DCR Hatch Memorial Shell

Great Music for Free Every Wednesday, July 13 — August 31, 2016
Check out the season program

The 92.9 Earth day concert here was awesome! We enjoyed sitting in the midst of the crowd, sunbathing a bit while catching some tunes. Screens were provided so we could see what was happening on the stage super clearly, and also enjoy the festival further along the river.

I’ve only been here for MixFest but it’s been great every time! It’s a really fun environment and the playground right next door is awesome!

Stumbled upon the Hatch Shell on a casual bike ride. We didn’t just find an empty shell, but one full of Styx, or at least the lead vocals for the band Styx.
I always knew that this place was around and that it hosted musical acts, but I did not know it was this accessible. It’s in a gorgeous location, waterfront and lots of foliage. The space for «rocking out» is large. The acoustics from the shell are pretty nice.
Locations like this remind me of how great Boston is. The city hosts free events. This venue exists just for that reason!
Oh yes, the main reason for my enjoyment of the Hatch Shell: that park. I’m sure the esplanade can turn anyone into a child. There’s a zip line type thing. A flying saucer thing. Giant tree branch thing. A rock climbing thing. Obsessed with the things. It was overrun by adults and that’s a sign of a fun park.
Thanks Boston for keeping your residents in mind!

This is such a gem to the city of Boston. The Hatch Shell is conveniently located near T stops (Charles MGH on the red line or Arlington on the green) and is on the banks of the Charles River. On a sunny summer evening, nothing is better than a free event at the Hatch Shell. The acoustics at the lovely half dome are spectacular, so if you enjoy outdoor music events, this should be a place you check out.
The highlight on the summer calendar of events is the July 4^th celebration with the Boston Pops. Looking to experience the music and patriotism, but are afraid of the crowds? If so, head down the night before for the dress rehearsal. You get everything but the fireworks. The line to get in tends to be a lot shorter, so you can get down there around 2:00 or 3:00 and when the gates open at 4:00, there is not a huge stampede of people like the following day. In the brave new world, post-​Marathon bombings, security has become much tighter, meaning the process of getting in is a little slower. However, by contending with a smaller crowd it is a much more manageable experience. Once inside, if you want to be in the shade sooner rather than later, stay to the side closest to the water. It does tend to fill up quicker, so if you end up on the Storrow Drive side you will have more direct sun for a longer period of time.
In addition to the 4^th of July events, other notables include free films for the family on several Fridays, as well as Mix Fest and Earth Fest for music lovers.

I came here to listen to some classical ass music (insider).
I love the Hatch Shell. It’s so beautiful and spacious and always buzzing with people. I also love that so many free events take place here during the summer. It’s a dream! (minus the geese poop)

Lovely on a summer night. Went here Wednesday to see a free concert by the Boston Landmark Orchestra with a group of friends. They got there around 6pm to reserve a seat and put out a blanket for us. My friend and I arrived at around 7:05pm. It had already started but we could easily find our friends and get to our spot. Not nearly as crowded as I thought. They were doing a 40^th anniversary acknowledgement of the Clean Water Act so there were various environmental groups tabling and some food vendors with samples. The concert was great and the sound was amazing even though we were far away enough to want binoculars. What I love about it was that it was 1) free 2) clean public bathrooms on the other side YES! 3) you can bring your own food — picnic and 4) accessible by public transportation!
I have also been there for some EarthFest concerts in year’s past. Be careful of the sidewalks that go around the hatch shell field though, because bicycles can use them and you don’t expect a fast object coming at you. I almost got hit a few times so make sure to look out. Also bring a sweater as even on hot days it can get chilly by the river at night.
We didn’t sneak in any alcohol, but it would have been very easy to sip wine in a dark cup while we were there. Next time!

Went to see the Landmark Orchestra play. Great atmosphere. Great location. Loved the experience and you should definitely check it out. But no bathrooms close by, so make sure you aren’t in need of one.

This is One of the cool perks of living in a city.
I never know what to expect when I stroll past this place on the esplanade. Some nights there are free Zumba classes, other weekends there are free concerts, and the the 4^th of July is kicken wih the Boston pops!
It gets crowded, but what concert venue isn’t?

It’s must if you live in MA. Come for one event and you’ll be back

In the 10 years I have lived here, this year was the first time I have actually enjoyed the space for a concert. It was very relaxing and is a great spot to enjoy great music out doors, downtown.
Hope to come here more often this summer!

Gather your friends, grab a blanket, prepare some picnic food, and head over to the Hatch Memorial Shell for some fantastic outdoor live music! It’s located right by the river, so take the T to Charles/​MGH, walk across the bridge and ta-​dah, you are there.
I came here recently for Earth Fest 2012 with some buddies and had a great time. I left the place feeling slightly burnt and toasted, but was glad I got to experience some great outdoors with live music and great company.

The inner ring of the ornamental wood inlay of the DCRHMS looks like a fan of coffins — but with free tunes/​foods/​fanfare, fireworks and friendly neighbors gathering on the regular, who has time to be depressed?
Probably not you.

Alcohol (possession or consumption) is strictly forbidden, and violators will be prosecuted.
Heavy Gatorade bottle in hand, I’ve been to three EarthFests, a handful of free concerts, two Fourths of July (does that mean a ½ July?), gratis movie screenings and an extras scene for some new Marky Mark vehicle and I can honestly say the following:
Nobody gives a flying googly moogly. Please PM me if you’ve seen anyone nipped for discretely boozing.
Gather buddies, bring a blanket and enjoy the super sweet acoustics from Boston’s premier free event venue. Truly an optimal public space and a perfect musical parabola. Math geeks say what?!

I’ve been to the Hatch Shell over the years for many different events: July 3^rd preview concert, EarthFest, free summer concerts, etc. On a nice day, it’s a great place for an event. On a rainy day, not so much.
We finally went for the Free Friday Night Flick (FFNF) this past weekend and the previous reviews are correct in that there are kids running around (and yelling) and adults who don’t care about who they bother. To the women who had CANDLES burning on the grass in front of them: kids and animals are running around. Blankets are strewn all over the place (including NEXT to your candles). This is unsafe and, in fact, the light from the candles is very distracting when it’s dark out and I’m trying to watch a movie. Next time, I’m gonna ask you to blow them out.
Ahem. I digress. Food-​wise, it’s usually unhealthy options: pizza, fried dough, empanadas, etc. All the food you love, but regret. At the FFNF, they were actually giving away samples of HEALTHY food, which was a nice surprise! Olivia’s Organic Salad (which they give at EarthFest too) and riceworks chips.
Anyway. The Hatch Shell is a great Boston venue and the city puts on some really cool events. Thank you Boston, for utilizing such a unique space in such fun ways!

There are so many different happenings at the hatch shell, and many different reasons an ways to approach reviewing it. I’m going to do it by event series.
Starting with Free Friday Flicks.
When I was growing up my family frequented drive-​in movie theaters. Going to a Free Friday Flick feels like the modern, day urban equivalent of this. Without cars.
Most Friday evenings, starting in late June, you can head on down to the hatch shell, set up camp with a blanket (good) or lawn chairs (better) and settle in for a wholesome, G-​rated (or maybe PG, oh the scandal!) film. As the title of the event implies — for free.
If you get there early enough –movies are scheduled to start at «sundown» — before the movie begins you’ll get a nice spot; and be able to take advantage of give-​aways and contests from the FFF’s sponsor (s). In the past this has ranged from food and drink samples to ground blankets perfect for bringing back to the event and stretching out on.
The crowd here is a true mixed bag. Families with small children, groups of college-​aged kids getting a little rowdy, couples getting a little huggy-​kissy… They’re all here. And frequent Fridays, so is this girl, with a few of my BFFL’s, downing bottles of wine and sometime chit-​chatting more than actually watching. Depends on the movie.
What I’m saying is, don’t go expecting a quite mesmerized movie watching atmosphere, this place is a bit rowdier than that. Do go knowing that you’ll be watching a movie that doesn’t require your full attention at all times in order to follow, and that there are gonna be a bunch of people who aren’t giving such.
That don’t mean it can’t be fun!

I will keep this short and sweet. This is one of the must see, wallk and enjoy places. I personally would avoid the crowds on 4^th of July unless you like being packed in like sardines. It’s definitely something to experience, but give me the Hatch Shell for a concert or even the dress rehearsal on the 3^rd. Different music, still great, but 350K less people.
I love that dirty water, Boston your’re my home!!!

I guess this place isn’t much of a secret, because when we came here for the free Beach Boys concert in July 2009 this place was packed like you wouldn’t believe. I think there were probably about as many people here as when I went to see Obama at USC last year, maybe even more. If you’re a visitor from out of town (like I was), check the calendar here and see if anyone good is playing. We didn’t even really know about this concert until the day we arrived here, but it was a great way to spend the evening despite the fact that we kept having to move so we could actually see the stage.
If you’re coming here for a big event, I’d try to arrive at least a couple hours early. It’s probably best to try to get a spot near one of the sides though if you want to get out of here in a reasonable amount of time, because the streets were completely flooded with people when the concert ended and we were lucky to avoid the worst of the mob since we were near the outside.
Not many things in life are free, but this is one of them (and it’s pretty good too!)

I love the Hatch Shell! It’s a short walk from the Charles/​MGH T stop and is an awesome venue in non-​winter weather. During the warmer months, they host weekly Wednesday classical concerts and Friday family-​friendly movies. There was definitely some free healthy food being given away this past summer at the movie screenings. Also, I saw a weekly yoga class here in September on Monday evenings. It’s often the site of music festivals, too.
The point is, if it’s warm and not raining, bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and plenty of food for a picnic. It’s great to chill out and people watch. Just watch out for the occasional screaming kids and I’m not really sure where the bathroom is.

You know how your mom said that the best things in life are free? It’s not total bullshit! So go get yourself a warm body, a blanket, summer, and some take out sushi, and go hear yourself a requiem.
**Bonus points when the siren of the passing ambulance is in the same key as the soprano’s aria.

Great FREE Beach Boys concert last weekend. The Hatch Shell was absolutely packed. I think people started setting up their blankets and chairs around noon! It was a wonderful night and I was thankful for the trees that surround the outer area of the performance site. When it’s sunny and hot, shade is necessary.
Great place for families. Only question — where’s the bathroom?