Labor Day weekend is here. Whether you’re hitting the beach or a barbecue, there’s plenty to do in between during this last long weekend of summer. Whether you head north to the Northeast Food Festival & Balloon Rally Expo or to Gloucester for the 34th Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival or Newburyport’s Riverfront Music Festival, there’s plenty of last-minute summer fun for the entire family!
Friday, August 31
Highland Street Foundation’s Fun Free Fridays offers no-cost admission to some of the most treasured, cultural venues in the state. Today enjoy free admission to: Old Sturbridge Village, EcoTarium, Norman Rockwell Museum, Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Chatham Marconi Maritime Center, USS Constitution Museum, Cape Ann Museum, Griffin Museum of Photography, Provincetown Art Association and Museum, The Mary Baker Eddy Library and Mapparium.
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 try Bootcamp at 6:30 a.m. at Christopher Columbus Park in the North End or a walking group at 10 a.m. at Moakley Park in South Boston.
34th Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival
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This weekend grab the family and head to Gloucester for the 34th Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival. Participating vessels will be arriving all day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Downtown Gloucester
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 cornhold 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 “Out of Africa ” on the big screen for your waterfront entertainment. The movie starts at dusk, Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston.
Saturday, Sept. 1
Northeast Food Festival & Balloon Rally Expo
Head north this weekend for the Northeast Balloon Festival in Milford, NH. Experience a weekend full of hot air balloons, tethered rides and more, along with more than 30 of New England’s top food trucks, entertainment, a kids zone and more. Daily general admission tickets are $15. 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Hampshire Hills, 50 Emerson Road, Milford, NH.
Southie Saturday at The Lawn on D
Enjoy lawn games, food, drinks, entertainment and more at The Lawn on D all day long today. 7 a.m to 11 p.m., The Lawn on D, 420 D St., Boston.
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.
34th Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival
This weekend grab the family and head to Gloucester for the 34th Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival. Today enjoy the day-long Heritage Day celebration, along with a lobster bake and concert before ending the day with the Boat Parade of Lights and fireworks over the harbor. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Downtown Gloucester.
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.
Newburyport Riverfront Music Festival
The 17th Annual Newburyport Riverfront Music Festival features Barenaked Ladies, along with Phillip Phillips, Anderson East and the Aldous Collins Band. This event is free and open to the public. Noon to 6 p.m., Waterfront Park, Newburyport.
Head to Gloucester for the Annual Labor Day tradition of the Lighted Boat Parade of Lights during the Gloucester Schooner Festival. 7 p.m., Gloucester.
Sunday, Sept. 2
Northeast Food Festival & Balloon Rally Expo
Head north this weekend for the Northeast Balloon Festival in Milford, NH. Experience a weekend full of hot air balloons, tethered rides and more, along with more than 30 of New England’s top food trucks, entertainment, a kids zone and more. Daily general admission tickets are $15. 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Hampshire Hills, 50 Emerson Road, Milford, NH.
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.
34th Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival
This weekend grab the family and head to Gloucester for the 34th Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival. Today enjoy the Parade of Sail, followed by the mayor’s race, and then the reception and awards ceremony. 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Downtown Gloucester.
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.
Head on down to the Rose Kennedy Greenway and enjoy a day of fun with rangers from the National Park Service. Head over to the Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion near The Greenway Carousel to play with their unique Imagination Playground. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Rose Kennedy Greenway, 185 Kneeland St., Boston.
Head to the tropics without leaving Boston Harbor at Boston Harbor Cruises’ weekly Luau on Spectacle Island. Enjoy a relaxing cruise to and from the island and a luau feast by renowned Chef Barbara Lynch. Tickets are $75 for ages 12 and over, $53 for ages 3-11 and free for children under 3. The boat boards at Long Wharf, Boston at 5:15 p.m. and departs at 5:30 p.m. sharp, returning from Spectacle Island at 8:30 p.m.
Close out summer with Pearl Jam Labor Day Weekend. The iconic band is taking the stage at Fenway Park for two performances Sept. 2 and 4 at Fenway Park. Both shows are at 6:30 p.m.
