Boston Events for July 2025

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Boston Harborfest with Chowderfest & Fireworks

Harborfest is Boston's gala celebration of American Independence, July 4th, and the joy of summer in Boston. 

Revolutionary War reenactments, live entertainment, fireworks cruises, walking tours, and more exciting events showcase Boston's colonial, Revolutionary War, and maritime history. 

Highlights this year:  A gala fireworks show over Boston's Inner Harbor on July 3 and Boston's #1 favorite seafoood event, Chowderfest.

When:  July 2 - 4
Where:   Main events take place in Boston's Historic Downtown district, Downtown Crossing, along the Freedom Trail, and on the waterfront.
Cost:  Many events are free, with some ticketed tours and cruises.

More about Boston Harborfest events and schedules

Best Boston hotels for Harborfest

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Find Red Sox Home Games at Fenway for Other Months

August  - September  -   October

Stay:  Hotels near Fenway Park
Park:  Garages & lots near Fenway Park
Celebrate:   Best sports bars near Fenway Park

Find out about more Boston sports

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Fun Events & Activities on the Rose Kennedy Greenway

The Rose Kennedy Greenway is offering so many fun things to do this summer: 

• Night Shift Beer Garden at Dewey Square Plaza across from South Station.  Beer, seltzer, wine plus bites from rotating food vendors.  Open Wednesday - Friday from 3pm - 9pm, Saturday 12 noon - 9pm, and Sunday from 12 noon - 7pm
• Trillium Beer Garden in the Wharf District Parks (High Street and Atlantic Ave) featuring draft beers by Trillium Brewing Company and a rotating selection of food trucks.  Open Tuesday - Saturday from 3pm - 10pm, and Sunday from 12 noon - 6pm.
• Weekly Lion Dances at the Chinatown Gate - Starts at the Chinatown Gate on the Greenway and continues through the streets - Every week from 12 noon - 1pm, starting June 29 through August 31 (except for July 6)
• Chinatown Farmer's Market - Shop for fresh Chinese veggies, fruits, grains, fresh fish, and pastries at this twice-monthly market in the Greenway's Auntie Kay/Uncle Frank Park on July 13 & 27; August 10 & 24, September 14 & 28, and Oct 5 & 19 from 10am - 1:30pm
• Fountains - You'll find them in 7 different locations along the Greenway - so get ready to splash, wade, and cool off! 
• Carousel - Open daily, 11am-6pm.  Tickets: $4 (buy online)
• Greenway Food Trucks:   A rotation of 20 trucks offer Korean, Jamaican, Indian, Caribbean, Italian, seafood, and other specialties along the Greenway at Night Shift on Dewey Square, the Carousel, Rings Fountain (Milk Street), State Street, the North End, Rowes Wharf Plaza, and Trillium Beer Garden.  You'll find them at several locations each day, usually with a total of about 3 trucks per day.  You can track the schedule and locations of your favorites here
• Public Art - See new installations by top artists
• Plants & Landscapes - Enjoy the sustainable organic gardens, including the Greenway's Meadow, Beehives, Pollinator Ribbon, Carolyn Lynch Garden with brightly colored flowers, and the Armenian Heritage Park with an abstract sculpture and maze
• Fitness Program - Join any or all of the free fitness classes (many different types) - find the schedule here

More about the Rose Kennedy Greenway

Check out our self-guided Greenway walking tour and map

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Whale Watching Cruise Tickets

Join one of the exciting 3-hour Whale Watching Cruises departing from the Downtown Boston Waterfront, and experience the thrill of spotting whales off the coast of Boston. 

You'll see magnificent creatures such as Humpback and Finback whales close-up from the deck of your ship, and spot White-Sided Dolphins frolicking in the waters.

These cruises sell out quickly, so don't wait to get your tickets now for this iconic Boston experience!

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Free Drop-In Summer Yoga on Boston Common

Dropping in on free summer yoga sessions near the carousel on Boston Common is part of what makes Boston fun in the summer.  Instructors will lead a vinyasa flow class focused on releasing stress and expanding energy and welcome participants of all levels.

When:  Every Thursday, 6-7, May 18 - August 31
Where:   Frog Pond at Boston Common
Nearest T station:  Green Line/Park

Cost:  Free
Bring:  Your own mat, blocks, towels, and belt

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Night Market in Boston's Little Saigon

Boston's Little Saigon Cultural District will host their first annual Cho Dêm, Boston Little Saigon Night Market Street Festival, in Fields Corner, Dorchester on Saturday, July 13, 4pm-9:30pm.

Look for crafts, games, entertainment, a beer garden, mouth-watering street food, and bubble tea.  And in case you're wondering:  Yes, the food really does taste as good as it looks in the above photo - we're already looking forward to indulging ourselves at this year's fun event!

Fields Corner is known for its numerous Vietnamese restaurants.

Admission:  Free
Location: Dorchester Avenue between Park Street and Adams Street (Town Field Park - you'll see the market when you get off the T)
Closest subway station:  Red Link/Fields Station

Find more information about the Street Market

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Landmarks Orchestra Concerts at the Hatch Shell

The Boston Landmarks Orchestra's weekly free summer Esplanade concerts attract large crowds to the Hatch Shell on evenings during late July and August with its mix of classical, traditional, modern, and contemporary music.  

Concerts start at 7pm (unless noted) and run about 2 hours.  Bring a blanket or low folding chairs to sit on, and a picnic dinner.

Landmarks Concert schedule for July: 

• July 17, starting at 5:30 - Community Block Party for the whole family with performances by Four Strings Academy and HONK! plus other activities - Find out more
• July 24 - Gershwin & Williams American Icons

Find more concerts in August

Weather alerts and alternate locations in case of rain: 617-987-2000; orchestra website
Cost:  Free

More about what to see & do on Boston's Esplanade

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Boston Lights: Lanterns at Franklin Park Zoo

Franklin Park Zoo transforms into an evening wonderland as more than 55 brilliant outdoor all-new displays take you through fantastic journeys filled with color and light. 

You'll discover magical forests, an underwater paradise with sea turtles and a 115-foot octopus, a journey to India with flowers, an ornate palace, and animal lanterns, and Chinese lantern scenes with pagodas, cranes, and a mythical fish.

Not to be missed:  a 80-foot glowing walk-through dragon tunnel.

Get your tickets at the gate (if available), or secure your spot (highly recommended) and also save a little by booking online in advance on the Zoo's website.

Boston Lights dates/hours:  August 2 - September 30, 6pm-10:30pm, and October 1 - November 3, 5pm-10:30pm

Just want to visit the zoo during the day?  You can also book or pre-book tickets online for a regular visit (does NOT include the Boston Lights show).

More Fun Things to Do in Boston

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Bastille Day in Boston

Bastille Day, the French Fête Nationale holiday celebrating the storming of the Bastille prison, the beginning of the French Revolution against the tyranny of the monarchy in 1789, and the birth of modern France occurs on July 14. 

Boston's French Cultural Center celebrates Bastille Day this year with a gala event at La Voile restaurant in Brookline.  Come celebrate with other revelers, sing "La Marseillaise," and raise your glass to Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité.

Look for a jazz band playing your favorite French music, dancing, your favorite beverages including glasses of rosé de Provence, and fun activities and games for kids.

Delicious French hors d'oeuvres such as quiche, pissaladiere, samon fumé, brie aux truffes, cannelés, croque-monsieurs, olive tapanade on gluten-free bread, and verrine tartar de betteraves and mangue will be served all evening.

When:  Saturday July 14 from 5pm - 9pm
Where: La Voile restaurant (both air-conditioned floors), Brookline
Nearest T station: Green Line/Brandon Hall
Cost: $90 (includes tip), with advance resvations required; free for children under 12 (alert: tickets normally sell out well in advance)
Tickets & more info: French Library website

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Boston Hotels with Outdoor Swimming Pools

• Verb Hotel next to Fenway Park (shown in photo) - Find Lowest Rates
• Colonnade Hotel near Prudential Center - Find Discount Rates
• Revere Hotel in the Theatre District -Find Discount Rates
 

Find more Boston hotels with outdoor swimming pools 

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Berklee Summer in the City:  Free Summer Concerts in Boston

Berklee College of Music students, faculty, and alumni give hundreds of free outdoor concerts all over the city from May through September. 

Music ranges from jazz to classical, Latin to funk, folk to world, and are free. 

Locations include Atlantic Wharf, the Boston Public Library, Brewer Fountain Plaza on Boston Common, the Charles River Jazz Festival, Club Passim in Cambridge, Boston Institute of Contemporary Art, Kendall Center, Regattabar and Henrietta's table, Sam Adams Park, South Boston Maritime Park, Spectacle Island, Sunset Concerts at Symphony Park, Tito Puente Latin Music Series, SoWa Open Market, Prudential Center, Jazz at the Fort, Cambridge Discovery Park, The Green at 401 Park in the Fenway, and Swingin' in the Fens.

You can find the schedule here:  Berklee events website

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Museum of Science Exhibits

Special Exhibits

• All Aboard!  Trains at Science Park - This seasonal exhibit for all ages returns, expanded and enhanced, ready to immerse you in a winter wonderland
• Sustainable Farm - See a first-of-its-kind hydroponic indoor farm
• Arctic Adventure: Exploring with Technology- Fly a virtual drone and become an Arctic explorer
• Exploring AI Making the Invisible Visible: Discover how AI is already part of your life, and examine your choices about how and when you use it

With fascinating permanent exhibits for all ages, there's always something to see, do, and learn.  Here are just a few of the most popular: Engineering Design Workshop, Colossal Fossil - Triceratops Cliff, The Light House, Dinosaurs, Hall of Human Life, Animal Sculptures, Live Animal Care Center, a Rock Garden, Mathematica, New England Habitats, Garden Walk & Insect Zoo, Electricity.

Where:   Boston's Museum of Science
When:   Daily, 9am-5pm; open until 9pm on Fridays
Admission:  $31 general museum admission ($26 for kids; children under 3 free; seniors 60+ $27).  Reserve your tickets, or get free museum admission when you have a GoBoston Discount card or CityPASS card. 

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Not Sure about Boston Neighborhood Locations?

This neighborhood map should help you get oriented. You can find a list of top attractions in each neighborhood here.

Need a more details?  Here are our favorite free and low-cost Boston maps.

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North End Feasts and Festivals

Boston's North End Italian Feasts and Festivals draw huge crowds to this historic neighborhood.  You can smell the wonderful food, hear the music, and sense the excitement as you walk across the Greenway to Hanover Street, where many of the celebrations take place.

These festivals take place almost every weekend throughout the summer. 

North End Festivals scheduled for July:

• Madonna delle Grazie's Procession - July 14, 2pm - After a solemn mass to honor the Madonna delle Grazie of San Sollio, Baronia, at 10:30am at St Leonard's Church (Hanover and Prince Streets), a procession will start at the church at 2pm and will proceed through the streets.  If you wish to join the procession, please wear a white shirt if possible.  More information
• St. Joseph Procession - July 23 1pm (to be confirmed) - Procession starts at St Leonard Church (Hanover and Prince Streets) 

Find out about North End Feasts and Festivals taking place in August

Interested in staying in the North End?  Check rates at Bricco Suites, in the heart of the neighborhood, and the waterfront Yacht Haven Inn and Battery Wharf Hotel.

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Chinatown Main Street Summer Festival 

Enjoy colorful open-air market booths selling crafts, food, lucky bamboo, traditional silk clothing, and lots more, plus Chinese folk dances, Lion dances, and martial arts in this mid-summer festival in Chinatown.  

Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy a tasty meal in one of these fun Chinatown restaurants.

When:  Saturday, July 6, 10am - 5:30pm     
Location:  Beach Street near the Chinatown Gate and Chinatown Park on the Greenway, plus other locations around Chinatown
Cost:  Free
Closest T station:   Orange Line / Chinatown, or park under Boston Common and walk over - 5-minute walk

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Free Summer Flicks @ Prudential Center

Enjoy this free fun family-friendly activity - movies under the stars on Saturday nights during July and August in Prudential Center's lovely South Garden (go up the escalators from Huntington Ave, and the garden is to your right; from Boylston, the garden is on your left). 

All of the family-friendly movies have PG or PG-13 ratings.

Bring a picnic blanket or low beach chairs, and grab dinner at Prudential Center.

Schedule:

July 13:  Legally Blonde
July 20:  The Marvels
July 27:  Elemental

When:  Movies start at dusk but children's entertainment begins at 6pm and the garden will be open for the event until 10pm

Where:   Prudential Center, South Garden
Cost:  Free

Nearest T station:  Green Line/Prudential
Nearest parking garage:  Prudential Center Garage - enter after 5pm for $20 rate, or get discounted parking with a $25 purchase from any Pru Center store, restaurant, cart, or kiosk; bring your parking ticket with you when you leave the garage and have your sales associate validate your parking ticket after you make your purchase

Find More Family Flicks at Pru Center for August

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Sand Sculpting Festival at Revere Beach

Over 1 million spectators gather at Revere Beach during the course of the big 4-day New England Sand Sculpting Festival to watch 16 renowned master sculptors from around the world work their magic with individual 12 ton allotments of sand imported from Hudson NH, plus water. 

Sculptors compete for $14,000 in prize money, and the sculptures they create will amaze you with their detail and artistry.  The theme this year is "Kong," in celebrating of his 90 years in pop culture.

With music performances, a food truck festival and local food vendors lining the boardwalk, entertainment, and of course the gorgeous beach, you'll find plenty of family fun.  

On Saturday night, a Fireworks Extravanza lights up the sky over the water.

Don't forget to bring your swimsuits, sunscreen, and towels for the beach!

When:  July 28-30; sculptors work from 8am until 8pm - plus fireworks at 9pm on Saturday

Where:   Revere Beach, Revere (about 2 miles north of Boston, but easy to get to by subway); nearest T station:  Blue Line/Wonderland - the beach is just 2 blocks away.

Avoid driving if at all possible.  Traffic in this area always gets highly congested in the summer, even on weekdays.  The main street along the beach will be closed, and nearby (legal) parking is extremely limited.

Cost:  Free

Find out more about Revere Beach and other Boston beaches

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Free Summer Movies in Christopher Columbus Park

Enjoy free outdoor Summer Sunday Movies on most Sunday evenings during July 16 and August 20 at Christopher Columbus Park in Boston's North End.  (to be confirmed) Movies start at sundown, which means 9:30pm in mid-July, moving gradually to 8pm for the last film in August.   Bring a blanket or low folding chairs and watch family favorites.

Check the lineup and schedule on the park's website.  

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Fun Boston Tours for July

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Shakespeare on the Common

One of the most popular summer Boston events, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company presents The Winter's Tale in this year's production of Shakespeare on the Common. 

In case you've never heard of this particular play, it's one of the playwright's lesser-known romantic-tragedies in which a toxic mix of jealousy, paranoia, and false accusations unleash a torrent of losses, exile, abandonment, and death before more plot twists bring about an almost improbable happy ending. 

The fast-moving plot is sure to keep you entertained!

Bring a blanket or low folding chair, perhaps a picnic basket, and get ready to enjoy a magical evening of free theater under the stars. 

You can bring food (but please note, there's not enough room for a lavish picnic spread).  Portable toilets are located near the tennis courts.

You can also rent a chair on site for $10 (price to be confirmed closer to the dates - prepay on Comm Shake's website).  A small "Friends" section of beach chairs in a prime location are available in return for donations of $100 or more, made through the website.

When:  July 16 -  August 4 (no performances on July 22 or 29) at 8pm on all nights except for August 3 when the show starts at 6pm; performances normally run about 2.5 hours with no intermission.

Heavy rain and lightening storms can cause delays or cancellations for safety reasons; if in doubt, call the group's Weather Hotline at 617-362-7485. 

Where:  Boston Common, near the Parkman Bandstand
Getting there:  By subway:  Green/Red line to Park Street Station, or Green Line to Boylston;  By car:  Park under the Common in the Boston Common Parking Garage:  pick up a discount coupon at one of the event tents (you'll spot them easily) - you'll save a bit on parking, and the garage donates the proceeds to CSC
Cost:  Free

More information:  Shakespeare on the Common

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Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow

The 102nd annual Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow takes place on traditional tribal lands on Cape Cod just an hour south of Boston.  Dancers, drummers, and other participants celebrate Mashpee Wampanoag culture during this 3-day historical festival with dancing, drumming, games, food, art, jewelry, and crafts.  Special events include a Fireball spiritual healing ceremony on Saturday evening at sundown, and a traditional Clambake and crowning of the Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow Princess on Sunday afternoon. 

When: July 1, 2, 3
Where:   Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Powwow Grounds, 483 Great Neck Road South, Mashpee, MA
Tickets:  $12; Elders $10, free for children 4 and under
More information: 774-413-0520

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is part of the Wampanoag Nation of people living in Southeastern Massachusetts and Eastern Rhode Island for more than 12,000 years. 

Find out more about the Wampanoags from the Stone Age to the present by visiting the Mashpee Wampanoag Museum (414 Main Street, Mashpee, MA; website).

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Free Family Flicks at the Hatch Shell

Enjoy free outdoor concerts at the Hatch Shell on Boston's Esplanade throughout July and August. 

This series of family movies sponsored by WBZ NewsRadio 1030 and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) provides the perfect excuse to grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and head for an evening of entertainment under the stars.

The July movie lineup includes: 

• July 12 - Ferris Bueller's Day Off
• July 19 - Teenage Mutant Ninja and Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
• July 26 - Elemental

When:  Movies start at sundown (about 8:15 in July)

More information, including the movie schedule and weather cancellations:  Website

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Puerto Rican Festival & Parade 

The annual Puerto Rican Festival takes place on July 28 (2pm-10pm), 30 (noon-10pm), and 31 (noon-10pm) on City Hall Plaza and features Puerto Rican music, entertainment, carnival rides including a ferris wheel, and vendors.  Free admission.  (to be confirmed)

On Sunday, July 28, the festival's huge Grand Parade kicks off at Franklin Park (1 Franklin Park Rd) at 12 noon, then continues down Seaver street to Blue hill and then returns to Playstead Park behind the Franklin Park zoo.  

More information:  https://www.puertoricanfestivalofma.org/

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Greenway Artisan Market 

The Greenway Artisan Market, sister market to SoWa Open Market (held Sundays in the South End), brings an eclectic mix of hand-made art, music, and locally produced products to Boston. 

Look for the sea of white vendor tents with over 50 vendors - and get ready for some fun shopping, plus good eating at the gourmet food trucks. 

With a different mix of vendors present each week, you never know what treasures you'll find!  It's a quintessential Boston event.

When:  Saturdays and Sundays through October, 11am - 5pm

Where:   Rose Kennedy Greenway, near Rings Fountain along the Wharf District parks (look for the Carousel and the vendors' white tents)

Nearest T station:  Blue Line/Aquarium, or Orange and Green Lines/Haymarket
Cost:  Free (but of course you'll probably be tempted to buy things

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Summer in the City

Boston Harbor Hotel's popular "Summer in the City" series lets you kick back and enjoy live music overlooking the waterfront throughout the summer until August 26. 

Listen to music between 6pm - 10pm as musicians perform on the Blues Barge on Tuesday (Pop-Soul), Wednesday (Rat Pack), Thursday (Blues Barge), and Friday (Movie Night).

Combine these events with a drink and dinner on the hotel's terrace overlooking the Harbor for the perfect summer evening.

More about Boston Harbor Hotel

Check reviews and rates for the Boston Harbor Hotel

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New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium

Watch our local soccer team, the New England Revolution, bring men's soccer to a new level at Gillette Stadium.

Only 1 home game is scheduled for July - so don't miss the chance to see the Boston area's professional men's soccer players in action!

Find New England Revolution's Game Schedule & Tickets

Getting there:  Gillette Stadium from Boston
More at Gillette:  See all events at Gillette Stadium

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Hotels near Gillette Stadium

Going to Gillette Stadium for a game or concert or to Patriot Place for shopping? 

Stay in one of these convenient nearby hotels:

• Renaissance Boston at Patriot Place
• Residence Inn Boston Foxborough
• The Hilton Garden Inn Patriot Place
• Sonesta Select Hotel in Foxborough
• Comfort Inn Foxborough

Check out more hotels near Gillette Stadium

More hotels near Wrentham Premium Outlets and Gillette Stadium

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2 Easy Ways to Save BIG in Boston

Find out more about Boston discount cards, and how they give you big savings on top attractions.

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Looking Ahead to August Events in Boston

Shakespeare on the Common (continuing)

Patriots Pre-Season Games

More North End Feasts 

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More Things to Do in Boston in July

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Continuing during July

• Boston Wine Festival at Meritage Restaurant
• Noon Concerts at King's Chapel on the Freedom Trail
• First Fridays at Museum of Fine Arts

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Boston Events Each Month

January   |   February   |     March   |  April   |    May    |    June   |   July   |    August   |    September  |  October   |    November   |    December  |  Year at a Glance 

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