As much as we love going to Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard during the summer, there's also plenty of fun to be had in downtown Boston!
One of the many positive things about living in Boston, Massachusetts is having access to fun and interesting cultural events year-round. Here's a quick round-up of popular summer festivals to explore in downtown Boston and the greater Boston area:
Boston Calling (Memorial Day weekend)
Since 2013, Boston's music festival features major live musical acts. Past headliners include fun., Young the Giant, Vampire Weekend, Beck, Mumford & Sons, and, more recently, Eminem, The Killers and Jack White:
Boston Calling Music Festival is a three-day, multi-stage festival featuring the biggest and best acts in live music, comedy, and visual arts. The event will provide easy access to all performance areas, incredible concessions, indoor performances and many surprises to be announced. All ages are welcome and children under 10 are free.
Tall Ships in Boston with Sail Boston (mid-June)
Want to experience New England history on the water? Come aboard the beautiful historic tall ships in the Boston Harbor:
Sail Boston brings 52 magnificent tall ships from all over the world to Boston Harbor in June for a 5-day festival.
You can watch the Tall Ships Parade through the Harbor, join on-board tours, see them up close on special cruises, and enjoy the festival's celebrations and other special events.
Boston Harbor Festival (late June-Fourth of July)
The five-day festival in downtown Boston is dedicated to celebrating Beantown's history. The festival always closes with the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular:
With hundreds of activities over Independence Day weekend at Boston’s best landmarks, this family-friendly event is the country’s largest Fourth of July festival. Activities include the annual opening ceremony at Faneuil Hall, historical reenactments, Freedom Trail walks, boat tours, live entertainment and much more!
Green River Festival (mid-July)
The Green River Festival is the result of two separate events held in Greenfield, Massachussetts—the Upcountry Balloon Fair on one weekend, followed by the anniversary of the local radio stations WRSI. Over time, the local events merged into today's unique folk-boho-hot air balloon festival in the Boston-area.
Over the years, the festival has hosted dozens of music giants including established legends like Emmylou Harris, Buddy Guy, Lucinda Williams, Mavis Staples, Arlo Guthrie, Steve Earle, and more recent stars like The Avett Brothers, Neko Case, Calexico, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, CAKE, Fountains Of Wayne, Old Crow Medicine Show, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and many others.
Now in its 32nd year, the Green River Festival continues to combine hot air ballooning with world-class musical performers.
