One of the most iconic Fourth of July celebrations in the U.S., the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (refer to listing, page 12) once again lights up the DCR Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade. Pops conductor Keith Lockhart, celebrating his 20th year behind the baton, leads the beloved orchestra in patriotic classics while welcoming special guest performers beginning at 8:30 p.m. It all climaxes in not only the cannon-punctuated rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” but also the part that is everyone’s favorite—the grand fireworks display, now in its 42nd year, which takes place from 10:30–11 p.m. The concert is free and attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year, so if you want a prime spot, show up early—or simply attend the fireworks-free preview on July 3.