The city is abuzz with the arrival of summer, and there are countless events to explore – some just steps away from Boston’s convention centers, the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center (MCEC) and the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center. 

2026 Special events

Summer of Soccer

Kicking off the season’s festivities, Boston is one of 11 cities in the U.S. hosting the international tournament, including a quarterfinal match. From June 13th - July 9th “Boston Stadium”, located in Foxborough, MA, will host 7 matches giving fans from around the globe a chance to experience all that historical Boston has to offer.  

To help fans get to the stadium, all-new roundtrip tickets on the commuter rail direct to Foxborough from South Station will be added for soccer matches. This route allows fans to get to the stadium in one hour by train.  

For those looking for a spot to grab a bite or a beverage before the train or to simply celebrate the summer of soccer, Boston has a wide range of easily accessible bars and restaurants to suit your mood. From sports bars to elevated cuisine, bars and restaurants are best found near the Downtown, Seaport, and Back Bay neighborhoods. View a lineup of bars and restaurants streaming games here.  

Boston Fan Zone at the Lawn on D

The Lawn on D, adjacent to the MCEC, will be hosting Boston Fan Zone where guests can enjoy the thrilling atmosphere of the international soccer tournament on and off the pitch. Select matches will be streamed for watch parties in conjunction with Boston While Black. The Lawn will feature an outdoor LED screen, to catch the matches. 

Attendees can enjoy the summer of soccer spirit while enjoying lawn games and concessions available during the watch party hours, completely open and free for the public.  Find the watch party schedule here. 

Fan Festival Boston

In addition to Boston Fan Zone, city visitors can also check out Fan Festival in downtown Boston. City Hall Plaza will transform into a vibrant hub from June 12th - June 27th featuring live match broadcasts, cultural showcases, themed events, and an outdoor festival stage. Global flavors as well as Boston specific foods will be served to fully immerse yourself in Boston culture. The event is free to the public, but don’t forget to preregister! 

Boston 250

Captivating events to celebrate the semiquincentennial anniversary of the United States of America are being held across the city! Boston 250 celebrates the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s midnight ride, July 4th, and so much more. The Boston Pops Fireworks and Boston Harborfest, which occur annually but have enhanced celebrations this year, are key celebrations. 

The following events are just outside of Boston on the North Shore and South Shore. These events give visitors the chance to experience local Massachusetts pride and gain an authentic view of Boston outside of the heart of the city. 

Flag Day

Quincy, MA is hosting the 75th Annual Flag Day Parade on June 13th featuring floats, a flag-raising ceremony, and fireworks over Black’s Creek. Stop by for some fun activities that will be sure to raise your spirits. 

Battle of Gloucester

For history lovers, The Battle of Gloucester Reenactment on June 20th-21st will take place at Stage Fort Park with both land and sea reenactments. With over 500 reenactors, history will be brought to life to discover some of Boston’s most prevalent and local history from over 250 years ago.

Sail Boston

Welcome international ships to Boston Harbor for Sail250! Military and tall ships will be filling the harbor in celebration of the USA’s 250th anniversary, easily visible just steps from the MCEC in the Seaport.  

Choose from fireworks, lunch or dinner cruises with various pass options available. Family-friendly entertainment and educational programs will be available as well.  Learn more at sailboston.com.  

Celebrate our nation’s anniversary by attending the crew and cadet street parade on July 13th, marching down Seaport Boulevard. Or unleash the fun and stop by the fireworks displays on July 11th and 15th at 9:15PM. Both displays will be launched from a barge near Fan Pier, where you’ll find the best seats for viewing. 

Looking for something fun to do in between large events? These next events happen annually and are local fan favorites.  

Boston summer favorites

Boston Pops Fireworks

Massachusetts became the first state to recognize July 4th as a holiday. What better way to celebrate than spending the evening at the Hatch Shell on Charles River Esplanade and mingling with the locals?  

Unleash your patriotic side, enjoy some orchestral music, and see top musical talent! The event is free and open to the public. To learn more, visit bso.org. 

Boston Pride

Experience the largest Pride Month celebration in New England in Boston Common! Though the annual parade was held on June 6th, you can find more ways to celebrate Pride in Boston with Meet Boston’s Boston Pride guide, which features various LGBTQ+ restaurants, bars, and hotel offers.

Juneteenth Celebrations 

Attend the flag-raising ceremony at City Hall Plaza to commemorate June 19, 1865, the day when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The free flag raising event is on June 19th and starts at 12PM at Boston City Hall Plaza. 

For more of a laid-back atmosphere, stop by the Juneteenth Freedom Day on Saturday, June 20th at Franklin Park. This community event is a space to celebrate belonging and the ongoing work of Black Freedom in the heart of one of Boston’s most historic parks.  

Or explore Beacon Hill’s Black Heritage Trail on your own time. The Trail is a 1.6-mile trail of 10 sites that showcase the Black community’s impact during the nation’s earliest years. 

Boston Harborfest 

The 44th annual Boston Harborfest will be held from July 2nd- July 4th. The long-awaited 4th of July festival will feature live performances by historians and musicians in Downtown Crossing and a waterfront concert at the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. Fireworks will be displayed along the Inner Harbor to kick off the festival on July 2nd. 

Red Sox & Fenway Park 

Spend your evenings like a real Bostonian and catch a Red Sox game or a concert at Fenway Park. A quintessential Boston experience, there’s nothing quite like a cold drink and a Fenway Frank straight from the historic baseball landmark. 

Picnic in the Park

For family fun, the Red Sox Foundation’s annual Picnic in the Park is happening Sunday, August 16th after the Red Sox vs. A’s game on the outfield grass! BBQ will be served along with live music, family-friendly entertainment, and a complimentary gift bag. Register online for some post-game fun! 

North End Feasts

The North End is one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods, located about 1.5 miles from the MCEC and 2.5 miles from the Hynes, easily accessible through public transit. This area is renowned for its summer feasts.   

Fisherman’s Feast of the Madonna Del Soccorso di Sciacca 

Beginning in 1910, this feast honors a 16th Sicilian tradition that honors the Madonna del Soccorso (Our Lady of Help). The neighborhood welcomes visitors to enjoy the procession of Madonna, a lively atmosphere, and delicious food. This year’s feast runs from August 13th to August 16th and is organized by descendants of original Sicilian immigrants to the North End. 

Picnic Saint Anthony's Feast

Saint Anthony’s feast is a local favorite. Join the Italian community as they honor their patrons Saint Anthony and Saint Lucy with parades, live entertainment, Italian food, and more. The 2026 street festival runs from August 27th to August 30th. 

 

Summer in Boston has never been better. Whether you’re just passing through or here for the long haul, Boston summer is waiting for you.  Stay up to date on the latest events in Boston at Meet Boston’s explore page.

Visit our Signature Boston website for summer events happening at the MCEC, Hynes, and the Lawn on D. 

 
This blog post was written by our interns Lauren Vitale, who is earning her bachelor’s degree in marketing from James Madison University, and Marlena Bartlett who is earning her bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration from Boston University.