Media Gallery

Country star Martina McBride performed on the 38th Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

Arthur Fiedler organizes the first series of free concerts on the Esplanade. These were the first free outdoor symphony concerts in the world.

A new July 4th tradition in Boston is born when howitzer cannons, church bells, and fireworks accompany the "1812 Overture."

America’s Bicentennial celebration results in a huge crowd, which the Guinness Book of World Records cites as the largest ever assembled for a classical concert.

Arthur Fiedler conducts the Fourth of July concert for the
50th time.

John Williams becomes the 19th conductor of the Boston Pops.

For the first time, Boston’s Fourth of July is televised in its entirety nationwide by WGBH for PBS.

Live annual nationwide television broadcasts of the concert begin.

Keith Lockhart becomes the 20th conductor of the Boston Pops.

Boston’s Fourth of July celebrates their 25th anniversary.

CBS Television broadcasts the concert and fireworks nationwide.

Liberty Mutual becomes the official sponsor of the event.

Neil Diamond sings Sweet Caroline to a crowd of over half a million people on the banks of the Charles River.

Hatch Shell stage pyrotechnics were introduced, adding more spark to the spectacular event.

Roll over the timeline dates to explore our rich history!

2011

1929

1974

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