For a very special 250th birthday for our country the Boston Pops announces Lainey Wilson, Chance The Rapper, and Trombone Shorty as Special Guest Artists at this year’s July 4 Fireworks Spectacular. A tradition over 50 years, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, starts with a concert at 7 p.m., followed by a musically choreographed fireworks show shooting off around 9:15p.m. Esplanade gates open at noon, or you can view the spectacle from your couch on the CNN app and CNN.com or Boston’s WHDH-TV.
If a trek into Boston isn’t in the cards (or you want to soak up even more fireworks before and after the Fourth), the North Shore offers plenty of options for celebrations that light up the sky:
July 2
North Andover
Throw down a blanket for fireworks that start off a patriotic holiday weekend.
When: 9:30 p.m.
Where: Hayes Stadium – 495 Main St.
Salem, New Hampshire
Tuscan Village in Salem, New Hampshire will kick off an evening day of festivities with food trucks at 4p.m., music, and fireworks lighting up the sky at 9 p.m.
When: 9:00 p.m.
Where: Tuscan Village, Salem, NH
July 3
Haverhill
Kick off the holiday with a fireworks display at Riverside Park in Haverhill. The event begins at 5 p.m. with live music, vendors, and face painting before the main attraction hits the skies.
When: 9:15 p.m.
Where: Riverside Park, 162 Lincoln Ave., Haverhill
Rain date: July 5
Andover
Andover launches its holiday weekend with a fireworks show at the local high school.
When: 9:20 p.m.
Where: Andover High School, 80 Shawsheen Rd., Andover
Rain date: July 6
Gloucester
Gloucester’s July 3 fireworks are an institution in the city, lighting up the sky after a waterfront concert on Stacey Boulevard and the annual Gloucester Horribles Parade. Families are welcome to set up blankets and enjoy a full evening of Independence Day celebrations, with parking located at the Gloucester high school.
When: 9:30 p.m.
Where: Stage Fort Park, 1 Hough Ave., Gloucester
Rain date: July 5
Lynn
Marvel at fireworks over Nahant Bay from a spot at Red Rock Park, on King’s Beach, or along Lynn Shore Drive in Lynn or Humphrey Street in Swampscott.
When: 9 p.m.
Where: Red Rock Park, Lynn Shore Dr., Lynn
Rain date: July 5
Manchester
Bring a blanket down to one of the North Shore’s most iconic beaches. A beach concert starts at 7 followed by fireworks at 9pm.
When: 9:00 p.m.
Where: Barge 300 yards off Singing Beach
Rain date: July 6
July 4
Beverly Farms/ Prides Crossing
Thousands of people flock to West Beach and the surrounding waters each year to watch the traditional fireworks show and see flares illuminating the shoreline. A $25 wristband is required to enter the beach for viewing. More details are available online.
When: 9:00p.m.
Where: West Beach, 121 West St., Beverly
Rain date: July 5
Salem, Massachusetts
Come around 5:30 p.m. to secure a seat and enjoy a lineup of events including live music and kids’ activities.
When: 9:00 p.m.
Where: Derby Wharf, 160 Derby St., Salem
Rain date: July 18
Marblehead
Marblehead’s annual celebration kicks off at 8:45 p.m. with a row of red flares lined up along the coast and reflecting off the harbor. Then, 15 minutes later, the fireworks blast off.
When: 9:00 p.m.
Where: Marblehead Harbor, ideas for good viewing spots available online
Rain date: July 5
Wakefield
Wakefield’s fireworks show tops off a day of festivities including a fishing derby; pet, doll carriage, and bicycle parades; and canoe and kayak races. The town’s Independence Day Parade steps off at 5 p.m. and live music begins at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks.
When: 9:30 p.m.
Where: Over Lake Quannapowitt
Rain date: July 6
Amesbury
When: 9:30 p.m.
Where: Woodsom Farm – 223 Lions Mouth Rd.
Rain date: July 5
Salisbury
Come down to Salisbury Beach at 7:30 to enjoy an oceanfront performance from local band Scott Brown and the Diplomats (yup, that’s former U.S. Senator Scott Brown) and stay for the 20-minute fireworks display. The fireworks also close a three-day event of music, food, and sand castle building on the beach.
When: 10:15 p.m.
Where: Salisbury Beach
Rain date: No rain date, but Salisbury hosts a fireworks show most Saturdays throughout the summer.