The Big E 2026

The Big E is the largest event on the East Coast and the fourth largest fair in North America. Attendees can enjoy hours of entertainment and attractions, terrific food, plus the best that New England—and beyond—has to offer. Highlights include authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras in The Big Parade, an immersive Ireland adventure in the International Plaza’s Dingle Peninsula Showcase, North American Midway, as well as countless educational opportunities from the Avenue of States to Storrowton Village Museum, Farm-A-Rama and more. The Big E offers a diverse and vibrant experience to visitors from throughout the country. Pro-tip: Want to avoid the crowds? Go on weekday mornings, especially Mondays. Monday morning has the most minimal crowds. The fair itself recommends visiting&nbsp;on weekdays&nbsp;for a more relaxed experience. If the weather is good on weekends, expect heavy traffic and full grounds. Additionally, you can visit mid-week on an evening. If you go after 5pm from Sunday through Thursday you can also get a discounted ticket! Fairtime Hours Gates:&nbsp;8am The Big E Bakery:&nbsp;9am–10:30pm Buildings and Craft Common:&nbsp;10am–10pm Avenue of States:&nbsp;10am–9pm Storrowton Village Museum &amp; Shops:&nbsp;10am–9pm New England Center:&nbsp;10am–9pm Midway:&nbsp;Sunday–Thursday, 11am–10pm; Friday–Saturday, 10am–11pm _ Admission <a href="http://www.thebige.com/tickets">Buy Tickets</a> Prices are inclusive of fees

The Big E 

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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

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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 ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

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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

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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

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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.

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S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

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

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Where

The Big E 2026

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