129 things to do in Boston for $10 or less: August 2025
When:
Friday, Aug 01, 2025 8:00a -
Sunday, Aug 31, 2025 11:30p
Friday, Aug 01, 2025 8:00a -
Sunday, Aug 31, 2025 11:30p
Where:
Boston
Surrounding Areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
$0-10
Categories:
Art, Classes, Date Idea, Drinks, Farms, Festivals & Fairs, Food, Games, Good for Groups, History, Kid Friendly, LGBTQ+, Meetup, Movies, Music, Party, Pet Friendly, Rainy Day Ideas, Seasonal, Shopping, Shows, Social Good, Sports & Active Life
The final days of the official summer season are upon us. Happy August, my Boston friends. This month is full of free outdoor dance parties, fitness classes, movies, concerts, cultural festivals, farmers markets, and more. Savor the very best of Boston’s North End Italian Feast season and soak up the long days of sunshine and late sunsets before autumn arrives!
by Yelena Nicolle Salvador
1) 11th Annual Salsa Squared in Harvard Square
When: Fri. 8/1
Where: Harvard Square
Cost: Free
Info: Every kind of salsa will be at this block party. Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to dance the night away under the stars with salsa and bachata lessons. Listen to Latin beats and curb your hunger with free chips and salsa.
When: Fri. 8/1
Where: South End
Cost: Free
Info: Feel inspired by meeting local artists and seeing them at work. Roam through the galleries of SoWa, get an inside look at new works and pieces in progress, and connect with other art lovers during the beloved SoWa First Friday open galleries event.
3) Silent Cisco Disco ‘90s Dance Party
When: Fri. 8/1
Where: Seaport
Cost: Free
Info: Leave your best moves on the dance floor at the Cisco pop-up in Seaport. Sip on some brews, munch on some food from local food trucks, and enjoy a silent disco dance party full of ‘90s hits.
When: Fri. 8/1
Where: Charlestown
Cost: Free
Info: This outdoor dance party on the water is about celebrating dynamic duos. Bring your bestie, coordinate your best outfits to represent your favorite iconic duo, and get ready for nonstop music. There will be multiple DJs, a live saxophonist, local vendors, and more.
5) MIT Summer Philharmonic Orchestra
When: Fri. 8/1
Where: Kendall
Cost: Free
Info: The MIT Summer Philharmonic Orchestra returns for its 26th season this year. Enjoy an evening of beautiful music that pays tribute to the beauty of our natural world and that reminds us of our role in protecting it.
When: Fri. 8/1
Where: Jamaica Plain
Cost: Free
Info: Cheer on local musicians as they perform at this open mic night. Get cozy with a cold beer in hand and discover new artists as creatives take the stage. Bring a friend, hang out at the outdoor beer garden, and enjoy the live music.
7) Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell
When: Fridays, starting Fri. 8/1
Where: Jamaica Plain
Cost: Free
Info: Don’t miss the final month of this outdoor movie series. Watch the sunset over the Charles and get comfy on a blanket while watching flicks at the Hatch Shell. Get ready for family-friendly screenings like ‘Despicable Me 4’ and a ‘Wicked’ Sing-A-Long extravaganza.
8) 11th Annual St. Agrippina di Mineo Feast
When: Fri. 8/1 - Sun. 8/3
Where: North End
Cost: Free
Info: The Feast of Saint Agrippina is the first North End festival to kick off Italian feast season. Enjoy a block party full of lights, games, live music, food, and a grand religious procession. Bring your friends and family and experience Boston’s Little Italy come to life.
9) Shakespeare on the Common: ‘As You Like It’
When: Fri. 8/1 - Sun. 8/10
Where: Boston Common
Cost: Free
Info: Don’t miss your chance to see talented actors from Commonwealth Shakespeare Company take the stage in the heart of Boston Common. During this Boston summer tradition, you can watch the sunset while enjoying a live performance of a Shakespeare play. This year’s performance is ‘As You Like It,’ so pack a picnic and get ready for an unforgettable night of the arts.
10) Art Pop-Up With The Blank Canvas Co. at Jamie's Ice Cream
When: Fridays, 8/1 & 8/8
Where: Cambridge
Cost: Free
Info: Grab a specialty latte or some scoops of handmade ice cream at Jamie’s. Then you can shop for new art by The Blank Canvas Co. for colorful prints, sticks, planters, and other goodies.
11) Free $31 Bluebikes Credit for National Wellness Month
When: Every day, starting Fri. 8/1
Where: Boston
Cost: Free
Info: Celebrate National Wellness Month with a free $31 Bluebikes credit. Bike around the city and explore different neighborhoods with this eco-friendly alternative.
When: Sat. 8/2
Where: Davis Square
Cost: Free
Info: This Somerville community festival is back for its 5th iteration. Celebrate the rich cultural history of the neighborhood at this outdoor party that highlights people of color. Enjoy a day full of art, live music, vendors, games, and community connection.
13) Atlantic Wharf’s Summer Bash
When: Sat. 8/2
Where: The Wharf
Cost: Free
Info: Get ready for a summer party right along the Harbor. Enjoy live music, crafts, local food vendors, and family-friendly activations. Learn about local organizations that are preserving the Greenway and the Harbor, mingle with new friends, and soak up the sun.
14) 63rd Annual Jamaica Independence Celebration
When: Sat. 8/2
Where: Southie
Cost: Free
Info: Get ready to party on the beach to honor Jamaican independence. At this 63rd annual celebration, you’ll get to dance, listen to live music, explore Jamaican cuisine, and celebrate Jamaican culture. There will be crafts, games, vendors, and more – all right next to the ocean.
15) Race Against the Regime: A Festival of Nonviolent Resistance
When: Sat. 8/2
Where: Cambridge
Cost: Free
Info: Come together with community members and make your voice heard at the Festival of Nonviolent Resistance. At this gathering, you’ll get to enjoy art, live music, free ice cream, and mutual aid resources. Learn about local social justice organizations, connect with neighbors, and find hope in the power of community action.
When: Sat. 8/2
Where: Fenway
Cost: Free
Info: Grab a bite to eat from Time Out Market and then head outside for a flea market featuring vintage vendors. 401 Park will be full of local small businesses that will be selling records, art collectibles, and other treasures.
When: Sat. 8/2
Where: Southie
Cost: Free
Info: Enjoy a beach party that celebrates the queer community. Catch some rays while connecting with LGBTQIA+ folks and allies through beach games and competitions. There will be DJs spinning house, pop, and Afro-Caribbean beats, draf performances, and so much more.
18) Summer Party at Scorpion Bar
When: Sat. 8/2
Where: Seaport
Cost: Free
Info: Meet new friends at this 20s & 30s summer party at Scorpion Bar. Get there early for free food and appetizers, mingle with others, and get ready to dance the night away in the heart of Seaport with a live DJ.
When: Sat. 8/2
Where: City Hall Plaza
Cost: Free
Info: Experience the talent of local artists at this beat showcase and dance battle. Cheer on creatives as they freestyle and perform raps over a beat in a hip-hop open mic circle, and watch folks improvise in popping dance styles to the rhythms of live beats by local DJs.
20) Boston Public Library Book Sale
When: Sat. 8/2
Where: Copley
Cost: Free
Info: Looking to stock up your bookcase and TBR list? Head to the BPL Book Sale for $2 hard covers, $1 soft covers, and even $1 CDs and DVDs if you still like to listen and watch ‘old-school’ style. Proceeds benefit BPL programming across the city, and you can donate books too.
When: Saturdays, starting 8/2
Where: Boston Common
Cost: Free
Info: Learn about New England’s local artisans and small businesses with this outdoor market of rotating vendors. There will be plenty of handmade items like jewelry, paintings, fiber works, beauty products, and so much more.
22) Seaport Fish & Farm Market
When: Saturdays, starting 8/2
Where: Seaport
Cost: Free
Info: Whip up something in the kitchen with fresh fish, fruits, veggies, and other produce at the Seaport Fish & Farm Market. Stroll along the waterfront while meeting local businesses and supporting local farms and vendors.
23) The Caribbean Street Market
When: Saturdays, starting 8/2
Where: Hyde Park
Cost: Free
Info: Come celebrate Caribbean heritage and support local businesses at the weekly Caribbean Street Market. Don’t miss the special 8/2 pop-up at Brewer Fountain on the Common where you can shop from vendors and enjoy live music and cultural performances too.
When: Saturdays & Sundays, starting Sat. 8/2
Where: Rose Kennedy Greenway
Cost: Free
Info: Support local businesses at this open-air market where you can connect with over 50 vendors. Enjoy two days of shopping and find unique gifts from art prints, original paintings, and vintage goods to handmade items, house decor, food, and more.
25) 3rd Annual Ice Cream Social & Family Rodeo Day
When: Sun. 8/3
Where: Dorchester
Cost: Free
Info: Put on your cowboy boots and get ready for a Wild West family day in Dorchester. Enjoy a festival full of free ice cream, live music, games, craft vendors, and community resources. Learn how to line dance and meet new friends.
When: Sun. 8/3
Where: Harvard Square
Cost: Free
Info: Another block party is hitting Harvard Square. Come celebrate creative resistance with an afternoon of live music, art-making, open mics, magic shows, and community connection. Visit the VA Shadows Gallery to see what’s on display and experience the power of local artists who are making change.
27) Pop-up Book Fair at Bully Boy Distillery
When: Sun. 8/3
Where: Roxbury
Cost: Free
Info: Head to Boston’s first distillery since the Prohibition. At Bully Boy, you try out over 15 different handmade spirits in crafted cocktails. Sip and shop for your next read at this adult book fair where you can peruse new titles and connect with new friends.
When: Sundays, starting 8/3
Where: Back Bay
Cost: Free
Info: Take a casual stroll on Boston’s most famous street and enjoy a car-free environment. Listen to live music, grab a bite to eat from a street food vendor, enjoy lawn games, and connect with local businesses during this weekly block party.
29) SoWa Open Market
When: Sundays, starting 8/3
Where: South End
Cost: Free
Info: It’s not a Boston summer without spending a weekend at SoWa Open Market. Enjoy shopping for fresh produce and handmade goods while exploring artists’ studios and galleries at SoWa. Grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks, play lawn games, and soak up the sun at one of the largest open-air markets in the city.
30) Memorial Drive Recreation Sundays
When: Sundays, starting 8/3
Where: Cambridge
Cost: Free
Info: A car-free boulevard right along the Charles happens every Sunday for everyone to enjoy. Take a stroll, hop on a bike, go for a jog, and take in the sweeping views of the city in a safe, family-friendly environment right on Memorial Drive.
When: Sundays, starting 8/3
Where: Davis Square
Cost: Free
Info: Your favorite seasonal flea market is back for its 13th season! Get ready for opening day and shop for unique vintage treasures from clothes and houseware to jewelry, vinyls, art, and so much more at the Somerville Flea.
32) Outdoor Latin Dance Class & Social
When: Tue. 8/5
Where: Kendall Square
Cost: Free
Info: Learn the basics of Cuban salsa, bachata, and cha cha with new friends at this community dance party with beginner-friendly lessons. You’ll get to practice your footwork and spins with new friends and dance partners during the open dance social after the guided teach-ins by local dance artists.
33) Hooks and Books
When: Tue. 8/5
Where: Back Bay
Cost: Free
Info: Get cozy on a summer evening with other neighbors. Knit, crochet, embroider, and express yourself at this community night that centers art. Food and beverages will be available for purchase if you need a bite while you get creative.
When: Wednesdays, 8/6 & 8/27
Where: Charlestown
Cost: Free
Info: Cross the Charles for a movie night under the stars. Enjoy free parking and get to Hood Park early for some pre-movie fun, including lawn games and music. Then, grab some complimentary popcorn, candy, and bevs and enjoy screenings of ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘Shrek.’
35) Grand Ten Line Dancin’ Lessons
When: Wednesdays, 8/6 & 8/20
Where: Southie
Cost: Free
Info: It’s boot scootin’ boogie time. Grab your cowboy boots and stomp all over the dance floor at Grand Ten Distilling with 617 Country. Enjoy this queer-centered space where you can meet LGBTQIA+ folks and allies, grab a handcrafted cocktail, and learn new line dances all night long.
36) Co-Working Day
When: Wed. 8/6 & Tue. 8/19
Where: Seaport
Cost: Free
Info: Meet new friends at this co-working get-together with other young professionals in the area. Enjoy one complimentary coffee drink from the menu, get workin’, and get talkin’ with folks whenever you need a break.
37) Moakley Park Summer Nights
When: Wednesdays, starting 8/6 until 8/20
Where: Southie
Cost: Free
Info: Head to Moakley Park for an evening of family-friendly fun. Get ready for complimentary meals, yard games, scavenger hunts, and art-making. There will be pop-up events like on-site poetry and performances by the Boston Lyric Opera and The Timba Messengers.
38) Boston Landmarks Orchestra at the Hatch Shell
When: Wednesdays, starting 8/6
Where: The Esplanade
Cost: Free
Info: Transport yourself to another world by enjoying live classical music right next to the Esplanade as the sun sets. Celebrate the talents of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra as they perform works by Debussy, Beethoven, and more.
39) Salsa at the Birch St. Plaza
When: Wednesdays, starting 8/6
Where: Jamaica Plain
Cost: Free
Info: Looking for a mid-week pick-me-up? Get ready to dance with new friends at this weekly outdoor dance party. Enjoy beginner-friendly salsa lessons, an open dancing social, and plenty of chances to connect with neighbors. Grab a beer from Distraction Brewing or a bite to eat from local restaurants after you break a sweat on the dance floor.
40) Watch Wednesdays at the Anchor
When: Wednesdays, starting 8/6
Where: Charlestown
Cost: Free
Info: Get ready for a movie with the Boston skyline as your backdrop. Cozy up by the waterfront with drinks and food and watch fun flicks like ‘Barbie,’ ‘Mamma Mia,’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.;
41) ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Watch Parties
When: Wednesdays, starting 8/6
Where: Charlestown
Cost: Free
Info: Cheer on Belly and watch her love story unfold as she navigates her feelings between the Fisher brothers. Whether you are Team Conrad or Jeremiah, you’ll find great company at the Anchor’s ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ watch parties where you can enjoy waterfront seating, free popcorn, and Boston summer vibes.
42) Watercolor Workshops at Lyrik
When: Wednesdays, starting 8/6
Where: Back Bay
Cost: Free
Info: Take a mid-week break for yourself and unleash your creativity by learning how to use watercolor. You don’t need to worry about freestyling since there are premade sketches that you can fill in with paint – less stress, more art, and meet new friends at your table.
When: Wednesdays, starting 8/6
Where: City Hall Plaza
Cost: Free
Info: Get outside and break a sweat with new friends (or lovers). Come dressed in black if you’re single and looking to mingle and explore Boston whether you want to take a 3-mile jog or a 1.5-mile walk. You can continue meeting new friends by grabbing a drink with everyone afterwards.
When: Thu. 8/7
Where: Boston Common
Cost: Free
Info: Join the Friends of the Public Garden during their Backyard Bash Carnival in the heart of Boston Common. Get ready for lawn games, free slushies, summer treats, a live DJ, a live performance by local artist Nick Shea, and so much more.
When: Thu. 8/7
Where: Rose Kennedy Greenway
Cost: Free
Info: It’s the final NEMPAC’s Jazz in the Park concert of the summer season. Grab a seat on the Greenway and watch Mercedes Escobar, a Boston-based Guatemalan singer-songwriter, perform live. Savor the sounds of Latin Americana and close out this beloved concert series with the Boston community.
When: Thu. 8/7
Where: Longwood
Cost: Free
Info: Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Boston life with Slow Art Thursdays at the always-free MassArt Art Museum. Explore the galleries at your own pace, participate in activities of your choosing, and enjoy a multisensory experience of art.
47) Notre Dame/Irish Heritage Night at the Anchor
When: Thu. 8/7
Where: Charlestown
Cost: Free
Info: Don your green and show off your Notre Dame spirit. Enjoy a summer evening on the waterfront with beautiful skyline views of the city while playing Fighting Irish trivia, meeting new friends, and sipping fun cocktails.
48) The Night Bazaar
When: Thu. 8/7 & Thu. 8/21
Where: Brighton
Cost: Free
Info: The Brighton Bazaar is back with their monthly night markets at the Charles River Speedway. Grab a bite to eat like a thick crust pizza from Pizza Project and shop for art, vinyl, vintage, and more from over 100 small businesses. Don’t forget to check out the experience room for art activations too.
49) Harborwalk Sounds at the ICA
When: Thursdays, starting 8/7
Where: Seaport
Cost: Free
Info: Don’t miss out on the final month of this season’s Harborwalk Sounds at the ICA. Explore the contemporary art galleries during free ICA Thursdays, then head outside, grab a spritz, and listen to a concert on the waterfront by talented Berklee students.
50) Thursday Nights @ The Yard
When: Thursdays, starting 8/7
Where: Revere
Cost: Free
Info: Head to The Yard @ Beachmont Square every Thursday to kick off your weekend early. Enjoy rotating themes like Bingo nights, salsa and bachata lessons, live music by local musicians, yappy hours for your pups, and so much more.
51) Backgammon Club
When: Thursdays, starting 8/7
Where: Cambridge
Cost: Free
Info: Come learn about this fun pastime with new friends. Join Mamaleh’s Delicatessen co-owner Alon and your neighbors to try your hand at the ins and outs of backgammon. You can enjoy dinner and drinks while playing too.
52) 3rd Annual Carson Beach Community Kickback
When: Fri. 8/8
Where: Southie
Cost: Free
Info: It’s time for the ultimate community beach party for a day full of free fun. Learn how to line dance, make some art, play volleyball, grab a pedicab ride, and dance to the tunes of a live DJ. There will be snacks and drinks from local businesses, and you can connect with community organizations that are making a positive impact in our city.
When: Fri. 8/8
Where: Charlestown
Cost: Free
Info: Make your way to the Anchor for a full night of dancing. There will be a guided class of hustle and West Coast Swing right along the waterfront while you take in views of the Boston skyline. Then, you can enjoy dance showcases by local groups and an open dance party where you can show off your moves.
54) Movie Night at the Plaza: ‘Freaky Friday’
When: Fri. 8/8
Where: Seaport
Cost: Free
Info: ‘Freakier Friday’ is dropping this month. Get ready by throwing it back with a free screening of ‘Freaky Friday’ at the South Boston Waterfront Transportation Center Plaza. Enjoy pre-movie games, free popcorn, and summer vibes with views of Seaport while watching a movie under the stars.
55) 105th Madonna Della Cava Feast
When: Fri. 8/8 - Sun. 8/10
Where: North End
Cost: Free
Info: Celebrate the Madonna and the vibrant history of the North End at the 105th Madonna Della Cava Feast. Listen to live music, watch a procession, connect with relatives of those who first settled in Boston’s Little Italy, and grab a bite to eat from local vendors.
56) Outdoor Movie Night Series at CambridgeSide
When: Fridays, 8/8 & 8/22
Where: Cambridge
Cost: Free
Info: Join the CambridgeSide Mall for an outdoor movie series at Canal Park. Enjoy complimentary popcorn, participate in the school supply drive if you can, and watch family-friendly flicks like ‘Minions’ and ‘Luca.’
57) Festival Viva Colombia Boston 2025
When: Sat. 8/9
Where: Eastie
Cost: Free
Info: Learn about the rich cultural traditions of Colombia in the heart of East Boston at this festival. There will be live music and traditional dance performances, folk art and troubadours, authentic Colombian food, and so much more.
58) Dudley Street Multicultural Festival
When: Sat. 8/9
Where: Dorchester
Cost: Free
Info: Dudley Street is hosting its annual Multicultural Festival to honor the diverse communities that make up Dorchester. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment from lawn games and art-making to global food vendors and live performances from across the diaspora.
When: Sat. 8/9
Where: City Hall Plaza
Cost: Free
Info: If you loved the Donna Disco Summer Party, then you’ll love this new outdoor dance party at City Hall Plaza. Get ready for island vibes as you dance the night away to the rhythms of the African and Caribbean diaspora. Enjoy bites from local food trucks, a photo booth, live performances, and so much more.
60) Yart Sale 2025
When: Sat. 8/9
Where: Somerville
Cost: Free
Info: This beloved neighborhood art crawl is back. Think PorchFest but art-themed! Come celebrate the talents of local creatives all across Somerville where porches, driveways, and front yards become mini art galleries and pop-up markets. Find art from across different mediums, vintage clothes, plants, and so much more.
61) 20s & 30s Picnic on the Charles River
When: Sat. 8/9
Where: The Esplanade
Cost: Free
Info: Meet new friends at this summer picnic right on the Esplanade. Enjoy views of the Charles as you make the most out of a Boston summer. Bring some bites and get ready to mingle with other 20 and 30-somethings in the area.
62) Two-Step Throwdown by the Sea
When: Sat. 8/9
Where: Quincy
Cost: Free
Info: A little honkytonk on the beach? Yes, please. Break a sweat while learning cowboy boot stompin’ moves on the sand and enjoy line dance workshops for all ages by Boston Rhythm Rider Line Dance Movement. Then, cool off with a dip in the ocean and soak up a summer day at Wollaston Beach.
63) Park-9 Luau
When: Sat. 8/9
Where: Everett
Cost: Free
Info: Get ready for a pet-friendly tropical party at Park-9. Bring yourself, your friends, and your pets and come dressed in a Hawaiian shirt for island-inspired cocktails and reggae music. There will be a doggy pool party too for the ultimate summer bash.
When: Sat. 8/9
Where: Rose Kennedy Greenway
Cost: Free
Info: Participate in one of Boston’s oldest public dance events right on the Greenway. Learn new dance moves with a quick 20-minute lesson, and then practice what you learned with different dance partners (or solo) during the dancing social at this monthly event, which is now in its 32nd season.
65) Be Free by the Bridge Dance Party
When: Sat. 8/9
Where: Cambridge
Cost: Free
Info: A full day of dancing on the beach? Yes, please. Join the final installment of the Be Free By the Bridge series where you can show off your moves at Magazine Beach. Get ready for an afternoon of house, soul, jazz, and Afro beats while meeting new friends.
66) Dream Role Players: ‘Macbeth’
When: Saturdays & Sundays, starting Sat. 8/9
Where: Cambridge
Cost: Free
Info: If you enjoy Shakespeare on the Common, check out this outdoor performance of ‘Macbeth’ at Longfellow Park. Catch the Dream Role Players as they lay it all out on the lawn with their rendition of this Shakespeare play.
67) Open Streets 2025: Hyde Park
When: Sun. 8/10
Where: Hyde Park
Cost: Free
Info: Your favorite monthly block party is back in a different neighborhood: Hyde Park! Get ready for car-free streets and connect with local businesses. Enjoy live music, lawn games, art-making, community resource tabling, and so much more. There are fun activities for everyone to enjoy and explore the area.
68) 55th Annual Chinatown August Moon Festival
When: Sun. 8/10
Where: Chinatown
Cost: Free
Info: Chinatown will be coming alive with cultural festivities for the 55th August Moon Festival. Celebrate joy, health, harvest, and gratitude while enjoying lion dances, Asian folk dances, Chinese opera performances, vendors, and traditional food.
69) Fusion Congolese Rumba Beach Day
When: Sun. 8/10
Where: Dorchester
Cost: Free
Info: Celebrate the rich heritage of the Democratic Republic of Congo at this community festival on Malibu Beach. Enjoy live music and dance performances by international Congolese Rumba artists. Learn how to Congolese rumba with free workshops, enjoy hands-on activities with drumming and percussion sessions, stroll through cultural exhibits, and so much more.
70) The Dating Game with Boston B-Side at Aeronaut
When: Mon. 8/11
Where: Somerville
Cost: Free
Info: Join Aeronaut Brewing for an evening of love featuring bi and pan bachelors and bachelorettes. Grab a drink and watch a modern twist of this match-making ‘60s game show experience.
When: Tue. 8/12
Where: Back Bay
Cost: Free
Info: Looking to meet some writing friends? Stop by this writer's group at the beloved Trident Booksellers & Cafe and work on your project. You’ll get to have focus time to hone your craft and breaks to mix and mingle with new friends.
72) End of Summer Picnic at Magazine Beach
When: Tue. 8/12
Where: Cambridge
Cost: Free
Info: Spend a summer day along the water with beautiful views of the Boston skyline at this get-together. Grow your community while mingling with new friends and munching on snacks picnic-style.
73) Seaport Sketch
When: Tuesdays, 8/12 & 8/26
Where: Seaport
Cost: Free
Info: Get creative with new friends and take a break from the week by expressing yourself. There will be live music playing while you learn some new skills with local artist Lee ‘SOEMS’ and other special guests.
74) 2025 Rat City Gala + Gallery
When: Wed. 8/13
Where: Allston
Cost: Free
Info: Celebrate Rat City and meet local artists at this Allston/Brighton-loving community gathering. Enjoy non-alcoholic bevvies, pizza, and a whole lot of art that honors the mighty rat from rat trap pieces to sketches that embody this year’s theme of ‘The Future of Rat City.’
75) Science on Screen at the Greenway: ‘The Blob’
When: Wed. 8/13
Where: Rose Kennedy Greenway
Cost: Free
Info: It’s the final Science on Screen of the season. Join the Coolidge Corner Theatre and the Rose Kennedy Greenway for a fun sci-fi screening of ‘The Blob.’ Enjoy a pre-movie talk by a local scientist, nerd out with fellow sci-fi lovers, and make the most of this season’s final installment of this beloved outdoor movie series.
76) The Annual Corn Roast at Gore Place
When: Thu. 8/14
Where: Waltham
Cost: Free
Info: Gore Place is hosting their annual Corn Roast. There will be live music, family-friendly activities, and a whole lot of corn. Learn about this historic home, enjoy local food, and support local farms at this festival.
77) Boston Landing Movie Night: ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’
When: Thu. 8/14
Where: Brighton
Cost: Free
Info: Grab a seat on one of the rolling hills of Boston Landing and catch a free screening of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ with friends. Bring a blanket and a picnic, and enjoy the pre-movie party featuring free food and drinks, lawn games, a live DJ, and so much more.
78) Pan in the Park at Lafayette Square
When: Thu. 8/14
Where: Central Square
Cost: Free
Info: August is National Caribbean American Month, so come enjoy the rhythmic sounds of the islands with the Boston community. Enjoy live steel pan drum performances by the Tempo International Steel Orchestra, the Cambridge Youth Steel Orchestra, and Keeme Tajudeen, and learn about Caribbean culture.
79) Twilight at MAAM
When: Thu. 8/14
Where: Longwood
Cost: Free
Info: Enjoy this extended-hours museum party at MassArt Art Museum. Explore the galleries, meet new friends, make some art, and sip on mocktails. This creative gathering is the perfect way to take a break from the hecticness of the week and to kick off your weekend early with a little rest, relaxation, and art.
80) Share the Harbor Sunset Harbor Cruise
When: Thu. 8/14 & Mon. 8/18
Where: Rowes Wharf
Cost: Free
Info: Grab a free ticket for this Save the Harbor/Save the Bay cruise. You’ll get to learn about the different harbors that make up Boston and some historical facts about our city during this 1.5 narrated boat tour. Catch different views of the skyline and soak up the sun on the water.
81) PKL @ UP
When: Thu. 8/14 & Thu. 8/28
Where: Kendall Square
Cost: Free
Info: Looking to pick up a new sport? Learn how to play pickleball at the hidden Urban Park Rooftop Garden with this Pickleball 101 clinic. Grab some BBQ from the pop-up after breaking a sweat, make new friends, and get swingin’ on the courts.
82) 115th Annual North End Fisherman’s Feast
When: Thu. 8/14 - Sun. 8/17
Where: North End
Cost: Free
Info: Come join Boston’s oldest continuous Italian Festival. Enjoy four days of Italian heritage with block party festivities featuring live music, religious processions, scrumptious food, meatball competitions, cooking demos, and more. Don’t miss the famous ‘Flight of the Angel’ finale and watch as the streets of the North End are peppered with confetti.
83) 20s & 30s Rooftop Social at Envoy Hotel
When: Fri. 8/15
Where: Seaport
Cost: Free
Info: It’s not a Boston summer without a rooftop party. Join other 20 and 30-somethings on the roof of the Envoy Hotel and take in sweeping views of the Boston skyline. Meet new friends, grab a drink, and soak up the final days of summer.
When: Sat. 8/16
Where: Jamaica Plain
Cost: Free
Info: Join the Jamaica Plain community for the beloved tradition of JP PorchFest. Get ready to catch live music on lawns, porches, garages, and more. Explore the neighborhood, dance like no one is watching, discover new music, and enjoy a block party where everyone can come together to celebrate the talent of local creatives.
When: Sat. 8/16
Where: Brighton
Cost: Free
Info: Calling all the Allston/Brighton rats. Come celebrate the neighborhood with 16 local performances, over 30 vendors, and a full day of Allston love. Show off your Allston pride and enjoy food, drinks, and rat festivities.
When: Sat. 8/16
Where: Union Square
Cost: Free
Info: We love a block party, so check out this new one in the heart of Union Square where you can celebrate the cultures of the Greater Boston community. Enjoy a full evening of music, art, games, and connection that uplifts and centers BIPOC folks.
87) City of Quincy ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s Dance Party
When: Sat. 8/16
Where: Quincy
Cost: Free
Info: Dance through the decades in Quincy. Get ready for a multigenerational dance party that includes throwback tunes, groovy moves, and local food and bevs. This all-ages dance party will provide nonstop fun, so wear comfy dancing shoes and get ready to give everything you’ve got on the floor.
When: Sat. 8/16
Where: Jamaica Plain
Cost: Free
Info: JP PorchFest is bringing nonstop tunes to the Sam Adams Brewery. Sip on the Porch(fest) Rocker for summery vibes and cheer on local talent as they perform songs, dances, theater pieces, and other works.
89) Boston Women’s Market at Downtown Crossing
When: Sat. 8/16
Where: Downtown Crossing
Cost: Free
Info: Make your way to Downtown Crossing for a market that highlights 20 woman-owned brands. Explore the final BWM in DTX of the summer season with a ‘Favorite Things’ edition of their beloved pop-up. Find one-of-a-kind handmade treasures, accessories, and home goods.
90) Love Island Drag Brunch & Bingo
When: Sat. 8/16
Where: Fenway
Cost: Free
Info: Bombshells are entering the villa at Time Out Market. Get ready for an afternoon of Love Island shenanigans with themed cocktails, fun bingo rounds with spicy prizes, and unforgettable drag performances that will leave you sweating. Cheers to island fun!
91) Film Screening: ‘The Thief Collector’
When: Sat. 8/16
Where: Harvard Square
Cost: Free
Info: Join the Harvard Art Museums for an afternoon community film screening. Watch the documentary, ‘The Thief Collector,’ about the missing Willem de Kooning’s ‘Woman-Ochre.’ If you love the history behind the ISG heist, then come learn about this thrilling story.
92) Book Club Café
When: Sat. 8/16
Where: Allston
Cost: Free
Info: Meet fellow booklovers at this monthly get-together. Nibble on light snacks, sip on coffee and tea, and connect with neighbors over your favorite reads. Make a new friend and talk about your can’t-miss books, series, and characters.
93) 15th Annual African Festival of Boston
When: Sat. 8/16 - Sun. 8/17
Where: Boston Common
Cost: Free
Info: Celebrate African cultures and the diaspora in the heart of Boston. There will be live music, dancing, and art performances, as well as cultural exhibits, food, and intergenerational storytelling. Learn about African fashion, art, local organizations, and so much more.
94) Pride in the Park Community Cruise
When: Sun. 8/17
Where: The Wharf
Cost: Free
Info: Grab a complimentary ticket for this Pride in the Park Community Cruise and enjoy after-hours access to Spectacle Island. Celebrate the queer community, watch drag performances, dance to a live DJ, and make a fun bev at the DIY mocktail bar. You’ll love the sunset views of the city and the beachy vibes during this evening getaway.
95) Summer Vintage Market @ SoWa Power Station
When: Sun. 8/17
Where: South End
Cost: Free
Info: Your favorite vintage market organizer, Select Markets, is back for the ultimate summer vintage extravaganza. Shop for unique treasures from over 100 vendors, snag goodies from the $10 piles, grab a snack from the food trucks, and meet other vintage lovers at this outdoor market bash.
When: Sun. 8/17
Where: Seaport
Cost: Free
Info: Head to Seaport for the monthly pop-up of the Black Owned Bos. Market. Shop for handmade gifts, apparel, packaged food, jewelry, skincare products, and other fun goods. Come support Black entrepreneurship throughout the Greater Boston area.
When: Sun. 8/17
Where: Back Bay
Cost: Free
Info: Trident Booksellers & Cafe is hosting their 2nd Annual Romance Book Fair. Meet the matchmaker booksellers who will pair you with your next perfect read based on your favorite trope. Enjoy blind dates with a book, mingling with other bookworms, free tastings of hard cider, and other fun love-themed activities.
98) Crate Escape!
When: Sun. 8/17
Where: Charlestown
Cost: Free
Info: Stop by the Anchor for a pup-friendly patio right along the waterfront. This pup party will feature sprinklers for your furry friends to cool off, pup treats, and alcoholic bevs for you too. Meet other pet owners and spend a summer day that was made for you and your best friend.
99) Time Out’s Best Rum Cocktail Competition
When: Sun. 8/17
Where: Fenway
Cost: Free
Info: Time Out Market is hosting another cocktail competition. This month will be putting bartenders’ skills to the test as they compete with their very best rum cocktails. Sample some of the drinks, cheer on the bartending craftsmanship, and grab a bite to eat from one of the local vendors.
100) ‘RENT’ Movie Sing-Along Spectacular
When: Sun. 8/17
Where: Cambridge
Cost: Free
Info: If you’ve got 525,600 minutes, get ready to belt out everything you’ve got to the iconic emotional rollercoaster that is ‘RENT.’ Meet new friends, come in a costume if you wish, and celebrate queer joy at this sing-along community gathering.
101) Thrift (S)hop
When: Sun. 8/17
Where: Jamaica Plain
Cost: Free
Info: Grab a cold one and enjoy the outdoor beer garden of Sam Adams Brewery. Then, shop for fun gifts during this monthly pop-up market that features 3-5 local creators. Enjoy live music while you look through the handmade goodies and enjoy a summer day at this establishment.
102) Summer’s Bounty Fest at Boston Public Market
When: Tue. 8/19 - Fri. 8/22
Where: Downtown
Cost: Free
Info: Boston Public Market is hosting four themed days of summer fun. Enjoy complimentary George Howell coffee tastings, free watercolor painting sessions, seasonal food demos and tastings, and so much more. Celebrate the best of New England’s summer produce at this festival.
103) Boston Lyric Opera: Street Stage
When: Wed. 8/20 & Sat. 8/23
Where: Southie & Charlestown
Cost: Free
Info: Boston Lyric Opera is hosting Street Stage across different neighborhoods. Play yard games, take a stroll by the ocean, and listen to talented musicians perform live music right along the waterfront.
104) Learn to Line Dance
When: Wed. 8/20
Where: Medford
Cost: Free
Info: Make your way to the Great American Beer Hall and stomp your cowboy boots for an evening of line dancing fun. Enjoy free lessons throughout the night with great food, drinks, and cowboy summer vibes.
105) CX Summer Nights: Hill House + Tori Tori
When: Thu. 8/21
Where: Cambridge Crossing
Cost: Free
Info: Don’t miss the final outdoor concert of this year’s CX Summer Nights season. Play lawn games, grab a drink from the pop-up beer garden and a bite to eat from the local food trucks, and enjoy nonstop live music by Hill House and Tori Tori.
106) Bow Market Vintage Night Market
When: Thu. 8/21
Where: Union Square
Cost: Free
Info: Bow Market is hosting their annual Vintage Night Market once again. Shop from 30 of the top vintage vendors in the area where you can find clothing, home decor, jewelry, antiques, and up-cycled fashion. Grab some food and drinks since vendors will be hosting specials throughout the evening as well.
When: Thu. 8/21
Where: Seaport
Cost: Free
Info: Kick off your weekend with an outdoor hip-swaying dance party. Learn some salsa and bachata basics with a guided lesson, then show off your moves to live music with new friends at this dance social.
108) ‘(500) Days of Summer’ Screening
When: Thu. 8/21
Where: Back Bay
Cost: Free
Info: Say goodbye to summer with a screening of ‘(500) Days of Summer’ at Trident Booksellers & Cafe. Bring a friend or come solo, grab a bite to eat, and relive the emotional journey of this almost-romance flick.
When: Fri. 8/22
Where: City Hall Plaza
Cost: Free
Info: Get ready for an intergenerational dance party at City Hall Plaza. Show off your moves to different tunes that span funk and soul to hip-hop and house music. There will be live performances, a photo booth, food trucks, and more.
110) Free Outdoor Meditation @ Boston Public Garden
When: Fri. 8/22
Where: Boston Public Garden
Cost: Free
Info: Take a step back from city life with a guided meditation. Head to the Public Garden where you can join community members in a communal breathwork and mindfulness practice. Relax in the beauty of this public space with new friends.
111) Sabor Boricua: A Celebration of Culture
When: Sat. 8/23
Where: Southie
Cost: Free
Info: Celebrate Puerto Rican culture at Carson Beach with the Puerto Rican Festival of MA organization. There will be bomba and plena dance performances, a traditional fashion showcase, dance and art workshops, storytelling sessions, and live music – all by the ocean. Bring your friends and family and learn about the rich heritage of PR.
112) Neponset Day
When: Sat. 8/23
Where: Dorchester
Cost: Free
Info: Make your way to the Neponset River for a day of community fun. Enjoy free canoeing and kayaking, a spray deck to keep cool, live music, food trucks, ice cream, environmental exhibits, and more. Learn about local organizations and get ready for a morning on the water.
When: Sat. 8/23
Where: Downtown Crossing
Cost: Free
Info: This music festival is back again in the heart of Downtown. Get ready for multiple live music performances by DJs and singer-songwriters, a visual art gallery, a Boston Women’s Market vendor pop-up, and interactive art installations that explore feminism and activism.
114) 20s & 30s Big Summer Party @ Arts at the Armory
When: Sat. 8/23
Where: Somerville
Cost: $0+
Info: Happy end of summer! Get ready to meet new friends at this annual party where you can meet other 20 and 30-year-olds. Enjoy drinks, snacks, music, and dancing. You’ll get to mingle all night as you say goodbye to summer in Boston.
115) Wicked Local Wares Pride Market
When: Sat. 8/23
Where: Fenway
Cost: Free
Info: Time Out Market is hosting their monthly queer market extravaganza. Support local LGBTQIA+ businesses and find handmade gifts. Grab a bite to eat and sip while you shop from the talented creators and artisans.
116) Queerdos: Neurodivergent Adults Social Club Picnic
When: Sat. 8/23
Where: The Esplanade
Cost: Free
Info: Be a part of the first-ever Queerdos Picnic. Head to the Esplanade where you can meet neurodiverse queer folks and allies. Bring your favorite snack and drink and get ready to mix and mingle with new friends.
117) Jonas Brothers Pregame Party
When: Sat. 8/23
Where: Fenway
Cost: Free
Info: The Jonas Brothers will be performing at Fenway Park. If you weren’t able to snag a concert ticket or you’re looking for some pre-concert fun, head to Time Out Market for a Jo-Bro pre-party. Belt out your favorite Jo-Bro tunes, sip on themed cocktails, and enjoy a meal from one of the vendors on-site.
118) The Bay State Hot Jazz Festival
When: Sat. 8/23 - Sun. 8/24
Where: Medford
Cost: Free
Info: The Medford Trad Jazz Festival is debuting its new name this year: the Bay State Hot Jazz Festival. Enjoy two days of soul-moving jazz music where over 8 traditional jazz bands from all over the country will be performing at the Condon Band Shell.
When: Saturdays & Sundays, starting Sat. 8/23
Where: Medford
Cost: Free
Info: The Seaport Summer Market is back again after a brief break in July. Shop from a diverse lineup of artisans, most of whom are local, women, and minority-owned businesses. Find handmade goods, jewelry, and more. There will be a DJ, food trucks, and lawn games too.
120) Mahjong by the Sea
When: Sun. 8/24
Where: City Point
Cost: Free
Info: Come learn how to play mahjong or play against seasoned competitors at this community game gathering right along the water. You can even play board games, make some crafts, and listen to music while meeting new friends and enjoying a picnic by the beach.
121) Family Movie Night at Pennyweight Hotel Boston
When: Wed. 8/27
Where: West End
Cost: Free
Info: The Pennyweight Hotel Boston has launched its first season of al fresco dining this summer. In honor of their new patio, the hotel is hosting family-friendly programming. Watch a free screening of ‘Wall-E’ and grab some pre-movie drinks and bites.
When: Thu. 8/28
Where: Harvard Square
Cost: Free
Info: Calling all the coffee and wine lovers! Head to Lovestruck Books for an afternoon of romance, coffee, and wine. Learn about how two of your favorite beverages can be paired together at this educational tasting event.
123) Illuminate the Harbor Fireworks Display
When: Thu. 8/28
Where: The Wharf
Cost: Free
Info: See the Boston Harbor light up in every color during the annual Illuminate the Harbor Fireworks Display. This end-of-summer extravaganza is a tradition you don’t want to miss as the waterfront comes to life in a new way.
124) Harvard Art Museums at Night
When: Thu. 8/28
Where: Harvard Square
Cost: Free
Info: Your favorite end-of-the-month after-hours museum party is back. Head to the Harvard Art Museums at Night for an evening of creative fun. Listen to music, sip on a bev, and grab a bite to eat in the Italian-inspired courtyard. Make some art and wander through over 50 galleries while the beats of a local DJ echo throughout the museum.
125) Beer Garden Pop UPs with Lamplighter Brewing at Urban Park Roof Garden
When: Thu. 8/28
Where: Kendall Square
Cost: $0+
Info: Join Lamplighter Brewing for their monthly pop-up at the hidden Urban Park Roof Garden. Head to the top of the Kendall Square parking garage for an urban oasis where you can sip on some beer and enjoy a complimentary SoFar Sounds concert.
When: Thu. 8/28
Where: Charlestown
Cost: Free
Info: Have a laugh with the Boston skyline as your backdrop. At this monthly open mic, you can enjoy sips, bites, and good vibes while over 20 comedians take the stage. There will be featured performers, surprise drop-ins, and nonstop jokes right along the waterfront.
127) 106th Annual St. Anthony’s Feast
When: Thu. 8/28 - Sun. 8/31
Where: North End
Cost: Free
Info: Celebrate the 106th ‘Feast of All Feasts’ in the North End with the final Italian feast of August. Transport yourself to Italy by joining this cultural festival. There will be strolling singers, live entertainment, Italian food vendors, colorful parades, and religious services throughout the four-day extravaganza.
128) 15th Annual Boston Jazz Fest 2025
When: Fri. 8/29 - Sat. 8/30
Where: Seaport
Cost: Free
Info: Join the Boston community for the 15th Annual Boston Jazz Festival. Get ready to dance and enjoy two days of nonstop jazz music by musicians from all over the world. You’ll get to enjoy the festival right along the waterfront too.
129) Harvard Square Asian Night Market
When: Sat. 8/30
Where: Harvard Square
Cost: Free
Info: The Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance is hosting the first-ever Harvard Square Asian Night Market. Celebrate Asian cultures and the Asian diaspora through cuisine, art-making, music, and more. There will be a beer garden, a karaoke contest, a 3-point shootout, and so much more.
