Just like you, we’ve started to feel the Fall weather creeping in – but we’re not ready just yet. Take advantage of that perfect mix of Summer and Fall with these 21 things to do in Boston this September.
Whale Watching in Boston
Set sail with Boston Harbor City Cruises for the perfect end-of-summer New England experience. This whale-watching cruise, which takes off from Downtown Boston, will bring you to the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground for whales, seabirds, and even dolphins. Learn from New England Aquarium naturalists while onboard the boat and scan the horizon for humpbacks, finbacks, and minkes!
Explore Along the Charles River
Flowing from Hopkinton, Massachusetts to the Boston Harbor, the Charles River is perfect for your next outdoor activity. Whether you choose to paddle down it in a kayak or paddle board, jump on a Duck Tour or a sunset cruise with Charles Riverboat Company, or enjoy a picnic during sunset, there are so many ways to explore Boston’s ‘not so dirty’ water.
Take in The Best View of Boston
Since its much-anticipated opening in June of 2023, View Boston has given visitors an awe-inspiring 360-degree look at the city. The observation deck at the top of the Prudential Center is the perfect place to get a bird's-eye view of Boston's top attractions. Enjoy dining and drinks at the Cloud Terrace, dive deeper into Boston's 23 neighborhoods, and even plan and print out your itinerary for the perfect start to your trip to Boston.
Soak in the Last of Summer with a Boat Cruise
Just because the warm weather is sneaking away doesn't mean experiences on the water have to end. Celebrate with friends on a Boston Harbor Cruise, paddle down and explore Boston along the Charles River, take a day trip to the Boston Harbor Islands, or bundle up with a loved one for a romantic sunset cruise – there are tons of ways to close out summer on the water this September.
Attend the Cambridge Science Festival
This city-wide celebration showcases leading science, technology, engineering, art, and math through events, workshops, family-friendly exhibits, and more. Lasting the week of September 25 through October 1, 2023, the Cambridge Science Festival makes science accessible, interactive, and fun – making it the perfect event for scientists of all levels and ages.
Fly Back in Time with Madama Butterfly
In mid-September, the Boston Lyric Opera is presenting a brand-new production of Madama Butterfly as part of their three-year commitment to "The Butterfly Process," an educational approach to reinterpreting the classics through a modern lens of respect and inclusivity. With the story unfolding in 1940s America under the shadow of World War II, audience members have the opportunity to wander through the nightlife of San Francisco on the eve of Pearl Harbor, experience a nightclub performer contributing to the war effort, and meet a young soldier on the eve of his deployment.
Celebrate with the East Boston Latin Music and Dance Festival
Senator Lydia Edwards, in partnership with ZUMIX, East Boston Main Streets, and the City of Boston, is excited to bring back the East Boston Latin Music and Dance Festival. Complete with Latin American music and dance, activities for kids, local arts and crafts vendors, and delicious food – it has something for everyone to celebrate.
Jam Out at the House of Blues
One of Boston’s most iconic music venues, the House of Blues, has an amazing line-up to kick off the Fall season here in Boston. Join artists such as Owl City, Flogging Molly, Rhiannon Giddens, and so many more as they take the stage on Landsdowne Street. And with this venue being in the heart of the Fenway neighborhood, there are so many places to eat and drink before and after the show.
Grab a Pint at an Oktoberfest Celebration
The calendar may not say October just yet, but in Boston, Oktoberfest celebrations are a true kick-off to the Fall season. Find events and activities of all kinds in the Greater Boston region.
WWE Friday Night Smackdown
Returning to TD Garden on September 8, WWE Friday Night Smackdown is sure to bring animation to the city. Featuring Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions such as Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, Bianca Belair, and AJ Styles – it is sure to be a night to remember.
Make sure to also carb load beforehand and visit some of the best restaurants in Boston’s North End.
Enjoy local favorites at the Boston Seafood Festival
It is no secret that Boston is well known for its seafood-inspired cuisine. The Boston Seafood Festival focuses on amazing seafood, live entertainment, oyster-shucking contests, food demonstrations, and more. So, bring your appetite and celebrate Boston’s rich fishing tradition.
The Return of the New England Patriots
September means the return of Football Season and New England’s beloved Patriots. Kick off the season at Gillette on Sunday, September 10, where Patriots fans can not only cheer on their team but celebrate a night in dedication to the local hero Tom Brady.
Can’t make it to the stadium? Then cheer them on at one of Boston’s best Sports Bars.
Close out Summer with Riverfest
To help round out the summer season, Riverfest will return to Assembly Row with a full day of family fun, free events, fireworks, and more. Hosted by Volo Boston and Downeast Cider, this event is free to attend and features yoga, live music, sidewalk sales, the Boston Women’s Artisan Market, and fireworks.
Salsa in the Park
Returning this Fall to Cambridge is Salsa in the Park. Complete with a beer garden, Salsa lessons, open dancing, and live music – this is the perfect event to enjoy and kick off Hispanic Heritage Month.
Celebrate "The Boss" at the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame
As part of the larger Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame, Bruce Springsteen: Portraits of an American Music Icon will open to the public on September 13. With over 40 photographs from six notable Springsteen photographers, this career-spanning photo exhibit showcases intimate photographs of one of America's most important musical voices.
Get Ready for the Boston Bruins
Starting this September, the Boston Bruins make their way back on the ice at TD Garden. Wear your best black and gold to cheer them on as they take on the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Rangers.
Want to dive deeper into all of Boston sports? Visit The Sports Museum. Located inside the TD Garden, you will see treasures and displays representing the rich heritage of Boston sports and the influence of sports on the social history and evolution of Boston.
Experience a Concert at the TD Garden
The Garden isn’t home to just sporting events this September. Grab tickets to see performers like Duran Duran, Peter Gabriel, the Eagles, Old Dominion, Tedeschi Trucks Band, or SZA – there's truly something for everyone.
Experience Star Wars through Music with the Boston Symphony Orchestra
Join Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops as they perform the most extraordinary music from all nine Star Wars movies. Audience members will be able to trace the sprawling saga and adventure through the Star Wars universe and remember moments with unforgettable characters, making it a must for all Star Wars fans and film music aficionados.
Fill Up at the 13th Boston Local Food Festival
Head to the Rose Kennedy Greenway on September 17 for the 13th Annual Boston Local Food Festival. This free festival will have vendors from all over the state, cooking demonstrations, food-inspired arts and crafts, local music, freshly harvested produce, and so much more.
Explore a Boston Neighborhood at the 23rd South Boston Street Fest
Taking place on Saturday, September 16, the South Boston Street Fest will feature more than 100 local businesses, artists, community organizations, live music, kids’ activities, and more.
Want to explore more of what Boston’s neighborhoods have to offer? Attend Open Streets Dorchester on Sunday, September 17, or Open Newbury, part of the larger Open Streets Boston initiative. Open Streets Boston events help people experience streets as public spaces where communities thrive. City streets transform into vibrant, pedestrian-friendly boulevards where people can dream, play, and explore.
End of Concert Season at Gilette Stadium
With the end of summer comes the end of concert season in Foxborough, MA. Close out the season with Karol G, Billy Joel, and Stevie Nicks – and make it a season to remember.
