Don't miss out! Get the best events & activities in your inbox weekly...
Home > Events > Special Events
Submit Event View Newsletter


Special Events



ica free thursday nights small photo
ICA Free Thursday Nights, Free
Thu, January 1, 2026  -  Sat, December 19, 2026   
The ICA is free for all visitors every Thursday from 5 to 9 PM. Last entry to the museum is at 8:30PM. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
A Bug's World at Roger Williams Park Zoo, $
Sat, April 11, 2026  -  Sun, August 9, 2026   
Get ready for some big adventure as a tiny explorer in A Bug’s World, a new immersive, hands-on exhibit featuring larger than life bugs- open from April 11 – August 9.
kids run the bases days at fenway 2026 small photo
Kids Run the Bases Days at Fenway 2026, $$$
Mon, April 20, 2026  -  Sun, August 23, 2026   
Come cheer on the Red Sox with the kids at Fenway. Choose from 5 different games where kids get to run the bases after the game.
hatch shell events small photo
Hatch Shell Events, Free
Sat, April 25, 2026  -  Sun, October 25, 2026   
The Department of Conservation & Recreation, presents this year's concert & event lineup. Come enjoy some free family entertainment at the Hatch Shell this summer!
ica playdate free family art day small photo
ICA Playdate: Free Family Art Day, Free
Sun, May 3, 2026  -  Sun, December 6, 2026   
Take your family to the ICA for a full day of free activities at the ICA's monthly Play Date, a recurring event on the last Saturday of each month inviting families to enjoy free art workshops, performances, and more.
Lawn Days at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum
Thu, May 7, 2026  -  Sun, October 18, 2026   
The Lawn Event season grew out of a Sunday afternoon tradition begun by the Anderson family. They would open their doors to the carriage house on Sunday afternoons so that the general public could admire their growing collection of American and European cars.
Yin Yu Tang: A Chinese Home Tour, $
Thu, May 21, 2026  -  Mon, June 29, 2026   
Step inside a 200-year-old Chinese home in Salem to experience Chinese art, architecture and culture. For 200 years, Yin Yu Tang stood in the rural village of Huang Cun
waterfire providence 2026 small photo
Waterfire Providence 2026, Free
Sat, May 30, 2026  -  Fri, December 11, 2026   
WaterFire centers on a series of 100 bonfires that blaze just above the surface of the three rivers that pass through the middle of downtown Providence.
groundbeat concert series 2026 small photo
GroundBeat Concert Series 2026, Free
Sun, May 31, 2026  -  Wed, June 17, 2026   
Experience Boston's vibrant music scene at the GroundBeat Concert Series, a free riverfront music series showcasing diverse local artists and fostering inclusivity in the arts. Each concert features live performances,...
The Boston-Dedham Pokemon & TCG Show, Free
Today  -  Sun, June 7, 2026   
Buy-Sell-Trade Pokemon & other TCG cards & collectibles with over 60 vendors The Boston-Dedham Pokemon & TCG Show, Sunday, June 7 with special hours of 4:15 to 9:15 pm, Holiday Inn, 55 Ariadne Rd., Dedham (Exit 29A, Rt. 95) Buy-Sell-Trade old & new Pokemon
Boston-Dedham Sports Card & Autograph Show, Free
Today  -  Sun, June 7, 2026   
Sports Card & Memorabilia Show with a Hall of Fame Autograph Guest Cardboard Promotions Boston-Dedham Sports Card & Autograph Show, Sunday, June 7, 8:30 to 2, Holiday Inn, Dedham. over 85 Vendor Tables, Door Prizes, Buy-Sell-Trade Old & New Sports Cards
Millennial Speed-Dating (Monogamous): Wednesday, June 10, 2026, $$
Wed, June 10, 2026  -  Wed, June 10, 2026   
Millennial Speed-Dating (Monogamous): Wednesday, June 10, 2026 Millennial Speed-Dating (Monogamous): Wednesday, June 10, 2026 Millennial Speed-Dating (Monogamous): Wednesday, June 10, 2026 Millennial Speed-Dating (Monogamous): Wednesday, June 10, 2026 Millennial...
International Day of Play 2026, Free
Thu, June 11, 2026  -  Thu, June 11, 2026   
Join the City of Boston and friends to celebrate and experience the power of play on June 11, the annual International Day of Play!
Heated Rivalry Trivia at Boston Public Market, Free
Thu, June 11, 2026  -  Thu, June 11, 2026   
Looking for an excuse for your next binge watch? Heated Rivalry Trivia is 06/11 at BPM, so brush up on all things Hollanov to join the fun!
KÜHL Boston Grand Opening Weekend, Free
Fri, June 12, 2026  -  Sun, June 14, 2026   
KÜHL is opening its first East Coast retail store in Boston! Come help us celebrate by exploring the space and meeting the local team. Everyone is welcome!
New England's Biggest 2 Day Free Admission Card Show, Free
Sat, June 13, 2026  -  Sun, June 14, 2026   
Big Sports Carod & Pokemon Show with Autograph Guests New England’s Biggest 2 Day Free Admission Card Show, Emerald Square Mall, North Attleboro. Saturday, June 13 from 10 to 7:30 and Sunday, June 14 from 10 to 5. Buy-Sell-Trade old
5th Annual Juneteenth Gathering, Free
Sun, June 14, 2026  -  Sun, June 14, 2026   
Gather for Juneteenth to honor those who endured slavery and seized freedom on Brattle Street 250 years ago, their descendants, and the long history of Black freedom activism in Cambridge and beyond.
Free Jumping & All-day soccer fun at our World Cup Watch Party!, Free
Fri, June 19, 2026  -  Fri, June 19, 2026   
World Cup Watch Party at Launch North Attleboro! FREE jumping, 50% off pizza, 75¢ wings, $6 draft beer, bowling, arcade games & more. RSVP by June 10 for free Lucky Putt for 4: https://forms.gle/9yZfPfZj26mKR1R56
5th Annual Cambridge Juneteenth Celebration and Parade, Free
Fri, June 19, 2026  -  Fri, June 19, 2026   
Celebrate Juneteenth at the 5th Annual Cambridge Juneteenth Celebration, featuring a community parade, live performances, and family-friendly activities centered on this year’s theme, “Roots, Culture, and Community.”
Waterfest, Free
Sat, June 20, 2026  -  Sat, June 20, 2026   
Join us at the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum on Saturday, June 20th from 10am to 2pm, for a celebration of all things water, featuring activities, games, crafts and more!
Battle of Gloucester Reenactment, Free
Sat, June 20, 2026  -  Sun, June 21, 2026   
Step back to 1775 at the Battle of Gloucester Reenactment, a two-day commemorative event at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester. Hundreds of costumed reenactors bring to life one of the Revolutionary War's early coastal confrontations.
Discover Millborn Farm: A Community Celebration, Free
Sat, June 20, 2026  -  Sat, June 20, 2026   
Celebrate the opening of Millborn Farm with a full day of nature exploration, hands-on activities, and outdoor discovery for all ages. This event is free for all ages.
Father's Day Pizza & BBQ Bash at Appleton Farms, $
Sat, June 20, 2026  -  Sat, June 20, 2026   
Bring Dad to Appleton Farms on the Saturday of Father’s Day weekend for our own seasonal wood-fired pizza, local beer, wine and cider, local BBQ, and live music!
mbta commuter rail service for 2026 concerts at gillette stadium small photo
MBTA Commuter Rail Service for 2026 Concerts at Gillette Stadium, $$
Sun, June 21, 2026  -  Sat, October 3, 2026   
The MBTA Commuter Rail and Keolis will be providing round-trip, special event trains from Boston and Providence to concerts at Gillette Stadium all summer long.
Father's Day Bluegrass BBQ, $$
Sun, June 21, 2026  -  Sun, June 21, 2026   
Bring Dad and the family for a summer experience at the farm including authentic BBQ, live bluegrass music, lawn games and visits with the barnyard animals.
Father’s Day at Charmingfare Farm, Free
Sun, June 21, 2026  -  Sun, June 21, 2026   
Celebrate Father’s Day at Charmingfare Farm with an exciting family adventure! Dads accompanied by their children (12 years and under) receive free admission and a complimentary meal at our BBQ Party.
Father’s Day Done Right: BBQ, Buffet, & The Boston Cup, $$
Sun, June 21, 2026  -  Sun, June 21, 2026   
Celebrate Father's Day at Matria with an outdoor brunch and BBQ alongside The Boston Cup classic car show, featuring a lineup of vintage and collector cars.
Juneteenth Gathering at Longfellow House, Free
Mon, June 22, 2026  -  Mon, June 22, 2026   
Gather for Juneteenth to honor those who endured slavery and seized freedom on Brattle Street 250 years ago. This free, all-ages event features speeches, poetry, music, historical displays, family activities, and refreshments.
Beer Garden at Glen Magna Farms 2026, $
Tue, June 23, 2026  -  Tue, June 23, 2026   
Join the fun and bring your talents to the veranda at historic Glen Magna Farms for the first Beer Garden of 2026 featuring Open Mic.
Summer Kick Off Party & Open House at The Learning Experience - Littleton, Free
Thu, June 25, 2026  -  Thu, June 25, 2026   
Celebrate the start of summer with fun, creativity, and family connection at The Learning Experience – Littleton! Join us for our Summer Kick Off Party & Open House.
city of cambridge dance party small photo
City of Cambridge Dance Party, Free
Fri, June 26, 2026  -  Fri, June 26, 2026   
Join thousands of Cambridge residents and visitors who will gather in front of Cambridge City Hall for this annual dance extravaganza. Celebrate summer with an evening of community and music.
North Shore Pride, Free
Sat, June 27, 2026  -  Sat, June 27, 2026   
Join us to celebrate North Shore Pride on the Salem Common with free art making! Show off your pride and support with a colorful craft and keepsake
Opening Reception: “The Midnight Ride”, Free
Sat, June 27, 2026  -  Sat, June 27, 2026   
Join artist Rixy and The Greenway on Saturday, June 27 from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM for an afternoon of family-friendly music, art activities, and food trucks to celebrate the opening of her new mural, The Midnight Ride.
find 4th of july fireworks near you in ma 2026 by date small photo
Find 4th of July Fireworks Near You in MA 2026 (by date)
Mon, June 29, 2026  -  Tue, July 7, 2026   
Find out where they'll be shooting fireworks off nearest you in MA for 2026 by date. Different Boston area towns, different dates & times - you are sure to find a display to fit your schedule and your location. Happy...
Music Bingo at CanalSide at CambridgeSide, Free
Wed, July 1, 2026  -  Wed, August 26, 2026   
Get ready to tap your toes and test your musical knowledge with Music Bingo every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. located in CanalSide Food + Drink.
Weekly Thursday Trivia at CanalSide at CambridgeSide, Free
Thu, July 2, 2026  -  Thu, August 27, 2026   
Step into the realm of knowledge and entertainment at our FREE trivia nights hosted by The Entertainment Nation! Join us every Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Boston Harborfest 2026: Celebrating America’s 250th, Free
Thu, July 2, 2026  -  Sat, July 4, 2026   
With hundreds of activities over Independence Day week at the city’s most iconic historic landmarks, this family-friendly event is Boston’s Official Fourth of July Celebration.
City of Quincy Maritime Festival at Marina Bay, Free
Fri, July 3, 2026  -  Sun, July 5, 2026   
The City of Quincy will host the free, family-friendly Quincy400 Maritime Festival at Marina Bay Boardwalk July 4–6, featuring live entertainment, historic reenactments, schooner tours, a children’s parade, food, and maritime heritage celebrations.
community boating's july 4th sailabration small photo
Community Boating's July 4th Sailabration, $$$
Sat, July 4, 2026  -  Sat, July 4, 2026   
Enjoy the 4th of July on the docks of Community Boating this year. Avoid the commotion of the masses on the Esplanade, yet preserve the spirit of camaraderie and the sounds of the Boston POPS.
salisbury beach pet parade  beach concert small photo
Salisbury Beach Pet Parade & Beach Concert, Free
Sat, July 4, 2026  -  Sat, July 4, 2026   
Calling all canines for a stroll around the Broadway loop! Dress your pet in a fun costume, beach attire, patriotic gear, or bring them au natural.
tall ships boston 2026 small photo
Tall Ships Boston 20263 Locations, Free
Sat, July 11, 2026  -  Thu, July 16, 2026   
The Tall Ships return to Boston Harbor in July 2026 for Sail Boston® 2026. Find family-friendly viewing spots, event details, and planning tips.
sail boston 2026  tall ships small photo
Sail Boston 2026 | Tall Ships, Free
Sat, July 11, 2026  -  Thu, July 16, 2026   
The Tall Ships are returning to Boston Harbor July 11-16, 2026 for Sail Boston, part of Sail250 - celebrating America's 250th anniversary! Free and open to the public.
Presidents for Kids at The Carnegie: Exploring Leadership & History, Free
Sat, July 11, 2026  -  Sat, July 11, 2026   
Interactive program for children ages 5–10, Presidents for Kids introduces young learners to presidential history through hands-on activity. This is a FREE and a family-friendly event!
CX Summer Nights feat. Hill House + Over the Bridge, Free
Thu, July 16, 2026  -  Thu, July 16, 2026   
Get ready for a summer night featuring free performances! Join us for CX Summer Nights! This month we are featuring Hill House + Over the Bridge on the big stage!
GetOpen Boston Beach Party & Wellness Festival 2026, Free
Sat, July 18, 2026  -  Sat, July 18, 2026   
Join us at GetOpen Boston Beach Party & Wellness Festival 2026 for a day of sun, sand, music, and fun on July 18, 2025, starting at 1:00 PM! We're turning 10!!!
Summer Member Family Night: Bubble Wonderland with Balloon Art, Free
Thu, July 23, 2026  -  Thu, July 23, 2026   
Get ready for a fun night of bubbly magic and awesome balloon creations the whole family will love! Family members are invited to join us every other Thursday for summer family night fun!
Petals & Promenade: A Regency Ball at the New England Botanic Garden, $$$$
Sun, July 26, 2026  -  Sun, July 26, 2026   
Join an evening of elegance and intrigue—a Regency-era ball among the summer’s most enchanting blooms at New England Botanic Garden. Delight in a selection of amusing activities, captivating drag performers, and the finest refreshments.
open streets boston 2026 small photo
Open Streets Boston 20263 Locations, Free
Sun, August 2, 2026  -  Sun, October 18, 2026   
Experience Boston in a whole new way through Open Streets! Join us for a fun-filled day of walking, biking, skating, rolling, and family-friendly activities on car-free streets.
Flip Flop Party on the Pier, $$
Sat, August 8, 2026  -  Sat, August 8, 2026   
Join us for our annual Flip Flop Party on the Pier! Calling all sailors and land-lubbers alike, join us for our annual celebration of summer!
fisherman's feast 2026 small photo
Fisherman's Feast 2026, Free
Thu, August 13, 2026  -  Sun, August 16, 2026   
The oldest continuous Italian festival in the North End. This year the Feast takes place on North, Lewis, and Fleet Streets with its usual enticing selection of entertainment, food and traditional processions.
illuminate the harbor boston labor day fireworks small photo
Illuminate the Harbor: Boston Labor Day Fireworks, Free
Thu, September 3, 2026  -  Thu, September 3, 2026   
Boston's end-of-summer tradition is back. The skies over Boston Harbor will once again sparkle with the return of the Illuminate the Harbor fireworks display marking the start of Labor Day Weekend.
Cambridge Carnival International, Free
Sun, September 13, 2026  -  Sun, September 13, 2026   
Join us RAIN OR SHINE for a colorful and festive 2-day celebration rooted in African & Caribbean traditions. We are kicking off our 30th anniversary with Pan in the Park, on Saturday, September 7th!
BostonCentral - 25 Years
Popular Resources
Boston with Kids
Free Things to Do
Family & Kids Events
Mass RMV - DMV
Boston Birthday Parties
Boston Museums
Rose Kennedy Greenway
Boston Aquarium
Boston Massachusetts
Boston Bowling
Boston Haymarket
Boston Whale Watching