Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are illegal in Massachusetts without professional licensing and certification.

Every year, Massachusetts medical facilities treat dozens of people for fireworks-related burns and traumatic injuries. Firefighters are called out to fires that damage or destroy homes and other properties. While these numbers are significant, Massachusetts' per capita fireworks injury rate is about one-fifth the national average. This is because Massachusetts law prohibits the possession, use, and sale of fireworks and other pyrotechnics without professional licensing and certification. The law applies even if you buy them legally in another state. 

Don't risk a fire, a traumatic injury, or a day in court. Leave fireworks to the professionals and see a great professional fireworks display this year. 

Be a Good Sport: No Fireworks at World Cup Celebrations

Massachusetts is ready to welcome the world to this year's World Cup games, but we want everyone to celebrate safely. Fireworks, sparklers, smoke devices, and other pyrotechnics are strictly prohibited at all World Cup and Fan Fest events. State law requires police to confiscate any illegal fireworks they encounter.

If you want to catch a great fireworks show, stick around. There will be dozens of professional displays in cities and towns across Massachusetts for the Fourth of July.

Summer 2026 Permitted Fireworks Schedule (Updated 7/9/26)

This list reflects permits filed with the Office of the State Fire Marshal by local fire departments.

Display City	Date	Time	Display Location	Rain Date
Worcester	7/10/2026	Post game	Polar Park Stadium - 122 Madison Street - Outfield Polar Park	n/a
Worcester	7/10/2026	Post game	Fitton Football Stadium – Fitton Ave.	n/a
Boston	7/11/2026	9:00 PM	2 mini barges off Fan Pier	7/12/2026
Clinton	7/11/2026	9:15 PM	Veteran's Athletic Fields - 275 West Boylston Street	7/12/2026
East Brookfield	7/11/2026	9:15 PM	Old Landfill - Connie Mack Drive	7/12/2026
Holliston	7/11/2026	10:00 PM	Holliston High School Athletic Field – 370 Holliston St.	n/a
Methuen	7/11/2026	9:30 PM	Pleasant Valley Street	7/18/2026
Melrose	7/11/2026	9:00 PM	Golf Course - 320 Porter Street	7/12/2026
Rehoboth	7/11/2026	9:00 PM	95 Cameron Way	n/a
Salisbury	7/11/2026	10:15 PM	Salisbury Beach on a barge 1000 ft from shore	n/a
Scituate	7/11/2026	10:00 PM	14 Edward Foster Rd. Scituate, MA	7/10/2026
Uxbridge	7/11/2026	9:00 PM	62 Capron Street	7/12/2026
Boston	7/15/2026	9:00 PM	2 mini barges off Fan Pier	7/16/2026
Hull	7/18/2026	9:00 PM	Barge off Nantasket Beach – 45 Hull Shore Dr.	7/19/2026
Medway	7/18/2026	9:00 PM	Choate Park – Oak St.	n/a
N. Attleboro	7/18/2026	9:15 PM	Vacant lot (bus lot) – 583 Landry Ave.	n/a
Salisbury	7/18/2026	10:15 PM	Salisbury Beach on a barge 1000 ft from shore	n/a
Worcester	7/24/2026	Post game	Polar Park Stadium - 122 Madison Street - Outfield Polar Park	n/a
Worcester	7/24/2026	Post game	Fitton Football Stadium – Fitton Ave.	n/a
Blackstone	7/25/2026	9:00 PM	Blackstone-Millville Regional HS baseball field – 175 Lincoln St	7/26/2026
Salisbury	7/25/2026	10:15 PM	Salisbury Beach on a barge 1000 ft from shore	n/a
Lowell	7/31/2026	9:00 PM	Outfield @ LeLacheur Park - 450 Aiken Street	n/a
Salisbury	8/1/2026	10:15 PM	Salisbury Beach on a barge 1000 ft from shore	n/a
Lowell	8/7/2026	9:00 PM	Outfield @ LeLacheur Park - 450 Aiken Street	n/a
Worcester	8/7/2026	Post game	Polar Park Stadium - 122 Madison Street - Outfield Polar Park	n/a
Salisbury	8/8/2026	10:15 PM	Salisbury Beach on a barge 1000 ft from shore	n/a
Worcester	8/14/2026	Post game	Polar Park Stadium - 122 Madison Street - Outfield Polar Park	n/a
Salisbury	8/15/2026	10:15 PM	Salisbury Beach on a barge 1000 ft from shore	n/a
Plainville	8/22/2026	9:15 PM	Telford Park	n/a
Salisbury	8/22/2026	10:15 PM	Salisbury Beach on a barge 1000 ft from shore	n/a
Worcester	8/28/2026	Post game	Polar Park Stadium - 122 Madison Street - Outfield Polar Park	n/a
Salisbury	8/29/2026	10:15 PM	Salisbury Beach on a barge 1000 ft from shore	n/a
Salisbury	9/5/2026	10:15 PM	Salisbury Beach on a barge 1000 ft from shore	n/a
Worcester	9/18/2026	Post game	Polar Park Stadium - 122 Madison Street - Outfield Polar Park	n/a

Sparklers Are as Dangerous as Other Fireworks

According to the US Consumer Products Safety Commission, sparklers caused an estimated 700 emergency department-treated injuries in 2023. These injuries accounted for about 12% of all fireworks-related injuries that year. About 600 involved children, making sparklers the most common type of pyrotechnic device to injure children under 15.

In addition to causing injuries, sparklers are hot enough to cause fires -- even after they've been extinguished.  In 2022, the unsafe disposal of sparklers caused a three-alarm fire in Dracut that displaced nine people. 

Massachusetts Fireworks Law: MGL c. 148, s. 39

What does the law prohibit?

• It is illegal to use, possess, sell, or offer to sell fireworks in Massachusetts without the required licensure, certification, and permits issued by the State Fire Marshal and local fire department
• The law applies even to fireworks that were purchased lawfully in another state.
• The law prohibits any article designed to produce a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation. 

Is the law effective?

• Yes. The per capita rate of fireworks injuries in Massachusetts is about 1/5 the national rate. 

Unlawful sale of fireworks

• Penalty: Fine or imprisonment or both, and confiscation
• Fine: $100 to $1000
• Imprisonment: Maximum of 1 year
• Seizure of fireworks: Mandatory
• Who can arrest? Any officer qualified to serve criminal process.
• Must an officer arrest? No. Statute says the officer may arrest without a warrant.
• Must an officer seize the fireworks? Yes, the statute says the officer shall seize any fireworks.

Unlawful possession or use of fireworks

• Penalty: Fine and confiscation only
• Fine: $10 to $100
• Seizure of fireworks: Mandatory
• Who can seize? Any officer qualified to serve criminal process.
• May an officer arrest? For possession, no. The statute only provides for a fine upon conviction and automatic confiscation of fireworks.
• Must an officer seize the fireworks? Yes, the statute says the officer shall seize any fireworks. 

Seizure

Can people get their fireworks back? No. If convicted, the fireworks are forfeited and destroyed. 

For Fire Departments Only

DFS can provide technical, compliance, and enforcement support, 24/7, especially during the July 4th week. For immediate help call:

• 508-820-2000 (outside regular business hours)
• 978-567-3375 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• These numbers are for fire departments only. For citizen complaints about the illegal sale or use of fireworks please call your local police department at 9-1-1.

Visit the Blasting, explosives, and fireworks page for more information.

Confiscated Fireworks for Police and Fire Departments Only

To notify the State Police Bomb Squad of confiscated fireworks, fire and police departments (only) should call 978-567-3310 during business hours. For 24-hour emergencies or large quantities, read this flyer on activating emergency resources.