27 Summer Festivals around Boston in 2023
When:
Thursday, May 18, 2023 11:00a -
Monday, Sep 25, 2023 9:00p
Thursday, May 18, 2023 11:00a -
Monday, Sep 25, 2023 9:00p
Where:
Around Boston
Greater Boston
Boston, MA
Admission:
$Varies
Categories:
Drinks, Festivals & Fairs, Food, Kid Friendly, Music, Outside, Party, Seasonal
Event website:
https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/
The weather is only sunny and warm in Boston for a brief few months, so we like to take advantage of it by celebrating everything at every turn. The summer season is packed with festivals acknowledging everything from the city’s artistic prowess to our high-quality seafood. We’ve rounded up some of the best celebrations for your party pleasure.
by Celina Colby
Boston Pride Parade and Festival
When: Sat, 6/10 at 11am
Where: Downtown
Cost: Free
Info: Celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community with a brand new Pride Parade developed by a new group of organizers. The parade will spread joy down Boylston Street to the Boston Common where a huge festival and block party will develop throughout the afternoon.
When: Sun, 6/18 at 12pm
Where: Downtown
Cost: Free
Info: The Boston Portuguese Festival is back after a four year hiatus and the festival celebrating Portuguese culture will be bigger than ever. Listen to live music, watch authentic cultural performances, and sample different types of Portuguese cuisine.
When: Sat, 6/24 to Sun, 6/25
Where: Downtown
Cost: Free
Info: It doesn’t take much to sell this savory event. At the Boston Pizza Festival restaurants from around the world bring their best pies to vie for your palate’s attention. In between slices catch the live entertainment and activities spread around the festival grounds.
Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival
When: Fri, 7/28 to Sun, 7/30
Where: Revere
Cost: Free
Info: The annual Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival is a feast for the eyes. Stroll along the beach viewing astounding sculptures crafted from sand, enjoy live entertainment, watch a fireworks display, and chow down on food from local vendors. It’ll give you a whole new perspective on the sandcastles of your childhood.
Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts
When: Sat, 7/29 to Sun 7/30
Where: Downtown
Cost: Free
Info: The Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts is one of the largest in the country. At this vibrant celebration watch a parade of cultural organizations and art institutions in the city, dance to live music, and snack on pasteles and tostones from local restaurants.
When: Sat, 7/29 to Sun 7/30
Where: North Cambridge
Cost: Free
Info: Relax to the smooth sounds of local jazz musicians at this annual two-day music festival. The festival grounds also include a pop-up food court, a jazz museum, a marketplace of local vendors, a beer garden, and comfortable spaces designed for seniors and children.
Soulful Bliss: Arts & Music Festival at Spectacle
When: Sat, 7/29 at 1 p.m.
Where: Spectacle Island
Cost: $25
Info: Jam out to talented local soul musicians under the sun on Spectacle island. The festival boasts live music and a live podcast recording, a rigorous cardio fitness class, s’mores on the beach, live artmaking, and food and drinks for purchase through Brato Brewhouse.
When: Sat, 7/29 at 5p.m.
Where: Allston
Cost: Free
Info: Relish the hyper-cool Allston/Brighton art scene with live music performances, artmaking, and a marketplace of creative local vendors. Food and beverages will be available for purchase through Aeronaut Brewery to cap off the evening.
When: Thu, 8/3 to Sun 8/6
Where: North End
Cost: Free
Info: The St. Agrippina di Mineo Feast begins with a procession led by the children of the Saint Agrippina society and accented by music from Italian marching bands. From there you can enjoy live music, food games, and a famous tug-of-war match.
Chinatown August Moon Festival
When: Mon, 8/7 at 10 a.m.
Where: Chinatown
Cost: Free
Info: The August Moon Festival dates back to 771 BCE in Chinese history, celebrating the harvesting of rice under a full moon. At Boston’s celebration, watch cultural performances, learn Chinese calligraphy, and shop at a marketplace of small businesses.
When: Fri, 8/11 to Sun, 8/13
Where: North End
Cost: Free
Info: The North End’s Madonna Della Cava Feast is centered on a procession of a cloth banner decorated with the Madonna’s image. The tradition was brought to Boston by first generation Italian-Americans. In addition to this ceremony you can listen to live music, try authentic Italian foods, and shop local vendors.
When: Thu, 8/17 to Sun, 8/20
Where: North End
Cost: Free
Info: The North End’s oldest continuously running Italian festival is not one to miss. Every night for four days fishermen are celebrated with live bands, Italian food and craft vendors, and various traditional ceremonies blessing the fishermen and their waters.
When: Sat, 8/19 to Sun, 8/20
Where: Downtown Boston
Cost: Free
Info: Celebrating innovation in Africa and through the diaspora, the African Festival highlights up-and-coming musicians and performers in a rotating stage throughout the day. You can also shop at a marketplace of authentic African goods and eat traditional dishes from food vendors.
When: Thu, 8/24 to Sun, 8/27
Where: North End
Cost: Free
Info: Saint Anthony’s Feast in Boston began as an Italian and North End tradition in 1919 and has won over the hearts of Bostonians. The highly anticipated annual festival lights up Hanover Street with decorations, a parade, live performances, and more than 100 push carts selling authentic Italian eats.
When: Fri, 8/25 to Sun, 8/27
Where: Chinatown
Cost: Free
Info: All weekend the Asian Community Development Corporation will screen films by Asian immigrant and Asian American filmmakers at the Chinatown Gate. Prior to the screenings guests can also enjoy performances, martial arts demonstrations, and family games.
98th Annual Italian Feast of Saints Cosmas & Damian
When: Fri, 9/8 to Sun, 9/10
Where: North End
Cost: Free
Info: Food stalls, carnival games, amusement rides, and live music flood the North End streets for this vibrant feast. Relax in the festival’s beer and wine garden, hear words from special guests, and enjoy the community spirit of the North End.
When: Fri, 9/8 to Sat, 9/9
Where: Somerville
Cost: Free
Info: Somer Fest is a free performing arts festival highlighting local, BIPOC artists. Dance to DJ beats and discover new artists with performances by hip-hop, R&B, and genre-fusion artists throughout the day.
When: Sat, 9/9 to Sun 9/10
Where: North End
Cost: Free
Info: For two days the Boston Arts Festival highlights visual and performing artists in the city with installations, live stage performances, and exhibitions of work spanning the media spectrum from photography and pottery to painting and jewelry.
When: Sat, 9/9 at 12p.m.
Where: Jamaica Plain
Cost: Free
Info: Jamaica Plain is known for its thriving artistic scene and this festival provides the opportunity for local musicians to take center stage. Listen to a dynamic lineup of performers on two stages and keep your energy up with snacks from on-site food trucks.
When: Sun, 9/10 at 11 a.m.
Where: Seaport
Cost: $20+
Info: Boston has some of the freshest seafood around and the Boston Seafood Festival pays homage to our tireless fisheries, chefs, and oyster shuckers keeping the industry vibrant. Watch culinary demonstrations, lounge in one of several beer gardens, and eat all the lobster your heart desires.
When: Sat, 9/16 at 12 p.m.
Where: Roxbury
Cost: $40
Info: Celebrate the flavors and sounds of the Caribbean at this festival showcasing food and cocktails from the tropical region. The culinary offerings will be accented with live entertainment and work by local artists and craftspeople.
When: Sat, 9/16 at 11 a.m.
Where: Revere
Cost: Free
Info: Watch artmaking in real time at the Revere Beach Arts Fest where a live art competition is just the start of the excitement. Create your own works and enjoy music, food, and the beautiful beach scenery during the festival.
When: Sun, 9/17 at 11 a.m.
Where: Greenway
Cost: Free
Info: You certainly won’t go hungry at this festival! The celebration features more than 75 local food vendors, showcasing some of the best eats Boston has to offer. Sample different dishes while you stroll along the Greenway enjoying the city’s beautiful scenery.
When: Sun, 9/17 and Sun, 10/22
Where: Somerville
Cost: Free
Info: Inspired by the Open Streets initiative that closes busy roads down to make public space, SomerStreets opens up a main byway for walking, dancing, cycling, and generally enjoying the neighborhood. The Strike Up festival is particularly geared towards encouraging physical activity with games, a parkour course, and other activities.
When: Sat, 9/23 at 3p.m.
Where: Somerville
Cost: Free
Info: The sweetest festival in Boston is back! Fluff was invented on the streets of Somerville and for one day every year the town celebrates the genius of that recipe. Enjoy live music, elaborate fluff foods, fluff-centric crafts, trivia, and all kinds of fluffy fun.
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Photo: 2018 St. Anthony’s Feast by Matt Conti
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