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Boston July Fourth, skyline, fireworks
Photograph: Shutterstock / Keith J Finks

The best things to do in Boston this weekend

From pop-ups to performances, each week we round up our favorite things to do in Boston for a fun weekend in the city.

JQ Louise
Katie McAleer
Written by
JQ Louise
&
Katie McAleer
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Happy 4th of July! Celebrate right here in the Cradle of Liberty and ring in summer with lots of fun. There is plenty to do no matter what you are in to, but if nothing on this list sounds about right, check out the best cheap things to do or the best free things to do in Boston for fun all month long. When all else fails, rally up all of your friends for a boozy night out at one of the best bars in Boston.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

Things to do in Boston this weekend

  • Things to do

Join the festivities of the renowned Boston Harborfest, a multi-day celebration of the city's rich history and maritime heritage. Taking place June 30 through July 4 this year will be extra special because it marks the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party! Explore a range of activities, including harbor cruises, historical reenactments, live music performances and delicious food from local vendors. Take part in events and immerse yourself in the patriotic spirit, see the full schedule of events here.

  • Restaurants

Recently voted Boston’s best restaurant with live music, Grace by Nia is an alluring, modern-day supper club and is one of the most exciting new spots in Seaport. Make a reservation for June 30 to experience Funk it up Friday, featuring The Christman Collective. Get all the details and make reservations here.

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  • Music

This Saturday, July 1, Melanie Martinez is bringing her PORTALS tour to MGM Music Hall at Fenway. PORTALS is her first full release in four years after her record-breaking album, K-12, in 2019.  Melanie Martinez, a singer-songwriter known for her unique and darkly whimsical music style. With her distinct aesthetic and captivating storytelling, she takes her fans on a journey through her imaginative world in her PORTALS tour, enchanting audiences with a blend of haunting melodies, theatrical performances, and visually stunning stage production. Get tickets here.

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  • Travel

Visit the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and other popular artists, just minutes from Miraval Berkshires. Enjoy transformative wellbeing activities and luxurious spa service on-property during the day, then be transported to a night of classical, jazz, folk and more at Berkshire County’s most iconic summer venue, Tanglewood. Special offer available for Friday and Saturday night shows only, get all the details here.

  • Bars

Boston Harbor Hotel recently opened a new patio, the Brewer’s Alley. All summer, the Maine Beer Company will be serving a rotation of great beers, ciders and wine. The beer focused patio is the perfect spot to grab a drink with friends and enjoy harbor views. Open Tuesday through Thursday 3-8pm and Friday and Saturday from 12-8pm, get all the details here.

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  • Things to do

Pride is back in a big way this year, with the first official parade in Boston since 2019. There are also a bevy of parties and events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, and we’ve found the best and most exciting for those in the community and allies to enjoy all month long, as well as fundraising drink specials and other ways to support and celebrate! Of course, after you’ve hit one of these exciting events, don’t miss out on the afterparties at the best gay bars in Boston or check out the best drag shows

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  • Sports and fitness
  • Yoga & Pilates

The Revere Hotel has teamed up with LuluLemon Newbury Street to offer complimentary yoga classes every Saturday from 10-11am starting this weekend Saturday May 27. There are a limited number of yoga mats available for those that do not have their own. All-levels are welcome, prepare to sweat, explore and have fun. After class there will be healthy snack samples available. Get all the information here.

  • Things to do
  • City Life

The Boston Swan Boats have opened for the 2023 season at the Boston Public Garden lagoon. From April 15 through June 20, the boats are open daily from 10:00am – 4:00pm.

From June 21 through September 4, the boats are open daily from 10:00am – 5:00pm. The Swan Boats operate on a weather permitting basis for safety. They do not operate in rain, high winds, or extreme heat. 

More things to do around Boston

The 50 best things to do in Boston
  • Things to do

No matter where your interests lie, you can always find something to get excited about in the Hub. The best things to do in Boston run the gamut—from seriously fun to awesomely educational.

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  • Things to do

People visit New England every fall to see the gorgeous, colorful display that lights the region up with rich colors. Even if you’ve lived in the area your whole life, there’s no reason not to embrace the season, so get out and enjoy the vibrancy of autumn as much as possible, before the sad gray season shows up to put a damper on the fall foliage. You’ll definitely want to book a weekend getaway from Boston to see the leaves in other areas of New England or, if you’re visiting, to try a stay in a cozy Airbnb cabin near Boston. And don’t forget to pair your foliage adventures with the best hot chocolate in Boston to really get in the awesome out of autumn.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

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  • Things to do

One of the most charming joys of fall in New England is ditching the city to head for an orchard to pick your own bag full of crunchy apples. A regional tradition like no other, apple-picking is a celebration of the season that brings us cozy sweaters, cider donuts, and crisp autumn air. If you’re looking to embrace the season within a reasonable distance from Boston, there are plenty of farms that welcome guests to wander the rows of their orchards and come home with plenty of fruit in tow. From Cortlands to Macouns and everything in between, here’s some spots to hunt down your favorite apples this autumn near Boston. As we enter those cozier autumn months, be sure to also check out where to see the best fall foliage in Boston, where to go hiking near Boston, where to go pumpkin picking near Boston and where to get the best hot chocolate in Boston.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

  • Things to do

Can you feel the crisp autumn breeze cascading through your hair as you toss your scarf over your shoulder? If so, that means it’s New England in the fall, when the foliage is fiery and the apple cider is hot. While there’s countless activities that will let you bask in the beauty of autumn, pumpkin picking is a must-do for all card-carrying New Englanders and visitors alike. Ditch the pre-picked varieties at the grocery store checkout counter and head to one of these local farms near Boston, where you can hitch a ride on a wagon and choose your own stylish squash. For more seasonal activities, check out where to see the best fall foliage in Boston, where to go apple picking near Boston, and where to get the best hot chocolate in Boston.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

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