Boston Summer Activities
Things to do in Boston this Summer
June 30 – July 4, 2024
Harborfest/4th of July Boston Harborfest
Event Highlights
Live Music
Downtown Crossing will host a variety of musical acts that will be free and open to the public. Focusing on local groups that highlight Boston’s vibrant music scene, talented artists will take the stage to provide live programming throughout the event.
The City of Boston’s Official Independence Day Commemoration
Come to the flag raising ceremony on City Hall Plaza followed by a parade to the Granary Burial Ground, where wreaths are laid on the graves of patriots. The parade then continues to the Old State House.
Chowderfest
Grab a bowl and join the action at the annual Chowderfest. This Harborfest favorite brings together samples from some of the area’s best restaurants and serves them up to guests from all over. Free to all while supplies last.
Visit the Historic Freedom Trail®
Walk into History® and experience over 250 years of history! Explore Boston’s iconic red line and enjoy special programs and activities at 16 official Freedom Trail historic sites and tours led by 18th-century costumed guides!
July 1st Harbor Fireworks
July 4th Boston Pops Fireworks on the Esplanade
Fenway Concert Series
All summer long – walking distance to The Inn, Concerts at Fenway for 2024 lineup check their website at Concert Tickets at Fenway Park | Boston Red Sox (mlb.com).
Take in a Red Sox Game the oldest MLB park in America. The “Fenway Faithful’ as they are called, returning to their favorite past time of baseball, peanuts, and cracker jacks (a caramel popcorn mixed with peanuts snack food that has been around since 1896 and part of baseball lore since 1902). Red Sox Ticket Information | Boston Red Sox (mlb.com).
Franklin Park Zoo
Zoo New England is more than a great day with family at Franklin Park or Stone Zoo – we're also a world-class conservation organization dedicated to making a difference for animals right here in New England as well as all over the world. Bring a group and get a behind the scenes tour Behind the Scenes (zoonewengland.org) or just bring the family and get some extra fun at Family Fun Programs | Zoo New England.
Boston Tea Party
Voted # 1 most Patriotic Attraction Dubbed by John Adams as the “most magnificent movement of all”, the Boston Tea Party is one of the nation’s most iconic events and one that propelled America down the road to revolution.
Fisherman’s Feast 8/15-18
Countdown to the 114th Annual Fisherman’s Feast Fisherman's Feast Official Website | Home (fishermansfeast.com). 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 Soccorso (Our Lady of Help). When the fishermen immigrated to America in the early 1900's, they brought their traditions with them. Today's Feast is much the same as it was over 100 years ago with lights adorning the street and the smell of sausage in the air. The current Feast is organized by the descendants of those original immigrants and still includes a procession of the Madonna through the streets of the North End.
Saint Anthony’s Feast 8/22-25
Begun in 1919, by Italian immigrants from the small town of Montefalcione in Avellino, Saint Anthony’s Feast has become the largest Italian Religious Festival in New England. Named the “Feast of all Feasts” by National Geographic Magazine, this authentic Italian street festival has it all for people of every age: parades, strolling singers, live entertainment, contests and religious services are held daily.
Run (or walk) along the Charles River Reservation on the Cambridge or Boston Side!
Enjoy a dose of nature near the city with a tour around the Charles River. Stretching along the banks of the 22-mile river is the Charles River Reservation, which features a three-mile trail perfect for running and walking. Opened in 1997, the Greenway extends from the Museum of Science to Newton’s Eliot Bridge and provides a unique opportunity for recreation and transportation in the state.
While you go for a nice run (or walk), you'll be amazed by the incredible views of the river and the landscapes of Boston skyscrapers serving as your backdrop. The pathway is also an excellent place to observe the abundant wildlife in its surrounding vicinity.
Rent a bike Bluebikes
Metro-Boston's Bikeshare Program | Blue Bikes Boston Across the street from The Inn, and take a ride around Fenway Park and Kenmore Square, and take a ride over the Charles River to Cambridge. Ride along the river to the https://esplanade.org/ Esplanade or ride on Emerald Necklace Route. There is a Hub Bike Rental https://hubonwheels.com/ across the street from The Inn at Longwood.
Walk the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail - take a walk along history and enjoy many of the outdoor venues which are open and sites https://www.thefreedomtrail.org/visit/sample-itineraries-resources and visit the Granary and Kings Chapel Burial grounds, where signers of the Declaration of Independence are interred.
Go to the Beach
Carson Beach, Savin Hill Beach, Pleasure Bay, and Castle Island is Hope’s personal favorite. A visit to Castle Island combines history and recreation. Tour Fort Independence or take a walk around it. Continue the day sunbathing or swimming at one of the nearby beaches. At Castle Island, a state-run facility, there are Fishing, Biking, swimming, picnic area and playgrounds.
Boston Duck Tours
One of the best ways to explore this unique coastal city is via amphibious vehicle, or a “DUCK.” DUCK tours, which depart from several points in the city daily, last between 60 and 90 minutes and pass a number of the city’s historic and cultural sights. It’s one of the easiest ways to see everything – from Back Bay to Boston Common to the Harbor – without walking or riding the T around town all day.
New England Aquarium
Opened on Central Wharf in Boston in 1960. We inspire everyone to form a deeper connection to the ocean and take action to protect it. Each visit to the Aquarium supports our mission to inspire deeper connections to the ocean and actions to protect it.