY 3RD

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Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks

9 a.m. Oval opens Noon Recorded music begins in Boston 6 p.m. Recorded music begins in Cambridge 7 p.m. WBZ News Radio 1030 simulcast begins 8 p.m. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular broadcast begins on WBZ-TV Boston 8:20 p.m. Boston Pops concert begins with the National Anthem and flyover 9:30 p.m. "1812 Overture" is played live on Esplanade 10 p.m. CBS Network national broadcast begins 10:35 p.m. Fireworks begin 11 p.m. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular ends