7 Festivals Near Boston Accessible via the MBTA Commuter Rail
When:
Wednesday, Aug 27, 2025 7:00p -
Saturday, Sep 27, 2025 10:00p
Wednesday, Aug 27, 2025 7:00p -
Saturday, Sep 27, 2025 10:00p
Where:
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
Massachusetts, Massachusetts
Admission:
FREE
Categories:
Date Idea, Kid Friendly, Nature, Seasonal
Event website:
https://massbytrain.com/things-to-do/
Embrace the final weeks of summer weather by exploring these festivals around Boston using the MBTA Commuter Rail. Learn about different cultures, celebrate art, taste various foods, and get in the Halloween spirit a bit early before fall arrives. Don't forget to take advantage of the $10 MBTA Commuter Rail Weekend Pass, which offers unlimited rides on Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday weekends for just $10. Happy exploring!
by Yelena Nicolle Salvador
Note: These experiences are just a short ride away from the closest MBTA station. Take a ~15-minute rideshare with friends and family, hop on a bike, walk, or consider other eco-friendly options after taking the Commuter Rail.
1) 41st Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival
When: Wed. 8/27 - Sun. 8/31
Where: Gloucester
Closest Commuter Rail Station: Gloucester
Info: Take the Newburyport/Rockport Line train and join thousands of visitors during this summer festival that celebrates majestic schooner vessels that travel from all over to unite in Gloucester Harbor. Learn about the history of these ships, cheer your favorites during schooner races, and tour a vessel. Plus, there will be live music all weekend long and fireworks that will light up the harbor.
2) PVDFest
When: Fri. 9/5 - Sat. 9/6
Where: Providence
Closest Commuter Rail Station: Providence
Info: Celebrate art at the annual PVDFest in the heart of Downtown Providence. Take the Providence/Stoughton Line in and enjoy live music, watch a mural battle, cheer on artistic performances, and shop from local vendors. Don’t miss the community parade and the city-wide electric slide finale.
3) 15th Annual Rhode Island Seafood Festival
When: Sat. 9/6 - Sun. 9/7
Where: Providence
Closest Commuter Rail Station: Providence
Info: Ride the Providence/Stoughton Line train to Providence and support the best local food vendors of the Ocean State during the 15th Annual RI Seafood Festival right along the water of India Point Park. Sip on beer, wine, and spirits while sampling fresh oysters, lobster rolls, and more. There will be live music, dancing along the waterfront, and plenty of fun for everyone.
4) Rockport Celtic Festival 2025
When: Thu. 9/11 - Sun. 9/14
Where: Rockport
Closest Commuter Rail Station: Rockport
Info: Learn about Celtic history and immerse yourself in a world of storytelling and music. Join musicians of Irish, Scottish, Breton, and Quebecois traditions as they perform, collaborate, and share their musical talents. Get ready for four days of live music with the ocean as your backdrop at this festival, accessible through the Newbury/Rockport Line.
When: Sat. 9/13
Where: Gloucester
Closest Commuter Rail Station: Gloucester
Info: Enjoy stunning views of Cape Ann with a cold brew in hand at this festival. Meet brewmasters and beer aficionados at this community get together where you can sample hundreds of beers, ciders, and meads from almost 20 breweries. There will be live music, NA drinks too, food vendors, and so much more. Take the Newburyport/Rockport Line to Gloucester station, then a short ride-share to Stage Fort Park.
6) Waterfire Festival 2025 (pictured)
When: Sat. 9/27
Where: Providence
Closest Commuter Rail Station: Providence
Info: Head to Providence for this beloved tradition where you can watch the Woonsaquatucket River illuminate with dozens of fire basins floating on the water. There will be art vendors, live music, and so much more. Feel like you’ve been transported to Europe, take a gondola ride, and experience the creative energy of the city.
When: Thu. 9/25 - Sun. 9/28
Where: Salem
Closest Commuter Rail Station: Salem
Info: Get ready for fall by getting in the Halloween spirit in the spooky capital of America. Salem is a quick ride away from Boston through the Newburyport/Rockport Line. Enjoy a weekend of specialty markets in different historic areas of Salem where you can shop for art, Halloween treats, and so much more.
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