Celebrate at Boston’s Best Festivals & Signature Events in 2019
Fresh oysters. Free-spirited art. Green beer. Historic re-enactments. Boston is a city that takes its celebrations seriously, with many of the oldest and the biggest parties in the country. You’ll find unique events year-round in Boston, from springtime holidays to outdoor performances in the summer to autumn fun on the banks of the Charles River. Get ready to dive into Boston’s best festivals this year.
Everyone Is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day in Boston: March 17
Be sure to pack your brightest greens if you’re traveling to Boston in mid-March. Boston has a strong Irish heritage, and St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with verve and vigor every year. The biggest and best parade is in South Boston, beginning at the Broadway T Station and ending at Andrew Square. See colorful floats, listen to marching bands and bagpipe groups, and feel the good cheer of the Irish. You’ll also find specials on drinks and Irish cuisine throughout the neighborhood, from corned beef and cabbage to brown bread and Irish stew.
Celebrate Boston Strong at the Boston Marathon & Patriot’s Day: April 15
This isn’t just another marathon. The Boston Marathon is the largest annual marathon in the world, a signature event for the city and a point of pride for many locals. The marathon attracts 20,000 runners and 500,000 spectators, and is one of six World Marathon Majors. It’s also one of the most prestigious sporting events in New England, America, and the world. The race takes place each year on Patriot’s Day, the third Monday in April, and is interwoven with patriotic events and festivities across the city. The Patriot’s Day holiday commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord, which kicked off the American Revolution. On the holiday weekend, you’ll find a bevy of special events and celebrations throughout the Boston area:
Discover 500+ Interactive Experiences at Boston ArtWeek: April 26 to May 5
Enjoy unique art and culture events across the city of Boston at ArtWeek, an innovative festival where participation is key. You’ll find more than 500 interactive events, 90% of which are free. Go behind-the-scenes with special access to artists, galleries, and workshops. Glimpse inside the creative process of local makers and attend impromptu exhibitions. Learn how to make copper rings, tie-dye cloth, and pickled peppers. Listen to poems and stories, watch improv comedy and theatrical scenes – and embrace the dynamic creative community of the Boston area.
Summer Fun at Boston Harborfest & Independence Day: July 27 to July 4
Celebrate Boston Harbor’s history with music concerts, walking tours, re-enactments, and naval ship cruising. Immerse yourself in Boston’s maritime history, from the early days of settlement to the British colonies and Revolutionary War. Boston Harborfest is America’s biggest 4th of July party, a multi-day extravaganza with fireworks, historical tours, cruises, and live entertainment – over 200 events in all. Catch a performance by the Boston Pops and enjoy historical re-enactments on the waterfront. Find events on the Freedom Trail and at Charlestown Navy Yard. Celebrate the birth of America in the place where it all began.
Head to the Historic Boston Fish Pier for the Boston Seafood Festival: August 4
Locals have been enjoying the bounty of seafood off the coast of Boston for centuries, and the Boston Seafood Festival is a must for any seafoodie. It’s a full day of fun-in-the-sun feasting right on the waterfront. Clambakes and lobster bakes. Fresh oysters and fried scallops. Watch live chef demos and cheer for the contestants of the Battle of the Shuckers. Listen to live local bands and find a special area just for the kids. Most of all, indulge in the freshest, just-caught seafood from the city’s finest vendors.
Row, Row, Row Your Boat: Head of the Charles Regatta: October 19-20
Autumn brings a very special event to Boston, the largest two-day rowing regatta in the world: Head of the Charles Regatta. Over 11,000 of the world’s top rowing teams compete on the Charles River – and almost a half a million spectators line the banks of the river to cheer on the athletes. It’s a festive, fun event that takes advantage of the autumn weather. Races are exhilarating to watch, and spectators can enjoy plenty of extras like gourmet lunches and unique vendors. Head of the Charles Regatta is an event that truly evokes the spirit of Boston.
Experience Boston’s Best Festivals in the Heart of the City at Revere Hotel
Plan a vacation around Boston’s epic festivals and signature events – and find spirited boutique accommodations at our historically inspired hotel. Situated in the vibrant Theatre District, our Revere Hotel is less than a 10-minute walk from Back Bay Station and Boston Common. It’s easy to get around to festivals and events, whether you’re heading to the Boston Marathon or Head of the Charles Regatta. Embrace all the excitement that the city has to offer, and then return to your home-away-from-home here for locally sourced pub cuisine and cocktails. Make Boston yours at Revere Hotel.