I Need Tips on Boston Pops for the Fourth (Cambridge: home, camping)

[sullivjo]

Although I grew up in MA and lived in Boston for 4 years, I've never been to the Boston Pops on the Esplanade for the Fourth. I've been to the rehearsal on the 3rd. I know the Esplanade and the Back Bay. Anyway, I live in Philly now, but will be home for the Fourth and we are looking to start a new tradition since all of my childhood 4th of July traditions have faded away. Anyone have any tips on what time we would need to start camping out to get good seats? Where should we camp out? Is it necessary to be right in front of the Hatch Shell? Park at grandma's in North Cambridge and take the T? Park at Uncle's in South End and drive? Take the T and then the train to Leominster?

[sobo16]

I did Fourth of July in Boston last year and got a decent seat along the Boston side of the Charles River around 12:30pm. You would probably be OK getting there a little later, but by mid-afternoon, it was pretty crowded and it would be difficult to stake out a decently sized spot after that. You don't need to be right in front of the Hatch Shell; you can hear the music from anywhere along the river. I heard that people arrive extremely early for seats inside the Shell seating area. Outside the Shell, there are plenty of food vendors and port-a-potties, and you don't need to arrive early to get a bracelet or anything (I understand you need to get a special bracelet for admission into the Hatch Shell area).

I personally would park in the South End and walk, as long as you can secure a good parking spot that isn't in a residential permit spot. It's a 15-20 minute walk to the Esplanade, depending on where you're coming from.

[sullivjo]

Thank you!

[sobo16]

I should clarify that by "seat", I meant a place to put my folding chair.

[xS☺B☺s]

The Esplanade itself is fenced off on the fourth. I believe you have to get tickets early in the AM to be allowed entrance. It doesn't cost anything but seating is limited. IF you're talking about sitting along the Embankment, well if you want a riverfront spot, see above. But you can find space on Storrow Drive within earshot of the Hatch Shell anytime. We always just walked down around 9pm via the Arlington St pedestrian bridge. Just don't park anywhere near Back Bay unless you want to sit in your car going nowhere for an hour afterwards.