When:
Monday, Jan 01, 2024 12:00a -
Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 11:59p

Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA

EventScheduled OfflineEventAttendanceMode

Admission:
$ ~varies~

Categories:
Art, Business & Professional, Date Idea, Festivals & Fairs, Food, Innovation, Kid Friendly, LGBTQ+, Lectures & Conferences, Music, Nightlife, Party, Shows, Sports & Active Life, Tech, University

Event website:
https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/top-10-annual-events-in-boston

Whether you’re new to Boston or an old timer who loves these annual events, we’ve rounded up the most anticipated yearly activities the city has to offer. Mark these on your calendars because it will help you experience Boston in the most authentic way possible.


10) First Night Boston

When: Sunday, 12/31

Where: Various locations around Boston

Info: Ring in the New Year with a night full of exciting free events around Boston. First Night offers musical performances, ice sculptures, fireworks, and more. 


9) The Head of the Charles Regatta

When: Friday, 10/18 to Sunday, 10/20

Where: Charles River, Boston/Cambridge

Info: Thousands of spectators flock to the Charles River every year to watch this 3-day rowing event. Watch the nail-biting races and sample food and drinks from some of Boston’s best restaurants in the Reunion Village.


8) Boston Calling Music Festival

When: Friday, 05/24 to Sunday, 05/26

Where: Allston

Info: Hold your horses, Coachella! The Boston Calling Music Festival has been bringing big name musical acts to the Hub since 2013. Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime shows, food, drinks, games, and art installations.


7) Saint Anthony's Feast

When: Thursday, 08/22 to Sunday, 08/25

Where: North End

Info: Gather in the North End to celebrate Saint Anthony’s Feast, an authentic Italian street festival with live music, games, a procession, and all the Italian food you can eat.


6) Boston Common Tree Lighting

When: TBD

Where: Downtown

Info: For more than 50 years Nova Scotia has sent Boston a stunning holiday tree in thanks for relief efforts following a 1917 explosion. The lighting of this magnificent tree marks the official beginning of the holidays in Boston. 


5) St. Patrick's Day Parade

When: Sunday, 03/17

Where: South Boston

Info: Boston has some serious Irish roots and nobody celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day quite like Southie. Grab a Guinness and enjoy this community parade and celebration. 


4) Boston Red Sox Home Opener

When: Tuesday, 04/09

Where: Fenway 

Info: Rooting for the home team atop the Green Monster is a Boston rite of passage and no game is more sacred than the home opener. Help the Sox start off the season strong, and grab a Fenway Frank while you’re at it.


3) Boston Pride Parade & Festival 

When: Saturday, 06/08

Where: Boston Common & City Hall Plaza

Info: Boston Pride is back with new organizers on June 10th, 2023 after taking a four-year hiatus. The celebration will include a parade, a festival, and more as this new organization creates a unified city Pride celebration.


2) Boston Pops July 4th Fireworks Spectacular

When: Thursday, 07/04

Where: Charles River Esplanade

Info: Celebrate the Fourth of July like a true Bostonian, by watching a free performance by The Boston Pops on the Esplanade followed by a fireworks show over the Charles River.


1) Boston Marathon

When: Monday, 04/15

Where: Back Bay

Info: The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon with roots back to 1896. Every year thousands of people turn up, bursting with city pride, to cheer the runners on.


Honorable mentions:


Somerville PorchFest

When: Mother's Day wknd every year

Where: Somerville

Info: During this city-wide music festival you’ll find musicians of all kinds jamming out on their porches, lawns, and street corners. Everywhere you go in town you can enjoy live music and meet your neighbors. 


What the Fluff? Festival

When: Sunday, 09/17

Where: Somerville

Info: Fluff, the delicious marshmallow spread you may have grown up with, was invented in Somerville and every year the town throws a huge party to celebrate that. Eat Fluff in dozens of different forms, play games, listen to music, and much more.


Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival

When: Friday, 07/28 to Sunday, 07/30

Where: Revere Beach

Info: Watch master artists create towering and impressive sculptures out of sand, right on Revere Beach. While you’re there, snack on eats from local food vendors and enjoy a fireworks display.


PAX East

Date: Thursday, 03/21 to Sunday, 03/24

Where: South Boston

Info: PAX East is a celebration of gaming & gaming culture featuring panels, a massive expo hall filled with publishers & studios, new game demos, musical performances, tournaments, and much more.


HONK! Festival of Activist Street Bands

When: Friday, 10/06 to Sunday, 10/08

Where: Somerville

Info: This three-day festival is a celebration of music, community, and activism all at once! Enjoy live performances, connect with nonprofit orgs, and participate in a raucous parade from Davis Square to Harvard Square


Chinese New Year Parade and Cultural Village

When: Sunday, 01/29

Location: Chinatown

Info: From colorful costumes to magical parades to traditional performances, Boston goes all out for Chinese New Year with lion dancing, street food, live music, and firecrackers. Stop by the Cultural Village and immerse yourself in a pop-up town that’s fit for the whole family. 


Tet in Boston Day Festival & Night Concert

When: Sunday, 02/04 & Sunday, 01/29

Where: South Boston & Dorchester

Info: The Vietnamese Lunar New Year, or Tết Nguyên Đán, is one of the most important celebrations in Vietnamese culture. Each year, the event attracts over 2,000 attendees and 80 vendors— all equally excited to join in on the annual festivities. Continue the celebration with the night concert featuring talented Vietnamese artists.


Dine Out Boston

When: Sunday, 03/12 to Saturday, 03/25

Where: Around Boston

Info: Twice a year Bostonians have the chance to try out the city’s best restaurants at a huge discount. During Dine Out Boston participating restaurants offer a prix fixe menu for a fraction of the usual cost. 


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01/01/2024 00:00:00 12/31/2024 23:59:00 America/New_York Top 10 Annual Events in Boston <p>Whether you’re new to Boston or an old timer who loves these annual events, we’ve rounded up the most anticipated yearly activities the city has to offer. Mark these on your calendars because it... Boston, Boston, MA false MM/DD/YYYY