When the weather turns warms, Bostonians love to get outside. Boston has an abundance of restaurants, museums, and venues with waterfront seating, garden patios, rooftop decks, and more. While both the BCEC and Hynes offer a wide variety of unique spaces right inside our venues, we also encourage you to consider utilizing one of Boston’s many special events spots – and one with outdoor access in the summer months is even better!
Here’s just a sampling of the many Boston cultural venues that provide outdoor space so you can enjoy the beautiful New England weather:
Fenway Park
America’s Most Beloved Ballpark has exceptional event facilities with flexible space, both indoors and out, for gatherings from 20 to 20,000, and is located close to the Hynes. Their renowned chefs offer superb, five-star cuisine. Customize your event with enhancements and unique experiences, such as a private ballpark tour, outfield digital scoreboard with branding and text messages, batting practice in the visitor’s cage, Wally appearance, Red Sox Legends appearance, World Series trophies, and more!
New England Aquarium
Support the animals, exhibits, and efforts to protect the blue planet by hosting your special event at the New England Aquarium. Centrally located near Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, the Aquarium has outdoor event space with views of Boston’s historic Harbor and skyline. Alternatively, go indoors and dine alongside 80 penguins and their one-of-a-kind 200,000 gallon Giant Ocean Tank. The Aquarium can hold events up to 1,900 and will truly provide an experience your guests are sure not to forget!
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is a spectacular venue located on the Fort Point Channel in Boston Harbor (near the BCEC) with stunning views of the water and the surrounding cityscape. Here you’ll not only view artifacts of historical importance, but you’ll also have an all-encompassing, multi-sensory experience. Event space is available seven days a week from 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm and offers a variety of experiences, from a tea room and terrace, the ships and the deck, to the complete museum experience (including dumping tea in the sea).
Museum of Science
For a truly unique event setting, the Museum of Science offers special event space for parties from 25 to 4,500. The Museum’s premier location on the Charles River offers extraordinary views of the Boston and Cambridge skylines. Outdoors, the Museum offers an open-air pavilion consisting of a semi-permanent tent and covered patio. Indoors, several spaces offer panoramic views of the Boston and Cambridge skylines. Your guests can dine with dinosaurs, with food by Wolfgang Puck Catering’s world-renowned cuisine, and sip cocktails while taking a journey to the stars.
The Institute of Contemporary Art
An influential forum for multi-disciplinary arts, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) has been at the leading edge of art in Boston for 70 years. The venue (that can accommodate up to 600 guests) combines stunning works of art with breathtaking views of Boston’s harbor and skyline, located in the South Boston Waterfront District near the BCEC. For private events, ICA offers an outdoor patio at the water’s edge that can be tented and heated. Wolfgang Puck Catering delivers a restaurant quality experience with a commitment to seasonality and sustainability.
The Lawn On D
Boston’s most innovative and vibrant outdoor venue in the heart of the thriving South Boston Waterfront District. Its 2.7 acres of dynamic event space offer a non-traditional setting for networking receptions, cocktail parties, performances, and more. With two separate pavilion spaces, The Lawn On D can accommodate all types and sizes of events and provides an innovative urban playground that encourages creativity and interaction.
Leave a lasting impression on your attendees by hosting your private event in a unique Boston space. From within the BCEC and Hynes or The Lawn On D, to a ballgame in historic Fenway Park, Boston’s many cultural venues are sure to add a spark to your event! Learn more about our Special Event Venues or explore our Interactive Map to help you find the off-site venues and restaurants best suited for your group.