Boston has some terrific annual events. If you’re in town, go out and have a great time!
New Year’s Day: L Street Brownies New Year’s Day Swim: Hundreds of swimmers plunge into frigid Boston Harbor on New Years Day!
Early January: Elvis Memorial Night, Dick’s Last Resort: a huge tribute party featuring the King’s greatest hits from Elvis look-a-likes
Mid-April: Beer Summit, Park Plaza
Mid-January: Boston Wine Expo, World Trade Center
February: Boston Beanpot Hockey, TD Garden: A famous inter-city hockey tournament featuring Boston College, Boston University, Harvard, and Northeastern University.
Early-mid February: Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival, Somerville Theater
Mid-February: The Running of the Brides, Hynes Auditorium: see brides running to find the best bargains on discount designer bridal gowns.
Late February: New England Boat Show, Boston Convention and Exposition Center
Mid-February: Chinese New Year Lion Dance Festival, Chinatown
Mid-late March: Winter Restaurant Week in Boston
Late March: Boston Flower and Garden Show, Seaport World Trade Center
Late March: Boston Irish Film Festival
Early April: Red Sox Opening game at Fenway
Mid-April: the Swan Boats return to Boston’s Public Garden
Mid-April: Patriot’s Day celebrations, with reenactments of Paul Revere’s ride and much more. The event commemorates the events leading up to the battles of Lexington and Concord.
Mid-April: Boston Marathon, featuring 25,000 elite runners from around the world.
Early June: Scooper Bowl Ice Cream Fest, City Hall Plaza—watch 10 tons of ice cream being dished out!
Mid-June: Dragon Boat Festival, Charles River, a huge Asian American celebration
All summer: Free Friday flicks at the Esplanade, Hatch Shell: enjoy outdoor movies on the banks of the Charles River
Late June-early July: Boston Harborfest, with Children’s Day, Chowderfest, a concert series, and much more.
Fourth of July: Boston Pops at the Hatch Shell and fireworks
Mid-July: Sand Sculpting Festival at Revere Beach: watch renowned sand sculptors work their magic with sand and water.
September: New England Patriots begin play at Foxboro
Early October: OktoberFest at Harpoon Brewery, South Boston waterfront
Early October: “Hello Fall!” Festival, Rose Kennedy Greenway
October: The Celtics open at Boston Garden
Mid-October: Head of the Charles Regatta: more than 7,500 athletes compete on the world’s largest rowing event held on the Charles River.
Early November: Annual Christmas Festival, Seaport World Trade Center: do one-stop shopping with 300 artisans displaying their wares. A terrific Gingerbread House competition as well!
Early December: Holiday Tree Lighting on Boston Common
Mid-late December: Christmas Revels at Sanders Theater, Harvard
Mid-December: Relive the Boston Tea Party: Old South Meeting House