Going into 1974, organizers decided it would be a good idea to add howitzer cannons, church bells and fireworks to the playing of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.

Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler suggested, “All hell could break loose.” Little did he know…

Four decades later, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular draws about a half-million people to the banks of the Charles River, with millions more tuning in to the broadcast.

It’s an awesome experience. But it can also be a very long day and night if you aren’t fully prepared.

Here’s a guide for everything you need to know for the 4th of July on the Esplanade.

Note: This guide will be updated as any new parking, timeline or security checks are announced.

Crowds at the Boston Pops 4th of July Spectacular.

COME PREPARED

Check The Forecast

There’s an old saying in New England: If you don’t like the weather, wait a few minutes. In the summer, it can fluctuate like crazy. Temperatures can range anywhere from the 60s to the high 90s. Violent thunderstorms tend to pop up at a moment’s notice.

The WBZ Accuweather team will keep you updated with Weather on the 3s on WBZ NewsRadio 1030, forecasts on WBZ-TV and right here on CBSBoston.com.

If you’re spending the day at the Esplanade, you’ll want to be dressed appropriately… which brings us to our next topic.

Spectators stake out a spot the morning of the Boston Pops 4th of July Spectacular.

Dress Appropriately

No shirt, no shoes… no one’s going to say anything. But, it can get very chilly at night, and a sweatshirt or jacket may be in order. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are all must-bring items. Depending on the forecast, an umbrella or rain coat might be a smart move.

Wear Comfy Shoes

It doesn’t matter if you’re taking the ‘T’ or driving, you’re going to have to do some walking. Parking near the Esplanade is like trying to find a cold spring in the desert. Good luck! Event organizers highly recommend taking public transportation.

Fans wave flags during the Boston Pops 4th of July Spectacular.

Public Transportation

The two closest T-stations on the Boston side are Charles-MGH on the Red Line, and Arlington Street on the Green Line. The MBTA is open late and will be offering free rides home after 10 p.m.

Driving

A whole mess of road closures make driving a daring decision. If you are willing to take that risk (and don’t mind sitting in hours of gridlock after the show), it’s suggested that you park at the 100 Clarendon Street garage. Train or car, you will have to do some walking. Expect the minimum to be about a half-mile.

NOTE: Handicapped Parking is available on the Cambridge side, in a reserved handicapped area along a section of Cambridge Parkway on the night of July 4th after 5:00PM. Vehicles with handicapped parking placards should proceed through the security checkpoint at Land Boulevard and Binney Street.

WHAT ELSE TO BRING

You’re going to have to carry it all, so pack smart.

FOOD – There are cash-only food concessions, and yes, they can be expensive. Bring a picnic – a cooler with sandwiches, chips, fruit, pretzels, cookies, juice, and lots of water. If it’s hot, bring extra water. Paper plates, plastic ware (silverware is not permitted), and napkins are all optional as well. A small trash bag might also come in handy.

Two people play cards to kill time before the Boston Pops 4th of July Spectacular.

FUN – If you’re spending the day, card games, books, Frisbee, sports equipment, etc. are all good to pass the time.

COMFORT – Sunscreen, bug spray, blankets, chairs (foldable or beach-style only). Pop-up tents are allowed during the day, but must come down at 6 pm.

THE SHOW – Camera & Binoculars… and maybe some earplugs for the little ones. Don’t forget your American flags!!!

Partygoers set up a tent before the Boston Pops 4th of July Spectacular.

WHAT NOT TO BRING

Grills & BBQ equipment are not permitted ANYWHERE on the Esplanade.

Alcoholic beverages, glass containers, tarps larger than 8’ X 10’ and sharp objects (e.g., knitting needles, metal tent spikes, can openers, metal utensils) will all be confiscated.

Pets are NOT allowed in the Oval unless they are service animals.

Bag checks are required for anyone entering the Oval, so don’t waste your time trying to sneak anything in.

WHERE TO WATCH AND WHEN TO GET THERE

The Hatchshell during the Boston Pops 4th of July Spectacular.

Your arrival time depends on where you want to sit and what you want to see.

THE OVAL – As far as the concert goes, it’s the best seat in the house. The right side of the oval (facing the stage) is best for seeing the fireworks.

Gates open at 9 am. The line starts at the crack of dawn. The Oval is usually full by 2 pm. Everyone who’s admitted into the Oval receives a wristband allowing access in and out of the secured area. Reserving large areas in the Oval is not allowed.

OUTSIDE THE OVAL AND ALONG THE CHARLES RIVER – Speakers are set up along the Charles (Boston and Cambridge-side) so you’ll be able to listen to the concert even if you can’t see it. There are quite a few trees that can block your view of the fireworks show. Crowds close to the Oval typically swell by 4:30 pm and become impassable by 6:30 pm. Further down the river, most of the prime real estate typically gets scooped up before show time at 7:30 pm. If you’re savvy, you can still find spots without totally obstructed views before 8:30 pm.

Fireworks during the Boston Pops 4th of July Spectacular.

THE BRIDGES (Mass Ave., Longfellow, and BU) – The Mass Ave. and Longfellow Bridges offer the most breathtaking view, which is why they’re packed by 8 pm. Many have tried to make it over to Cambridge only to have to turn back. Get there by 7 pm to guarantee a spot. Warning: Expect it to be PACKED!!!

MEMORIAL DRIVE/CAMBRIDGE-SIDE – Cambridge-side features speaker towers, food concessions and restrooms.

ON A BOAT – One way to beat the crowds is to park in the Charles River. Many boaters arrive early in the day and then stay overnight right on the river.

Note: Fireworks produce smoke. Wind direction (or lack thereof) can adversely affect viewing at any of the above locations.

SCHEDULE

Everything is an hour earlier this year! The concert begins at 7:30 pm. The fireworks display goes from 9:30 pm to 10 pm.

Tents set up along the Charles river on the 4th of July.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

- There are about 350 portable restrooms… for 500,000 people.

- Avoid the bathroom after 6 pm. It gets crowded.

- Bikes can be both a good and bad idea. When you get close, navigating the crowds with a bike can be a headache. On your way out though, once you break through the crowds, getting out of dodge is a breeze. Storrow Drive is closed down, so there’s plenty of room to ride.

ALTERNATIVES

- Watch it on WBZ-TV starting at 7 p.m.

- Listen to it on WBZ NewsRadio 1030 or CBSBoston.com.

- If you just can’t deal with the crowds, but want to be there in person, the Boston Pops hold a rehearsal concert on July 3rd at 7:30 p.m. Only about 50,000 people show up and there’s plenty of room to mull around. The downside is there are no fireworks.