Update: Tropical Storm Arthur has caused the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular to be rescheduled from July 4 to Thursday, July 3. The concert will still begin at 8:30 p.m., but the Hatch Shell oval will open at 5 p.m., according to CBS Boston. For more information, click here.

Happy almost Fourth of July, folks! Whether you’ve got a BBQ to attend or a beach trip in store, there’s no chance you’d miss out on the 41st Annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular show this weekend. In just a few short days, the Boston sky will light up with red, white and blue in true Fourth of July fashion. And to make your planning a bit easier, we’ve taken the liberty of compiling everything you need to know about this year’s show. Happy 4th, everyone!

July 4 Schedule:

12:00 p.m. Recorded music begins in Boston

4:30 p.m. Recorded music begins in Cambridge

7:00 p.m. WBZ News Radio AM 1030 broadcast begins

8:00 p.m. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular broadcast begins on WBZ-TV Boston and WCRB 99.5 FM broadcast begins.

8:30pm Concert begins

10:30 p.m. Fireworks begins

11:00 p.m. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular ends

Transportation:

The closest MBTA stations to the event are either the Red Line’s Charles-MGH station, Kendall and Central Square stations or the Green Line’s Arlington St. station. Note: On July 4th, the MBTA lines “will operate at rush hour levels” beginning at 2 p.m., states the event source.

Checking in:

Those attending the event can check in at one of the two secured areas: The Oval and the Island. Spectators must pass through a bag check and screening. Those attending will receive a wristband which permits them access in and out of that area. On July 3rd, checkpoints open at 5 p.m. and on July 4th, they open at 9 a.m.

Performers:

Prepare yourself for a phenomenal July 4th celebration, folks. This year’s performance will star none other than The Beach Boys, followed by Broadway star, Megan Hilty, who you may know from the TV show ‘Smash’. Other performers will include cast members from the ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ the Boston Children’s Chorus and the Boston Pops. From the sound of it, this year’s show will be truly spectacular.

What not to bring, according to the event website:

  • No coolers on wheels

  • No backpacks

  • No firearms, weapons, sharp objects or fireworks

  • No glass containers

  • No cans

  • No alcoholic beverages

  • No pre-mixed beverages

  • All liquids will be carried in sealed clear plastic containers not to exceed 2 liters in size

  • No grilling, propane tanks or open flames

  • No unattended bags

  • No bicycles will be allowed through the checkpoints into the Oval or Island/Lagoon areas. Bicycles are allowed throughout the rest of the venue, but most not be left unattended.

Safety:

Those who see any sort of suspicious activity at the Fourth of July events can use the Text-A-Tip line to contact the Massachusetts State Police. The website states that anyone who sees “anything that just doesn’t look right, is urged to contact police by either calling 911 or texting a tip.” The Text-A-Tip numeric address for this year’s July 3rd and 4th events is 67283. Enter the characters B4 as the first two characters in the text.

Image via Facebook

You can read more stories on Boston startups, technology and innovation at https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/inno