Boston Events

March

Boston Flower and Garden Show

Sponsored by the Massachusetts Horticulture Society, this annual event is a treat for your senses, displaying local flowers and gardens. The show is held at Seaport World Trade Center.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

Keep the Irish heritage alive with a parade, live bands and pipe bands from across the world. The parade is held in South Boston and is the second largest of its kind anywhere!

April

The Big Apple Circus

Each spring brings the adventure of The Big Apple Circus to Boston. Don't miss out on an exciting experience for the whole family, especially the fabulous acrobats. All the fabulous fun takes place inside the big tent at City Hall Plaza.

May

Faneuil Hall Marketplace Annual Street Performers Festival

The Festival begins with a musical kazoo parade and a live "sculpture" staged on a Duck Boat. All Marketplace shops, restaurants, venues, pushcarts and food colonnade stalls are open daily. The Festival is open to the public free of charge, with many other entertainment options all around the Marketplace.

Farmers Markets

Boston's many Farmers Markets offer seasonal, locally produced fare which is hard to resist. Stop in and support these local farmers when visiting Boston!

June

Dragon Boat Festival
 
Gaze at colorful boat dragons powered by energetic paddlers, enjoy taiko drumming, the Chinese Lion Dance, food, arts, crafts and other exciting performances.

Scooper Bowl

Tempt your taste buds at the annual all-you-can-eat ice cream fest that is hosted by New England's best ice cream makers. Every scoop you enjoy supports the Jimmy Fund which raises money for cancer care are research.

July

Boston Harborfest

This week-long Fourth of July festival showcases the colonial and maritime heritage of the cradle of the American Revolution: the historic City of Boston. The award-winning festival honors and remembers the past, celebrates the present and educates the future with reenactments, concerts, historical tours and more. Over 200 daily events are held in Boston's historic downtown and waterfront districts, with Main Events on Boston's City Hall Plaza.

Chowderfest

Who will have the best chowder this year? Chowderfest features Boston chefs competing for the title at Boston's City Hall Plaza.

September

Boston Arts Festival

Get into Boston's art scene at this annual event as you enjoy performances by local musicians, dancers and actors, and meet over 75 local artists as they show their work. Performance areas showcase music, theater, dance and family-friendly activities that reflect Boston's diversity and cultural life.

Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival

An outdoor festival celebrating all things jazz, this is a good time! Over 70,000 attendees enjoy Latin, jazz, blues and groove acts on three stages, while dozens of vendors supply delicious munchies and lots of family activities.

Boston Film Festival

Many popular movies have premiered at the Boston Film Festival where new films are presented and critiqued.

December

First Night Boston

The original city-wide festival of art and culture, First Night Boston is the country's oldest and largest New Year's Eve Celebration. Enjoy a day full of family-friendly performances and entertainment events at over 40 venues. Exciting indoor and outdoor festivities include ice sculptures, The Grand Procession, a Mardi Gras-style parade, sparkling fireworks displays, and the very best in theatre, dance, music, puppetry, storytelling, visual arts and more! This extraordinary annual festival delights all ages!