The weekend is here and so are dozens of great things to do in and around Boston. From Truck and Tractor Day for the little ones (and the young at heart) to FAN EXPO Boston, a kids vs. grown-ups build off challenge and more, we’ve gathered a list of more than two dozens things great things happening all weekend long!
Friday, August 10
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: Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, Jacob’s Pillow Dance, Cahoon Museum of American Art, Nicholas House Museum, Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists, Wenham Museum, Fuller Craft Museum, The Greenway Carousel and the Freedom Trail Foundation.
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.
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It’s a free day of fun on the Greenway with Truck & Tractor Day! Check out and climb on board Greenway vehicles, a vintage fire truck, police cars and more. Noon to 3 p.m., Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston.
FAN EXPO Boston is happening all weekend long for fans of all ages who love comics, sci-fi, gaming and more. Dress in your favorite cosplay, plus there will be photos and autographs with your favorite actors and more. There’s also an exhibit all with latest products on display from retailers and local vendors. Tickets start at $35. 4-9 p.m., Boston Convention Center, 415 Summer St., Boston.
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.
The legendary Piano Man himself returns to Fenway Park for one show only Friday, Aug. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $159.
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 “The Karate Kid” on the big screen for your waterfront entertainment. The movie starts at dusk, Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston.
Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse
Combining music, technology and comedy, Blue Man Group creates a form of entertainment that can’t be defined, but appeals to people of all ages. Described as “innovative,” “energetic” and “wildly entertaining,” the best way to truly understand what Blue Man Group is, is to see the show yourself. Tickets start at $66. 7:30 p.m., Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston.
Saturday, August 11
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.
Kids vs. Grown-Ups Imagination Build-Off Challenge
Find out if creativity declines with age as LEGOLAND Discovery Center hosts the Kids vs. Grown-Ups Imagination Build-Off Challenge. THe five-minute challenge theme will be to build things inspired by the new The Great LEGO® Race VR Experience. Challenges today at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., LEGOLAND Discovery Center, 598 Assembly Row, Somerville.
FAN EXPO Boston is happening all weekend long for fans of all ages who love comics, sci-fi, gaming and more. Dress in your favorite cosplay, plus there will be photos and autographs with your favorite actors and more. There’s also an exhibit all with latest products on display from retailers and local vendors. Tickets start at $35. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Boston Convention Center, 415 Summer St., Boston.
Courageous Sailing’s Flip Flop Regatta
Get outside and catch Courageous Sailing’s Flip Flop Regatta. This event, happening annually since 2003, is a big boat pursuit race beginning in Broad Sound the heading out to around the Brewsters, back past Deer Island and typically finishing in the Inner Harbor just off the airport. After, enjoy the after party at Courageous’ Pier 4 in Charlestown. (After-party tickets are $60, and included with Regatta registration). 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Courageous Sailing Center, Pier 4, Charlestown Navy Yard.
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.
Kids vs. Grown-Ups Imagination Build-Off Challenge
Find out if creativity declines with age as LEGOLAND Discovery Center hosts the Kids vs. Grown-Ups Imagination Build-Off Challenge. THe five-minute challenge theme will be to build things inspired by the new The Great LEGO® Race VR Experience. Challenges today at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., LEGOLAND Discovery Center, 598 Assembly Row, Somerville.
Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse
Combining music, technology and comedy, Blue Man Group creates a form of entertainment that can’t be defined, but appeals to people of all ages. Described as “innovative,” “energetic” and “wildly entertaining,” the best way to truly understand what Blue Man Group is, is to see the show yourself. Tickets start at $66. Performances today at 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston.
Journey and Def Leppard at Fenway Park
You don’t want to miss two of the world’s greatest rock bands – Journey and Def Leppard – as they bring their North American Tour to Fenway Park on Saturday, Aug. 11 with Cheap Trick at 5:30 p.m. Tickets start at $105.50
Enjoy a family-friendly movie tonight on the Prudential Center’s South Garden at the MAGIC 106.7 Family Film Festival. Tonight it’s “Mulan.” Entertainment, children’s activities and giveaways start at 6 p.m. All movies are free and start at sundown. Don’t forget those picnic blankets or lawn chairs, too. Prudential Center, Boston.
Brad Paisley at Xfinity Center
Brad Paisley brings his summer concert tour to Xfinity Center with Tyminski for one show only Saturday, Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $30.
Tango in the Park returns for its third year bringing the tango and its music to the open air. This year’s summer season opens with the Boston Tango Orchestra, Hernan and Anita performance and lessons for beginners. This is a rain or shine event. All the fun starts at 7 p.m. Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf, Boston.
Sunday, August 12
Explore new restaurants, local boutiques and international brands, or rediscover what you love most about Newbury Street as it’s transformed and free of vehicles. Enjoy local musicians, outdoors games and more as you celebrate Newbury Street. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Newbury Street (Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue), Boston.
49th Chinatown August Moon Festival
Chinatown’s annual August Moon Festival is today featuring live performances of Chinese dance, music and martial arts, along with a street fair with food and merchandise vendors, sponsor tables, and arts and crafts booths. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Phillips Square, 1 Harrison Ave., Boston.
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.
FAN EXPO Boston is happening all weekend long for fans of all ages who love comics, sci-fi, gaming and more. Dress in your favorite cosplay, plus there will be photos and autographs with your favorite actors and more. There’s also an exhibit all with latest products on display from retailers and local vendors. Tickets start at $35. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Boston Convention Center, 415 Summer St., Boston.
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.
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.
Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse
Combining music, technology and comedy, Blue Man Group creates a form of entertainment that can’t be defined, but appeals to people of all ages. Described as “innovative,” “energetic” and “wildly entertaining,” the best way to truly understand what Blue Man Group is, is to see the show yourself. Tickets start at $66. 5 p.m., Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton 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.
