HATCH SHELL

The Hatch Memorial Shell is a free outdoor concert venue on the Charles River Esplanade in Boston's Back Bay, built to serve crowds of approximately 10,000 on the open lawn along the riverbank. It is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

Expect a casual, open-air lawn experience with no assigned seating — audiences bring blankets and chairs to enjoy free concerts, film screenings, and cultural events from spring through fall. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly.

The original wooden shell was constructed in 1928 with a debut performance on July 4, 1929 by conductor Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Sinfonieta. A permanent shell replaced it in 1934, and the current Art Deco structure was dedicated on July 2, 1940. It is named for Edward A. Hatch. The shell is most associated with the Boston Pops annual Fourth of July concert and fireworks.