How to Celebrate the 2024 Boston Marathon

This year marks the Boston Marathon’s 128th Anniversary, as well as the 100th year of the race starting in Hopkinton. April 15 is all about Boston pride, supporting our community, and remembering the history of our city. Here’s your guide to celebrate all things Boston, running, and more for the 128th Boston Marathon 2024.

By Yelena Nicolle Salvador

What to Do Before Race Day: Gear up for Marathon festivities with these events and things to do, so you can brush up on Marathon history and build up that Boston spirit.

Feel inspired by the stories of marathon runners and the people of Boston by catching a showing of ‘The Heart of New England’ (every Mon.) or view the ‘All About Boston’ Exhibit (Tues.-Sat. until Apr. 27) on Newbury St. to see the beauty of our city captured through oil and watercolor paintings.

For a dose of history, see the ‘Marathon Man’ (Mon.-Sun.) statue that was built in honor of John A. Kelley, a runner who completed 61 Boston Marathons. You can also visit the ‘Spencer the Marathon Dog’ (Mon.-Sun.) statue, a piece that remembers the famous golden retriever, Spencer, who cheered on marathon runners for years.

For those folks feeling inspired to get a quick run in, meet other runners, or just listen to speakers, stop by MYSTRYDE Shake Out Run & Panel (Thurs., Apr. 11) or CRAFT x Marathon Sports Shakeout Run (Sat., Apr. 13).

You can also buy tickets to a live podcast taping of ‘Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara’ (Fri., Apr. 12), hosted by two friends, Boston Marathon champion and a Boston marathon podium finisher, who will talk about all things running.

The Boston Marathon is a family event too. Kids can participate in the Marathon Daffodil Dash 2024 (Sat., Apr. 13) or you can stop by just to cheer on the lil runners. There will be snacks, flower crowns, and live music by DJ Steve Fortes. The best part about this race is seeing the tradition of daffodils lining the track, just as they pop up all around the city: a symbol of hope and strength.

Grab your friends and build up your fan energy by heading to the Boston Marathon Weekend at Sam Adams Downtown (Fri.-Tues., Apr. 12-16). There will be commemorative cups, brews, and cookies – all 26.2 inspired!

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the marathon city by stopping by Bank of America’s Marathon Expo (Fri.-Sun., Apr. 12-14) where you can see famous Olympians and professional runners, listen to panels, walk around sponsor exhibits, and more! There will also be live music and other fun activities at Boston Marathon’s Fan Fest (Fri.-Sun., Apr. 12-14), as well as meet and greets with famous runners at the Finish Line Entertainment series (Fri.-Sun., Apr. 12-14).

If you want to gear up with all things bread and pasta related to get your dose of carbs to scream or run your heart out, check out Bow Market’s House of Carbs Party (Sun., Apr. 14)!

Finally, make sure you have everything you need to cheer on those running around the city. Stop by the Boston Public Market to Create Your Own Marathon Sign (Sun., Apr. 14) where there will be supplies for you to make the best, colorful posters!

Where to Watch on Race Day: Add some fun where you watch and cheer on our runners throughout the day!

If you’re looking for a fully planned watch party with live music and light bites, purchase tickets to the Heather Abbott Foundation’s Watch Party (Mon., Apr. 15) at Rochambeau on Boylston St. or enjoy plenty of noms with a ticket to Atlantic Fish Co.'s Celebration (Mon., Apr. 15) right by the finish line.

For a more chill vibe at your own pace, check out South Street Diner’s Marathon Celebration (Mon., Apr. 15) with a menu of milkshakes, drinks, and brunch eats. Portions of sales will be donated to the Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor Fund too. 

Time Out Market is also hosting a watch party (Mon., Apr. 15) with raffles, a live DJ, and Marathon Monday drink specials.

If you want to stop by the race for a bit and bring your friends, some of the most famous spots to cheer on runners are at Heartbreak Hill, a grueling ascent where you can show some extra love, as well as the Scream Tunnel at Wellesley, and of course, the very, very, very packed finish line at Boylston. 

I recommend the stretch between Cleveland Circle and Kenmore for a fun watch. The energy at Coolidge Corner is amazing but less crowded! The full route and other places to watch can be found on this map.

For a more boozy experience, check out some bars in Fenway that will be guaranteed packed on the big day, as well as bars in the South End, Back Bay, Somerville, and Cisco Brewers Beer Garden in Seaport.

Marathon Monday is also One Boston Day, a day that recognizes the strength and resilience of Boston after the tragedy on April 15, 2013. On One Boston Day (Mon., Apr. 15), you can show extra kindness and love to Boston by participating in community organizations or volunteering around the city (Sat.-Mon., Apr. 13-15), as well as supporting these restaurants (Mon., Apr. 15) who donate proceeds to good causes.

Celebrating After the Marathon: 26.2 miles later and now, it’s time to celebrate. YOU did it! WE did it! Cheers to everyone and to Boston.

Join the official Mile 27 Post-Race Party at City Hall Plaza (Mon., Apr. 15). Hosted by Sam Adams, the celebration will be full of joy with runners, families, and friends – be sure to purchase a ticket for this event!

Samuel Adams Brewery is also hosting a Marathon Afterparty (Mon., Apr. 15) with live music, cookies, BBQ, and pop-up trucks. This one is free and does not require a ticket!

To party it up with dancing and music, check out MEDALS Marathon After Party (Mon., Apr. 15) that runs late into the night.

If you’re a hungry runner looking for some carbs, enjoy a trio pasta flight for free if you show your B.A.A. bib or medal – all at Victory Point restaurant (Mon., Apr. 15).

Boston, you’re amazing! Happy Marathoning and One Boston Day. 💙💛

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Photo by @bretclancy. Buy Bret Clancy's photo prints & canvas art at www.bretclancy.etsy.com

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