Boston Discovery Guide
  • home
  • attractions
    • Attractions
    • Tours
    • Theater & Shows
    • Concerts
    • Sports
    • Cruises
    • Shopping
    • Fall Foliage
    • Entertainment & Nightlife
    • Kids Activities
    • Colleges & Universities
    • Neighborhoods
    • Restaurants
    • More to See & Do
  • events
    • Today in Boston
    • January Events in Boston
    • February Events in Boston
    • March Events in Boston
    • April Events in Boston
    • May Events in Boston
    • June Events in Boston
    • July Events in Boston
    • August Events in Boston
    • September Events in Boston
    • October Events in Boston
    • November Events in Boston
    • December Events in Boston
    • Top Boston Events - All Months
  • hotels
    • Hotel Deals, Discounts, Promos
    • Inexpensive Hotels
    • New Year's Eve Specials
    • Hotels near July 4 Fireworks
    • Boston Marathon Hotels
    • Downtown Boston Hotels
    • Outdoor Pools
    • Valentine's Day Packages
    • Waterfront Hotels
    • Theatre District
    • Fenway Park Hotels
    • All Hotels 
  • discounts
    • Hotel Deals & Discounts
    • Half Price Tickets
    • Boston Discount Cards
    • Save on Attractions, Tours, Cruises
    • Restaurant Week
  • trip planner
    • Boston Maps
    • Sightseeing Guide
    • Boston Guide Books
    • Trip Planning Guide
    • Cheap Flights to Boston
    • Getting Around
    • Weather in Boston
    • Cruise Port Visitor Info
    • Luggage Storage
    • How to Eat a Lobster
    • Boston History Timeline
    • Boston Travel Questions
You are here: Home   >  See & Do   > 

Best Things to Do in Boston in May 2019

Top 10 May Activities in Boston
Best things to do in Boston in February include ice skating on Frog Pond in Boston Common
Outdoor concerts pop up all over Boston starting in May - This one is on Boston Common

With arrival of warm weather, lots of fun things to do in Boston in May happen outdoors - so go outside and enjoy all the city has to offer!

You can cheer the Red Sox at Fenway Park, join the Duckling Day Parade on Mother's Day, and even head to the beach.

Memorial Day brings all sorts of activities, including the popular Boston Calling outdoor music festival and the Garden of Flags on Boston Common.

Tour Boston by bike, go on a Harbor cruise, walk along the Freedom Trail, join special art walks, soak up sun on a Boston Beach, or just enjoy the gorgeous flowers blooming in all the parks. 

As a bonus to visitors, Boston hotel rates remain somewhat lower in May (except when college graduations take place) than during the summer, so plan your visit to take advantage of these affordable hotel rooms. 


Booking.com

1. Boston Calling Music Festival on Memorial Day Weekend 2019

New England Bruins at TD Garden in Boston
Boston Calling night performance
Photo courtesy of Boston Calling on Facebook

Memorial Day Weekend

Boston Calling, the popular 3-day indie and pop rock music festival that takes place over Memorial Day Weekend, returns to the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston.

Headliners include alt-rockers Twenty One Pilots, rapper Travis Scott, and psychedelic pop-rock group Tame Impala. Other well-known acts included indietronic duo Odesza, rapper/singer-songwriter Logic, funk/R&B singer Janelle Monáe, plus many more bands - about 55 in all.  Local groups/musicians include Guster, Pile, Clairo, and Sidney Gish.

On the Comedy and Entertainment slate, look for Michael Che, Fred Armisen, and Jenny Slate headlining the comedy acts, and Boston Ballet and English singer-songwriter Imogen Heap on the entertainment side.  

Look for three music stages, a comedy stage, and more music than ever, plus over 30 food vendors, a wide selection of beer and wine, sponsor exhibits, and surprise attractions.

Tickets typically go fast, and prices rise as the dates draw closer.  In addition for single-day passes, you'll see options for 3-day passes plus a tiered array of VIP tickets; the most expensive tiers typically sell out the fastest.

Boston Calling 2019 Tickets:

Valentine's Day Special Promos (good through 2/14)

     TicketLiquidator - Enter VDAY15 to get $15 off orders of $150+
     TicketNetwork - Enter VDAYTN to get $15 off orders of $150+

Ticket Discount Codes

     TicketLiquidator - Enter WINTERTL to get $10 off orders of $250+
     TicketNetwork - Enter TNTIX to get $10 off orders of $300+


Find More Memorial Day Weekend Concerts:  Schedules, Tickets, & Discounts

Valentine's Day Special Promos (good through 2/14)

     TicketLiquidator - Enter VDAY15 to get $15 off orders of $150+
     TicketNetwork - Enter VDAYTN to get $15 off orders of $150+

Ticket Discount Codes

     TicketLiquidator - Enter WINTERTL to get $10 off orders of $250+
     TicketNetwork - Enter TNTIX to get $10 off orders of $300+


More Concerts & Shows for May

Boston Concerts & Shows throughout the Year  

2.  Bike Tour  (use old)

Boston Marathon

 

3.  Take a Cruise!

Whale watching cruise from Boston

Northern Lights

Duck Boats

Whale Watch

Boston Duck Boats begin re-appearing in large numbers in April, and offer a unique vantage point from which to tour through the city's most historic areas downtown, as well as parts of Back Bay and Beacon Hill, and then to view it from the special perspective of the Charles River.  You may even see nesting ducks along the river's edge - perhaps descendants of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard.

Boston whale watching cruises begin operating again in early April - perfect way to see these big creatures up close.

Lots of other Boston tours and cruises are also available - a fun way to explore the city and discover things you might not see on your own:

Whale Watching Cruise Tickets, Discounts, & Savings

Whale watching cruise

Join one of the popular 3-hour Whale Watching Cruises departing from the convenient Downtown Boston Waterfront, and you'll have the opportunity to spot whales off the coast of Boston. 

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

4.  Cheer for the Red Sox

Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park

Fresh from their pre-season games, the Red Sox begin each Boston season by taking on their long-time rivals, the New York Yankees. 

Although tickets for the opening game may be challenging to get at this point, the Red Sox play plenty of other home games throughout April - so be there!

Red Sox May Schedule & Tickets

Valentine's Day Special Promos (good through 2/14)

     TicketLiquidator - Enter VDAY15 to get $15 off orders of $150+
     TicketNetwork - Enter VDAYTN to get $15 off orders of $150+

Ticket Discount Codes

     TicketLiquidator - Enter WINTERTL to get $10 off orders of $250+
     TicketNetwork - Enter TNTIX to get $10 off orders of $300+

Boston Red Sox Schedule at Fenway Park

Find Red Sox tickets for other months

5.  Go to a Concert or Show (or Both!)

Concerts in Boston

Concerts and shows take place almost every night of the week in Boston.  Our many concert venues attract top performers, and Boston's Theatre District is home to everything from Broadway shows to avant-garde contemporary drama.  

Concerts for April

Valentine's Day Special Promos (good through 2/14)

     TicketLiquidator - Enter VDAY15 to get $15 off orders of $150+
     TicketNetwork - Enter VDAYTN to get $15 off orders of $150+

Ticket Discount Codes

     TicketLiquidator - Enter WINTERTL to get $10 off orders of $250+
     TicketNetwork - Enter TNTIX to get $10 off orders of $300+

Boston concerts in April

More Boston Concerts

Theater Schedule for April

Valentine's Day Special Promos (good through 2/14)

     TicketLiquidator - Enter VDAY15 to get $15 off orders of $150+
     TicketNetwork - Enter VDAYTN to get $15 off orders of $150+

Ticket Discount Codes

     TicketLiquidator - Enter WINTERTL to get $10 off orders of $250+
     TicketNetwork - Enter TNTIX to get $10 off orders of $300+

More Shows & Performances 

6.  Head to the Beach on Sunny Afternoons

Revere Beach
Getting ready to fly a kite on Revere Beach
Photo courtesy of Francis

Did you know you can enjoy a Boston beach without leaving the city? 

Boston beaches may not rival Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard - but they have lots of charm and convenience, especially when other reasons keep you in the city on the weekend. 

Or head to the Cape or the Vineyard for a day trip or longer:

7.  Art Walks

Whether this is your first or your 40th visit, you can have fun exploring Boston's unique, spectacular, and sometimes quirky neighborhoods.  Here are two suggestions to get you started:

South Boston Waterfront:  In Boston's most sizzling neighborhood, you'll find the Institute of Contemporary Art, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion where many summer concerts take place, and lots of popular restaurants overlooking the waterfront.  For the ultimate experience in this neighborhood, check out all the cruises departing from Boston's Black Falcon Cruise Terminal - and then make reservations on one!

Fort Point:  Across Congress Street from the South Boston Waterfront is the Fort Point neighborhood, home to artists, art galleries, and many of the city's top chef-owned restaurants.  Explore the galleries and boutiques, and be sure to have a meal here.

Check our Boston sightseeing guide and map to find attractions in other neighborhoods.

2 Easy Ways to Save BIG in Boston

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

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


8.  Newport

Outdoor dining in Boston's Back Bay

For an easy day trip from Boston, visit Newport, Rhode Island, just 60 miles to the south. 

Explore gilded-age mansions along Ocean Drive and Cliff Walk, take a harbor cruise, and have fun shopping and trying all the local restaurants.

Newport Tours from Boston:


9.  Garden Tours

Sailing in Boston

Sailing in Boston begins in earnest in April.  If you sail, or want to learn how, check out the opportunities for sailing during your visit.  You, too, could be out sailing on the Charles River or Boston Harbor.

For more excitement, watch (or participate in) the Run of the Charles - New England's biggest kayak and canoe race.

More ways to see Boston by water:


10.  Explore the Greenway

As the city bursts into bloom in April, people turn out in hordes to admire all the spring flowers.  You'll find lots to love on a stroll through the Victorian-era Public Garden or the lushly-planted Rose Kennedy Greenway, but especially on warm weekend afternoons, these well-known spots can get crowded. 

To see pockets of color known mostly to locals, explore some of Boston's "secret" parks and gardens, conveniently located in the central core of the city but just enough out of the way to be almost hidden, unless you happen to know where they are.

Recommended for You

  • Patriots Day in Boston - Find out about this important local holiday celebrating the beginning of the American Revolution
  • Theatre District Shows - Find out what's on
  • Theatre District Restaurants - Where to dine before or after a show
  • Boston Marathon - Boston's famous race
  • Boston Events in April - Find out what's happening
You are here:     Boston Discovery Guide    >   See & Do   >  Things to Do in Boston in April

Happening Now

Outdoor dining in Boston's North End neighborhood
  • Boston Events TODAY
  • August Events
  • Labor Day Events
  • September Events
  • October Events
  • Columbus Day
  • Concerts
  • Theatre District Shows
  • Red Sox
  • Patriots

Boston in April

Top April events in Boston
  • Boston Marathon
  • Boston Marathon Route
  • Boston Marathon Hotels
  • Patriots Day
  • Patriots Day Schedule
  • April Events in Boston
  • More Things to Do in Boston in April
  • Run of the Charles


Sightseeing

Map & attractions by neighborhood

What to Do

Fun summer activities

Where to Stay

Boston hotels with outdoor pools


Discount & Half-Price Tickets

Save BIG on half-price & discount tickets from Goldstar

  • Saint Paddy's Green Electric Yacht Party - @ Spirit of Boston - Goldstar $10-$13, full price $20-25
  • Snow Tubing & Brewery Adventure - Goldstar $72, full price $99
  • The Runaway Bunny @ Boston Center for the Arts- Goldstar $15, Full price $30
  • Fifty Shades of Men @ Icon Nightclub - Goldstar $0-$13, Full price $25
  • Ski & Snowboard Crotched Mountain: Roundtrip bus, rentals, lift ticket - Goldstar $87; Full price $125
  • Live Music @ City Winery - Goldstar $10-$25; Full price $22-$50
  • Tipsy Chocolate Tours - Boozy walking tour in Boston's Back Bay - Goldstar $48; Full price $68
  • Huzzah! Tavern Nights - Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum - Goldstar $41; Full price $55
  • History Comes Alive! - Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum - Goldstar $19; Full price $30
  • Stand-Up Top Stars & Rising Comedians - Nick's Comedy Stop - Goldstar $0-$10, Regular $20
  • Riot Improv Mainstage: Your Quirky Family - Rozzie Square Theatre - Goldstar $8, Regular $15
  • Riot Improv: Mashup with MassMouth - Rozzie Square Theatre - Goldstar $8, Regular $15
  • Stand-Up at the Comedy Scene - Patriot Place (across from Gillette Stadium) Foxboro, MA - Goldstar $10, Regular $20

 

 

Latest Articles

  • Christmas in Boston - It's the perfect time to visit!

    Find out more
  • New Boston Hotels - Want to try one of Boston's newest hotels?  Here's where you'll find them ...

    Find out more
  • Boston Comedy Clubs are better than ever!  Here's where to go

    Find out more
  • Boston's Christmas Lights - Locations and lighting ceremony dates

    Find out more
  • Boston Marathon Hotels - Don't wait to book if you're coming for the Marathon!

    Find out more



Most Popular 

  • Theatre District Shows
  • Bargain Hotels
  • Concerts
  • Fall Foliage Tours
  • Cruises From Boston
  • Sightseeing
  • Kids Activities
  • Boston - NYC Bus
  • Where to Ski near Boston
  • Freedom Trail
  • Best Boston Guide Books

Fun Events

  • New Year's Eve
  • Valentine's Day
  • St Patrick's Day
  • Boston Marathon
  • Memorial Day Weekend
  • July 4th Concert & Fireworks
  • Labor Day Weekend Events
  • Columbus Day Events & Parade
  • Halloween in Boston
  • Thanksgiving Weekend Events
  • Christmas in Boston

Website Info

  • About BDG
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Ask Your Travel Question

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • RSS Feed
  • Newsletter

Copyright © 2008-2019 Boston Discovery Guide®.  All rights reserved.   Boston Discovery Guide® is a Registered Trademark.  All content including text and original photographs is copyrighted and protected by DMCA.

Please note:   Although we do our best to ensure that content on BostonDiscoveryGuide.com is accurate, information can change at any point without our knowledge.   Please confirm all details with the sponsoring organization prior to visiting attractions or attending events.   Boston Discovery Guide makes no representations or warranties with respect to any information, materials, or graphics on this website, all of which is provided on a strictly "as is" basis, without express or implied warranty of any kind.