Top Boston Events for September 2024 include open art studios, outdoor markets, and Harbor cruises. 

Whale watching cruises and trips on the fast ferry to Provincetown are especially popular this month.  Beer gardens on the Esplanade, Greenway, and other spots in Boston and nearby Cambridge will be in full swing. 

Looking for Fun Things to Do in Boston in September?


Best of all, the city buzzes with energy as college and university students return.

  • September holiday:  Labor Day, Monday, September 4

Labor Day Weekend fireworks and other events plus the final days of Boston Harbor Hotel's Blues Barge Jazz Concerts and Summer in the City movies on the waterfront get September off to an exciting start.

New England Patriots fans rejoice as the team kicks off the first regular season game at Gillette Stadium.  Red Sox fans will be watching the end of the shortest MLB season ever. 

Toward the end of the month, you may even begin to start seeing glimpses of fall foliage color.

Top photo: Mellow September afternoon in Boston's historic Beacon Hill neighborhood, (c) Boston Discovery Guide

Boston Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication.  When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you.  Learn more


Ciderfest at Time Out Market

Soaking up the last rays of summer at Time Out Market Boston
Soaking up the last rays of summer at Time Out Market Boston

Stop by Time Out Market in Boston's Fenway neighborhood between 12 noon and 5pm on Saturday, September 17 for Ciderfest, (to be confirmed) where many of the best New England cider makers including Citizen Cider, Stormalong, Artifact, High Limb, Lookout Farms, and Boochcraft will be showcasing their best New England brews by giving out free samples. 

You can enjoy live music to celebrate the beginning of fall, and also a raffle for a special barrel of aged High Limb Cider.  Each time you buy a glass of cider, you get a chance to win.  The event is free to attend, but you must be 21+ for cider samples and cider purchases.

TOM address:  401 Park Drive, Fenway; closest T station:  Fenway


Boston Harbor Cruises -  September 2024

Boston sailing and yacht cruises
Sailboat on Boston Harbor

Tour Boston by boat - the best way to see the city!  

Check out these fun sightseeing, music, and entertainment Boston Harbor cruises on the Yacht Northern Lights and Schooner Adirondack III:

 Popular Cruises on the Northern Lights:

  • Northern Lights Sunset Cruise - Grab a refreshments from the bar and then relax as you watch the sun set on this sail around the Harbor, just in time to catch the USS Constitution fire its cannons as the sun dips down past the horizon
  • Brunch Cruise on the Northern Lights - Savor a delicious 3-course brunch on this relaxing sightseeing cruise around Boston Harbor
  • Boston Harbor Cruise on Northern Lights - Soak up Boston's unique sites and rich history on this comfortable sightseeing cruise around the Harbor - perfect friends and family experience!  Food and beverages available for purchase at the bar

Sailing on the Adirondack III:

  • Adirondack III Day Sail - Enjoy cool breezes and the afternoon sun on this relaxing sightseeing sail around Boston Harbor and the Inner Harbor Islands - Starts May 2
  • Adirondack III Sunset Sail - Relax as the setting sun turns the sky brilliant colors - Starts May 2
  • Adirondack III 90-Minute Mimosa Day Sail - Soak up the sun on this afternoon sail through the Inner Harbor and Harbor Islands with drinks available for purchase at the bar - Starts July 6

Mothers Day Cruise

Fun Book Your July 4th Cruises Now (because they sell out far in advance)!


Downtown Movie Night @ Frog Pond

Frog Pond on Boston Common
Frog Pond on Boston Common

Bring a blanket or a lawn chair, and enjoy the warm September Friday evening watching a classic film at Frog Pond on Boston Common. The movie starts at dusk (7pm).

Schedule: (look for updates soon)

September 7 - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Please note:  The film will be cancelled in the case of bad weather.  The Carousel will remain open until the film starts (carousel admission: $3).  Popcorn and other refreshments will be available for purchase at the Pavilion.
Location:  Frog Pond, Boston Common
Cost:  Free
Park:   Boston Common Parking Garage
Dine:  Check out restaurants in nearby Chinatown and the Theatre District


Lawn on D

Lawn on D summer events
The LED-lit swings at Lawn on D

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, is where you'll find fun swings with LED lights and comfy seating, pickleball and other games, and music throughout the summer and early fall, along with casual food and wine, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. 

Open daily from 7am-11pm from May to October, except when closed for private events (always check their website before going). 

Food, drinks, and lawn games available Thursday 3-10:30pm, Friday & Saturday 12 noon-11pm, Sunday 12 noon-10:30pm, with live entertainment by local bands on the weekends. 

Swings are open whenever Lawn on D is open.

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

Another option in this area is to sample one of the many restaurants in the Seaport and Fort Point areas of the South Boston Waterfront. 

For Boston Harbor views while you dine, visit a Seaport restaurant.  To try the creative cuisine of some of Boston's most innovative chefs, head to a Fort Point restaurant.


Oktoberfest in Boston - Where to Celebrate

Harpoon Brewery in South Boston Waterfront
Trillium at Time Out Market in Fenway

Here are the three most important things to know about Oktoberfest in Boston:  1) Contrary to what the name "Oktoberfest" leads you to believe, the first ones kick off not long after Labor Day in September and continue through about mid-October; 2) as Boston's craft brewery scene expands, so does the number of Oktoberfests across the city; and 3) they're massive fun! 

Don't miss this chance to sample some of Boston's best brews along with bratwurst, other German foods, pretzels, oompah music, and maybe even chicken dancing.

Find out more, including where to find the best Boston Oktoberfests this month


Fun Events & Activities on the Rose Kennedy Greenway

Splash fountain on the Greenway
Splash fountain on the Greenway

Rose Kennedy Greenway continue through early fall: 

  • Greenway Artisan Market, 11am - 5pm, operated by Somerville Flea on Rowes Wharf Plaza - Shop for handmade items by local makers and artisans; open every Saturday from May 6 through October 31 and every Sunday through October 8
  • 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 Thursday 3pm-8pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm-8pm, and Sunday 12 noon-6pm.
  • 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 18 trucks, including 6 new ones this year, offer Korean, Jamaican, Italian, Caribbean, Italian, seafood, and other specialties along the Greenway in Dewey Square, the Carousel, Rings Fountain (Milk Street), State Street, 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

More about the Rose Kennedy Greenway

Greenway walking tour and map


Whale Watching Cruise Tickets

Whale watching cruise
Tail of a humpback whale, seen on a whale watching cruise - Photo credit: iStock.com/stephenalien75

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!


Boston Theater & Shows for September 2024

Theater productions and shows for September in Boston

Top Shows for September

Schedules & Tickets

Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.

Find all shows for September

More Boston Theater District Shows in Other Months


Top Hotels near Boston's Theatre District

Enjoy your Boston performance or show experience to the fullest when you stay in one of the nearby Theatre District hotels, such as the hip and glamorous Revere Hotel:

Revere Boston Hotel, top choice near Boston's Theatre District

More top Theatre District hotels:

Check out more hotels in Boston's Theatre District


Boston Concerts & Shows - September 2024

Boston concert schedule - September
Pearl Jam playing at Fenway Park - Photo courtesy of Tom Kielty, DigBoston, cc by 2.0

Top September Concerts in Boston

Top concerts in Boston in September 2024 include Peter Hook & The Light, Rob Zombie & Alice Cooper, with more coming soon:

Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.

September Concerts - Schedules & Tickets

More Concerts & Shows for September

Boston Concerts & Shows throughout the Year  


Fall Foliage Boston Harbor Cruise on the Northern Lights - 2024

Fall Foliage Boston Harbor Cruise on the Northern Lights
Boston Light, part of Boston Harbor Cruise on the Northern Lights - Photo credit: iStock.com/DejaVu Designs

These scenic sightseeing cruises around Boston Harbor during October and early November show you colorful fall foliage as you cruise aroung the Boston Harbor Islands. 

You'll see Long Island Head Light, Boston Light (America's oldest light house), Fort Warren on Georges Islands, Fort Independence, and the brightly colored foliage on Peadock's Island and Thompson's Island.

Book now, because space is limited and they fill up fast.


September Boston Red Sox Schedule - Home Games at Fenway 2024

Red Sox Schedule May - Red Sox fans walking to Fenway Park
Red Sox fans walking to Fenway Park

Location:  Fenway Park
Nearest T stations:  Green Line B or C/Kenmore; Commuter Rail Worcester Line/Yawkey

Indulge your passion for baseball by going to see the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park!

Get Schedule & Tickets

Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.

Find Red Sox Home Games at Fenway for Other Months

October (If the Sox make it to the playoffs)

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

Find out about more Boston sports


New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium - September 2024

The New England Patriots play only one home game take place at Gillette Stadium during September, and no pre-season home games this month - so don't miss this chance to welcome the Pats back to Giillette for the new season! 

Get your tickets now, and get ready to join in the fun!

Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.

Where: Gillette Stadium
Getting there:
The Patriot Train - plus more ways to get to Gillette from Boston
Where to stay:  Hotels near Gillette Stadium
Tickets: Check for great prices, great seats, and sometimes discounts


Revere Beach Art Festival 2024

Revere Beach
Revere Beach in the fall

Enjoy a beautiful fall day at Revere Beach on September at 11am-4pm when America's oldest public beach hosts the annual Revere Beach Art Festival. 

You'll find lots of artists selling their excellent pieces, live music, an art competition, and other fun activities. 

While you're there, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy fried clams or a lobster roll at Kelly's Roast Beef, just across the street from the pavilion.

Best way to get there:  Take the T's Blue Line to Wonderland Station, and walk just a few minutes to get to the beach.

More about Revere Beach and other Boston beaches


North End Feasts and Festivals 

North End Feasts and Festivals
St Anthony's Feast in Boston's North End - Photo credit: Todd Van Hoosear, cc by-sa 2.0

By September, the North End Saint's Feasts and Processions are winding down, with only procession-only events this month - so no feasts (but you can always create your own at one of the nearby North End restaurants): (all dates and times to be confirmed)

  • Santa Rosalia di Palermo Procession  - September 10 - Starts at 1pm at North Square
  • Santa Maria di Anzano Procession - Septermber 17 (to be confirmed) - Starts at 1pm at at St Leonard Church at Hanover and Prince Streets

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

Finally, one more Saints' procession takes place this month, not in Boston itself but next door in East Cambridge - and this one does include a feast, along with amusement rides, games, fireworks, and live music: 

  • Saints Cosmas & Damian Italian Feast and Procession  - September 8 -10 - Starts at 1pm on Friday with music, a carnival, and food plus fireworks and a short procession later in the evening on Warren and Porter Streets (pedestrian-only for this occasion); Saturday - festivities and food continue throughout the day; Sunday - a Grand Procession starts at 1:30 and winds its way through East Cambridge and East Somerville, with fireworks, confetti, and balloons along the way, ending back at the festival area around 7:30, where entertainment and celebrations continue until 10pm.

Location:  Warren and Porter Streets (near Cambridge Street/Cardinal Medeiros Ave intersection; Lechmere T station is about a 10-minute walk (1/2 mile) away


Hotels in Boston's North End

Interested in staying in or near Boston's wonderful North End neighborhood, filled with tantalizing Italian restaurants and bakeries?

Boston Yacht Haven - waterfront boutique hotel in the North End
Boston Yacht Haven on Boston Harbor near the North End

Consider these welcoming choices:

Find more hotels in or near the North End


Newport Mansion Tour from Boston

Bannister's Wharf in Newport, Rhode Island
Bannister's Wharf in Newport, Rhode Island

On this Newport Mansions Day Trip from Boston, you'll visit charming Newport, Rhode Island where the country's richest families built the spectacular waterfront mansions that they called "cottages" during the Gilded Age. 

You'll visit two of the most magnificent mansions, and will also have time to walk along the scenic coastal Cliff Walk.  You'll see Newport's main attractions during a 1-hour narrated small group driving tour, which includes a visit to the Truro Synagogue.  During free time, you can shop, have lunch along the waterfront, and perhaps visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Pickup and dropoff from selected Boston hotels is included.

Find out more


More Fun Boston Tours & Cruises


Boston Marathon Registration Opens for April 2025 Race

Boston Marathon runners near the beginning of Heartbreak Hill
Boston Marathon runners near the beginning of Heartbreak Hill

Registration for the 2025 Boston Marathon opens on Monday, September 12 at 10am ET and closes on Friday, September 15 at 5 p.m. ET for athletes meeting the qualifying times for their age/gender.  (to be confirmed)

Registration is not guaranteed, even if you meet the qualifying standard for your bracket, as the number of people who want to run always exceeds the race's capacity, which is usually about 31,500 competitors. 

After the registration period closes, Boston Athletic Association verifies applications and ranks athleted based on the amount of time they are under the qualifying standard for their applicable bracket.  For details about registration, see BAA's website's registration page.

As soon as BAA notifies you that you've been accepted, make your hotel reservation.  Hotels fill up early for Marathon weekend, and rates increase the longer you wait to book. 

Here's a list of convenient hotels near the Marathon route at all price ranges if you're coming from outside of Boston - so make your reservations now!


Boston Bruins Preseason Games 2024

Bruins playing at TD Garden - Photo courtesy of SandToGlass
Boston Bruins - Photo courtesy of Dan4th Nicholas, cc by 2.0

Location:  TD Garden
Nearest T stop: North Station
Parking:  Boston garages near North Station / TD Garden

The Boston Bruins launch their new season with preseason games at the Garden in September.  Come join the excitement on the ice! 

Find Bruins ticket prices and best seats


Greenway Open Market 

Greenway Open Market - Boston
Greenway Open Market in Boston

Greenway Open 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 - 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 1 through October 31, 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


Cambridge Science Festival

Immerse yourself in fun science adventures in the kids-and-adults-friendly Cambridge Science Fest

The festival - the first of its kind in the US - is a city-wide celebration and showcase of the city's leading edge innovations in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. 

You can choose from hundreds of events, demonstrations, lectures, exhibitions, and interactive experiences.

When:  September 25 - October 1
Where:  Multiple Cambridge locations
More information:   Find the complete schedule and details for this free event on the Science Fest's website


Revels RiverSing 

The free annual Revels RiverSing welcomes fall with a family-friendly Autumn Equinox celebration at their new riverfront location at Herter Park Amphitheater in Allston on Saturday, September 16, 6pm (rain or shine). (to be confirmed)

Family activities begin at 5pm.  Singing begins at 6pm.

This free theatrical event features over 100 performers of music and song, along with poetry readings, acrobats, circus performers, puppets, and a folk band.  Best of all, you get to join in!

Even though the holiday season still seems far away, don't forget to also put Christmas Revels, a beloved Boston tradition, on your calendar for December.

Location:  1175 Soldiers Field Road, in Boston's Allston neighborhood\

Getting there by T:  Take the 70 bus from Central Square or 86 bus from Harvard Square; get off at Western Avenue and Everett Street, walk north one block on Everett Street, cross Soldiers Field Road to Herter Park

Admission: Free; suggested donation of $5
Parking: Free in the large adjacent parking lot


Fun Ways to See Boston in September 


Not Sure about Boston Neighborhood Locations?

Map of Boston showing central neighborhoods

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

Need a more details? See our recommendations for free and low-cost Boston maps.


Art Festival at Revere Beach

Revere Beach near Boston MA
Revere Beach

Need an excuse to squeeze in one more beach day?  Stop by the Revere Beach Art Festival where local artists and Revere High School students display their work near the Markey Pedestrian Bridge, which connects the Wonderland T station with the beach. 

Watch as artists create masterpieces before your eyes for the festival's live art competition, enjoy live music, and then stop by Kelly's for a fried clam platter.

When:  Saturday, September 16 (to be confirmed)
Where:
  Revere Beach
Nearest T station:  Blue Line/Wonderland - the beach is just 2 blocks away
Cost:  Free

Find out more about Revere Beach and other Boston beaches


Visit Martha's Vineyard for the Day

Martha's Vineyard - Photo: iStock.com
Martha's Vineyard - Photo: iStock.com/MatthewBird

Experience another world when you visit Martha's Vineyard, a small island south of Cape Cod with beautiful beaches and scenery, quaint cottages (and huge mansions), and chic clothing boutiques and art galleries.

After pickup from downtown hotels, a comfortable coach ride to Cape Cod, and a short ferry ride to the Vineyard, you'll have the day to explore all the local sights including the iconic lighthouse, cliffs, and whaling captains' homes.  You can also choose an optional 3-hour tour when you book.

Find out more about the trip to Martha's Vineyard & book your trip!


Fall Foliage Tours

Fall foliage later in the fall in Boston
Fall foliage in New England

Leaves may still be green in Boston in September, so if you want to see gorgeous foliage, you need to go outside of the city where you'll start to see lots of spectacular fall colors by mid-month. 

Luxury 1-day fall foliage tours take you to the best viewing locations in New Hampshire, Maine, and even the Cape (although you'll see more color in the Cape in October).  Sit back and relax while someone else drives and you get to focus on enjoying all the brilliant scenery!

Find out about fall foliage sightseeing tours departing from Boston


Fall Foliage Tours & Cruises in Boston and Beyond



Boston Hotel Map

Enter your dates to see available hotels and rates:

Booking.com

More about how to save on Boston hotels


The Boston Cup - Classic Car Show on Boston Common

1960 red Corvette - Photo credit: iStockPhotos/kenmo
1960 red Corvette - Photo credit: iStockPhotos/kenmo

Get ready to drool when you see a vintage Corvettes and other envy-provoking beauties among the 100 exceptional American and foreign cars on display at the 12th annual Boston Cup classic car show on Boston Common. 

The show takes place on September 24, 9am - 2pm (time to be confirmed) near the Parkman Bandstand.

Tickets are not cheap - $50 and $100, depending on the type of access you want - but it's considered the best classic car show in the Northeast, and one of the top 5 in the country.

Don't want to spring for a ticket?  You can still get a look at the cars as they leave the gated area accessible only to ticket holders on the Common around 2pm.

Typically, cars on display are valued at over $100 million, around 30,000 enthusiasts (and 1,000 VIPs) attend, and ticket proceeds benefit Boston Parks and Recreation.

More information about the show

Where to stay near Boston Common

You'll enjoy Boston Common to the fullest when you stay nearby - the hip and glamorous W Hotel, for example, is just 1 block away:

W Hotel, top choice near Boston Common

More top hotels near Boston Common:

Check out historic hotels near Boston Common


Boston Lights at Franklin Park Zoo

Celestial lights at Franklin Park Zoo's Boston Lights festival
Celestial lights at Franklin Park Zoo's "Boston Lights" festival

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 an ice-breathing dragon, underwater adventures in a coral reef, and Chinese lantern scenes with pagodas, cranes, and lotuses.

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:  July 22 - October 29, 6pm-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 Boston Activities for September


Boston Seafood Festival

The Annual Boston Seafood Festival celebrates our city's marine heritage, love of seafood, and commitment to sustainable harvest, in part by providing important support to the Boston Fisheries Foundation. 

This family-friendly event brings together seafood tastings, chef demos, educational events, all day lobster bake, the always-epic Battle of the Shuckers competition, fish-cutting demonstrations, and the all-day lobster bake overlooking Boston Harbor. 

Also, look for roving pirates, music, children's activities, and samples from some of Boston's best seafood sellers.

Food and beverages, including refreshments at two Harpoon Brewery Beer Gardens, will be available to purchase.

When:  Sunday, September 10, 11am - 6pm
Where:  Fish Pier (212 Northern Ave), South Boston Waterfront

More information & tickets

Stay nearby:   South Boston Waterfront Hotels


Where to Stay:  Seaport & Fort Point 

Attending an event in the South Boston Waterfront or Fort Point?  Stay in a nearby hotel, such as the stylish Seaport Boston Hotel:

Seaport Hotel, top choice in South Boston Waterfront

More top hotels near the South Boston Waterfront:

Check out more hotels near the South Boston Waterfront & Fort Point



"Allston Christmas"

Allston Christmas in Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood
Allston Christmas in Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood

What exactly is "Allston Christmas"?  When the Boston area's roughly 250,000 college students return to campus in September, a significant number move into apartments, just as others move out at the end of August and dump unwanted furniture including queen-sized beds and massive couches, household items, and clothes on the sidewalks and into the streets, up for grabs. 

Allston along with Brighton, Longwood, Mission Hill, Beacon Hill, Cambridge, and parts of Brookline and Somerville are the most-impacted Boston-area neighborhoods due to their large number of student residents.  With countless UHauls blocking the streets and gridlocking traffic for a couple of days before and after September 1, you may want to avoid these areas if you're visiting the city during this period - unless you want to try your luck at finding the perfect mirror or nice pair of lamps among the debris.


South End Open Studios

South End Open Studios - Boston Events September
Artist's studio in the South End

When:  September 16-17, 11am-6pm (to be confirmed)
Where:  Boston's South End; Open studios are at 46 Waltham Street, 35 Wareham Street, 49 Wareham Street, 59 Wareham Street, 450 Harrison Ave and the Artist Studio Building at BCA, 551 Tremont Street.
Nearest T station: Orange Line/Back Bay
Cost:
  Free (unless you buy art)

South End Open Studios provide a glimpse into more than 200 studios and galleries of some of the city's top artists - and a chance to buy directly from the creators of the pieces on display. 

What to look for:  Everything from fine arts to hand-built bicycles, from home decor to installation art.  Be sure to check out the in-studio demonstrations involving photography, quilts, and letterpress printing.  

Getting around:  Pick up a free printed guide with maps at the information tables at Boston Center for the Arts (551 Tremont Street) and on the sidewalk in front of 560 Harrison Ave, and plot your route among the galleries (look for the free shuttle if you get tired of walking). 

This is the biggest art event in the South End, with all the major studios and art buildings will be open.  See even more on Sunday at SoWa Open Market. 

2 Easy Ways to Save BIG in Boston on Tours, Cruises, Admissions

Save BIG with Go Boston discount card
CityPASS Boston discount card at www.boston-discovery-guide.com

Best way to save in Boston.  Save up to 50% 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.


More Fun Ways to See Boston in September 


New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium 2024

New England Revolution vs Seattle Sounders - Photo courtesy of Art Bromage
New England Revolution vs Seattle Sounders - Photo courtesy of Art Bromage , cc by-sa 2.0

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

Only 2 home games are scheduled for September - 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


Lantern Festival in Chinatown

Chinatown Gate - Boston
Chinatown Gate - Boston

The Chinatown Lantern Festival takes place this year on Saturday, September 5, 10am-6pm in Boston's lively Chinatown.

You'll enjoy a day of festivities, games, and special mooncakes to celebrate the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. 

Many of the activities take place in the Chinatown park on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, but you'll find lots going on throughout the neighborhood.

And while you're there, take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy a meal in one of Chinatown's best restaurants.


Berklee Summer in the City:  Free Summer Concerts in Boston

Jazz concert at Brewer Fountain Plaza on Boston Common
Jazz concert at Brewer Fountain Plaza on Boston Common

Berklee College of Music students, faculty, and alumni give hundreds of free outdoor concerts all over the city from May 1 and throughout the summer, usually going through September. 

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

Most concerts for this year are still TBD but once they're announced, you can find the schedule here:  Berklee events website

Locations typically include Atlantic Wharf, the Boston Public Library, Brewer Fountain Plaza on Boston Common, the Charlestown Navy Yard, Chin Park and City Winery on the Greenway, selected Boston Harbor Cruises, the Arnold Arboretum, Christopher Columbus Park on the waterfront, Downtown Boston, the Longwood Medical Campus, multiple locations in Cambridge, Dorchester Heights, Institute of Contemporary Art, Prudential Center, Fenway locations, and more.


Boston Fashion Week

Boston Fashion Week breaks new ground this year by being the first public AR - that's Augmented Reality - art installation that's also a city-wide fashion exhibit featuring the work of regional fashion designers, photographers, textile artists, fashion schools, fanshion archives, and more.  To access it, all you have to do in install an app on your smartphone - plus a few designers will also host safe in-person events. 


Local Boston Food Festival on the Greenway 

The free admission Local Food Festival, taking place on Sunday, September 13 from 11am - 5pm on the Rose Kennedy Greenway from the North End to South Station gives you the chance to sample the best fresh food from local farms and fishermen, plus local wines, beers, cider, and mead.  

With lots of music and art by local talent, chefs to prepare the food samples (mostly around $5 or less) from locally sourced food, a seafood throwdown competition, family activities, and exhibits about sustainably grown and produced food, you can have lots of fun enjoying some local flavors at this free festival! 


Boston Latino International Film Festival 

When:  TBD 
Where:  Tsai Auditorium, at Harvard University in Cambridge (1730 Cambridge Street), and the John O'Bryant African-American Institute at Northeastern University (West Village F, Room 20, Leon St, Boston)
Tickets:  Available through festival website
More information:  Website

Look for 4 exciting days of feature, documentary, and short films focused on issues of importance and interest to the Latino community in the US, Latin America, and Spain, plus receptions and other special events.

Boston Film Festival

Actors, filmmakers, and film enthusiasts look forward to the annual Boston Film Festival for a chance to view the stellar line up and world premiers. 

The line up includes an exciting array of diverse features, documentaries, and shorts from emerging artists to world-famous award winners.  Question and answer sessions, discussions, and evening receptions hosted by top restaurants provide plenty of opportunities to chat with directors and network.

When:  September TBD
Where:  Multiple locations in Downtown Boston
Cost:  To be announced
Closest T station: Green Line/Arlington
More information:  617-523-8388; www.bostonfilmfestival.org


Labor Day Boston Events

Labor Day takes place on Monday, September 2.  

Wondering what else to do in Boston on Labor Day Weekend? 

Many Boston locals jump on the fast ferry to Provincetown for the weekend, make a day trip to the Vineyard, or head to the mountains - so if you're planning a Labor Day, you'll find it easier than usual to make reservations in local restaurants for outdoor tables, cruise around Boston Harbor, go shopping for Labor Day sales - and even find some Boston hotel bargains.

Although Labor Day Weekend normally kick offs on the Thursday before Labor Day with a spectacular fireworks show launched at 8pm from a barge in Boston Harbor between the North Shore and Seaport, the show will not happen this year, but expects to return next year.

Find out more about Boston Labor Day Events


Labor Day Weekend Fireworks Cruises

Boston Labor Day Events -Fireworks over Boston Harbor
Fireworks - Photo credit: AdobeStock/Teerapun Fuangtong

Please note:  Boston's Labor Day fireworks will not take place this year due to restraints on resources, but hopefully they will return in 2024.  We are leaving the following information up in case you want to plan for next year:

Fireworks launched from two barges anchored between the North End and Seaport will light up the sky over Boston Harbor to kick off Labor Day Weekend.

The spectacular show known as "Dueling Barges"  begins at 8:30pm on Thursday before Lavor Day.

Looking for the best place to watch Boston's Labor Day fireworks? 

Get tickets for a fireworks cruise on the Harbor.

More places to view the fireworks:  Columbus Park and Long Wharf in the North End, the South Boston Waterfront (especially around Fan Pier/Seaport), the Downtown Waterfront, and Piers Park in East Boston.  

For hotels with views, consider South Boston waterfront hotels, downtown waterfront hotels, and North End hotels.  Compare prices online if you like, but call the hotel of your choice to book a room with a view.

Where to Stay: Hotels in Boston's North End

Interested in staying in or near Boston's wonderful North End neighborhood, filled with tantalizing Italian restaurants and bakeries?

Boston Yacht Haven - waterfront boutique hotel in the North End
Boston Yacht Haven on Boston Harbor near the North End

Consider these welcoming choices:

Find more hotels in or near the North End


More Boston Waterfront Hotels


Looking Ahead to Fall Events in Boston


More Fun Ways to See Boston



More to Do in Boston in September



Need a Boston Hotel or Apartment?

Use this handy map from Booking.com to find the perfect place to stay.  Just enter your dates to find what's available, see the best rates, and make your reservations.

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