The Hatch Shell Concert Venue

Situated on the Charles River Esplanade, the Hatch Shell hosts Boston’s most beloved event – the Fourth of July celebration. Each year, the Boston Pops play a patriotic concert for a massive crowd sprawled along the banks on blankets and lawn chairs, and afterwards one of the largest fireworks displays in the nation can be seen over the Charles from almost any spot in the city. Since it was built in 1941, events at the Hatch Shell throughout the year have included Earth Fest, assorted rock and classical music concerts, and free family movies each Friday during the summer. Past performers at the Hatch Shell have included Green Day, Rascal Flatts, and Eve 6. Since seating is first-come first-served, it’s advisable to head to the area early and claim a space – while there’s no official capacity regulation on the nearly 90,000 square feet of lawn, it is coveted real estate and fills up quickly. Also, there are no benches, so most folks bring deck or folding chairs, or just plop down on the ground and soak up the sunshine.