12 FREE Cultural Festivals around Boston: Summer 2023
When:
Saturday, Jul 08, 2023 9:00a -
Sunday, Sep 10, 2023 10:00p
Saturday, Jul 08, 2023 9:00a -
Sunday, Sep 10, 2023 10:00p
Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
FREE
Categories:
Date Idea, Festivals & Fairs, Food, Good for Groups, Music, Seasonal
Event website:
thebostoncalendar.com
Boston’s a melting pot. Our neighbors represent cultures from all around the world, and they bring their arts, music, dance, food, fashion, and history to the city. There’s no better time than now to learn about these incredible communities, so spend the summer checking out the city’s very best cultural festivals. You won’t regret it.
By Kenneal Patterson
Festivals listed chronologically.
Where: East Cambridge
When: Sat, 7/8
What: We couldn’t be more excited about celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Brazilian Festival, also known as Festa Junina or June Festival. Rescheduled to 7/8 due to inclement weather, this traditional celebration brings in over three thousand attendees to share the love of Brazilian culture, dance, and food.
Where: Dorchester
When: Sat, 7/15
What: The fun starts with the sun goes down. The Little Saigon Night Market, or Chợ Đêm, returns for its second year with mouthwatering food vendors, local artisans, games, entertainment, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
Where: South End
When: Sat, 7/15
What: Who’s ready to salsa dance? At Festival Betances, or Salsa en el 2023, you can celebrate 50 years of the iconic parade, delicious Puerto Rican food, lively music, and so much more. Don’t miss out on this one-day event!
Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts
Where: Downtown
When: Sat, 7/29-Sun,7/30
What: We’re counting down the days until the famous Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts, which offers Bostonians across the city a chance to experience the music and culture of Puerto Rico firsthand. Complete with fun souvenir tents, incredible Latin food, and even carnival rides, this two-day festival is not to be missed.
Where: North End
When: Thu, 8/3-Sun, 8/6
What: From summer concerts to delicious food to fascinating history, the three-day St. Agrippina di Mineo Feast epitomizes Boston’s iconic North End.
Chinatown August Moon Festival
Where: Chinatown
When: Sun, 8/13
What: When the August Moon rises, you know where to find us. Chinatown’s Festival is back for its 53rd year with lion dancing, Chinese music, traditional folk dance, martial arts, historical crafts, delicious food, Chinese calligraphy, and so much more.
Where: North End
When: Thu, 8/17-Sun, 8/20
What: Mama mia, a summer of the North End’s Italian festivals is hard to beat. For three jam-packed days, you can wander through the cobblestone streets to see entertainment on the bandstand; the statue of the Madonna in her chapel; the Sunday night “Flight of the Angel” display; and food vendors with pizza, pasta, and more.
Where: Downtown
When: Sat, 8/19-Sun, 8/20
What: For over a decade, the African Festival of Boston has brought together people across New England to celebrate the music, arts, culture, fashion, and craft made by young creatives across the African diaspora.
Where: North End
When: Thu, 8/24-Sun, 8/27
What: Ciao, Boston. St. Anthony’s Feast is known as the “Feast of all Feasts” for a reason. It’s back for its 104th year, so make sure you stop by for colorful parades, religious displays, next-level Italian food, top-notch performances, and so much more.
Boston Annual Ukrainian Festival
Where: Fenway
When: Sat, 8/26
What: Celebrate the culture and customs during the Annual Ukrainian Festival & Independence Day. Visitors can enjoy classic music, folk dances, and authentic Ukrainian food. Donations are welcome and will go towards victims of the war.
Where: Porter Square
When: Fri, 9/8
What: Somer Fest is dedicated to uplifting local voices and highlighting people of color. It features a live DJ and performances from incredible artists, ranging from hip-hop to folk. Don’t miss out on a lovely evening at Seven Hills Park.
Greek Festival at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Where: Back Bay
When: Fri, 9/8- Sun, 9/10
What: You’ll be drooling when you see the loukoumades and kafenio. At the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, enjoy a three-day celebration of homemade pastries and traditional Greek food, raffles, kids activities, antique treasures, fine boutiques, live music, and so much more.
Bonus: These amazing festivals are worth the price!
Where: Jamaica Plain
When: Sat, 6/24
Cost: $30
What: The Summer Solstice has been honored over centuries by cultures across all seven continents. In the beautiful Arnold Arboretum, surround yourself with ancient stories, beautiful trees, and folk songs about the cultural traditions of the solstice.
Where: Allston
When: Fri, 7/7-Sa, 7/8
Cost: $25
What: Last year, Boston Magazine recognized JerkFest as the Best Food Festival of the year. This year will be no different, so make sure you show up for hot spiced food, yummy sauces, a jerk cook-off, and so much more.
Where: Roxbury Crossing
When: Sat, 9/16
Cost: $25-65
What: Is anyone else dreaming of rum punch? Celebrate the delicious food and drink of the Caribbean with a day of festivities at Roxbury Community College. Cheers!
