1. Where does the Event take place?
2. What is the “Oval”?
3. How do you access the Oval?
4. What is NOT allowed in the Oval?
5. Can I bring a grill anywhere to the event?
6. Can I buy a ticket to the event on the 3rd or the 4th?
7. Can I bring a folding chair or blanket to the event?
8. Can items be left in the Oval in the morning and be reclaimed near Showtime?
9. Where are the restrooms?
10. Is there a Handicapped Area?
11. Are there concessions at the event?
12. What is located on the Cambridge side of the Charles River?
13. Where can I stay?
14. What is the difference between the July 3rd and July 4th shows?
15. How long is the show?
16. What is the Event cancelation policy?

Where does the Event take place?
The event takes place along the Charles River between the Longfellow and Mass Ave Bridges on both the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river.
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What is the "Oval"?
The Oval is the restricted lawn area located directly in front of the Hatch Shell.
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How do you access the Oval?
Similar to any typical concert, admittance into the Oval area, directly in front of the Hatch Shell stage, is restricted to those wearing wristbands. The designated wristband for the July 3rd concert is obtained at the rear of the Oval at one of the three entry gates, which will open at 4PM. On July 4th a different wristband will be required and can be obtained at the same location starting at 9AM when the gates open. On July 3rd, when the Oval is completely filled no more wristbands will be distributed, this is usually around 7:30PM. On July 4th, again when the Oval is completely filled, no wristbands will be distributed. This is usually around mid-day. Wearing a wristband allows access in and out of the Oval the night of the 3rd and the entire day of the 4th. back to top

What is NOT allowed in the Oval?
See Esplanade Information.

Can I bring a grill anywhere to the event?
No. Grills are prohibited everywhere on the 3rd and the 4th on the Esplanade.

Can I buy a ticket to the event on the 3rd or the 4th?
The event on the 3rd and the 4th is free and open to the public. Admittance to the event is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I bring a folding chair or blanket to the event?
Yes. Tarps and blankets are restricted to a 8 ' x 10 ' size, and reserving large sections of an area within the Oval is not allowed. Within the Oval, chairs must be foldable and beach style.

Can items be left in the Oval in the morning and be reclaimed near Showtime?
Yes, items can be left at a designated location within the Oval early in the morning and reclaimed near Showtime but - at your own risk. Similar to any crowded public area the items “may” be moved upon return.
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Where are the restrooms?
There are portable toilets throughout the site in Boston and Cambridge.
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Is there a Handicapped Area?
Yes, see Handicapped Information.
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Are there concessions at the event?
Yes, merchandise and food. The food concessions and cost are controlled by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The merchandise concessions are controlled by B4 Celebrations and all proceeds benefit the event. This year we will have a variety of merchandise, including shirts and hats, available for sale by cash only on the 3rd and the 4th.
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What is located on the Cambridge side of the Charles River?
In Cambridge there are sound towers, food concessions, restrooms and excellent views of the fireworks.
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Where can I stay?
We suggest that you stay at the The Liberty Hotel Libertyhotel.com, which is within walking distance to theEsplanade. You can also visit the Greater Boston Convention and Visitor's Bureau at www.bostonusa.com.
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What is the difference between the shows on the 3rd and the 4th?
The July 3rd show is only a concert; it does not include the fireworks display.
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How long is the show?
The show is approximately two and a half hours, with a two hour concert and a half hour fireworks display.
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What is the event cancellation policy?
If the weather is severe enough to cancel the concert on July 4th it will not be rescheduled. If the fireworks are also cancelled they will be fired off from the barge the next night that the weather permits at 9:30PM.
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