Boston Event Calendar

August 2012

The Boston Events Calendar for August is full of exciting things to do during this last glorious month of summer in the city . . . Shakespeare on the Common, the August Moon Festival, Summer Restaurant Week, and lots of free movies.

Boston weather is usually balmy, but pack an umbrella in case of surprise thunderstorms.  Stroll along the waterfront, choose a restaurant offering patio seating, and by all means, go to Fenway Park for a Red Sox game - most important, enjoy the remainder of summer in Boston as the days grow shorter.

Add an event to the Boston Event Calendar for August 2012

Quick Links:  Boston events calendars:  July   l   September  l  Other Months

 

Cliff diving off the ICA's roof?!?

When:  Saturday, August 20, 3pm-5pm
Where:   ICA Boston, on Fan Pier in the South Boston Waterfront
Cost:  Free, with reduced admission to ICA for those who want to combined art with sport

Yes, it's true . . . the cantilevered roof of the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA Boston), which extends out over Boston Harbor, will transform into an 85' high diving platform for the Boston leg of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series tour.  Olympic diver Greg Louganis, 2-time Gold medalist, will be one of the judges of dozen or so dare-devil divers competing from 9 countries.  Harbor water is 23' deep at the point of expected entry. 

Other stops on the Red Bull international tour include Easter Island, Mexico, Greece, France, Italy, and the Ukraine.

Thanks for this information go to Italo of Lake Garda, where the Red Bull Cliff Diving Italy leg of the tour takes place.

 

Compare Savings with Boston Sightseeing Discount Cards

GoBoston Card 60 attractions, tours, cruises Save up to 55%	CityPASS 5 top attractions in 9 days 48% savings	Go Select YOU choose your tours, attractions, cruises - Save BIG!

Use these Boston discount passes for attractions, museums, tours, and cruises

 

Boston Concerts during August

August 4 - The Voice Tour @ Bank of America Pavillion
August 5 - Doug Benson @ Wilbur Theatre
August 6 - Queensryche @ House of Blues
August 6 & 7 - J Geils Band @ Bank of America Pavillion
August 8 - Britney Speares @ TD Garden
August 11 - Alkaline Trio @ Paradise Rock Club
August 11 - Gaelic Storm @ Wilbur Theatre
August 12 - Journey, Foreigner, & Night Ranger @ Comcast Center
August 16 - Kesha @ Bank of America Pavillion
August 17 - Tedeschi Trucks Band and Steve Earle @ Bank of America Pavillion
August 18 - Mary Chapin Carpenter @ Wilbur Theatre
August 19 - Kings of Leon @ Comcast Center
August 17 - Second City Comedy Tour @ Wilbur Theatre
August 29 - Stevie Nicks @ Bank of America Pavillion
August 19 - Manu Chao @ House of Blues

Check for tickets at:
-  Ace Tickets
-  Ticket Liquidators

 

Free Thursday Concerts at ICA Boston

When:  Thursdays in August and September:  Aug 18, 25; Sept 1, 8, all 6pm - 8:30pm
Where:   ICA Boston, on Fan Pier in the South Boston Waterfront
Cost:  Free

Berklee College of Music students, alumni, and faculty perform free concerts featuring jazz, world music, Latin, and more on Harborwalk next to ICA Boston.  Enjoy great music and gorgeous views.

 

Half-price Boston tickets - August 2012

Half-price Boston events in August

Half-price tickets to top Boston concerts, shows, tours, games, and other events become available about 2 months before their scheduled date - why pay more?

Check back later for August half price tickets.

Find even more half-price events!

Return to top - Boston Event Calendar for August

 

Fun Boston Tours

 

Films at the Gate - Free Chinese Film Festival in Chinatown

When:  August 25-28, 2011 - Films start at 8pm, with pre-performances starting around 7pm - 7:30pm
Where:   Rose Kennedy Greenway, next to the Boston Chinatown Gate, Boston's Chinatown
Closest T station:   Red Line, South Station
Cost: Free - sponsored by Asian Community Development Corporation

A small plaza on the Greenway gets transformed into an outdoor movie theater for this popular end-of-summer event featuring Kung-Fu and Chinese Classics (most are in Chinese).  Folding chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis - or bring your own, along with carryout from the nearby restaurants.

Top recommendations for hotels near Chinatown

Find more Boston film festivals

Return to Top - Boston Event Calendar August 2011

 

New England Patriots Preseason Games 2011

When:  August 11, 7:30pm
Where:   Gillette Stadium
Getting there :   From Boston to Gillette Stadium

Check seats and get tickets

The New England Patriots return to Gillette Stadium, 22 miles south of Boston, to play the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Patriots' Alumni Reunion also begins, continuing the tradition of former Patriots coming back to Foxborough to visit The Hall at Patriot Place, attend the preseason opening game, and mingle with fans and friends.  After this first preseason game at Gillette, the Patriots hit the road, returning to Foxborough for their final preseason game against the New York Giants on September 1st.

Where to stay near Gillette Stadium - Hotels near Foxborough, MA

Renaissance Hotel	Courtyard Hotel	Residence Inn	Comfort Inn

More about hotels near Gillette Stadium (and Wrentham Premium Outlets)

Return to Top - Boston Event Calendar August 2011

 

Kids Activity - Frog Appreciation Day at Frog Pond

When:  August 29, 10am - 2pm
Where:   Frog Pond at Boston Common
Nearest T station:  Green Line/Park
Cost: Free
More information:  Boston Frog Pond website

Frog Pond in Boston Common provides entertainment year-round - the spray pool all summer, and ice skating in the winter.  But how often do you think about the frogs that once lived there, back when it really was a pond?

Franklin Park Zoo presents this fun educational event all about frogs - and especially about how to keep them happy in your neighborhood.  You and your children can also enjoy frog tales, music, face painting and of course, frog races.

Return to Top - Boston Events Calendar for August

 

Boston Red Sox Schedule for August

Where:   Fenway Park
Closest T station:   Green Line / Kenmore

Tickets:  TicketLiquidator   |   AceTicket

- Aug 1 Red Sox vs Indians, 7:10pm
- Aug 2 Red Sox vs Indians, 7:10pm
- Aug 3 Red Sox vs Indians, 7:10pm
- Aug 4 Red Sox vs Indians, 7:10pm
- Aug 5 Red Sox vs New York Yankees, 7:10pm
- Aug 6 Red Sox vs New York Yankees, 7:10pm
- Aug 7 Red Sox vs New York Yankees, 7:10pm
- Aug 16 Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays, 1:05pm
- Aug 16 Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays, 7:35pm
- Aug 17 Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays, 1:35pm
- Aug 26 Red Sox vs Oakland Athletics, 7:10pm
- Aug 27 Red Sox vs Oakland Athletics, 1:10pm
- Aug 28 Red Sox vs Oakland Athletics, 1:35pm
- Aug 30 Red Sox vs New York Yankees, 7:10pm
- Aug 31 Red Sox vs New York Yankees, 7:10pm

Red Sox schedule for other months

Hotels near Boston Red Sox Games in Fenway Park 

More about:  Hotels near Fenway Park

 

 

2011 Futures at Fenway

When:  Saturday, August 20
Where:   Fenway Park
Closest T station:   Green Line / Kenmore
If you drive:   Best parking garages and lots near Fenway Park
Staying over:  Hotels near Fenway Park

Tickets: Find tickets starting at only $5

The 6th annual Futures at Fenway event combines kid-friendly activities and affordable ticket prices with an exciting double header starring top minor league teams, including 2 Red Sox affiliates.  The Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox Double-A affiliate) will square off against the Binghampton Mets (New York Mets affiliate) for the first game at 1:05.  In the second game, the Pawtucket Red Sox will take on the Syracuse Chiefs.  

 

August Moon Festival in Chinatown - 2011

When:  Sunday, August 14, 10am - 5pm
Where:  The Chinatown Gate area on Harrison Ave, Chinatown in Downtown Boston
Closest T station:   Orange Line / Chinatown
If you drive:   Parking garages near Theatre District and Chinatown

Boston's Chinatown comes alive with lion dances, martial arts, firecrackers, folk dances, and lots of vendors for the annual Chinese Moon Festival, also called the Mid-Autumn Festival.

What does the festival actually celebrate?  Possibilities include the legend of Chang'e, the immortal Lady of the Moon, and the overthrow of the Mongol rulers in 1368 when a rebel leader distributed mooncakes (which Mongols didn't eat) with messages hidden inside saying "Kill the Mongols." 

Although this 3,000+ year old Chinese festival traditionally falls on the 15th day of the 8th Lunar month - in other words, late September/early October - Boston celebrates it in mid-August.  It's the perfect excuse to spend an August Sunday in Chinatown. Start with dim sum, and then enjoy the colorful festival.

Return to Top - Boston Event Calendar August 2011

 

North End Feasts and Festivals

Boston's North End Italian Feasts and Festivals take place throughout the summer, as they have for 100 years or more - almost as long as Italians have lived in this neighborhood.

Most of the North End feasts celebrate a saint with food, music, religious ceremonies, parades, strolling singers, celebrations, and more - they're like giant street parties.

In general, opening ceremonies take place on Friday evenings, with other events starting around 1pm on Saturday and Sunday and continuing until about 11pm.  High Mass usually takes place on Sunday morning.

Three of the most famous take place in August:

St. Agrippina's Feast - August 5-7, 2011, 459 Hanover Street

101st Annual Fisherman's Feast of the Madonna - August 18-21, 2011, Fleet and Louis Streets

St. Anthony's Feast - The largest Italian religious festival in New England, August 26-29, 2011, Endicott Street

This video, taken at St. Anthony's Feast, will give you a taste of how much fun these festivals can be:

Nearest T station:  Commuter Rail or Orange & Green Lines/North Station
Cost:  Free (although you'll find temptations to spend money on food, drink, and commemorative items

Where to stay in or near the North End

 

Summer Restaurant Week in Boston 2011

When:  August 14 - 19 and August 21 - 26
Where:  Top Boston restaurants - many choices in every neighborhood!
Cost:  2-course lunch $15.11, 3-course lunch $20.11, 3-course dinner $33.11

Twice each year, Boston's best restaurants offer 2-course and 3-course fixed price menus to savvy diners who use this opportunity to sample the city's best dining spots - it's like getting Boston restaurant meals on sale.  The hottest spots fill up fast - usually as soon as reservations start being accepted, typically about 3 weeks before the event begins.

More about Restaurant Week in Boston

Return to Top - Boston Event Calendar August 2011

 

Boston GreenFest 2011

When:  August 18, 5pm-9pm (performers and food only); August 19, noon-9pm; August 20, 11am-8pm
Where:   Boston City Hall Plaza, Government Center
Nearest T station:  Government
Cost:  Free admission
More information:  website

Boston GreenFest 2011 is bigger and better than ever, with a huge assortment of exhibits, performances, and presentations designed to encourage sustainable living.  With gasoline hitting $4+ this summer, the timing for looking at green energy sources couldn't be better!

Highlights include:

• Green fireworks and light show
• 200+ exhibitors
• Eco Salsa Fashion Show
• 80+ live performances, including a Native American drum and dance ceremony on Thursday, August 18th at 5pm
• One Gallon Challenge:  Super-light, super-dynamic cars leave Greenfield, MA, on August 19 and travel to Boston on the energy of one gallon - or less - of gasoline, and then spend the rest of the Fest on display. Look for solar powered vehicles, wind powered vehicles, and eve more ideas.
• Speakers, workshops, and much more! 

Return to Top - Boston Event Calendar August 2011

 

Shakespeare on the Common

When:  Through Aug 14, 2011; 8pm Tuesday - Saturday; 7pm on Sundays
Where:   Boston Common, near the Parkman Bandstand
Cost:  Free
More information:  Shakespeare on the Common

Shakespeare on the Common's 2011 production of All's Well that Ends Well continues for 2 more weeks.  Sitting on the Common under the stars and watching the talented Commonwealth Shakespeare Company perform the great works of the Bard is the quintessential Boston summer experience - so don't miss it!

 

Running of the Brides

11/3/11 Update:  Filene's Basement has filed for bankruptcy and with store closures expected in early 2012, Running of the Brides has reached its finish line . . . a wonderful Boston tradition brought to an abrupt halt.

We are leaving our Running of the Bride pages in place, at least for now:

- Running of the Brides
- Running of the Bride photos
- Wedding Gown Tips from Carson Kressley

Return to Top - Boston Event Calendar August 2011

 

J. Geils Band at Bank of America Pavilion

When:  August 6 and 7, 7:30pm
Where:   Bank of America Pavilion, South Boston Waterfront
Nearest T station:  South Station/Red Line to Silver Line
Tickets:  August 6 show  |  August 7 show

Spend a perfect summer evening enjoying Boston Harbor breezes and the rocking beat of Boston's own J. Geils Band, performing with special guests The Chris Robinson Brotherhood at the Bank of America Pavilion on the South Boston Waterfront.  Come early and have dinner at one of the growing number of restaurants in Boston's trendiest neighborhood.

 

Find Discount and Half-Price Tickets:

TicketLiquidator  |   AceTicket  |  ScoreBig   |   Goldstar (1/2 price tix)  |   Bostix

Continuing during August in Boston

Free Friday Flicks at the Esplanade

Free Boston Landmarks concerts at the Hatch Shell

SoWa in Boston's South End

Noon Concerts at King's Chapel on the Freedom Trail

First Fridays at Museum of Fine Arts

Magic 106.7 Family Film Festival at Prudential Center

Sunday Family Fun at the Esplanade

Return to Top - Boston Event Calendar August 2011

 

Best Boston Events All Year!

 

Know about a fun Boston event for August?

Tell us where it's being held, dates, times, cost, and who's sponsoring it. Most important, tell us why others will enjoy it.

Where to get more information about it (phone # and web address) helps others find it.

Please include your name and location on the submission form, and at least 1 photo or image to represent the event. Submissions without your name and one or more photos or images will not be accepted.

Enter the Name of the Event

Tell us about it! [ ? ]

Close Help Entering your event is easy to do. Just type!... Your information will appear on a Web page exactly the way you enter it here. You can wrap a word in square brackets to make it appear bold. For example [my event] would show as my event on the Web page containing your event. TIP: Since most people scan Web pages, include the most important information in your first paragraph.

Upload 1-4 Pictures or Graphics [ ? ]

Close Help To add your photo or graphic, click the button and find it on your computer. Then select it. It should be 800x600px or smaller - so if necessary, use your graphics editor or free software like Picnik (www.picnik.com) to reduce the size.

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional) 

Click here to upload more images (optional)

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional) 

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional) 

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional) 

Author Information (optional)

To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

Your Name	(first or full name)
Your Location	(ex. City, State, Country)

Submit Your Contribution

Check box to agree to these submission guidelines.

(You can preview and edit on the next page)

Click here to see the rest of the form and complete your submission.

What Other Visitors Have Said

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...