16 FREE Cultural Festivals around Boston: Summer 2025
When:
Tuesday, Jul 15, 2025 9:00a -
Sunday, Sep 14, 2025 6:00p
Tuesday, Jul 15, 2025 9:00a -
Sunday, Sep 14, 2025 6:00p
Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
FREE
Categories:
Date Idea, Festivals & Fairs, Food, Good for Groups, History, Kid Friendly, Music, Seasonal
Event website:
https://joyraft.com/event/19-free-cultural-festivals-around-boston-summer-2024-boston-422495
Boston wouldn’t be the same without the people that make it our vibrant home. Experience different cultures, meet your neighbors, and learn about history, food, art, music, and more. Here’s your list of FREE cultural festivals this summer, so you can immerse yourself in Boston’s unique communities.
By Kenneal Patterson & Yelena Nicolle Salvador
Festivals listed chronologically
1) 52nd Annual Festival Betances
Where: South End
When: Sat. 7/19
Info: Who’s ready to salsa dance? At Festival Betances, or Salsa en el 2025, you can celebrate over 50 years of this tradition which features an iconic parade, delicious Puerto Rican food, lively music, and so much more. Don’t miss out on this one-day event!
2) Boston's Cultural District Festival: One Boston, Many Stories
Where: City Hall Plaza
When: Sun. 7/20
Info: Four of Boston's cultural districts: Latin Quarter, Fenway Cultural District, Roxbury Cultural District, and Boston Little Saigon are coming together for a day full of cultural experiences. Celebrate the different heritages of the Boston community with food, art, performances, storytelling, and more.
3) 4th Annual Boston Race Amity Art & Music Festival
Where: Downtown
When: Sat. 7/26
Info: This annual festival is back so folks can celebrate cross-cultural and cross-racial friendships. Enjoy live music and free ice cream while mingling with neighbors and learning about community organizations that are fighting for social justice and racial equity.
4) 58th Annual Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts
Where: Franklin
When: Sat. 7/26 - Sun. 7/27
Info: 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.
5) 111th Annual St. Agrippina di Mineo Feast
Where: North End
When: Thu. 7/31-Sun. 8/3
What: From summer concerts to delicious food to fascinating history, the three-day St. Agrippina di Mineo Feast epitomizes Boston’s iconic North End. Immerse yourself in our city’s little Italy.
Where: Davis Square
When: Sat. 8/2
What: This community festival celebrates the rich and vibrant cultures that make up the city of Somerville by providing a platform for artists of color. Enjoy art, live music, games, and community connection.
7) 105th Madonna Della Cava Feast
Where: North End
When: Fri. 8/8 - Sun. 8/10
What: Head to the North End for a festive procession that honors the miracle of the Madonna Della Cava that occurred in Sicily. Join descendants of the first immigrants of the North End and enjoy live music and food at this cultural celebration.
8) 55th Annual Chinatown August Moon Festival
Where: Chinatown
When: Sun. 8/10
What: When the August Moon rises, you know where to find us. Chinatown’s Festival is back for its 55th year with lion dancing, Chinese music, traditional folk dance, martial arts, historical crafts, delicious food, Chinese calligraphy, and so much more.
9) 115th Annual North End Fisherman’s Feast
Where: North End
When: Thu. 8/14 - Sun. 8/17
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 serving up pizza, pasta, and more.
10) 15th Annual African Festival of Boston
Where: Boston Common
When: Sat. 8/16 - Sun. 8/17
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.
11) 106th Annual St. Anthony’s Feast
Where: North End
When: Thu. 8/28 - Sun. 8/31
What: Ciao, Boston. St. Anthony’s Feast is known as the “Feast of all Feasts” for a reason. Make sure you stop by for colorful parades, religious displays, next-level Italian food, top-notch performances, and so much more at this Boston festival that has been around for 100+ years.
12) 100th Annual Italian Feast of Saints Cosmas & Damian
Where: Thu. 9/4 - Sun. 9/7
When: East Cambridge
Info: Cheer on the Grand Procession where bands and floats will roam the streets of East Cambridge and Somerville to honor "The Healing Saints." Celebrate Italian traditions with food, games, rides, and entertainment.
13) 31st Annual Cambridge Carnival International
Where: Sun. 9/7
When: Cambridge
Info: This year marks the 31st Cambridge Carnival! Come celebrate the African and Caribbean traditions in Boston. Enjoy the sounds of a steel drum band, colorful costumes, and yummy food.
Where: Sun. 9/7
When: City Hall Plaza
Info: This Native American cultural event will feature Indigenous dance performances and music, a cleansing ceremony of City Hall, and a concert that pays tribute to local Black history.
15) Thai Market Fair at Harvard Square
Where: Sun. 9/14
When: Harvard Square
Info: The folks behind the 1st Annual Thai Taste in Boston are bringing another Thai festival this year. Head to Harvard Square for a celebration of Thai culture featuring food, music, handmade items, and performances.
BONUS: This one's outside the city but easily accessible through the Commuter Rail.
Where: Fri. 7/25 - Sun. 7/27
When: Lowell
Info: Lowell Folk Festival is the longest running folk festival in the U.S. Enjoy live music across four stages, foods from different cultures across MA, street parades, dance parties, and so much more.
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Photo by:
- Matt Conti
- BostonDragonBoat
- Boston Little Saigon
