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Free Things To Do in Boston

There's an abundance of things to do for free in Boston for everyone to enjoy. See what's happening in Boston below!

Canton Heritage Festival May 16
  • Paul Revere Heritage Site, Canton

Join us for a day of community, culture, and celebration at the Canton Heritage Festival! Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Location: Paul Revere Heritage Site, 4 Rolling Mill Way, Canton, MA Admission: FREE & open to everyone! Parking: Free parking…

Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival May 16
  • Franklin Park Playstead, Roxbury

It’s opening day in Franklin Park! Don’t miss out on this 50-year tradition in our park. You can make a kite, buy one, or bring your own! Food trucks Bikes to try for younger kids with Countdown to Kindergarten Bicycle repair station by REI Contact us to sponsor this wonderful…

Boston 2026 World Stamp Show May 23
  • Menino Convention & Exhibition Center
  • Recurring daily

Sponsored by the U.S. Postal Service, the Boston 2026 World Expo brings the world of stamps to Boston for eight days as part of the America's 250th anniversary and features world-class exhibits, post offices from around the world, beginners and children's areas, stamp dealers…

SoWa First Friday Jun 05
  • SoWa Art + Design District
  • Recurring monthly on the 1st Friday

On the First Friday of every month, the artists, galleries, shops and showrooms of the SoWa Art + Design District in the South End open their doors to the public for an evening of art, culture and inspiration. Meet the artists in their element, view the latest gallery…

Boston Pride For the People Parade & Festival Jun 06
  • Copley Square

PRIDE IS BACK!📢🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Boston Pride For The People is excited to announce the return of a Pride Month celebration in Boston on Saturday, June 6th, 2026. The celebration will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, parade, festival, and block party! Boston Pride For The People is…

SomerStreets: Carnaval Jun 07
  • Somerville

Carnaval highlights the heart of the East Somerville Business District, bringing together neighbors, local businesses, and visitors through live music, food, and family-friendly activities inspired by cultures from around the world. SomerStreets: Carnaval is co-produced by East…

FIFA Fan Festival™ Boston Jun 12
  • City Hall Plaza
  • Recurring daily

The FIFA Fan Festival™ Boston will take place over 16 days during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Group Stage matches, beginning June 12 and running through June 27. The FIFA Fan Festival will operate daily, with programming aligned to match schedules, including live broadcasts of 2-3…

Revere Field of Play Watch Parties Jun 12
  • Various Locations, Revere

The city of Revere is hosting free watch parties! Kicking off on Friday, June 12, 2026 for the USA vs. Paraguay match, Field of Play aims to activate small business districts and mixed-use neighborhoods in a celebration of the diversity of Revere’s community. Fri, June 12…

Puerto Rican Festival Cultural Pageant & Gala Jun 13
  • Florian Hall

Join us at our annual Puerto Rican Festival Cultural Pageant at Florian Hall where we'll crown this year's Miss Puerto Rico! The Pageant serves as the cornerstone event of the Festival Puertorriqueño, aimed at empowering girls and young women of Puerto Rican heritage to become…

Boston Harborfest 2026 Jul 02
  • Downtown Crossing, Waterfront
  • Recurring daily

Happening from July 2 - 4, 2026, Harborfest features hundreds of family-friendly activities at Boston’s most iconic landmarks, making it one of the country’s largest Fourth of July celebrations. Activities include the annual opening ceremony in Downtown Crossing, reenactments…

Meet Boston Parade of Sail Jul 11
  • Boston Harbor

The Grand Parade of Sail will highlight the day’s activities as vessels parade in flotillas from Broad Sound into the main channel of Boston Harbor turning at Charlestown, before proceeding to their assigned berthing areas. Public viewing of the parade will be spectacular from…

Sail Boston 2026 Jul 11
  • Boston Harbor
  • Recurring daily

Boston Harbor is the site of The Tall Ships return for Sail Boston®! This spectacular event offers crews, cadets and visitors from all over the world an unforgettable experience and a world-class maritime celebration. Come and see why Tall Ships America named Boston its 2009 and…

Boston Puerto Rican Festival Jul 25
  • Franklin Park

The annual Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts will be held on July 25 & 26, 2026 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…

Cambridge Carnival Sep 13
  • University Park Commons, Central Square, Cambridge

Join Cambridge Carnival International Inc. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, for a vibrant and immersive celebration of African and Caribbean culture! Experience the excitement of live music, dazzling costumes, dynamic dance performances, and an incredible selection of food and…

Boston Book Festival 2026 Oct 17
  • Copley Square

Celebrating the power of words to stimulate, agitate, unite, delight, and inspire, the Boston Book Festival presents year-round events culminating in an annual festival that promotes a culture of reading and ideas and enhances the vibrancy of our city.

Museums & Exhibitions

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Bunker Hill Museum May 13
  • 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…

Celtic Art Across the Ages May 13
  • Harvard Art Museums
  • Recurring weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Discover the many forms of Celtic creativity and their artistic legacies in this sweeping story that spans ancient to modern times. When you think of the word “Celtic,” what do you picture? Perhaps intricate knotwork designs, legendary warriors, or mystical spirituality? Maybe…

Coit Observatory May 13
  • 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…

Commonwealth Museum May 13
  • Commonwealth Museum
  • Recurring daily

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…

Massachusetts Historical Society May 13
  • Massachusetts Historical Society
  • Recurring daily

Founded in 1791, the Massachusetts Historical Society is the nation's oldest historical society. The collections bring alive the stories of America's past through a series of changing exhibitions and public programs that are free to the public. Availability: Monday…

Massachusetts State House Art Collection May 13
  • Massachusetts State House
  • Recurring weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

The State House Art Collection commemorates significant historical events, and pays tribute to government leaders and private citizens who have helped shape the course of the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts State House Art Collection dates back to the eighteenth century and is…

McMullen Museum of Art - Boston College May 13
  • McMullen Museum of Art
  • Recurring daily

McMullen Museum exhibitions, more than ninety over three decades, comprise works loaned from institutions and collectors around the world. Research-driven with the aim of generating new knowledge on subjects relating to all areas of art history, exhibitions are curated by…

Museum of Bad Art May 13
  • 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…

State House Tours May 13
  • Massachusetts State House
  • Recurring weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Take a free tour of the Massachusetts State House! Tours are offered by the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office and are led by knowledgeable guides. Tours include visits to the Senate and House chambers, the State Library and many other historic areas of the building. Access…

The Russell, MD Museum May 13
  • Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation at Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

The Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation tells the rich story of Massachusetts General Hospital's two centuries of history. Visit us to learn about the hospital's important contributions to the medical field and see how these discoveries and advancements…

Visit the USS Constitution Ship May 13
  • USS Constitution Museum
  • Recurring weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

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 May 13
  • 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…

Your Spirit Whispering in My Ear May 13
  • Rose Kennedy Greenway
  • Recurring daily

The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy today announced the commission and upcoming installation of the next Dewey Square mural from artist Jeffrey Gibson next month. Gibson, a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and of Cherokee descent, is celebrated globally for his…

ICA Free Thursday Night May 14
  • Institute of Contemporary Art
  • Recurring weekly on Thursday

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…

Boston Fire Museum May 16
  • 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 2026 World Stamp Show May 23
  • Menino Convention & Exhibition Center
  • Recurring daily

Sponsored by the U.S. Postal Service, the Boston 2026 World Expo brings the world of stamps to Boston for eight days as part of the America's 250th anniversary and features world-class exhibits, post offices from around the world, beginners and children's areas, stamp dealers…

SoWa First Friday Jun 05
  • SoWa Art + Design District
  • Recurring monthly on the 1st Friday

On the First Friday of every month, the artists, galleries, shops and showrooms of the SoWa Art + Design District in the South End open their doors to the public for an evening of art, culture and inspiration. Meet the artists in their element, view the latest gallery…

Play Date: Free Family Art Day Jun 07
  • Institute of Contemporary Art

Join us on the first Sunday of the month for a day of free family fun! Enjoy art-making, gallery activities, performances, and workshops designed to deepen kids and families’ connections with contemporary art. All activities are drop-in, first come first served. Space is limited…

  • 32 Quincy Street
  • (617) 495-9400

Free every day (open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm) and just steps away from Harvard Square, the Harvard Art Museums welcome visitors from around the corner and around the world to enjoy one of the largest and most renowned art collections in North America. Masterpieces from…

  • 26 Oxford Street
  • (617) 495-3045

The mission of the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture is to foster curiosity and a spirit of discovery in visitors of all ages, enhancing public understanding of and appreciation for the natural world, science, and human cultures. The Harvard Museums of Science…

Family Friendly

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Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival May 16
  • Franklin Park Playstead, Roxbury

It’s opening day in Franklin Park! Don’t miss out on this 50-year tradition in our park. You can make a kite, buy one, or bring your own! Food trucks Bikes to try for younger kids with Countdown to Kindergarten Bicycle repair station by REI Contact us to sponsor this wonderful…

SoWa Sundays May 17
  • SoWa Art + Design District
  • Recurring weekly on Sunday

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

Boston 2026 World Stamp Show May 23
  • Menino Convention & Exhibition Center
  • Recurring daily

Sponsored by the U.S. Postal Service, the Boston 2026 World Expo brings the world of stamps to Boston for eight days as part of the America's 250th anniversary and features world-class exhibits, post offices from around the world, beginners and children's areas, stamp dealers…

Play Date: Free Family Art Day Jun 07
  • Institute of Contemporary Art

Join us on the first Sunday of the month for a day of free family fun! Enjoy art-making, gallery activities, performances, and workshops designed to deepen kids and families’ connections with contemporary art. All activities are drop-in, first come first served. Space is limited…

Celebrate Juneteenth! Jun 18
  • MIT Open Space

Celebrate Juneteenth (a day early!) with live reggae from Roots Alley Collective featuring special guest Jah Riffe, plus delicious food truck options, lawn games, and more. Presented in collaboration with MIT Sloan School of Management and MIT's African, Black, American…

Boston Harborfest 2026 Jul 02
  • Downtown Crossing, Waterfront
  • Recurring daily

Happening from July 2 - 4, 2026, Harborfest features hundreds of family-friendly activities at Boston’s most iconic landmarks, making it one of the country’s largest Fourth of July celebrations. Activities include the annual opening ceremony in Downtown Crossing, reenactments…

Meet Boston Parade of Sail Jul 11
  • Boston Harbor

The Grand Parade of Sail will highlight the day’s activities as vessels parade in flotillas from Broad Sound into the main channel of Boston Harbor turning at Charlestown, before proceeding to their assigned berthing areas. Public viewing of the parade will be spectacular from…

Sail Boston 2026 Jul 11
  • Boston Harbor
  • Recurring daily

Boston Harbor is the site of The Tall Ships return for Sail Boston®! This spectacular event offers crews, cadets and visitors from all over the world an unforgettable experience and a world-class maritime celebration. Come and see why Tall Ships America named Boston its 2009 and…

PruBoo 2026 Oct 25
  • Prudential Center

Join us for a spooktacular day of fun at our 32nd annual PruBoo event! Prudential Center will host our much-anticipated Halloween festivities on Sunday, October 25th from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Parents, bring your children to trick-or-treat at 30+ participating stores and…

Performing Arts

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Pipes on the Plaza Jun 30
  • The First Church of Christ, Scientist

Kick off the 2026 Pipes on the Plaza series! Experience the glorious sounds of one of the world’s largest pipe organs at the Pipes on the Plaza organ concert at The Mother Church, featuring Mark Dwyer, Organist and Choirmaster, The Church of the Advent in Boston. To view the…

Free Shakespeare on the Common: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Jul 22
  • Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common
  • Recurring weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

This summer, A Midsummer Night’s Dream returns to Boston Common for our 30th production of Free Shakespeare on the Common — the same enchanting comedy that launched this beloved tradition back in 1996. Under the night sky, experience a world where lovers get lost (and found) as…

Films/Movies

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Summer Flicks Jul 11
  • Prudential Center
  • Recurring weekly on Saturday

It's Showtime! Lights, camera, ACTION! Join us in South Garden for Prudential Center’s annual outdoor movie series, lighting up Saturday nights from July 11th through August 29th. From beloved classics to can’t-miss blockbusters, our lineup is thoughtfully curated for movie…

Classes / Lectures

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BPL Studio Series May 13
  • Boston Public Library
  • Recurring daily

GBH offers a wide variety of in-person and virtual events. From live music recordings, lectures and screenings to our virtual Book Club, tasting events and more, stay connected to our community. Whatever you’re interested in—news, history, the arts or music, we’ve got you…

¡Spanish for Lunch!... Los Viernes - Online May 15
  • Boston Area Spanish Exchange (BASE), Online
  • Recurring weekly on Friday

Join us for Spanish For Lunch! Free Open-level informal online conversation workshops at lunch time. Come chat it up over lunch, or just come eavesdrop. >>Viernes: del 10 de abril al 15 de mayo* ( excepto el 17 de abril ) De 12pm a 1 pm. All levels are welcome for these…

Tours & Trails

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African American Women in Cambridge Walking Tour May 13
  • 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 May 13
  • 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…

Revolutionary Irish Trail May 13
  • Various Locations
  • Recurring daily

Using public landmarks, monuments, historic cemeteries, libraries and museums as a guide, the Revolutionary Irish Trail takes you on a fascinating journey through Irish and Scots-Irish heroes in the American Revolution and Revolutionary War. The Rev Irish Trail is part of America…

State House Tours May 13
  • Massachusetts State House
  • Recurring weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Take a free tour of the Massachusetts State House! Tours are offered by the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office and are led by knowledgeable guides. Tours include visits to the Senate and House chambers, the State Library and many other historic areas of the building. Access…

Tour The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston  May 13
  • The First Church of Christ, Scientist
  • Recurring weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Join us for free tours of the original Romanesque church (The Mother Church Original, 1894) and the Byzantine-Renaissance extension (The Mother Church Extension, 1906), which houses one of the world’s largest pipe organs. Tuesday: 11 a.m. Wednesday: 11 a.m., and 3 p.m. Thursday…

  • 1634 Freedom Trail
  • (857) 258-3018

The Story of Boston told on the Freedom Trail from the beginnings of the City on a hill to the haunts of rebels and rascals who shaped modern Boston. A two-hour one-man show by an expert tour guide, witty, informative and engaging. The tour is on a gratuity's basis.

Summer in Boston

Experience the energy of Fenway Park, discover Boston's outdoor art scene, splash into the Charles with a Duck Tour, and attend a North End Feast - find your ultimate summer bucket list in…

Great Deals

Find discounts on attractions, restaurants, theatre tickets, tours, and more with our Great Deals.