Street Performers at Quincy Market / Faneuil Hall Marketplace

by Tammy
(Bay City. MI)

Are the street performers there in the Quincy Market area all summer or just certain days? I want to take my 14 yr. old son in June. Thanks! - Tammy

Susan's reply: Tammy, that's a great idea for a fun activity to do in Boston with a 14-year-old. Weather permitting, the Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall Marketplace street performers entertain onlookers every day from Memorial Day weekend (late May) through Labor Day weekend (early September), plus all the major holiday weekends, including a couple you might not expect, such as Columbus Day.

In addition, performers (usually historical reenactors playing a "real" character) can usually be found at nearby locations - during recent weeks, I've seen them on City Hall Plaza and next to the Old State House (on the Freedom Trail).

During the summer, daily Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market performances typically take place from 11am until about 9pm. Performers, which include jugglers, clowns, musicians, magicians, mimes, gymnists, dancers, actors, comics, and everything else you can imagine, can usually be found at several places around the market, so if you get tired of one act, you can always go find another.

As far as I'm aware, the actual schedule isn't posted anywhere, so it may vary.

Faneuil Market's summer performance season kicks off on Memorial Day weekend, with 3 days of non-stop entertainment during a "Street Performers Festival." Performers audition for the chance to perform during the spring, and are usually quite good. Although many are local, others come from all over the world to showcase their talents here.

In addition to the non-stop summer program, you'll also see some performers on weekends during spring and fall.

Boston does get occasional rain and thunderstorms during the summer months, so the performances stop when this is going on. If this happens while you're here, just duck inside of one of the Marketplace's 4 buildings and wait until the rain stops - it usually doesn't last too long. Or explore other nearby sites along the Freedom Trail. My own kids (ages 13 and 16) especially love the USS Constitution, where you can go on free conducted tours. It's in Charlestown, and although you can walk there from Quincy Market (maybe 12-15 minutes), even more fun is to take the ferry from Long Wharf (downtown waterfront - 5 minute walk from Quincy Market) to Charlestown Navy Yard, where the USS Constitution is located. The ferry is part of the Boston public transportation system and the fare each way is only $2 ($1.70 if you're using a Charlie Card).

If you haven't already, be sure to check the Boston Event Calendar for June to see other fun activities for teens. For example, there's an all-you-can-eat ice cream fest called "Boston Scooper Bowl," Dragon Boat races on the Charles River, and free Friday night movies at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade. I add updates all the time - so bookmark the page and check back periodically!

Hope you and your son have a great time during your visit to Boston!

Susan

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