Massachusetts

20 Great Events to Kick off the First Weekend of Summer in Greater Boston

It’s the first official weekend of summer, and there is a lot happening to celebrate. From the annual Donna Summer Roller Disco Party at City Hall Plaza to World Giraffe Day at the Franklin Park Zoo, Strawberry Festivals and even human foosball, we’ve gathered so many options you’re sure to be entertained all weekend long! 

Friday, June 22

Ride the Boston Common Frog Pond Carousel

Grab the kiddos and have some fun with a Frog Pond favorite – the carousel featuring fun and zany characters. Tickets are $3 per ride or you can purchase a 10 ride card for $25. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Boston Common, 139 Tremont St., Boston.

Celebration of Summer V: Donna Summer Roller Disco Party

Celebration of Summer V pays tribute to Boston-born disco legend Donna Summer during this free event tonight. Try your disco moves on the roller skating rink at City Hall Plaza (free rentals available), while DJ Joey Carvello plays her biggest hits and other popular disco tunes. 6-10 p.m., City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square, Boston.

Harpoon Flying Saucer Frisbee Tournament

John Harpoon for an interstellar-themed evening with this flying saucer jam-style frisbee tournament. Get the highest score and win a stay at the Seaport Hotel for two, plus, VIP passes to a future Harpoon event. 6-10 p.m., The Lawn on D, 420 D St., Boston. 

50 Percent off Friday Nights at the Museum of Science

Now through the end of August, enjoy 50 percent off exhibit halls admission from 3- 9 p.m. Grab your family or friends and explore everything the museum has to offer at this discounted rate. Plus starting at 6 p.m. you can also enjoy beer, wine, small plates and oysters in the museum’s Riverview Cafe. You can also add Omni and Planetarium shows at a discounted rate of just $6.

Citizens Bank Weekly Cornhole Tournament

The weekly cornhole tournament, sponsored by Citizens Bank returns for summer.The first eight teams of two will compete for “Lawn Bucks.” All the fun starts at 6:45 p.m.. Sign up for free at the Citizens Bank kiosk starting at 6:30 p.m. The Lawn on D, 420 D St., Boston.

Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City Entertainment Series: Movie Fridays

Friday is movie night during the Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City concert series. Tonight enjoy “It Happened One Night” on the big screen for your waterfront entertainment. The movie starts at dusk, Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston.

U2 at TD Garden

U2 comes to the TD Garden with its eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour. Tickets start at $45.50. 8 p.m., TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston.

Saturday, June 23

Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series

Join the Boston Public Health Commission, Boston Parks and Recreation Dept. and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts as they kick off the summer of 30 free outdoor fitness classes each week in and around the city. These free classes take place throughout Boston’s 18 neighborhoods and two dozen parks all summer long. This morning enjoy a walking group at 8 am. At Franklin Park in Dorchester, yoga at 9:15 a.m. at Franklin Park, Dorchester, yoga at 10 a.m. at Healy Playground, Roslindale or bootcamp at 11 a.m. at Almont Park in Mattapan.

World Giraffe Day at the Franklin Park Zoo

Celebrate World Giraffe Day at the Franklin Park Zoo with activities and zookeeper chats throughout the day. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston.

Ride the Boston Common Frog Pond Carousel

Grab the kiddos and have some fun with a Frog Pond favorite – the carousel featuring fun and zany characters. Tickets are $3 per ride or you can purchase a 10 ride card for $25. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Boston Common, 139 Tremont St., Boston.

Waterfront Art & Music Festival

The second annual Waterfront Art & Music Festival, presented by the Creative Arts Network and Fall River Heritage State Park is a great free outdoor festival for the entire family. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fall River Heritage State Park, 200 Davol St., Fall River.

Verrill Farm’s Strawberry Festival

It’s strawberry picking season, so head on over to Verrill Farm in Concord today to celebrate not only the strawberry harvest, but the farm’s anniversary. Verrill Farm’s Strawberry Festival & 100 Year Festivities include: cookie decorating, Bart's Strawberry ice cream & birthday cake served in the stand at 1 p.m., horse drawn hay rides, pony rides, free entertainment and event a strawberry dessert recipe contest. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.,11 Wheeler Road, Concord.

Greenway Open Market

Celebrating its eighth season, this open-air artisan market features talented area artists, crafters and independent designers. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Rose Kennedy Greenway, 185 Kneeland St., Boston.

Russell Orchards’ Strawberry Festival

Head out to Russell Orchards for their annual Strawberry Festival. Enjoy hayrides, live music, pony rides and more outdoor fun. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 143 Argilla Road, Ipswich.

Belgian Beer Fest

It’s Belgian Beer Fest weekend and the event is returning to where it all began, the Cyclorma at the Boston Center for the Arts. This is a 21+ event featuring more than 100 Belgian styles and Belgian-inspired offerings from approximately 30 American and Belgian brewers. Tickets are $65 per session. Choose one of two sessions: Noon to 3:30 p.m. and 6-9:30 p.m. Cyclorama, 539 Tremont St., Boston.

The Market Bar at Boston Public Market

Saturday afternoons enjoy a beverage while you shop or dine throughout the Boston Public Market. Stop by the special Market Bar in the HUB for local beer and wine selections. 1-5 p.m., Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover St., Boston.

New Belgium Human Foosball

Are you a foosball fan? Then you don’t want to miss your chance to play a game of human foosball with New Belgium, plus they’ll have giveaways on hand, as well. The Lawn on D, 420 D St., Boston. 

Rosé on the Water Boston 2018

90+ Cellars is back for its 6th Annual Boston Rosé Cruise. Wear your best pink outfit and join them for an afternoon out on the harbor with a glass of rose. Tickets include 90+ Cellars rose, appetizer small bites and water. The boat (M/V Provincetown II) boards from Commonwealth Pier/World Trade Center Side). Tickets are $85 . 2-5 p.m., Boston World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston.

Boston Pickle Fair

Join in the celebration of all favorite fermented things from pickles to kimchi, kraut, veggies and more) at the 2nd Annual Boston Pickle Fair today. Enjoy live music, games, contests, vendors and even an expanded biergarten for those 21+. This year a portion of proceeds will be donated to Farm Aid, the 2018 non-profit partner of Boston Pickle Fair. There are two sessions: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.and 2:30-530 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $2 for children ages 12 and under. The Innovation and Design Building, 23 Drydock Ave., Boston.

Sunday, June 24 

SoWa Open Market

The SoWa Open Market is back for its 15th season. Enjoy this weekly celebration of local artisans, farmers, food trucks, brewers, musicians and more. While you’re there enjoy a selection of local brews, stay for a lawn game and enjoy live music. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 530 Harrison Ave., Boston.

Russell Orchards’ Strawberry Festival

Head out to Russell Orchards for their annual Strawberry Festival. Enjoy hayrides, live music, pony rides and more outdoor fun. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 143 Argilla Road, Ipswich.

Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series

Join the Boston Public Health Commission, Boston Parks and Recreation Dept. and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts as they kick off the summer of 30 free outdoor fitness classes each week in and around the city. These free classes take place throughout Boston’s 18 neighborhoods and two dozen parks all summer long. Today enjoy Kids Yoga at 11 a.m. at Jamaica Pond in Jamaica Plain, Yoga at 12:30 p.m. at Winthrop Square in Charlestown or Yoga at 2 p.m. at Jamaica Pond in Jamaica Plain.

Harpoon Brewery Tours

Guided tours take place daily at Harpoon Brewery, giving visitors an up close and personal view of the brewing process. As part of the tour, visitors 21 and over will enjoy a range of freshly-brewed Harpoon and UFO beers. Tours last approximately one hour. Tickets are $5 and only available the day of the tour and can only be purchased in person. Noon to 6 p.m., Harpoon Brewery, 306 Northern Ave., Boston.

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