Overview
- The free Boston Pops celebration will go on Saturday night with gates opening to the Hatch Shell lawn at 4 p.m., the Pops performing from 7 to about 9:30 p.m., and fireworks choreographed to the orchestra beginning around 9:15 p.m.
- The program features conductor Keith Lockhart and guest artists Chance The Rapper, Lainey Wilson, Trombone Shorty, with Megan Hilty performing and Jane Lynch hosting.
- Officials delayed public entry from the usual noon start because of expected mid-90s temperatures and heat-index readings near 100–105, and public-health teams are advising attendees to hydrate, use shade and seek cooling or medical help if needed.
- Massachusetts State Police and Boston Police will enforce heavy security with mandatory bag searches and a list of banned items, most of the Esplanade will be sectioned off, Storrow Drive will be closed, and boats must stay 100 feet from shore and 1,000 feet from the fireworks barge.
- The show anchors Massachusetts 250 celebrations and includes a Revolutionary-themed drone segment and new commissioned music, and transit plans include extra MBTA service with late trains and free buses, subways and ferries after 8:30 p.m.