Free Things To Do in Boston

The Boston area offers an abundance of free and fun activities for everyone. See what's happening in Boston below!

Boston Puerto Rican Festival Jul 27
  • Franklin Park

The annual Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts will be held July 27 and 28 at Franklin Park! Come immerse yourself in our rich Puerto Rican culture and enjoy music performances, delicious Puerto Rican food from several vendors, carnival rides, local arts & crafts, and…

Family Music and Arts Festival Jul 27
  • Hunt-Almont Park

Join Inét Entertainment and House of Inspiration on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Almont Park in Mattapan for a day of FREE entertainment, vendors, food, and fun for the whole family, including performances by local artists and renowned jazz saxophonist Andre Ward.

Summer in the Park Jul 27
  • Chuckie Harris Park, East Somerville

Come to our Summer Party this July 27th from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. We will have food, live music, storytelling, art, games and activities. We want to hear from you, come and share your dreams about East Somerville. See you at Chuckie Harris Park! No te pierdas este momento lleno de…

Boston Puerto Rican Parade Jul 28
  • Centre St. to Franklin Park

The annual Boston Puerto Rican Parade returns on Sunday, July 28, 2024! The parade will be in two stages (same as 2022; this worked out best). The Boston Puerto Rican Festival will then kickoff at Franklin Park. Come and experience the essence of Puerto Rican culture! Parade…

Open Newbury Street - Pedestrian Only Sundays Jul 28
  • Newbury Street, Boston
  • Recurring weekly on Sunday

Whether you’re shopping, dining out, or just going for a walk, pedestrian-only days on Newbury Street are a Boston summer staple. Newbury Street is a mile-long, eight block stretch of shops, salons, galleries and restaurants. This famous Boston street becomes a pedestrian-only…

SoWa Sundays Jul 28

Spend a Sunday afternoon at 450 Harrison Ave, and meet the artists directly. Family friendly and free event. Plenty of parking is available. SoWa Artists Guild Facebook/SoWa Artists Guild Instagram/SoWa Artists Guild

110th Annual St. Agrippina's Feast Aug 01
  • Hanover & Battery Streets, North End
  • Recurring daily

Kick-off feast season in the North End with the return of St. Agrippina's 110th Annual Feast from August 1 to 4, 2024. Gather your friends and family and head to Hanover and Battery Streets to witness the Procession of Saint Agrippina, enjoy a full lineup of free concerts, and…

Saint Rocco's Feast Aug 09
  • The North End

Join us from August 9 to August 11, to celebrate the 94th annual grand religious feast in honor of Saint Rocco! St. Rocco's Feast offers a unique line-up of live entertainment each night, a beer and wine garden, fun activities and games, as well as a variety of vendors. There is…

Open Streets - Hyde Park Aug 11
  • Hyde Park Ave to Fairmount Ave. and Davison St.

Open Streets Boston is a free, family friendly event. During these events, the City will close major thoroughfares to motor traffic, opening them for pedestrian use including​ walking, rolling, biking, and connecting with neighbors and local businesses. ​Open Streets Boston…

114th Annual Fisherman’s Feast Aug 15
  • The North End
  • Recurring daily

Boston's Oldest Continuous Italian Festival The Fisherman's Feast is an annual event that began in Boston in 1910 and is based on a tradition that goes back to the 16th century in Sciacca Sicily. The Feast is based on the devotion of the fishermen from Sciacca to the Madonna del…

Sun Block Party Aug 20
  • Canal Street

Join us before the Connecticut Sun vs LA Sparks game on Canal Street for the ultimate Sun Block Party on August 20, 2024 at 3pm! This event features live music, food and drink specials from local restaurants, fan giveaways, and family activities!

Saint Anthony's Feast Aug 22
  • The North End
  • Recurring daily

Each year the people of the North End invite you to celebrate with them as they honor their patrons Saint Anthony and Saint Lucy with colorful parades, religious services, strolling singers, live entertainment and of course an abundance of great Italian and American food. Begun…

Boston Caribbean Carnival Aug 24

Join us as we celebrate with our traditional festivities in collaboration with local Carnival Bands at this year's 50th Boston Caribbean Carnival! On August 24, the local community and international community will come together to celebrate this grand event with family and…

Cambridge Carnival Sep 08
  • Central Square

Join us for a colorful and festive celebration rooted in African & Caribbean traditions. We're bringing you the best in music, dance, costume, and so much more! Be it as a vendor, reveler, or spectator, get ready to be captivated by the soulful beats of our steel drum band…

Open Streets - East Boston Sep 15
  • Meridian Street

Open Streets Boston is a free, family friendly event. During these events, the City will close major thoroughfares to motor traffic, opening them for pedestrian use including:​ walking, rolling, biking, and connecting with neighbors and local businesses. ​Open Streets Boston…

Fleurs de Villes - ARTISTE Sep 18

Experience flowers like never before at Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE - A fresh floral celebration by remarkable artists and culturally curated with the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Featuring Boston’s talented florists, creating incredible fresh floral mannequins inspired by…

Open Streets - Allston/Brighton Oct 20
  • Brighton Avenue and Harvard Avenue, Allston

Open Streets Boston is a free, family friendly event. During these events, the City will close major thoroughfares to motor traffic, opening them for pedestrian use including:​ walking, rolling, biking, and connecting with neighbors and local businesses. ​Open Streets Boston…

Museums & Exhibitions

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Boston Fire Museum Jul 27
  • 344 Congress St
  • Recurring weekly on Saturday

The Boston Fire Museum houses some of the oldest devices used to fight fires in Boston. In addition to buckets, trumpets, and fire grenades, you will also see some of the earliest examples of fire engines – some dating back to 1793. Tour Availability: Saturday Saturday…

Boston University Art Galleries Jul 27
  • 855 Commonwealth Ave
  • Recurring weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

The BU Art Galleries host a variety of ongoing exhibitions in three locations on the University campus focused on national and regional artistic endeavors. Tours Availability: Tuesday – Sunday (closed on holidays recognized by the school) Gallery Hours: 11 pm - 5 pm

Bunker Hill Museum Jul 27
  • 43 Monument Ave
  • Recurring daily

The Bunker Hill Museum’s exhibits and dioramas tell the stories of the Battle of Bunker Hill, the construction of the Monument, and the history of the Charlestown Neighborhood. The museum is housed in the old Charlestown branch of the Boston Public Library. Guests can request…

Commonwealth Museum Jul 27

The Commonwealth Museum brings history alive through exhibits and educational programs. Changing exhibits interpret artifacts and documents that illuminate Massachusetts history. The exhibits featured are typically focused on the work and words of men like John Hancock, Samuel…

Imagine Me and You: Dutch and Flemish Encounters with the Islamic World, 1450–1750 Jul 27

Discover a story of cross-cultural artistic connection over 300 years between the Dutch, the Flemish, and the Islamic world. Imagine Me and You unveils the vibrancy of multicultural exchange between the Low Countries (roughly modern-day Belgium and the Netherlands), then part of…

McMullen Museum of Art - Boston College Jul 27
  • McMullen Museum of Art
  • Recurring daily

If you’re in the mood for a different kind of art, this museum houses collections loaned from institutions and art collectors all over the globe. Due to their reliance on loans, their exhibitions change quite frequently. In the span of a year, you could see pieces from China…

MIT List Visual Arts Center Jul 27
  • MIT List Visual Arts Center
  • Recurring weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

The MIT List Visual Arts Center offers visitors a dynamic program of temporary exhibitions in the galleries, as well as renowned permanent and public art collections located across the Institute making it an excellent location to discover unique artistic visions. Availability…

Museum of Bad Art Jul 27
  • Dorchester Brewing Co.
  • Recurring daily

MOBA is the world's only museum dedicated to the collection, exhibition, and celebration of art that would not be welcomed to any traditional art museum. Our collection includes sincere art in which something has gone wrong in a way that results in a compelling, interesting…

The ICA Watershed Jul 27

In summer 2018, the ICA opened the ICA Watershed in East Boston. Located in the Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina, the ICA Watershed transformed a 15,000-square-foot, formerly condemned space into a vast and welcoming space to see and experience large-scale art. The 2024 season…

USS Constitution Ship Jul 27

Old Ironsides is one of the most famous ships in the history of the United States. Learn about the legacy of the USS Constitution ship, the world's oldest commissioned warship, at the USS Constitution Museum. The museum of this historic vessel is open to the public for free…

Waterworks Museum Jul 27
  • Waterworks Museum
  • Recurring daily

The Waterworks Museum interprets unique stories of the country's first metropolitan water system through exhibitions and educational programs on engineering, architecture, social history, and public health. Located along the Chestnut Hill reservoir, the Waterworks Museum…

Ancient & Honorable Artillery Company Jul 31
  • 1 Faneuil Hall Sq Ste 4
  • Recurring weekly on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Located on the top floor of the historic Faneuil Hall, the Military Museum and Armory displays uniforms, medals, and weaponry from The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, among other, more modern military artifacts. Learn about the soldiers of the Ancient…

Coit Observatory Jul 31
  • 685 Commonwealth Ave
  • Recurring weekly on Wednesday

This astronomical observatory owned and operated by Boston University. It's located on the roof of the College of Arts & Sciences and offers free public hours on Wednesday nights. • Although it won’t cost you a dime, you do need to obtain tickets ahead of time because there…

ICA Free Thursday Night Aug 01

The ICA is free for all visitors every Thursday from 5 to 9 PM. Tickets for Free Thursday Nights will be available at icaboston.org/tickets at 10 AM on that Thursday morning. Beginning May 29, in line with the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and…

Fleurs de Villes - ARTISTE Sep 18

Experience flowers like never before at Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE - A fresh floral celebration by remarkable artists and culturally curated with the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Featuring Boston’s talented florists, creating incredible fresh floral mannequins inspired by…

Family Friendly

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Family Music and Arts Festival Jul 27
  • Hunt-Almont Park

Join Inét Entertainment and House of Inspiration on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Almont Park in Mattapan for a day of FREE entertainment, vendors, food, and fun for the whole family, including performances by local artists and renowned jazz saxophonist Andre Ward.

Mural Ride in East Somerville Jul 27
  • Chuckie Harris Park, East Somerville

Let's celebrate our colorful city with a leisurely ride around town! Join us for our fourth annual tour of the street art of East Somerville—by bike: Since May 2021, Cyclopolitan has offered safe, accessible bike rides perfect for every age and ability, centered around one of…

110th Annual St. Agrippina's Feast Aug 01
  • Hanover & Battery Streets, North End
  • Recurring daily

Kick-off feast season in the North End with the return of St. Agrippina's 110th Annual Feast from August 1 to 4, 2024. Gather your friends and family and head to Hanover and Battery Streets to witness the Procession of Saint Agrippina, enjoy a full lineup of free concerts, and…

Open Streets - Hyde Park Aug 11
  • Hyde Park Ave to Fairmount Ave. and Davison St.

Open Streets Boston is a free, family friendly event. During these events, the City will close major thoroughfares to motor traffic, opening them for pedestrian use including​ walking, rolling, biking, and connecting with neighbors and local businesses. ​Open Streets Boston…

Sun Block Party Aug 20
  • Canal Street

Join us before the Connecticut Sun vs LA Sparks game on Canal Street for the ultimate Sun Block Party on August 20, 2024 at 3pm! This event features live music, food and drink specials from local restaurants, fan giveaways, and family activities!

Saint Anthony's Feast Aug 22
  • The North End
  • Recurring daily

Each year the people of the North End invite you to celebrate with them as they honor their patrons Saint Anthony and Saint Lucy with colorful parades, religious services, strolling singers, live entertainment and of course an abundance of great Italian and American food. Begun…

Open Streets - East Boston Sep 15
  • Meridian Street

Open Streets Boston is a free, family friendly event. During these events, the City will close major thoroughfares to motor traffic, opening them for pedestrian use including:​ walking, rolling, biking, and connecting with neighbors and local businesses. ​Open Streets Boston…

Open Streets - Allston/Brighton Oct 20
  • Brighton Avenue and Harvard Avenue, Allston

Open Streets Boston is a free, family friendly event. During these events, the City will close major thoroughfares to motor traffic, opening them for pedestrian use including:​ walking, rolling, biking, and connecting with neighbors and local businesses. ​Open Streets Boston…

Performing Arts

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Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park Jul 30
  • Franklin Park

Join us on Tuesday evenings for Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park, located at Valley Gates next to the Playstead ball fields. Bring a lawn chair and friends to hear local R&B, Jazz, Reggae, and Motown bands outdoors, under the setting sun. Food and craft vendors will be…

DCR Hatch Shell Concerts Aug 03
  • Hatch Memorial Shell

Enjoy free summer concerts at the Hatch Shell Memorial! Wednesday, June 5, 2024 | 6pm-8pm: Keep Ryzin Entertainment Presents the Love Conquers All Collective: Performances of musical genres RnB, Afrobeats, Rock, Soul, and Neo Soul. June 22, 2024 | 6:30pm: New England Film…

Landmarks Orchestra: Brahms & Dvořák Aug 03
  • DCR Hatch Memorial Shell

Enjoy a free Landmarks Orchestra concert on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at the Hatch Memorial Shell! The orchestra “sings” in two melodious staples of the symphonic repertoire: Brahms’s Academic Festival Overture and Dvořák’s popular Symphony No. 8. Joel Hoffman’s moving…

Landmarks Orchestra: Mozart & More Aug 14
  • DCR Hatch Memorial Shell

Join us on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at the Hatch Shell for an evening of Mozart and More, performed by the Landmarks Orchestra! Mozart’s energetic Symphony No. 29 and Gershwin’s tropical Cuban Overture set the upbeat tone for this year’s Mozart & More program at the Hatch…

Boston Jazz Festival Aug 30
  • Maritime Park, Seaport District

Join us for a weekend of music and fun on August 30 and 31 at the 14th Annual Boston Jazz Festival! The festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, August 30 and 31, 2024 at the Maritime Park in Boston’s Seaport District from 5-10 PM on Friday and 12-10 PM on Saturday. Each…

Hoops Jul 27
  • The Strand Theater
  • Recurring weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Join us at The Strand Theater for a captivating performance that celebrates the rich history and cultural significance of hoop earrings. Hoop earrings are way more than just an accessory. They represent family, resilience, and self-expression. They represent the freedom to shine…

Films / Movies

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Summer Flicks at the Prudential Center Jul 27
  • Prudential Center's South Garden
  • Recurring weekly on Saturday

Enjoy free outdoor movies on Prudential Center’s South Garden every Saturday starting on July 13th. Grab a blanket, some treats from our onsite eateries, and enjoy children’s entertainment starting at 6 PM. From classics to recent blockbusters, the movie selection is curated to…

Movie Nights at The Lot Aug 01
  • The Lot on The Dot

Join us for Movie Nights on The LOT! Admission is free, but drinks and snacks are available for purchase. Come early to enjoy games before the movie showing. Remember to bring your own chairs and blankets for extra comfort. Limited seats will be available! This evening of…

Revere Beach Theatre Thursdays Aug 01
  • Revere Beach

Sink your toes in the sand while enjoying a film at Revere Beach Theatre Thursdays this season! Enjoy free entertainment from 6 to 8 pm before the movie begins at dusk. The screenings will take place across the street from Kelly’s Roast Beef or the William G. Reinstein Bandstand…

Movie Nights at MIT Aug 02
  • Kendall/MIT Open Space

Join us for a movie night under the stars. Free popcorn will be provided, while supplies last! SCHEDULE: June 28 at 7:00 pm: Hidden Figures July 12 at 6:00 pm: Shrek July 19 at 7:00 pm: Back to the Future August 2 at 6:00 pm: My Neighbor Totoro August 8 at 7:00 pm: The Imitation…

Movie Mondays at Time Out Market Aug 05

Join us for free Movie Mondays on the lawn at Time Out Market every Monday at 8 PM! Enjoy a fun film on the big screen, free popcorn (from 7:45-8:45pm), and a night under the stars. Bring a blanket, your friends, and relax with some of the best local eats from our vendors. It’s…

Parks Movie Nights Aug 06
  • Boston

In parks citywide, Bostonians can enjoy recent films under the night skies with this popular series. The Park's Movie Nights are part of the Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s ParkARTS program. Held in August, the shows begin at dusk. The series is hosted by the Boston…

Summer Flicks at Patriot Place Aug 07
  • 28 Patriot Place

Patriot Place invites you to Summer Flicks – a free outdoor movie series. Located outside Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel and Saga Hibachi Sushi & Bar on select Wednesday nights throughout the summer. Join us for pre-show entertainment beginning at 6:30 PM. The…

The Coolidge at The Speedway Aug 07
  • Charles River Speedway

The Coolidge is excited to present a program of free, outdoor screenings hosted at the Charles River Speedway this summer! All screenings will take place at sunset. No ticket purchase or reservations needed. SCHEDULE: July 10 - Charles River Speedway at 8:00 pm: The Rock August 7…

Classes / Lectures

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MetaMovements Salsa Lessons & Socials Aug 08
  • Various Locations

MetaMovements is offering free outdoor salsa classes with these three dance series! Join us for free outdoor salsa happening at various locations throughout the city this summer! Sunset Salsa at The Park: MetaMovements returns to Sunset Salsa @ The Park at Burlington Mall…

Tours & Trails

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African American Women in Cambridge Walking Tour Jul 27
  • Cambridge
  • Recurring daily

This tour provides an opportunity to visit and interact with the spaces that influential Black women in Cambridge inhabited during the 19th century. These historical figures include Harriet Jacobs, Charlotte Hawkins Brown, Alberta V. Scott, Pauline Hopkins, Maria Baldwin, Mary…

Boston Women's Memorial: Talking Statues Project Jul 27
  • 256 Commonwealth ave.
  • Recurring daily

In honor of the 20th Anniversary of the Boston Women’s Memorial, special recordings have been created for the statues of prominent women's rights advocates, enabling the statues to speak! This memorial, which is also one of the stops on the Boston Women's Heritage Trail…

Mural Ride in East Somerville Jul 27
  • Chuckie Harris Park, East Somerville

Let's celebrate our colorful city with a leisurely ride around town! Join us for our fourth annual tour of the street art of East Somerville—by bike: Since May 2021, Cyclopolitan has offered safe, accessible bike rides perfect for every age and ability, centered around one of…

Roxbury Memory Trail Jul 27
  • Recurring daily

Take a self-guided tour of Grove Hall and Nubian Square. Download the mobile app by visiting the Google Play or Apple app store · Download the 'Distrix' app · Make sure location is on · Select Roxbury Memory Trail · Have fun!

Great Deals

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