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Boston Summer Events

Visiting Boston in the summer? You can look forward to a variety of activities for all to enjoy. Take advantage of the wonderful weather and wide range of entertainment by the harbor, in Downtown, or by one of many historic landmarks in Boston.

Dorchester Parade

The Dorchester Parade, often referred to as the “Dot” Day Parade, is an annual event held in Dorchester, MA on the first Sunday in June. Marching along Dorchester Avenue, the parade brings together local groups, politicians, and other community members, to commemorate the neighborhood’s beginnings almost four centuries ago.

Boston Pride Week

Every June, the Boston Pride Committee celebrates Pride Week, culminating in the Gay Pride Parade and Festival. Sponsored by local groups, donors and community members, the parade and festival are family-friendly and tons of fun. Awards are given out in the parade for Best Float, Best Marching Group, and Best Adaptation of the Theme. The festival takes place at City Hall Plaza in Downtown Boston, with a variety of stage entertainment, celebrity guest stars, and family-friendly events.

Bunker Hill Day

The Bunker Hill Parade takes place on June 17th, the anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, a battle that took place in 1775 during the American Revolutionary War. To commemorate the event, the city throws a parade in Charlestown that is not to be missed. The parade features military personnel, community groups, marching bands, floats, and lots of historic memorabilia. This family-friendly event is more than just another summer festival. Besides the usual fair fun like cotton candy, ice cream, and live music, there’s road racing and historical re-enactments of the war.

4^th of July in Boston

What better place to be than Boston for the Fourth of July celebrations? Boston is where it all started – where the battle for America’s independence began—and there are lots of things to do if you’re in town for this historic day.

Stop by the Boston Harborfest in and around City Hall, and get a glimpse of history. Enjoy colonial reenactments and step back in time for a look at America’s early days. Enjoy an outdoor concert, take a historical tour, and enjoy yourselves. Harborfest spans several days to include Children’s Day on July 3rd and the Annual Chowderfest a few days later. Harborfest is considered one of the largest Independence Day celebrations.

Of course, no Independence Day is complete without a dazzling display of fireworks. So end your day with the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, an event where you are treated to a concert as you watch the fireworks in the sky over the Charles River. CBS covers the event on television, but if you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth checking out live!

Arts on the Arcade

Stop by Arts on the Arcade, an outdoor arts festival and farmers market at the community arcade next to City Hall Plaza and Cambridge Street. Held every Wednesday in the summer, Arts on the Arcade features works by local visual artists, local produce at the farmers market, and performances from a variety of entertainers.

North End Feast Days

If you’re in the North End neighborhood of Boston during the summer, you should definitely check out one of several “Feast Days” in the area. Celebrate Catholic Feast Days of Italian Saints with music and Italian food during a summer weekend in the North End neighborhood. There’s St. Joseph’s Feast in July and Madonna della Cava’s, St. Anthony’s and St. Lucy’s Feast in August.

Boat Ride

Make use of the sun and waterfront and go for a sail in Jamaica Pond! Renting a sailboat or a rowboat doesn’t have to be expensive either. The boathouse is open daily in the summer from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jamaica Pond is part of Boston’s Emerald Necklace park system. Or go for a free canoe trip on the Neponset River or the Charles River, courtesy of the Boston Natural Areas Network.

Summer Restaurant Week

Get your appetites ready for the summer Restaurant Week in Boston held in August! Enjoy special prix fixe menus at eclectic culinary hotspots. From national chains to locally owned restaurants, enjoy international food all over Boston neighborhoods.

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Boston Summer Events