Here's what you need to know about Fourth of July fireworks and celebrations in Boston. This year, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will be on Friday, July 4. The concert is schedule to begin at 7 p.m. and the fireworks will start at 9:40 p.m.

Boston is preparing to host hundreds of thousands of people as Independence Day celebrations take place across the city. Of course the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will be on July 4. Officials will give details on this year’s safety plans for the Fireworks Spectacular,

Just ahead of the Independence Day long weekend, beaches across the country have closed and issued advisories due to excessive levels of harmful bacteria.

Public health officials in New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Illinois, Michigan and California have all issued advisories ahead of the Fourth of July, citing excessive bacteria levels that could cause unsafe swimming conditions.

Health officials issue warnings as bacteria and stormwater runoff contaminate beaches nationwide, closing popular swimming locations before the July 4th holiday.