The first weekend of August is here and along with it, dozens of great things to do with the family all weekend long. From the 11th Annual Boston GreenFest to the Boston Seafood Festival or even catch a hot air balloon rally, or the 2018 Sunflower Festival. Whatever it is, make it count. Not sure where to head first? We gathered more than two dozen fun things to do right here to help get you started.
Friday, August 3
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.
Celebrate Boston GreenFest’s 11th anniversary with a free, three-day festival at Boston City Hall Plaza and Faneuil Hall. Enjoy exhibits, a local food truck emporium, the wine and beer garden, plus children’s activities at the EcoKids Center which has many interactive exhibits, robots, games, pony rides and petting zoo, and more. Noon to 10 p.m., Boston City Hall Plaza and Faneuil Hall.
37th Annual Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally
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Looking for something special to do this weekend? Hit the road check out the 37th Annual Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally in Pittsfield, NH. Enjoy carnival rides, a K-9 demonstration, crafters, fireworks and of course hot air balloons at this annual event. 3-8:30 p.m., Drake Field, PMHS Athletic Complex, 7 Barnstead Road, Pittsfield, NH.
The 2018 Sunflower Festival is going on all week long at Coppal House Farm. Grab the family and head out to not miss this amazing display. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and up, $8 for ages 5-12 and free for children 4 and under. The sunflower field is open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Coppal House Farm, 118 North River Road (Rte. 155) Lee, NH.
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.
ICA First Friday: White Hot Vol. 5
Head on over to the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston’s First Friday event. Wear those summer whites for a fun night of music, live performances, sunny cocktails, dancing, contemporary art and harbor views. Free for members, $15 for non-members, 5-10 p.m., Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston.
Meet artists, view exhibits and shop as more than 200 artists, galleries, shops and showrooms open their doors to the public tonight for an evening of art, culture and inspiration. 5-9 p.m., 450-460 Harrison Ave., Boston.
Aquatic Rodeo on The Lawn on D
Head down to The Lawn on D and ride Bruce, the mechanical shark, along with a Captain Quint look-alike contest and music from DJ Ryan Brown. 5-11 p.m., The Lawn on D, 420 D St. Boston.
Museum of Fine Arts First Fridays
Join the folks at the Museum of Fine Arts tonight and kick off the weekend with fine art, music, signature cocktails, tapas and more. Tickets are $25, seniors and students are $23 and free for members. 6-9:30 p.m., Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., 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.
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 “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” on the big screen for your waterfront entertainment. The movie starts at dusk, Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston.
William Shakespeare’s “Richard III”
Enjoy a free performance of William Shakespeare’s “Richard III” from the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company on the Boston Common. 8 p.m., Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common.
Saturday, August 4
37th Annual Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally
Looking for something special to do this weekend? Hit the road check out the 37th Annual Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally in Pittsfield, NH. Enjoy carnival rides, a K-9 demonstration, crafters, fireworks and of course hot air balloons at this annual event. 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Drake Field, PMHS Athletic Complex, 7 Barnstead Road, Pittsfield, NH.
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.
The 2018 Sunflower Festival is going on all week long at Coppal House Farm. Grab the family and head out to not miss this amazing display. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and up, $8 for ages 5-12 and free for children 4 and under. The sunflower field is open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Coppal House Farm, 118 North River Road (Rte. 155) Lee, NH.
See Boston’s history come to life with a free, one-hour historical tour of the architecture, politics and geography of Boston’s Quincy Market. 11 a.m., ,eet your guide at the property directory near Anthem Restaurant. Quincy Market, 4 S. Market St., Boston.
Celebrate Boston GreenFest’s 11th anniversary with a free, three-day festival at Boston City Hall Plaza and Faneuil Hall. Enjoy exhibits, a local food truck emporium, the wine and beer garden, plus children’s activities at the EcoKids Center which has many interactive exhibits, robots, games, pony rides and petting zoo, and more. Noon to 10 p.m., Boston City Hall Plaza and Faneuil Hall.
Enjoy the history of the Boston Harbor lighthouses on a narrated, two-hour cruise. Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors/students/military and $25 for children. Toddlers are free. Tours today at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tours depart from the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center on the Rose Kennedy Greenway (across from the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel.
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.
William Shakespeare’s “Richard III”
Enjoy a free performance of William Shakespeare’s “Richard III” from the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company on the Boston Common. Performances today at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common.
Enjoy a family-friendly movie tonight on the Prudential Center’s South Garden at the MAGIC 106.7 Family Film Festival. Tonight it’s “The Incredibles.” 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.
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.
Country music legend Keith Urban brings his Graffiti U World Tour to the Xfinity Center, along with Kelsea Ballerini for one show Saturday, Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $27.
Movies on the Lawn: “Patriots Day”
It’s movie night on The Lawn on D. Head down for a screening of “Patriots Day,” and while you’re there, enter a raffle for a Plymouth Road Race race bib and some Truly swag. Dusk, The Lawn on D, 420 D St., Boston.
Sunday, August 5
37th Annual Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally
Looking for something special to do this weekend? Hit the road check out the 37th Annual Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally in Pittsfield, NH. Enjoy carnival rides, a K-9 demonstration, crafters, fireworks and of course hot air balloons at this annual event. 5:30-10 a.m., Drake Field, PMHS Athletic Complex, 7 Barnstead Road, Pittsfield, NH.
If you love seafood you don’t want to miss the 7th Annual Boston Seafood Festival on the historic Boston Fish Pier. Enjoy a day filled with seafood, clambakes, chef demonstrations, educational events, family fun and more. Tickets start at $15. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Boston Fish Pier, 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.
The 2018 Sunflower Festival is going on all week long at Coppal House Farm. Grab the family and head out to not miss this amazing display. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and up, $8 for ages 5-12 and free for children 4 and under. The sunflower field is open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Coppal House Farm, 118 North River Road (Rte. 155) Lee, NH.
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, 191 W. Atlantic Ave., 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.
Celebrate Boston GreenFest’s 11th anniversary with a free, three-day festival at Boston City Hall Plaza and Faneuil Hall. Enjoy exhibits, a local food truck emporium, the wine and beer garden, plus children’s activities at the EcoKids Center which has many interactive exhibits, robots, games, pony rides and petting zoo, and more. Noon to 6 p.m., Boston City Hall Plaza and Faneuil Hall.
BSS Summer Cornhole Tournament
Buds of Boston and Boston Cornhole invite you to The Lawn on D for their third annual 64-team cornhole tournament. Enjoy the outdoor bar, play on the swings, enjoy some ping-pong, the bocce courts and more during the tournament. Register your team of two. Noon to 5 p.m., The Lawn on D, 420 D St., Boston.
Free Summer Concert at Longfellow House
Enjoy a free summer concert this afternoon at Longfellow House featuring Emily Gelineau, as part of Berklee’s Summer in the City Concert Series happening all summer long. 3 p.m., Longfellow House, 105 Brattle St., Cambridge.
William Shakespeare’s “Richard III”
Enjoy a free performance of William Shakespeare’s “Richard III” from the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company on the Boston Common. 7 p.m., Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common.
