We'll be in Boston for Fourth of July and want to attend the concert and fireworks display on the Charles. We don't need to see the concert, just listen to it. I'm looking for recommendations on what time we should arrive to get an unblocked view and where along the Esplanade you've found to be the best location for fireworks viewing and entry and exiting the area. We're staying at the Boston Park Plaza hotel and we are very familiar with the city (I attended BU). Thanks in advance for your help.

There are speakers set up at several locations back from the Hatch Shell, but not sure how far they go back. In order to get an unblocked view of the stage, hear the concert without speakers, and see the fireworks you need to get there when the barricades open, usually between 6 AM and 8 AM. They have checkpoints to check for alcohol, weapons, etc and then you race onto the Esplanade and claim your corner of the world with a blanket.

And then you sit. Many years ago groups used to sit, drink, come and go at will - but those days are gone. How early you need to get there to hear anything, but not see, is determined largely by the weather.

Another option is to try to attend the dress rehearsal the day before. Much less crowded, but no fireworks or 7/4 atmosphere.

Thanks, maybe I was unclear. We don't need to see the concert, just hear it. I went 30 years ago and we got there around 10ish with our blanket. I would prefer not to have to go that early in the day. I am willing to travel away from the hatch shell towards BU, just not sure how far down the speakers go or the best entry/exit point and time we need to arrive.

You were clear - but I just don't know how far the speakers go. (I may have seen you there about 30 years ago. I think it was a lot more fun then)

You can get a good view of the fireworks from the Cambridge side of the Charles River, and I think there are speakers set up there. At least there were this year.

I, too, don't know how far back the speakers are placed on the Esplanade but then you may have trees blocking the view of the fireworks.

Closer to the date, information will be available on line. Security has changed since the marathon bombings.

Oh, thanks CW. I read last year that there were no speakers on that side. That would, however, take us out of walking distance to our hotel. I don't relish a T ride after the show is over. We were there for the World Series win and even hours after the game was over we were smashed on the T and could barely make it off at our stop. I figured security had changed in the last couple of years; that's one of the reasons for my post.

The music is streamed. Take your phone.Make sure it's fully charged.
The best views of the fireworks are from the Longfellow Bridge IMO, but don't know if construction will allow access next year (as it did not this past year).
Otherwise you can show up about 8pm on the Cambridge side along the river nearest the bridge and secure a position near the railing. However, the fireworks were difficult to see, not because of trees, but because of the sheer quantity of iPads being held up to record and thereby forming a wall blocking the view for others.

I know the BU bridge is closed to spectators because of security. I assume that the same is true with the Longfellow--but all the security measures and restrictions will be publicized before the date.

Don't assume. The Longfellow Bridge, as I clearly stated, is currently closed because of construction. Before the construction began, there was never any closing to pedestrians on the July 4 holiday because of "security" concerns.("Security" these days brings up thoughts of terrorism, not traffic.) Cars are prohibited so that crowds of pedestrians can occupy the street space. The construction was actively going on at July 4, 2015, leaving nowhere for people to stand. I am not aware if the construction is scheduled to be finished before a July 4, 2016.
The BU Bridge may be closed from July 4 afternoon as a traffic control, as are some other roads in the area. It is too far from the barges that hold the fireworks to have a really good view anyway. If you go to the trouble of confronting traffic and crowds, might as well see the fountain-like fireworks that are programmed to stay close to the water as well.

I know that the Longfellow Bridge is under construction (but not closed to pedestrians until just before the fireworks). And there were no restrictions on the bridges before the marathon bombings in 2013. Everything is different now security wise, and of course, not for traffic but for possible terrorism. I meant to say the Mass. Ave. bridge was closed in recent years to spectators (and traffic).

As noted, no one knows what the restrictions will be next year until the State/City issues their guidelines before the concert in 2016.

Travelbug, it may be faster to walk back to your hotel from the Cambridge side of the Charles than to wait for the T.

Thanks for the input. I will be looking online as we get closer to see what the specific restrictions are for next year.

Anyone know of a rooftop viewing party? Looking online and so far we have only found a couple of hotels that offer a package inclusive of a hotel stay. Also looking into river cruise viewing, so if anyone has any experience with that, I would love to hear it. Thanks in advance!

On your original question, you can certainly hear on the Esplanade as far as the Lagoons and the Harvard Bridge, you, know, the one that Mass Ave crosses, whether you get on it or not.

Is BU having any rooftop parties? If you are an alum . . . .

A long time ago some friends were living on the water side of Beacon, and the view from their roof was pretty spectacular.

Thanks Ackislander.