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Free Things To Do in Boston

There's an abundance of things to do for free in Boston for everyone to enjoy. See what's happening in Boston below!

SoWa First Friday Apr 03

On the First Friday of every month, the artists, galleries, shops and showrooms of the SoWa Art + Design District in the South End open their doors to the public for an evening of art, culture and inspiration. Meet the artists in their element, view the latest gallery…

Our Faces: There is room for all Apr 11
  • Connexion

Get ready—The Final Act of Our Faces is happening on April 11th from 1:00–4:00 PM at Connexion! Join us for an immersive afternoon filled with art, music, lights, and creative surprises as we bring this powerful community project to its next chapter. This gathering is a…

Japan Festival Boston Apr 25
  • Boston Common

The 2026 Japan Festival Boston will once again be hosted at the historic Boston Common on Saturday, April 25th and Sunday, April 26th. Japan’s traditional festival is a place to thank gods for their blessings and gather on special occasions with friends and family, serving as a…

Volunteer Expo Apr 29

Looking for the Perfect Volunteer Opportunity? The 19th Annual Volunteer Expo seeks to assist local nonprofit organizations in their search for volunteers. The event brings together locals, students and workers from the community and allows attendees to interact with…

Wake Up the Earth Festival May 02
  • Jamaica Plain

Approaching its 48th year, Wake Up the Earth Fest represents the beginning of Spring and brings out 7,500+ people every year in celebration. The 2026 Wake Up the Earth Festival in Jamaica Plain, features a parade that usually begins around 11 AM, gathering at Curtis Hall (20…

Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival May 16
  • Franklin Park Playstead, Roxbury

It’s opening day in Franklin Park! Don’t miss out on this 50-year tradition in our park. You can make a kite, buy one, or bring your own! Food trucks Bikes to try for younger kids with Countdown to Kindergarten Bicycle repair station by REI Contact us to sponsor this wonderful…

Boston Pride For the People Parade & Festival Jun 06
  • Copley Square

PRIDE IS BACK!📢🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Boston Pride For The People is excited to announce the return of a Pride Month celebration in Boston on Saturday, June 6th, 2026. The celebration will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, parade, festival, and block party! Boston Pride For The People is…

Puerto Rican Festival Cultural Pageant & Gala Jun 13
  • Florian Hall

Join us at our annual Puerto Rican Festival Cultural Pageant at Florian Hall where we'll crown this year's Miss Puerto Rico! The Pageant serves as the cornerstone event of the Festival Puertorriqueño, aimed at empowering girls and young women of Puerto Rican heritage to become…

Boston Harborfest 2026 Jul 02
  • Downtown Crossing, Waterfront
  • Recurring daily

Happening from July 2 - 4, 2026, Harborfest features hundreds of family-friendly activities at Boston’s most iconic landmarks, making it one of the country’s largest Fourth of July celebrations. Activities include the annual opening ceremony in Downtown Crossing, reenactments…

Sail Boston 2026 Jul 11
  • Boston Harbor
  • Recurring daily

Boston Harbor is the site of The Tall Ships return for Sail Boston®! This spectacular event offers crews, cadets and visitors from all over the world an unforgettable experience and a world-class maritime celebration. Come and see why Tall Ships America named Boston its 2009 and…

Boston Puerto Rican Festival Jul 24
  • Franklin Park

The annual Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts will be held on July 24-26, 2026 at Franklin Park! Come immerse yourself in our rich Puerto Rican culture and enjoy music performances, delicious Puerto Rican food from several vendors, carnival rides, local arts & crafts, and…

Museums & Exhibitions

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Bunker Hill Museum Apr 01
  • 43 Monument Ave
  • Recurring daily

The Bunker Hill Museum’s exhibits and dioramas tell the stories of the Battle of Bunker Hill, the construction of the Monument, and the history of the Charlestown Neighborhood. The museum is housed in the old Charlestown branch of the Boston Public Library. Guests can request…

Celtic Art Across the Ages Apr 01

Discover the many forms of Celtic creativity and their artistic legacies in this sweeping story that spans ancient to modern times. When you think of the word “Celtic,” what do you picture? Perhaps intricate knotwork designs, legendary warriors, or mystical spirituality? Maybe…

Coit Observatory Apr 01
  • 685 Commonwealth Ave
  • Recurring weekly on Wednesday

This astronomical observatory owned and operated by Boston University. It's located on the roof of the College of Arts & Sciences and offers free public hours on Wednesday nights. • Although it won’t cost you a dime, you do need to obtain tickets ahead of time because there…

Commonwealth Museum Apr 01

The Commonwealth Museum brings history alive through exhibits and educational programs. Changing exhibits interpret artifacts and documents that illuminate Massachusetts history. The exhibits featured are typically focused on the work and words of men like John Hancock, Samuel…

Massachusetts State House Art Collection Apr 01
  • Massachusetts State House
  • Recurring weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

The State House Art Collection commemorates significant historical events, and pays tribute to government leaders and private citizens who have helped shape the course of the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts State House Art Collection dates back to the eighteenth century and is…

McMullen Museum of Art - Boston College Apr 01
  • McMullen Museum of Art
  • Recurring daily

McMullen Museum exhibitions, more than ninety over three decades, comprise works loaned from institutions and collectors around the world. Research-driven with the aim of generating new knowledge on subjects relating to all areas of art history, exhibitions are curated by…

Museum of Bad Art Apr 01
  • Dorchester Brewing Co.
  • Recurring daily

MOBA is the world's only museum dedicated to the collection, exhibition, and celebration of art that would not be welcomed to any traditional art museum. Our collection includes sincere art in which something has gone wrong in a way that results in a compelling, interesting…

State House Tours Apr 01
  • Massachusetts State House
  • Recurring weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Take a free tour of the Massachusetts State House! Tours are offered by the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office and are led by knowledgeable guides. Tours include visits to the Senate and House chambers, the State Library and many other historic areas of the building. Access…

Visit the USS Constitution Ship Apr 01

Old Ironsides is one of the most famous ships in the history of the United States. Learn about the legacy of the USS Constitution ship, the world's oldest commissioned warship, at the USS Constitution Museum. The museum of this historic vessel is open to the public for free…

Waterworks Museum Apr 01
  • Waterworks Museum
  • Recurring daily

The Waterworks Museum interprets unique stories of the country's first metropolitan water system through exhibitions and educational programs on engineering, architecture, social history, and public health. Located along the Chestnut Hill reservoir, the Waterworks Museum…

ICA Free Thursday Night Apr 02

The ICA is free for all visitors every Thursday from 5 to 9 PM. Tickets for Free Thursday Nights will be available at icaboston.org/tickets at 10 AM on that Thursday morning. Beginning May 29, in line with the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and…

SoWa First Friday Apr 03

On the First Friday of every month, the artists, galleries, shops and showrooms of the SoWa Art + Design District in the South End open their doors to the public for an evening of art, culture and inspiration. Meet the artists in their element, view the latest gallery…

Boston Fire Museum Apr 04
  • 344 Congress St
  • Recurring weekly on Saturday

The Boston Fire Museum houses some of the oldest devices used to fight fires in Boston. In addition to buckets, trumpets, and fire grenades, you will also see some of the earliest examples of fire engines – some dating back to 1793. Tour Availability: Saturday Saturday…

Artist Demonstration with Bill Lane Apr 25
  • The Guild of Boston Artists

During this two-hour live painting demonstration, Bill Lane will create a watercolor painting depicting his favored urban subject matter while offering pointers and taking questions from the audience. Using his plein air techniques, Bill will dial up the dramatic afternoon light…

  • 32 Quincy Street
  • (617) 495-9400

Free every day (open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm) and just steps away from Harvard Square, the Harvard Art Museums welcome visitors from around the corner and around the world to enjoy one of the largest and most renowned art collections in North America. Masterpieces from…

  • 26 Oxford Street
  • (617) 495-3045

The mission of the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture is to foster curiosity and a spirit of discovery in visitors of all ages, enhancing public understanding of and appreciation for the natural world, science, and human cultures. The Harvard Museums of Science…

Family Friendly

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SoWa Sundays Apr 05

Spend a Sunday afternoon at 450 Harrison Ave, and meet the artists directly. Family friendly and free event. Plenty of parking is available. SoWa Artists Guild Facebook/SoWa Artists Guild Instagram/SoWa Artists Guild

Patriots' Day Parade in Lexington Apr 18
  • Lexington

The parade starts at 2pm at Massachusetts Avenue and Maple Street in East Lexington, proceeding west along Massachusetts Avenue through Lexington center, left onto Worthen Road ending at the town pool parking lot.

Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival May 16
  • Franklin Park Playstead, Roxbury

It’s opening day in Franklin Park! Don’t miss out on this 50-year tradition in our park. You can make a kite, buy one, or bring your own! Food trucks Bikes to try for younger kids with Countdown to Kindergarten Bicycle repair station by REI Contact us to sponsor this wonderful…

Boston Harborfest 2026 Jul 02
  • Downtown Crossing, Waterfront
  • Recurring daily

Happening from July 2 - 4, 2026, Harborfest features hundreds of family-friendly activities at Boston’s most iconic landmarks, making it one of the country’s largest Fourth of July celebrations. Activities include the annual opening ceremony in Downtown Crossing, reenactments…

Sail Boston 2026 Jul 11
  • Boston Harbor
  • Recurring daily

Boston Harbor is the site of The Tall Ships return for Sail Boston®! This spectacular event offers crews, cadets and visitors from all over the world an unforgettable experience and a world-class maritime celebration. Come and see why Tall Ships America named Boston its 2009 and…

Performing Arts

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Emmanuel Music: Weekly Cantata Series Apr 05
  • Emmanuel Church
  • Recurring weekly on Sunday

Emmanuel Music is one of the only organizations in the world that regularly performs Bach's cantatas within the liturgical context for which they were intended. The Sunday Eucharist at Emmanuel Church begins at 10:00 AM with the cantata performance beginning just before the…

NEMPAC Performathon 2026 Apr 11
  • Urban Wild Boston

The North End Music & Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC) will present its annual Performathon on Saturday, April 11 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Urban Wild in Charlestown. The event will feature more than 120 student performers raising funds for tuition assistance and accessible…

Opera Innovators Series Apr 12
  • Opera + Community Studios

Through masterclasses, workshops, and collaborative projects, the Opera Innovators Series bridges artistry and education, ensuring opera remains a vibrant, evolving art form for today’s audiences. Presented in partnership by Boston Lyric Opera and Boston Conservatory at Berklee…

Sanibel School Seahorse Chorale Apr 19
  • Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Set in the historic Great Hall of Faneuil Hall, the Sanibel Seahorse Chorale, under the direction of Joey Giangreco, presents an uplifting and spirited program that celebrates music, storytelling, and adventure. Blending contemporary favorites like Come Sail Away with beloved…

PruBoo 2026 Oct 25

Join us for a spooktacular day of fun at our 32nd annual PruBoo event! Prudential Center will host our much-anticipated Halloween festivities on Sunday, October 25th from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Parents, bring your children to trick-or-treat at 30+ participating stores and…

Films/Movies

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Summer Flicks Jul 11

It's Showtime! Lights, camera, ACTION! Join us in South Garden for Prudential Center’s annual outdoor movie series, lighting up Saturday nights from July 11th through August 29th. From beloved classics to can’t-miss blockbusters, our lineup is thoughtfully curated for movie…

Classes / Lectures

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Tours & Trails

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African American Women in Cambridge Walking Tour Apr 01
  • Cambridge
  • Recurring daily

This tour provides an opportunity to visit and interact with the spaces that influential Black women in Cambridge inhabited during the 19th century. These historical figures include Harriet Jacobs, Charlotte Hawkins Brown, Alberta V. Scott, Pauline Hopkins, Maria Baldwin, Mary…

Boston Women's Memorial: Talking Statues Project Apr 01
  • 256 Commonwealth ave.
  • Recurring daily

In honor of the 20th Anniversary of the Boston Women’s Memorial, special recordings have been created for the statues of prominent women's rights advocates, enabling the statues to speak! This memorial, which is also one of the stops on the Boston Women's Heritage Trail…

Revolutionary Irish Trail Apr 01
  • Various Locations
  • Recurring daily

Using public landmarks, monuments, historic cemeteries, libraries and museums as a guide, the Revolutionary Irish Trail takes you on a fascinating journey through Irish and Scots-Irish heroes in the American Revolution and Revolutionary War. The Rev Irish Trail is part of America…

State House Tours Apr 01
  • Massachusetts State House
  • Recurring weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Take a free tour of the Massachusetts State House! Tours are offered by the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office and are led by knowledgeable guides. Tours include visits to the Senate and House chambers, the State Library and many other historic areas of the building. Access…

  • 1634 Freedom Trail
  • (857) 258-3018

The Story of Boston told on the Freedom Trail from the beginnings of the City on a hill to the haunts of rebels and rascals who shaped modern Boston. A two-hour one-man show by an expert tour guide, witty, informative and engaging. The tour is on a gratuity's basis.

Summer in Boston

Experience the energy of Fenway Park, discover Boston's outdoor art scene, splash into the Charles with a Duck Tour, and attend a North End Feast - find your ultimate summer bucket list in…

Great Deals

Find discounts on attractions, restaurants, theatre tickets, tours, and more with our Great Deals.