The jackets are lighter, the flowers are blooming, and spring has sprung here in Boston. Whether you're here for spring vacation, visiting friends and family for the weekend, or looking to be a tourist in your own city – Boston is the place for you. We’ve gathered our top things to do in and around Boston during the spring, bringing you the ultimate spring bucket list.
Celebrate with a Festival
Nothing says good weather like the return of outdoor festivals.
Growing bigger and bigger every year, the Boston Calling Music Festival, held at the Harvard Athletic Complex, has one of the best lineups in the country. Headliners like Luke Combs, Fall Out Boy, and Dave Matthews Band, returning acts like Cage the Elephant and Vampire Weekend, and fan favorites such as and fan favorites such as Megan Moroney, Sheryl Crow, T-Pain, All Time Low, and James Bay prove there is a tune for every music fan. And don’t forget about all the amazing food options from local Boston establishments for attendees to enjoy as well.
The oldest dragon boat festival in the United States, the Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival returns every year and aims to promote and develop the sport of dragon boating. Come experience this unique cultural event and see dozens of teams and thousands of paddlers from all over the world race down the Charles River.
Kick off the start of beach season with the whole family during the annual Kite Festival on Revere Beach. With kite decorating, kite flying, live music and so much more.
And finally – Boston Pride kicks off in early June, which includes not only the parade but a weekend and month-long celebration consisting of festivals, block parties, brunch-themed gatherings and so much more.
Browse our full events calendar to find the festival or event that is perfect for you.
Explore Boston Along the Charles River
One of the top recommendations of places to visit during your trip is the Charles River. Nestled among the treasures of Boston and Cambridge, this gem leisurely winds its way through the cities, providing a natural oasis filled with activities for everyone. Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, hop on a Duck Boat tour, have a picnic along the Esplanade, or experience a seasonal pop-up beer garden, event, or even concert!
Catch a Game
Spring might be one of the best times in Boston for sports fans. With the Boston Red Sox back at historic Fenway Park, our winter sports teams fighting for their spots in the playoffs, and the New England Revolution kicking it up at Gillette Stadium, there is a team for everyone to cheer on.
Want to learn more about the City of Champions? Take a trip to The Sports Museum at TD Garden.
Take a Walk Through History
Boston has transformed itself countless times over four centuries and continues to do so today. Explore all of Boston’s history through our various tour options.
With the return of Spring comes the return of Boston’s walking tours. Walk the Black Heritage Trail in Beacon Hill and the West End, the Innovation Trail in Cambridge, or the iconic Freedom Trail following a red brick road through historic sites from American History.
Want to cover all of your bases in and around the city? Then hop on an Old Town Trolley Tour of Boston. Customize your tour to suit your group’s needs, with their hop on hop off options in and around the city.
Embark on a Swan Boat Ride
Embark on a quintessential Boston experience with a ride on a Swan Boat in the Public Garden. Enchanting locals and visitors since their first ride in 1877, the Swan Boats are a truly serene escape from the city hustle and are an integral part of Boston’s cultural fabric – with tickets just under $5!
Don’t miss out on Boston’s annual Duckling Day, a family-friendly celebration of the children’s classic book Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey.
Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Once home to American art collector, philanthropist, and patron of the arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner, the museum is one of the most unique and beautiful in the world. Modeled after a 15th-century Venetian palazzo surrounding an indoor courtyard garden, it houses one of the world's most remarkable art collections, featuring works by Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Raphael, Degas, and Sargent. Take in the blooms that fill the beautiful courtyard, explore one of the numerous picturesque rooms throughout the museum, or make your guesses on what truly happened on March 18, 1990.
Dine Outdoors
There is something about dining al fresco that makes the food taste that much better. Check out all of Boston’s restaurants offering outdoor dining - usually by May 1st.
Looking for something truly unique to Boston? Then you must check out Sullivan’s at Castle Island. A South Boston landmark, Sullivan’s first opened in 1951 and has been serving locals and visitors ever since. We recommend a classic hot dog or cheeseburger, fried clam strips, a raspberry lime rickey, and, of course, a milkshake.
Looking for a cold one outdoors? Don’t miss out on one of Boston’s iconic breweries with outdoor seating, such as Sam Adams Brewery in Jamaica Plain and Trillium in Fenway or Fort Point, or the return of Boston’s iconic outdoor beer gardens.
Cheer on the Marathon Runners
Arguably the city’s most iconic event during the Spring is the Boston Marathon. Traditionally held on Patriots’ Day, the Boston Marathon ranks as one of the world’s best-known racing events. This event attracts 500,000 spectators, making it New England’s most widely viewed sporting event. Plan your spectator spot to cheer on runners, find a place to grab a celebratory drink, or visit and celebrate Patriots’ Day.
Get Tickets to a Show
Kick off the Spring season with a night at the theater with Broadway in Boston or the Boston Ballet, or check out a concert at one of Boston’s 72 music venues.
Looking to get rid of the Winter Blues with a night of laughter instead? Check out the dozens of comedy acts in town, or head to one of Boston’s comedy clubs.
With the good weather comes the opening of some of Boston’s best outdoor music venues. Celebrate the outdoor season at Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston’s Seaport neighborhood or take a drive a bit south of the city to the Xfinity Center. And don’t miss out on attending a concert at historic Fenway Park with their Fenway Concert Series which brings some of the hottest artists to the heart of Boston.
Explore 2,300 Acres of Green Space
With nearly 300 parks and open spaces in and around Boston, it is no wonder it’s considered one of America’s most walkable cities. Experience iconic Boston with a walk in the nation’s first public park, ride a Blue Bike down the Charles River Esplanade, see Boston in bloom in the Back Bay Fens, or take an afternoon stroll through Franklin Park. And don’t miss out on the annual Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum.
Looking for a day trip? Then take a drive beyond Boston and hike the Blue Hills Reservation, climb the Quincy Quarries Reservation, or hike the World’s End Trail in Hingham.
Take a Food Tour through Boston’s 23 Neighborhoods
Boston’s 23 neighborhoods not only offer an array of attractions, shops and experiences – but a variety of flavors. One of the best ways to explore both the neighborhood and its food is through a food tour. Take a tour with Bites of Boston through the South End or Downtown Boston, go Off the Beaten Path with a tour in Cambridge or Somerville, or explore history, public art and fantastic food with Boston Chinatown Tours.