Summer Festivals & Holidays

In June, LGBTQ Pride Month features several festivals and events that will bring people together, stir the mind, create safe spaces, and foster inclusivity, equality, respect and awareness. 

With hundreds of activities over Independence Day week at Boston’s best landmarks, Harborfest is one of the country’s largest Fourth of July festivals.

Multi-day North End Feasts fill the streets with rich Italian heritage and history during the summer months. Each weekend honors and celebrates a different Italian saint or martyr with music, dancing, authentic Italian street food and parades.

From artisan markets to farmers markets, food festivals and cultural celebrations, there is ample opportunity to experience locally sourced, and locally organized, events that showcase the best of Boston’s creative economy.

Food, Wine & Craft Beer Events

There’s something about dining al fresco – does the food really taste better? Or are we just so happy to be outside in the summer air? Regardless, sidewalk, patio and roof top dining beckons all – all season long.

Performing Arts

Boston's cultural calendar is bouncing back with contemporary and classic plays, musicals, classical masterworks, jazz performances, rock concerts, and much more.

Live Theater & Dance

Live Concerts

Sports & Recreational Events

Let Us Guide You

Make the most of your visit, road trip, or local adventure! 

Beyond Boston

North of Boston and on Cape Cod, picturesque New England beaches are frequented by locals and visitors alike, and the colonial towns hum with the bustle of eager explorers.

North of Boston
​Head to the waterfront where Boston Harbor Cruises (BHC) ferry service will take visitors to the Boston Harbor Islands and to Salem, the "witch city" of 17^th century lore, where you can also visit the Peabody Essex Museum and of course the Salem Witch Museum.  Both BHC and Bay State Cruises offer fast service to Provincetown, located on the tip of Cape Cod, an eclectic artists’ community teeming with galleries, restaurants, quaint shops and beautiful beaches.

South of Boston
Head south by car or rail to see Plimoth Patuxet Museums, and a replica ship, the Mayflower II, based on the vessel that brought the Pilgrims to the New World in 1620.  Learn about the native Wampanoag Tribe that encountered the Pilgrims, as well as life in a 17^th century English village.  Continue south and arrive on Cape Cod, a summer destination featuring gorgeous locales and beaches from Falmouth to Hyannis, Harwich to Truro. From Falmouth or Woods Hole you can ferry to Martha’s Vineyard.  In Hyannis you can board a ferry to Nantucket. Why rush? Spend a night or two at the award-winning White Elephant.

West of Boston

Head west of Boston by car or rail to visit to Lexington and Concord, charming colonial towns with rich literary and Revolutionary War Era history.  The Lexington Visitors Center offers walking tours complete with costumed guides who share the events that occurred on this hallowed ground over 240 years ago, at the very start of the American Revolution. Stay over at the Aloft Lexington or The Inn at Hastings Park and enjoy all that Lexington has to offer.

Great Deals

Our Great Deals offer specials, discounts and savings on: museums and attractions, tours, family fun and dining. 

Summer Weather

What to Wear

Bostonians dress smartly and simply. Prepare for hot and humid days and cool nights.

Day: If you're touring, wear comfy sneakers or sandals. Shorts and T-shirts are common. Bring sunglasses or a hat. Most tourist venues don't have dress codes, but check to be sure.

Evening: Consider your agenda; the theater tends to be dressier.