38 Summer Festivals Around Boston in 2024

The weather is only sunny and warm in Boston for a brief few months, so we like to take advantage of it by celebrating everything at every turn. The summer season is packed with festivals acknowledging everything from the city’s artistic prowess to our high-quality seafood. We’ve rounded up some of the best celebrations for your party pleasure. by Celina Colby <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/boston-pride-parade-festival-2023-by-boston-pride-for-the-people-boston-416475" target="_blank">Boston Pride Parade and Festival</a> When: Sat, 6/8 at 11am Where: Downtown Cost: Free Info: Celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community with a Pride Parade developed by a new group of organizers. The parade will spread joy down Boylston Street to the Boston Common where a huge festival and block party will develop throughout the afternoon.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/2024-boston-portuguese-festival-boston-460673" target="_blank">Boston Portuguese Festival</a> When: Sun, 6/16 at 12pm Where: Downtown Cost: Free Info: The Boston Portuguese Festival celebrating Portuguese culture will be bigger than ever. Listen to live music, watch authentic cultural performances, and sample different types of Portuguese cuisine. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/lavender-farm-fest-holden-450864" target="_blank">5th Annual Lavender Farm Fest</a> When: Fri, 6/21 to Sun, 6/23 Where: Holden, MA Cost: $15.95+ Info: Stroll through fields of beautiful lavender, listen to live music, and sample lavender flavored treats at this unique farm festival. Enjoy a glass of beer or wine, make memories at a vintage photo booth, take a yoga class in the lavender fields, and more.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/greek-festival-watertown-2024-watertown-460047" target="_blank">Greek Festival Watertown 2024</a> When: Fri, 6/21 to Sun, 6/23 Where: Watertown Cost: Free Info: Celebrate all things related to Greek culture during this three day festival. Watch live music and dance performances, shop authentic goods, and sample delicious Greek foods.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/big-gay-dance-party-somerville-461821" target="_blank">Big Gay Dance Party</a>&nbsp; When: Saturday 6/22 at 5 pm Where: Union Square Cost: Free Info: Celebrate Pride Month and get your dance on at this awesome dance party in Union Square. The theme this year is Dinosaurs so wear your most prehistoric outfits. After you dance to the live DJs, shop LGBTQIA+ vendors at the on-site marketplace. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/summer-solstice-beer-fest-boston-461806" target="_blank">Summer Solstice Beer Fest</a> When: Sat, 6/22 Where: Brighton Cost: $15 Info: Sample a robust lineup of local beers, snack on complimentary bites, and enjoy the summer sunshine at this beer festival. You’ll also find live music, free lawn games, and raffles. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/mission-hill-arts-festival-boston-457886" target="_blank">Mission Hill Arts Festival</a> When: Sat, 6/22 to 9/2 Where: Mission Hill Cost: $20-40 Info: Every month this summer the Mission Hill Arts Festival hosts a dynamic musical artist for an unforgettable performance. Hear jazz, hip-hop, funk, world music, and more.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/strawberry-festival-lexington-460615" target="_blank">Strawberry Festival</a> When: Sat, 6/22 to Sun, 6/23 Where: Lexington, MA Cost: Free Info: Pick your own strawberries fresh from the bush, indulge in delicious strawberry foods, get your face painted, visit a petting zoo, and participate in many more family-friendly activities. Admission and many food samples are free, although it’s worth the few dollars for the limited edition fried dough with strawberry sugar. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/boston-pizza-festival-2024-boston-419596" target="_blank">Boston Pizza Festival</a> When: Sat, 6/22 to Sun, 6/23 Where: Downtown Cost: Free Info: It doesn’t take much to sell this savory event. At the Boston Pizza Festival restaurants from around the world bring their best pies to vie for your palate’s attention. In between slices catch the live entertainment and activities spread around the festival grounds. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/boston-guitarfest-2024-the-letter-b-cambridge-455227" target="_blank">Boston GuitarFest 2024</a> When: Wed, 6/26 to Sun, 6/30 Where: Cambridge Cost: $20 Info: See a lineup of spectacular guitar performances at this longstanding festival. You can also cheer on a favorite during the virtuoso competition and take a workshop to hone your own skills.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/bams-festival-boston-460042" target="_blank">BAMS Festival</a> When: Sat, 6/29 to Sun, 6/30 Where: Roxbury/Dorchester Cost: $10-50 Info: Join 10,000 fellow music lovers at Franklin Park in a two-day celebration of Black music and BIPOC performers. See live music and dance performances on multiple stages, fuel up with local food trucks, participate in live artmaking, and more.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/10th-boston-jerkfest-caribbean-foodie-festival-boston-407249" target="_blank">10th Boston JerkFest Caribbean Foodie Festival</a> When: Fri, 7/12 to Sat, 7/13 Where: Allston Cost: $25 Info: This Caribbean-style food festival centers the spices of Jamaican jerk rub, among many other delicious dishes. Every single vendor will be offering at least one jerk dish, plus you can enjoy live music, watch a cocktail throwdown, see chefs battle it out, and more.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/somerville-artbeat-2024-festival-somerville-1001603" target="_blank">Somerville ArtBeat 2024 Festival</a> When: Sat, 7/13 Where: Davis Square Cost: Free Info: The theme of this year’s ArtBeat Festival is “Wild” and you can see live performances, music, and visual art all interpreting that concept at multiple stages across Davis Square. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/international-sand-sculpting-festival-revere-451647" target="_blank">Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival</a> When: Fri, 7/19 to Sun, 7/21 Where: Revere Cost: Free Info: The annual Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival is a feast for the eyes. Stroll along the beach viewing astounding sculptures crafted from sand, enjoy live entertainment, watch a fireworks display, and chow down on food from local vendors. It’ll give you a whole new perspective on the sandcastles of your childhood. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/festival-betances-2023-boston-422489" target="_blank">Festival Betances 2024</a> When: Sat, 7/20 Where: South End Cost: Free Info: This is New England’s longest-running Latino cultural festival and it is a PARTY. Watch a parade, enjoy traditional foods and cultural performances, get your face painted, participate in kid-friendly activities, and salsa the night away. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/puerto-rican-festival-of-massachusetts-boston-388238" target="_blank">Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts</a> When: Sat, 7/27 to Sun 7/28 Where: Franklin Park Cost: Free Info: The Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts is one of the largest in the country. At this vibrant celebration watch a parade of cultural organizations and art institutions in the city, dance to live music, and snack on pasteles and tostones from local restaurants. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/8th-annual-cambridge-jazz-festival-boston-388585" target="_blank">Cambridge Jazz Festival</a> When: Sat, 7/27 to Sun 7/28 Where: North Cambridge Cost: Free Info: Relax to the smooth sounds of local jazz musicians at this annual two-day music festival. The festival grounds also include a pop-up food court, a jazz museum, a marketplace of local vendors, a beer garden, and comfortable spaces designed for seniors and children. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/rat-city-arts-festival-2024-allston-461434" target="_blank">Rat City Arts Festival</a> When: Sat, 8/3 Where: Allston Cost: Free Info: Relish the hyper-cool Allston/Brighton art scene with live music performances, artmaking, and a marketplace of creative local vendors. Food and beverages will be available for purchase through Aeronaut Brewery to cap off the evening.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/st-agrippina-di-mineo-feast-2023-boston-379769" target="_blank">St. Agrippina di Mineo Feast</a> When: Thu, 8/1 to Sun 8/4 Where: North End Cost: Free Info: The St. Agrippina di Mineo Feast begins with a procession led by the children of the Saint Agrippina society and accented by music from Italian marching bands. From there you can enjoy live music, food games, and a famous tug-of-war match.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/somerstreets-carnaval-somerville-461820" target="_blank">SomerStreets</a> When: Sun, 8/4 and Sun, 9/14 Where: Somerville Cost: Free Info: Inspired by the Open Streets initiative that closes busy roads down to make public space, SomerStreets opens up a main byway for walking, dancing, cycling, and generally enjoying the neighborhood. The Strike Up festival is particularly geared towards encouraging physical activity with games, a parkour course, and other activities.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/madonna-della-cava-feast-in-the-north-end-2023-boston-425983" target="_blank">Madonna Della Cava Feast</a> When: Fri, 8/9-Sun, 8/111 Where: North End Cost: Free Info: The North End’s Madonna Della Cava Feast is centered on a procession of a cloth banner decorated with the Madonna’s image. The tradition was brought to Boston by first generation Italian-Americans. In addition to this ceremony you can listen to live music, try authentic Italian foods, and shop local vendors.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/12th-annual-cape-cod-food-truck-and-craft-beer-festival-east-falmouth-451668" target="_blank">12th Annual Cape Cod Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival</a> When: Sat, 8/10 Where: East Falmouth, MA Cost: $5-10 Info: 30 of the region’s most popular food trucks will gather on Cape Cod for this epic festival. While you sample different foods, sip on brews from more than 25 craft breweries, play lawn games, listen to live music, and shop a local artisans market.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/chinatown-august-moon-festival-2023-boston-400670" target="_blank">Chinatown August Moon Festival</a> When: Sun, 8/11 at 10 a.m. Where: Chinatown Cost: Free Info: The August Moon Festival dates back to 771 BCE in Chinese history, celebrating the harvesting of rice under a full moon. At Boston’s celebration, watch cultural performances, learn Chinese calligraphy, and shop at a marketplace of small businesses. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/north-end-fisherman-s-feast-2023-boston-379771" target="_blank">North End Fisherman's Feast</a> When: Thu, 8/15 to Sun, 8/18 Where: North End Cost: Free Info: The North End’s oldest continuously running Italian festival is not one to miss. Every night for four days fishermen are celebrated with live bands, Italian food and craft vendors, and various traditional ceremonies blessing the fishermen and their waters. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/13th-african-festival-of-boston-boston-422488" target="_blank">African Festival of Boston</a> When: Sat, 8/17 to Sun, 8/18 Where: Downtown Boston Cost: Free Info: Celebrating innovation in Africa and through the diaspora, the African Festival highlights up-and-coming musicians and performers in a rotating stage throughout the day. You can also shop at a marketplace of authentic African goods and eat traditional dishes from food vendors.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/10th-annual-portsmouth-food-truck-craft-beer-festival-at-cisco-brewers-portsmouth-452147" target="_blank">10th Annual Portsmouth Food Truck &amp; Craft Beer Festival at Cisco Brewers</a> When: Sun, 8/18 Where: Portsmouth, NH Cost: $5-10 Info: More than 23 of Portsmouth’s most popular food trucks will gather in one place for this summer festival, along with beloved local craft breweries. Enjoy the eats, play lawn games, listen to live music, and more.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/saint-anthony-s-feast-2023-boston-1001093" target="_blank">Saint Anthony's Feast</a> When: Thu, 8/21 to Sun, 8/25 Where: North End Cost: Free Info: Saint Anthony’s Feast in Boston began as an Italian and North End tradition in 1919 and has won over the hearts of Bostonians. The highly anticipated annual festival lights up Hanover Street with decorations, a parade, live performances, and more than 100 push carts selling authentic Italian eats. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/breakaway-mass-2024-music-festival-worcester-461724" target="_blank">Breakaway Mass 2024 Music Festival</a> When: Fr, 9/6 to Sat, 9/7 Where: Worcester, MA Cost: $139+ Info: Dance the day away to performances from Illenium, Tiësto, Big Gigantic, Deadmau5, and many more under the summer sunshine at this outdoor concert venue.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/97th-annual-italian-feast-of-saints-cosmas-and-damian/390686" target="_blank">98th Annual Italian Feast of Saints Cosmas &amp; Damian</a> When: Fri, 9/6-Sun, 9/08 Where: North End Cost: Free Info: Food stalls, carnival games, amusement rides, and live music flood the North End streets for this vibrant feast. Relax in the festival’s beer and wine garden, hear words from special guests, and enjoy the community spirit of the North End.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/11th-jp-music-festival-boston-426147" target="_blank">JP Music Festival</a> When: Sat 9/7 Where: Jamaica Plain Cost: Free Info: Jamaica Plain is known for its thriving artistic scene and this festival provides the opportunity for local musicians to take center stage. Listen to a dynamic lineup of performers on two stages and keep your energy up with snacks from on-site food trucks.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/the-boston-arts-festival--6/459313" target="_blank">Boston Arts Festival</a> When: Sat, 9/14 to Sun 9/15 Where: North End Cost: Free Info: For two days the Boston Arts Festival highlights visual and performing artists in the city with installations, live stage performances, and exhibitions of work spanning the media spectrum from photography and pottery to painting and jewelry.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/caribbean-rum-food-festival-roxbury-crossing-265269" target="_blank">Caribbean Rum &amp; Food Festival</a> When: Sat, 9/14 at 12 p.m. Where: Roxbury Cost: $425-$60 Info: Celebrate the flavors and sounds of the Caribbean at this festival showcasing food and cocktails from the tropical region. The culinary offerings will be accented with live entertainment and work by local artists and craftspeople. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/revere-beach-art-festival-revere-381388" target="_blank">Revere Beach Arts Fest</a> When: Sat, 9/14 at 11 a.m. Where: Revere Cost: Free Info: Watch artmaking in real time at the Revere Beach Arts Fest where a live art competition is just the start of the excitement. Create your own works and enjoy music, food, and the beautiful beach scenery during the festival.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/boston-local-food-festival-boston-388224" target="_blank">Boston Local Food Festival</a> When: Sun, 9/15 at 11 a.m. Where: Greenway Cost: Free Info: You certainly won’t go hungry at this festival! The celebration features more than 75 local food vendors, showcasing some of the best eats Boston has to offer. Sample different dishes while you stroll along the Greenway enjoying the city’s beautiful scenery.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/what-the-fluff-festival-2023-somerville-391970" target="_blank">What the Fluff?</a> When: Sat, 9/21 Where: Somerville Cost: Free Info: The sweetest festival in Boston is back! Fluff was invented on the streets of Somerville and for one day every year the town celebrates the genius of that recipe. Enjoy live music, elaborate fluff foods, fluff-centric crafts, trivia, and all kinds of fluffy fun.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/5th-annual-salem-food-truck-and-craft-beer-festival-salem-452167" target="_blank">5th Annual Salem Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival</a> When: Sat, 9/21 Where: Salem, MA Cost: Free Info: Food trucks from around New England will gather in Salem for this festival, so be sure to come hungry. More than 25 regional craft breweries will also be serving up beer and you can jam out to live music and play lawn games in between bites.&nbsp; ANNUAL EVENTS, 2024 INFORMATION TBA Boston Seafood Festival When: TBA Where: Seaport Cost: $20+ Info: Boston has some of the freshest seafood around and the Boston Seafood Festival pays homage to our tireless fisheries, chefs, and oyster shuckers keeping the industry vibrant. Watch culinary demonstrations, lounge in one of several beer gardens, and eat all the lobster your heart desires. -- Photo: 2018 St. Anthony’s Feast by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mattconti.com/Galleries/United-States/Boston/NorthEnd/Feasts/2016-08--St-Anthonys-Feast-Sun/i-gXjV3fw/A" target="_blank">Matt Conti</a>&nbsp;

Around Boston

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S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

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S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

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S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

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Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

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S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

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S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

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38 Summer Festivals Around Boston in 2024

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