Jane Lynch and Megan Hilty Added to Lineup for 2026 Boston Pops July 4 Fireworks Spectacular

(Boston, MA) — Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actress Jane Lynch has been tapped to host the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular and Tony- and Grammy-nominated actress Megan Hilty joins as a new special guest artist along with Lainey Wilson, Chance The Rapper, and Trombone Shorty. Led by legendary conductor Keith Lockhart, the free Pops concert returns to the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade for its 52nd year on Saturday, July 4, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET. 

As the Signature Event of the Commonwealth’s MA250 (Massachusetts 250) initiative honoring the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, this year’s Fireworks Spectacular anchors a multi-year, statewide commemoration highlighting Massachusetts’ legacy of leadership and innovation in shaping the nation’s founding and future.  

With an all-American lineup of top-tier guest artists, a revolutionary-themed drone show during the performance of the 1812 Overture, and a fireworks display choreographed to music performed live by the Pops, the event showcases Massachusetts’ creativity, collaboration, and community spirit to an in-person audience expected to break attendance records and millions of broadcast viewers nationally. Portions of the event including the fireworks will be carried live on CNN’s network broadcast of July 4/America 250 celebrations across the U.S., co-anchored by Anderson Cooper and Pamela Brown, who will be based on the Esplanade. 

As always, the concert program offers a patriotic sing-along and other Independence Day favorites performed by the Pops along with the Boston Children’s Chorus, Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Chorus, Middlesex County Volunteers Drums and Fifes, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, and the USS Constitution Color Guard. The event roster also includes Mass. Poet Laureate Regie Gibson and pianist Pelin Su Yavuz. 

The Pops performance concludes with a magnificent fireworks display illuminating the Charles River and choreographed with music performed by the Boston Pops, beginning at 9:15 p.m. 

Statement from Keith Lockhart, Boston Pops Conductor: “Our blockbuster lineup for July 4 just got even more spectacular with the addition of Jane Lynch and Megan Hilty. These are two wonderful artists who we joyfully welcome back after previous collaborations — Megan is a Fireworks Spectacular alum who was on the show in 2014, and we had the pleasure of working with Jane at Symphony Hall in 2019.  We can’t wait to see them again at this landmark event in Boston Pops history.” 

About the New Guest Performers on the July 4 Program

Megan Hilty (Special Guest Artist) started her career playing Glinda in the Broadway, National Tour, and Los Angeles companies of Wicked. Shortly after her 4.5 year run in Oz, she originated the role of Doralee in 9 to 5: The Musical. But Hilty is probably best known for playing the triple-threat Ivy Lynn in the musical drama, Smash, on NBC. Her numerous television credits include “Annie, Live!,” “Sean Saves The World,” “The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh,” and playing the iconic Patsy Cline in “Patsy & Loretta,” earning her a Critic’s Choice Award nomination for Best Actress. Onstage, Hilty has received nominations for Tony, Drama Desk, and Drama League Awards for her portrayal of Brooke Ashton in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of Noises Off. She also originated the role of Madeline Ashton in the Broadway company of Death Becomes Her, earning her Tony, Grammy, and Drama League Award nominations.   

Jane Lynch (Host) is a five-time Emmy, two-time SAG Award, and Golden Globe Winner. Most recently, she was seen in her Emmy-nominated performance of Sazz Pataki in Only Murders In The Building. She co-starred on the award-winning comedy series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel as well as hosted FOX’s hit game show The Weakest Link. She recently reprised her role as Constance Carmell in the rebooted series Party Down and starred as Mrs. Rosie Brice in Broadway’s first revival of the classic musical Funny Girl. She is well-known for her Emmy-winning role as host of Hollywood Game Night and her Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning portrayal of Sue Sylvester on Glee. Additional television credits include portraying Janet Reno in Manifesto, Party Down, Space Force, Criminal Minds, The Good Fight, Portlandia, Angel From Hell, Lovespring International, Two and a Half Men and The L Word.