Boston Events for June 2024

Top photo:  Outdoor dining along Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, (c) Boston Discovery Guide

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Boston Red Sox Schedule - Home Games at Fenway - June 2024

Fun Events & Activities on the Rose Kennedy Greenway 2024

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)
• 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

Greenway walking tour and map

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Featured New Hotel for June:  Hilton Garden Inn Boston/Brookline

700 Brookline Place, Brookline

With 174 guestrooms and a convenient location on the Brookline/Boston border close to top cultural attractions, universities, and Fenway Park, Hilton Garden Inn Boston/Brookline offers an indoor swimming pool and fitness center, onsite dining, and shuttle service to nearby Longwood Medical Area. 

If you're driving into the city from the west, you'll appreciate the hotel's convenient location close to the Mass Pike (I-90) and Route 9. 

Valet parking is available for an affordable (for Boston) fee. 

Best of all, once you're at the hotel, you'll have lots of transportation options at your fingertips. 

Just hop onto the commuter rail, subway, or bus and you'll be at Fenway Park, the Museum of Fine Arts, Northeastern University, Simmons University, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Harvard Medical School, and Boston's world class hospitals in Longwood in 3-10 minutes. 

Or walk, and enjoy the many coffee shop/bakeries, restaurants, scenic parks, and friendly vibe in Boston's Fenway neighborhood.

Book now

Check out other new Boston hotels

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Lawn on D - Reopens on June 29, 2024

Lawn on D, a playground for adults (kids are welcome too but this is primarily an adult venue) located behind the Convention Center in the South Boston Waterfront, opens for the year on June 29 with some exciting new improvements including new interactive installations, foodie-friendly bites and drinks from Rebel Restaurants, community events, and, of course, fun lawn games.

Look for Kaleidoscope Garden, a new light garden filled with illuminated disks that glow like fireflies, Urban Grove with shaded nest seating under a canopy with hue-changing lighting that glows after dark, and FitFest, free fitness classes taking place on select Saturdays.

You'll also find giant Adirondack chairs, pickle ball courts, and other spots to relax, hang out, and have fun.

Live music and other free events take place through October.

Hours: 7am - 11pm, with pickleball courts open from 9am - 9pm.  Food/drink concessions are open from 3pm - 10pm on Wednesdays, and 12 noon - 10:30pm on Friday - Sunday.

Rules, in case you're wondering: No dogs, no outside alcohol, no outside food during concession hours.

Lawn on D occasionally closes to the public due to private events (always check their website before going). 

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Fun Boston Tours for June

More Ways to Experience Boston

  Sightseeing Tours   |   Tours for Teens   |   Kids & Family Tours

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Juneteenth Celebrations in Boston 2024

Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865, the day when Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas and annouced that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved people were free.  

June 19 immediately became an unofficial day of annual celebration in Texas, and Juneteenth officially became a Texas state holiday in 1980, a Massachusetts state holiday in 2020 (although the state "recognized" Juneteenth in 2007), and a U.S. holiday a few days ago. 

In addition to commemorating the end of the institution of slavery in the U.S. and the liberation of African Americans, it also celebrates Black culture and achievements. 

Here are a few of the top commemorations this year:

• MFA Open House on Juneteenth - Free admission for all Massachusetts residents on June 19, plus performances, art-making, talks, and museum exhibits
• Beacon Hill - Juneteenth Tour on the Underground Railroad - This 2.5 hour walking tour will explore hidden history and Underground Railroad sites along the Black Heritage Trail, beginning at 10:30am on Wednesday, June 19 - More information
• Juneteenth at the Boston Harbor Islands - Visit Georges Island for live music, stories, history tours, and an exploration of Black History in Boston - June 19, 9:30am-5pm - Find out more
• A Juneteenth Celebration - Concert with Landmark Orchestra and Castle of our Skins - June 15, 4pm, Kroc Center (650 Dudley Street, Boston) - concert is free, but you must register in advance

You can find an additional list of Boston's Juneteenth celebrations here.  (Don't miss the list at the bottom of Black-owned restaurants!)

Here are more places to explore Black history and culture in Boston:

• Museum of African American History - The museum will host a Community Day themed “Freedom, Movement, and Migration” on June 15, 2024to engage people of all ages in a meaningful celebration of freedom and commemoration of Juneteenth’s significance in American history.  More information
• Black Heritage Trail (Beacon Hill) - Official tours are available, and you can walk the 1.6 mile trail yourself and check out the 10 sites.  Find a map and guide the the sites here
• National Center for Afro American Artists (300 Walnut Street, Roxbury)

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Garden Tour of Historic Charlestown MA 2024

Although the garden tour does not appear to be happening this year, you can explore the lush gardens on your own by taking a self-guided tour thanks to the "Discovery Trail," which takes you around the lush plantings, an exploration plot, and the newly arrived beehives. 

You'll find a map here.

After you walk around the gardens, take some time to explore the beautiful and historic Charlestown neighborhood, which is actually the oldest part of Boston where the Puritans first landed in 1630 before moving on to Beacon Hill in search of a fresh-water source for making their beverage of choice:  beer. 

If you want to indulge in this favorite of Colonial times (as well as today), head to the Warren Tavern, one of Boston's oldest historic bar and reportedly a favorite of George Washington.

Find out more about garden tours in Boston

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Scooper Bowl Ice Cream Fest 2024

Boston's favorite ice cream fest, Scooper Bowl, dishes out 20 or so tons of ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, and sorbet in this popular 2-day fundraiser. 

This "all you can eat" event takes place at centrally-located City Hall Plaza, and raises money for the Jimmy Fund to benefit cancer research at Dana-Farber.  

Not only do you get to eat all you want of the ice cream donated by the nation's top frozen dessert companies - usually about 40+ flavors - but there will also be live entertainment, games, and more.

Scooper Bowl takes place this year on June 4 - 6 from noon to 8pm.

In addition, from 5pm-8pm on June 6, all ice cream lovers who are 21+ can join the fun at Scoop at Night from 5pm to 8pm with unlimited ice cream, two drink tickets, live entertainment, beer, wine, and games.

Where:   City Hall Plaza, Boston's Government Center neighborhood near Faneuil Hall
Event Tickets:  Scooper Bowl website 
More information:   Scooper Bowl

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Beacon Hill Art Walk 2024

The Beacon Hill Art Walk takes place in the neighborhood's North Slope on June 2, from 12 noon to 6 pm. 

Residents open up their private gardens and courtyards for the 100 or so participating artists to display their creations. 

Look for original paintings, pottery, sculptures, and more as you stroll around usually hidden spaces in this historic neighborhood and listen to local musicians playing in the gardens. 

Pick up an Art Walk location map when you get there.  Starting points:  135 1/2 Charles Street, and the corner of Cambridge and West Cedar Streets.  

The event is free - although the art is for sale and you may find treasures you can't resist.

You can find more information on the event's website.

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Donna Summer Disco Party 2024

The Donna Summer Disco Party returns on June 27, 5-9pm outdoors at City Hall Plaza to honor the Boston-born disco legend's life and legacy. 

Summer was born in Dorchester and grew up in Mission before becoming a star in the 1970s.  Her numerous achievements include induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, five Grammys, and world-wide record sales of over 140 million.

You can honor Summer's memory and her musical legacy by dancing all night (well, until 9pm) while grooving to her greatest hits, complete with a disco ball, colorful lights, bubbles, and plenty of glow sticks.  

Top attraction this year: the return of roller skating on City Hall Plaza!

DJ Vince 1 will provide the music again this year, and Donna's family members including her sister, Mary Gaines Bernard and her nephew O'Mega Red, will take the stage for a musical performance.   

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Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival 2024

The annual Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is the largest-running dragon boat race in North America with over 60 teams competing. 

Enjoy the spectacular dragon boats, with rowers ranging from novice to expert.  Race seeding trials take place on Saturday, and the races occur on Sunday.

Don't miss the Cultural Festival on Sunday (Cambridge side of the Charles) featuring Asian arts, crafts, martial arts, and dance performances!

When:   
- Races: June 9 
- Cultural Festival with food and entertainment:  June 9

Where:   Charles River, with Festival (food and entertainment) on the Cambridge side of the river
Nearest T station:  Red Line/Harvard Square
Cost:  Free
More Dragon Boat Festival information

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Boston Pride Parade, Festival, & Party - 2024

Boston Pride For The People Parade and Festival, the city's annual celebration of LGBTQ+ communities and the largest pride event in New England, returns this year with a big parade, a festival, and a 21+ block party on June 8.

The parade starts in Copley Square at 11am, proceeds through Boston's South End, and ends on Boston Common where a Festival then takes place with performances by local and national entertainers.

At 2pm, the action moves to City Hall Plaza for a 21+ party with DJs, entertainment, and favorite brews from Dorchester Brewery, Gay Beer, Provincetown Brewery, and DrawDown Brewery.

Wondering where to stay?  Several Marriott International hotels including The Westin at Copley Place, W Boston, Renaissance Waterfront Hotel, and the RitzCarlton are offering special Pride packages.  You can also check out other Marriott hotels here.

Check the Boston Pride for the People website to learn more.

Boston Pride Parade Photos

As you can see from the following photos, the Boston Pride Parade is always awesome:

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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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Boston Discount Cards for Attractions, Tours, Cruises

Best way to save in Boston.  Save 50% or more when you take a Boston Harbor cruise or Duck Boat tour, visit Plimouth Plantation, the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park Tour, and more.  

Compare to find out which one is best for you

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Battle of Bunker Hill Day Parade - 2024

When: Sunday, June 16, 12:30pm-3:30pm
Where:  Bunker Hill Monument, Monument Square, Charlestown, MA (parade starts at the intersection of Vine, Bunker Hill Street, and Main Street, Charlestown)
Nearest Boston subway station: Orange Line/Community College
Cost:  Free
More information: 617-242-2724

Join the National Park Service at the Bunker Hill Monument on Boston's Freedom Trail to commemorate the anniversary of the famous battle against the British on nearby Breed's Hill on June 17, 1775, and enjoy the Bunker Hill Day Parade, a Boston tradition since 1786. 

The parade always takes place on a Sunday on or before June 17.

Members of the Charlestown Militia dressed in Colonial attire play fifes and drums, and offer musket salutes as part of a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument.

The parade kicks off at Hayes Square (corner of Vine and Bunker Hill Streets), marches up and down Bunker Hill Street, turns left at Main Street at Sullivan Square, continues down Main Street, and turns left onto Monument Ave.

The parade then turns right onto Monument Square, turns right again onto Winthrop Street, and ends up at the Charlestown Militia Training Field (corner of Common and Winthrop Streets). 

To prepare for the parade, streets start to close to traffic soon after 9am.

After the parade, explore the Bunker Hill Museum (free admission) across from the monument on Monument Street, or follow the red stripe of the Freedom Trail down to the Charlestown Navy Yard for a free tour on the USS Constitution.  

The Battle of Bunker Hill took place during the Siege of Boston, which lasted from April 19, 1775 until March 17, 1776 when the British were finally routed and forced to flee the city. 

June 17th is the official state holiday and is observed in Boston (although not in the rest of Massachusetts or elsewhere in the US). 

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Museum of Science Exhibits

Special Exhibits

• Changing Landscapes: An Immersive Journey - Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites in this new immersive exhibit about adapting to climate change
• 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.

Where:   Boston's Museum of Science
When:   Daily, 9am-5pm; open until 9pm on Fridays
Admission:  $29 general museum admission ($24 for kids; children under 3 free; seniors 60+ $25).  Reserve your tickets, or get free museum admission when you have a GoBoston Discount card or CityPASS card. 

Where to Stay near City Hall Plaza

If you're coming to an event at or near City Hall Plaza, spend stay in a nearby hotel, such as the chic and trendy Ames Hotel:

More top hotels near City Hall Plaza:

• Bostonian Boston Hotel
• Omni Parker House Hotel
• XV Beacon

Check out more hotels near City Hall Plaza

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Not Sure about Boston Neighborhood Locations?

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

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Berklee Summer in the City:  Free Summer Concerts in Boston 2024

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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More Free Summer Concerts in Boston

Concerts in the Courtyard:  Boston Public Library in the McKim Courtyard (700 Boylston Street, Copley Square in Back Bay) on Fridays 12 noon-1pm from early June through the end of August. 

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

More info: https://www.bpl.org/concerts-in-the-courtyard/

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Greenway Artisan Market 2024

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:  Every Saturday from May 4 and every Sunday starting June 2 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 Activities in Boston

Looking for more things to do in Boston in the summer?

Check out:

Best Boston Summer Activities

Things to Do in Boston in June

Things to Do in Boston in July

Things to Do in Boston on Rainy Days

Top 10 Boston Attractions

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Boston Pizza Festival at City Hall Plaza 2024

Boston's expansive City Hall Plaza turns into a giant picnic ground when the Boston Pizza Festival returns on June 22-23 bringing pizza, entertainment such as pizza tossing shows and live music, DJs, adult and other beverages, and games to this family-friendly celebration of summer. 

Fans devoured over 27,000 pizzas by top local pizza makers such as Pizzeria Regino, Bricco, Antico Forno, and Serafina at Boston's most recent event. 

Entrance is free, and you can by tickets for pizza slices and beverages onsite.

More info:  https://www.bostonpizzafestival.com/

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Free Events in Christopher Columbus Park

Enjoy free outdoor movies and celebrations at Christopher Columbus Park in Boston's North End.  Here's the summer lineup so far: 

Independence Day Celebration for Children (& their families) - June 26, 12 noon-2:30pm - Magician, storyteller, and games (to be confirmed)

Summer Sunday Movies - Sundays July 18 through August 22, 7pm - Bring a blanket or low folding chairs and watch family favorites starting at sundown.   Find out what's showing:  https://www.foccp.org/foccpevents (to be confirmed)

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North End Feasts and Festivals 2024

Boston's North End Italian Feasts and Festivals draw huge crowds to this historic neighborhood. 

You can smell the mouth-watering sausages and pizza, hear the music, and feel the excitement as you walk across the Greenway to Hanover Street, where many of the celebrations take place.

These parades and festivals take place almost every weekend throughout the summer. 

North End Festivals scheduled for June (all are processions only - no feasts during June):

• Santa Maria Di Anzano Procession - June 2, 10:30am - Mass at St Leonard's Church (Hanover and Prince Streets); 119th annual procession to be held on Sunday, September 19, 1pm starting at St Leonard Church (this Saint's Day is always just a procession; no feast) - More information
• St Anthony of Padua - June 9, 1pm - Procession with a majestic carved wood statue of Saint Anthony starts at St Leonard's Church - More
• Saint Padre Pio di Pietrelcina - June 23 - Procession starts at St Leonard Church, Hanover and Prince Streets 
• Saint Theresa of Lisieux Procession - June 30 - After a 10:30am mass at St Leonards Church including a blessing of the newly renovated statue of Saint Theresa, a procession with the North End Marching Band starts 1:30pm from the church through other North End streets - More information

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

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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Boston Harbor Cruises

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Frog Pond Spray Pool Opens on Boston Common 2024

For 2 glorious months after school ends, Frog Pond turns into a spray pond and becomes the best place to cool off in the city ... if you're 12 or under. 

The Grand Opening Celebration features family-friendly entertainment, activities, a visit from Frog Pond Freddy, tasty treats from 11am to 1pm, and of course, the chance to play in the 30-foot spray at the center of the pond. 

 Lifeguards will be on duty this summer during all open hours.

When:  June 25, 11am; remains open from 11am to 6pm every day through Labor Day, unless there's a thunderstorm
Where:   Frog Pond at Boston Common
Nearest T station:  Green Line/Park
Cost: Free

More Boston Splash Pool Locations:

• Rose Kennedy Greenway - Rings Fountain, in the Wharf District section near Faneuil Marketplace and Christopher Columbus Park
• Christian Science Plaza - Boston's Fenway neighborhood, close to the Colonnade Hotel

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Cape Ann Artisans Open Studios - Not in 2024

Normally, you should not miss this wonderful excuse to tour artist studios along the beautiful Rockport and Gloucester coast in early June - but after an intense schedule of 40-year anniversary events last year, Cape Ann Artisans are taking a break during 2024 for rest and reflection.

This is what you can expect for next year:

Artists and artisans will welcome you to view their paintings, sculpture, mosaics, photography, pottery, jewelry, and other wonderful creations. 

Drive up from Boston for the day - or spend the weekend and go for walks along the beach, dine on lobster dinners, and browse in local boutiques, galleries, and antique shops. 

View Rockport Hotels

Open Studio Tour:  June 3 and 4 at 10am - 5pm
Where:  Open Studio Tour map and more information at www.capeannartisans.com - or pick up brochures with route maps at the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, the Rockport Information Booth on Rte 127, and at each studio.  Look for the Studio Tour banner at each location
More information:  Cape Ann Artisans website
Cost:  Free

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South End Garden Tour 2024

The South End Garden Tour never gets boring because it features gardens in a different area of this large neighborhood every year. 

Each year's tour focuses on gardens in specific areas such as Union Park and SoWa, with numerous gardens and green spaces open for this self-guided tour.

Get ready to view some gorgeous gardens in this neighborhood known for its spectacular gardening.  Tour proceeds benefit the South End/Lower Roxbury Open Space Land Trust.

You can also stroll through the South End neighborhood on your own, admire the Victorian architecture, and perhaps stop for lunch or an early dinner at one of the many terrific chef-owned South End restaurants.

More about Boston and Cambridge garden tours

When:  Saturday, June 15, 10am - 4pm, rain or shine
Where:  Begins at Berkeley Community Garden (500 Tremont Street, corner of Tremont & East Berkeley) in Boston's South End 
Nearest T station:  Orange Line/Back Bay
Cost:  Tickets are $35 - find details at www.thetrustees.org 

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More Fun Boston Tours

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Roxbury International Film Festival 2024

When:  June 20 - 28 in person; June 27 - July 2 online
Where:   Museum of Fine Arts, Hibernian Hall, Arts Emerson, and other sites in and near Roxbury
Cost:  Tickets to most films are $12-$15; VIP packages available
More information: Rox Film Fest website

The Roxbury International Film Festival showcases films "by, for, and about people of color," with screenings, panel discussions, receptions, and workshops, plus additional events throughout the year. 

This year's festival features a hybrid version - plenty online, plus some film screens in person in indoor and outdoor venues - and looks even bigger than ever!

Rox Film began in 1999 when the founders created a venue to celebrate films written, produced, and directed by filmmakers connected with Africa by birth, ancestry, or culture.  It is now the largest film festival with this focus in New England. 

Expect an exciting (and big) collection of full-length features, documentaries, experimental films, shorts, and animations, a series of teen-produced films, and a special program of shorts for children under 10. 

Find all the details on the Rox Film Fest website.

Check Boston movie theaters for other local films

More Boston film festivals

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Back Bay Fens & Rose Garden Tours 

The Back Bay Fens - normally just called "The Fens," and part of Olmsted's Emerald Necklace of parks - has everything: wilderness areas, the Victory Gardens, ball fields, the Kelleher Rose Garden, war memorials, the meandering Muddy River, and more.  

Tours are offered on a variety of topics and at a variety of times between April and October, and sometimes change at short notice due to weather conditions. 

To find out what's on offer, check the Emerald Necklace Conservancy's website (click on Events). Tours are free, but a $10 donation per person is requested to help support ongoing maintenance and improvements of the area.

Please note:  You can also walk around on your own.  There's plenty to see, and the Rose Garden is especially spectacular during June, its peak blooming season.

More about Boston garden tours

More about the Victory Gardens and Kelleher Rose Garden

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Hotels with Views of Boston's Public Garden

Find out more about these spectacular hotels

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Boston Fan Expo 2024

When:  August 6-8 
Where: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
Stay nearby:   South Boston Waterfront Hotels near the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
More information & tickets: https://www.fanexpoboston.com

Boston FAN EXPO (formerly Comic Con) gives you the chance to meet and chat with over 200 top graphic novelists, super hero artists, and developers of anime, comic, cosplay, horror, sci-fi, and gaming, plus thousands of  fans.  Celebrity guests and artists lthis year include Rosario Dawson, Hugh Dancy, Marisa Tomei, Bryce Dallas Howard, and many more!

Plenty of dealers will be present also, so indulge in this opportunity to shop for Pop Culture merchandise.  

Please note:  Boston Fan Expo will take place August in 2025.

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Boston Early Music Festival 2024

The Boston Early Music Festival is HUGE, as you might expect as it's the largest early music festival in the world.  While it's not the only reason why Boston takes center stage as the early music capital of the country, the Festival certainly cements its reputation. 

The Boston Early Music Festival's primary mission is to highlight lesser-known operas from the early-music era, using historically-informed musical interpretations, period set designs, costumes, dance, and staging. 

This year's festival highlights women in early music, and includes two operas, plus hundreds of other performances, master classes, lectures, demonstrations, workshops, children's programs, and even a sort of trade show of instruments. 

On many days, the concert schedule starts at nine in the morning and goes until midnight. 

When:  June 5-8
Where:   Multiple Boston locations, including the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre, New England Conservatory, the Courtyard Marriott, and others.

Tickets:  Ticket costs vary from free to inexpensive to pricey, with packages available, and the good thing is that all events will continue to be online for awhile after the festival dates; check the event website for details about the many options

Where to stay: 

• Courtyard Marriott Downtown Boston Hotel, location of the Exhibition, as well as many events and performances.   More Theatre District hotels
• Hotels near New England Conservatory - Colonnade Hotel  |  Sheraton Boston Hotel  |  Hilton Back Bay Hotel
• Hilton Boston Park Plaza and Towers Hotel, close to the Cutler Majestic and the Revere Hotel
• The Newbury Boston, convenient to the many concerts scheduled for Emmanuel Church, Old South Church, First Church Boston, and other historic churches in Boston's Back Bay.
  
• The Lenox Hotel, also convenient to Back Bay sites as well as New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall 

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Boston Harbor Islands

Hop on a ferry at Boston's Long Wharf for a 15-minuted cruise to the Boston Harbor Islands, where you'll find activities such as free concerts, ranger tours, kayaking trials, clambakes, a Spectacle Island beer garden, Boston Light tours, and even Zumba on weekends and weekdays.  

Enjoy a day of exploring historic sites, photographing birds, enjoying a picnic, hiking, swimming, wading in tidal pools, or simply enjoying the scenery. 

More about the Boston Harbor Islands

When:  Late May through Indigenous Peoples Day
Where:   Georges Island, Spectacle Island, Peddocks Island
Getting there: Boston Harbor Island ferry information
Ferry cost - round trip to the Islands:  $25 adults, $18 children (ages 3-11), $23 seniors 65+, children under 3 free - plus special $15 fares are available online to Massachusetts residents on Tuesdays and Thursdays - Buy your tickets at Long Wharf ticket booth or online
Closest hotel to Long Wharf: Boston Marriott Long Wharf
Event schedule & information:  Boston Harbor Islands website

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Secret Gardens of Cambridge Tour 2024

The Secret Gardens of Cambridge tour, sponsored by Friends of the Cambridge Public Library, takes place only during alternate years ending in even numbers - and this is an ON year. 

The self-guided exploration typically covers 4 Cambridge neighborhoods and 24 gardens, including many that are new to the tour each year.  You'll get tons of gardening ideas, and see a mix of public and private garden paradises.

Date:  June 9
Where:   Cambridge, MA (just across the river from Boston)
Nearest T station:  Red Line/Harvard

Cost:  Tickets are $25 on day of the tour; available at all Cambridge library branches and numerous Cambridge businesses, including Porter Square Books, Brattle Square Florist, Rodney's Books, Pemberton Farms, Big Picture Framing, Nomad, Clothware, and Bonny's Garden Center.  Proceeds benefit the Cambridge Public Library - this is its biggest fundraiser!

More about the Secret Gardens of Cambridge tour

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Free Drop-In Summer Yoga on Boston Common 2024

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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Cambridge Arts River Festival 2024

The Charles River Festival is like a huge street party celebrating early summer in the city with outstanding music, the People's Sculpture Race (you push, pull, or pedal your sculpture along the 3/4 mile course), performances, and food. 

Around 200,000 festival goers come each year. 

Enjoy the sunshine and lots of excellent folk, Latin, jazz, and world music performances and dance at 6 performance stages, plus poetry, theater, art exhibits, and family-oriented craft-making activities at this huge festival celebrating the arts. 

Over 100 food vendors and artisans sell their offerings.  Do your holiday shopping now and you'll be all set in December. 

When:  Saturday, June 15, 11am - 6pm
Where:   Along the Massachusetts Avenue between Prospect and Sidney Streets and down Sidney Street to Pacific Street
Nearest T station:  Red Line: Central - Please note: many streets near Central Square including Mass Ave will be closed, and performers and vendors will be using the already-scarce parking - so don't even think about driving to this event
Cost:   Free - although you'll find plenty to buy from food and crafts vendors

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Summer in the City 2024

Boston Harbor Hotel's popular "Summer in the City" series lets you kick back and enjoy live music overlooking the waterfront throughout the summer from June 6 until August 29. 

Listen to live music between 6pm - 10pm as musicians perform on the Blues Barge on Tuesday through Friday.  You can find the nightly schedule here.

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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10K Race through Back Bay - 2024

Whether you're training for the next Boston Marathon or just want to do a Sunday morning dash through Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and Fenway, the Boston Athletic Association's 10-kilometer race presents a perfect opportunity to test your skills and stamina during Boston's summer weather. 

Unlike BAA's better-known event, the Boston Marathon, this race does not have a qualifying standard so anyone can register to run.

Limited to 10,000 runners, the race will follow a new course this year that begins and ends on Boston Common at Charles Street. 

The race course goes down Charles Street in Beacon Hilll, crosses the Longfellow Bridge to Cambridge, and proceeds along the Charles River Waterfront to Magazine Street in Cambridgeport before looping back.

At the Harvard Bridge, the racers will re-cross the river back to Boston and continue along Mass Ave before turning onto Newbury Street and proceeding back to the Common.

Needless to say, you should expect traffic and parking disruptions along the race course and immediate surrounding areas.

When:  June 23, 8am
Where:   Boston Common - Starts and finishes on Charles Street
Closest T station: Green Line/Arlington

Registration fee:  Yes
More information: BAA Website

Popular Back Bay Hotels

More hotels in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood

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More Things to Do in Boston in June

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Continuing during June in Boston

SoWa Open Market in Boston's South End

Noon Concerts at King's Chapel on the Freedom Trail

First Fridays at Museum of Fine Arts

Fish Weir on Boston Common

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Looking Ahead to July Events in Boston

• Harborfest
• July 4th Fireworks
• Hotels with fireworks views
• Mid-summer festival in Chinatown
• Shakespeare on the Common

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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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