Massachusetts

35+ Fun Things to Do This Week in and Around Boston

School starts next week for many students throughout the state, so make this week count when it comes to fun. From outdoor movie nights, to Wilson Farm’s Tomato Festival, the Friends of Harpoon Red Sox Night and more, we’ve gathered more than three dozen ideas to help you plan!

Monday, August 20

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 zumba at 6 p.m. at Christopher Columbus Park in the North End, salsa dancing at 6 p.,m. At Blackstone Square in the South End, Carnival Fit at 6 p.m. at Harambee Park in Dorchester, Afrobeat Bootcamp at 6 p.,m. At Malcolm X Park in Roxbury or Yoga at 6:30 p.m. at Mother’s Rest at 4 Corners in Dorchester.

Freedom Trail Pub Tour

Mix hidden history, craft beer and good times during Boston Crawling’s guided History Tour Pub Crawl. Visit historic pubs in the Faneuil Hall area of the Freedom trail while guides share stories of Revolutionary Boston. Tours offered daily at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets start at $34.99 and must be purchased in advance. Meet at the Samuel Adams statue in front of Faneuil Hall .

Mayor Walsh’s Movie Night: “Despicable Me 3”

Grab your chair or blanket and catch a free outdoor movie tonight with Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s Movie Nights, part of the Boston Parks and Recreation Dept.’s ParkARTS program which features popular films under the night sky in 12 of the city’s parks throughout August and September. Tonight catch “Despicable Me 3” at dusk (approximately 7:45 p.m.). Free popcorn will be provided by AMC Loews Theatres. Hardiman Field, Allston- Brighton.

Free Comedy Night at McGreevy’s Boston

Enjoy a free comedy night featuring some of the best stand-up comics in the Northeast at McGreevy’s Boston every Monday and Tuesday. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. and it’s a 21 plus show. McGreevy’s Boston, 911 Boylston St.

Tuesday, August 21 

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 chair yoga at 10 a.m. at Symphony Park in Fenway, bootcamp at 6 p.m. at Elmhurst Park in Dorchester, Yoga at 6 p.m. at Medal of Honor Park (M Street) in South Boston, cardio dance at 6 p.m. at Ross Playground in Hyde Park, Zumba at 6 p.m. at Gertrude Howes Playground in Roxbury or line dancing at 6 p.m. at Billings Field in West Roxbury.

Friends of Harpoon Red Sox Night

Join Harpoon Brewery for a beer and pretzel before jumping on a trolley and heading to Fenway Park to see the Red Sox take on the Cleveland Indians. Tickets are $60 and include: one beer token, one pretzel token, a Harpoon Koozie, one Red Sox ticket and a trolley ride to Fenway Park. 4:30 p.m., Harpoon Brewery, 306 Northern Ave., Boston.

Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City Entertainment Series: Pop-Soul Tuesdays

Tuesdays are all about pop and soul during the Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City concert series. Tonight enjoy the music of the World Premier Band for your live waterfront entertainment. 6-10 p.m., Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston.

Mayor Walsh’s Movie Night: “Cars 3”

Grab your chair or blanket and catch a free outdoor movie tonight with Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s Movie Nights, part of the Boston Parks and Recreation Dept.’s ParkARTS program which features popular films under the night sky in 12 of the city’s parks throughout August and September. Tonight catch “Cars 3” at dusk (approximately 7:45 p.m.). Free popcorn will be provided by AMC Loews Theatres. Walker Park, Mattapan.

Free Comedy Night at McGreevy’s Boston

Enjoy a free comedy night featuring some of the best stand-up comics in the Northeast at McGreevy’s Boston every Monday and Tuesday. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. and it’s a 21 plus show. McGreevy’s Boston, 911 Boylston St. 

Wednesday, August 22

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 chair yoga at 10 a.m. at Elliot Norton Park in Chinatown, family Zumba at 6 p.m. at LoPresti Park in East Boston, HIIT at 6 p.m. at Mission Hill Playground in Mission Hill, yoga at 6 p.m. at Brighton Common in Brighton or line dancing at 6:30 p.m. at Franklin Park in Dorchester.

Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City Entertainment Series: Rat Pack Wednesdays

Wednesday’s are all about the Rat Pack during the Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City concert series. Tonight enjoy the music of Justin Beech for your live waterfront entertainment. 6-10 p.m., Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston.

Thursday, August 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. Today try Gentle Yoga at 10 a.m. at Christopher Columbus Park in the North End, Tai Chi at 10 a.m. at Symphony Park in Fenway, Yoga at 6 p.m. on the Boston Common in Beacon Hill, Yoga at 6 p.m. at Marcella Playground in Roxbury or Zumba Kids at 6 p.m. at Hunt/Almont Park in Mattapan.

Boston Calling Block Party on the Greenway

Enjoy local bands, cocktails, lawn games and more every Thursday night as the Boston Calling Block Parties return for the season. Get outside, enjoy live music and DJs, along with several beer selections. 5-8 p.m., Rose Kennedy Greenway, Dewey Square, Boston.

BostonFest 2018

Enjoy food truck favorites and local music for one huge party at BostonFest tonight. Tickets are $20-$25. 5:30-9 p.m., The Lawn on D, 420 D St., Boston.

Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City Entertainment Series: Blues Thursdays

Thursdays are all about the Blues during the Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City concert series. Tonight enjoy the music of the Jeff Pitchell Band for your live waterfront entertainment. 6-10 p.m., Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston.

Summer Concerts at the ICA: One Drop: A Bob Marley Tribute

Celebrate summer with the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) and Berklee for the10th year of HarborWalk Sounds on ICA Free Thursday Nights. Tonight features One Drop: A Bob Marley Tribute band. 6-8 p.m., The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston.

Free Summer Yoga at Frog Pond

Each Thursday night all summer long, enjoy free yoga outside at Frog Pond were instructors will lead a vinyasa flow class for students of all levels. Classes are held on the lawn adjacent to the Frog Pond Carousel. Bring your own mat. 6-7:15 p.m., the Boston Common Frog Pond, Boston.

Trivia in the Tap Room

Head on over to Harpoon Brewery tonight for trivia, prizes and see what’s on tap in the tap room. 7-9 p.m., Harpoon Brewery, 306 Northern Ave., Boston.

Mayor Walsh’s Movie Night: “Coco”

Grab your chair or blanket and catch a free outdoor movie tonight with Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s Movie Nights, part of the Boston Parks and Recreation Dept.’s ParkARTS program which features popular films under the night sky in 12 of the city’s parks throughout August and September. Tonight catch “Coco” at dusk (approximately 7:45 p.m.). Free popcorn will be provided by AMC Loews Theatres. Hynes Playground, West Roxbury.

Friday, August 24

Fun Free Fridays

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: Harvard Museums of Science and Culture, Buttonwood Park Zoo, Mass MoCA, Heritage Museums & Gardens, Cape Cod Children’s Museum, Smith College Museum of Art, The Old Manse, The Trustees, Emily Dickinson Museum, Hull Life Saving Museum and the Museum of African American History.

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.

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 “Dr. No” on the big screen for your waterfront entertainment. The movie starts at dusk, Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston.

Saturday, August 25

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.

Sweat & Sip: Keg Yard Yoga

Enjoy a yoga workout in the Harpoon Keg Yard with Meghan Rozanski to start off your Saturday. All levels welcome. After your workout, stay for some beers and pretzels in the keg yard. Tickets are $25 and include: yoga class taught by Meghan Rozanski Brundage and one beer token. 9:30-11:45 a.m., Harpoon Brewery, 306 Northern Ave., Boston.

Wilson Farm’s Tomato Festival

If you love tomatoes, you don’t want to miss Wilson Farm’s Annual Tomato Festival this weekend. Enjoy cooking samples from the farm’s resident chef, tasting stations, and more. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wilson Farm, 10 Pleasant St., Lexington.

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.

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.

Movies on The Lawn “Sandlot”

Enjoy a free screening of the family childhood classic “Sandlot” tonight on The Lawn on D. Attend the movie and receive a raffle ticket for your chance to win Red Sox tickets. 6:30 p.m., The Lawn on D, 420 D St., Boston.

Tango in the Park 

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. Dewey Square Plaza (Parcel 22). 

Family Film Festival

Enjoy a family-friendly movie tonight on the Prudential Center’s South Garden at the MAGIC 106.7 Family Film Festival. Tonight it’s “A Wrinkle in Time.” 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. 

Sunday, August 26

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. 

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.

Wilson Farm’s Tomato Festival

If you love tomatoes, you don’t want to miss Wilson Farm’s Annual Tomato Festival this weekend. Enjoy cooking samples from the farm’s resident chef, tasting stations, and more. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wilson Farm, 10 Pleasant St., Lexington.

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.

Greenway Play Session

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. 

Spectacle Island Luau

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.

Contact Us