This spring, we had the pleasure of working with intern Molly Smith, who recently graduated from Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration. Molly had the chance to learn an enormous amount about the meetings industry, as well as the city of Boston. This week she shares with us some of her favorite things to do in the city during the summer months.
Boston is known for its distinct seasons and all four of them are wonderful in their own way! From the magical wintry landscape covered in glistening snow in January, to the vivid colors, fresh air and abundance of flowers in May, and the stunning fall foliage in October, we really have it all. But, summer is when the city truly shines and it’s no wonder that last year it took the top spot in the U.S. News & World Report’s list of “Best Summer Vacations in the USA”.
Whether you catch a ballgame or spend an evening watching the boats in Boston Harbor, there are so many great things to see and do. Below is a list of some of our favorite summer events and activities that you won’t want to miss on your next trip to Boston!
Concerts at Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion
Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion is one of Boston’s largest outdoor amphitheaters and hosts some of the city’s best summer concerts. The venue seats 5,200 and neighbors Rowes Wharf at its home on Boston Harbor. Some highlights from this summer’s line up include: Billie Eilish, Billy Currington, Rob Thomas, Kacey Musgraves, and Bastille. See the full 2019 schedule here.
Venue Season: May – September
Address: 290 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210 (0.5 miles from the BCEC)
Outdoor Fitness Classes
Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series in 2019
The Boston Public Health Commission, Boston Parks and Recreation Department, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts have brought back the Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series in 2019. This program includes 30 free outdoor exercise classes a week, located within 18 different Boston neighborhoods. With a schedule consisting of bootcamps, HIIT, Yoga, Zumba, Salsa Dancing, Tai Chi, and Cardio Dance, there is a class for everyone! For more information, search “Summer Fitness Series” at bphc.org.
Classes Held: June – September
Address: Various Locations
Sweat Seaport
Sweat Seaport is an outdoor, community-driven workout series. Classes are led by popular, award-winning instructors based in Boston. Equinox, lululemon, SoulCycle, and Outdoor Voices brand leaders teach throughout the week and popular classes from Booty by Brabants and Kick it by Eliza are back this year. All classes are free and open to the public. For the more information on instructors, and the full season schedule, click here.
Address: Seaport Common, 85 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210 (0.6 miles from the BCEC)
Classes Held: May – September
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Over the summer months, free outdoor classes from Fabulously Fit with Katie, the Ladies of Equinox, BollyX, BodybuRn, and others come to Faneuil Hall, one of Boston’s most historic landmarks. The list of classes, dates and times are available at Faneuil Hall’s website and tickets to some are listed on Eventbrite. Click here for more information.
Address: Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 4 South Market Street, Boston, MA 02109
Classes Held: June – July
The Landing at Long Wharf
The Landing is the only, fully outdoor patio bar in Boston, and one of the best outdoor bars in Boston according to Thrillist.com. With the vibrant selection of drinks, signature cocktails, and snacks it is a great spot to meet friends, relax after your event, and capture iconic views of the city!
Address: 1 Long Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
Hours: Sunday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
Seasonal Farmers Markets
Courtesy of Boston Public Market, the city hosts three seasonal farmers’ markets during the week. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, local producers bring assortments of fresh and prepared foods to City Hall Plaza and Dewey Square, and the Seaport Common farmers market is on Wednesdays. The complete list of vendors can be found on the Boston Public Market website.
Location Hours:
Dewey Square Plaza, Tuesdays & Thursdays from May 14th – November 19th, 11:30 am – 6:30 pm
City Hall Plaza, Tuesdays & Thursdays from May 21st – November 19th, 11:30 am – 6:30 pm
Seaport Common, Wednesdays from June 5th - October 30th, 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The Rose Kennedy Greenway
The Greenway consists of a series of linked parks stretching for over a mile from TD Garden and the North End to Chinatown. Each set of parks within the Greenway has a unique design that reflects the distinctive character of each Boston neighborhood. The Greenway boasts a wide variety of diverse plantings and unique architectural features, as well as numerous attractions, events, and art exhibits.
In April of this year, the Greenway got a new mural in Dewey Square, across from South Station. Resonance by artist Stefan Thelen (also known as Super A) depicts two barn swallows, one of them crashing out of a bell jar. According to the Greenway’s website, in his monumental mural for The Greenway, Super A questions the social, political, and emotional systems that confine our freedom. He illustrates the urgent necessity of breaking free from those confines, like the Barn Swallows pictured, in order to truly live.
Boston Harbor Cruises
Boston’s skyline is even more majestic when seen from the ocean and Boston Harbor Cruises offers one of the best ways to adventure though the sights and history of the city. BHC has a variety of cruises including, Sunset, Historic Sights, USS Constitution, and Sea the Stars. Length of cruise and rates vary. For more information on schedules, packages, and pricing, visit the BHC website.
Address: One Long Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
Restaurants with Patio Seating
Boston’s dining scene is booming and summer is the perfect time to enjoy some of the city’s favorite restaurants that feature outdoor spaces. Check out Boston Magazine’s 2019 guide to the 52 best patios, decks, and outdoor dining spaces for this season.
Many of these restaurants also feature private dining spaces and our Interactive Map can help you identify the ones that are best suited for your groups.
Kayak on the Charles River
Do you want to explore Boston in a nontraditional way? Get on the Charles River! You can rent, buy, and learn how to paddleboard, canoe, and kayak with Paddle Boston. With six different locations, it is convenient to attend a class, tour, trip, or simply walk over to rent a boat! Hours vary based on which location you visit. Visit the Paddle Boston website for more information.
Looking for more things to do in Boston? Catch up on previous summer guides:
Also, check out our guide of What To Do for shopping, dining, arts & music, historic landmark, and sports & entertainment suggestions. To give you a better idea of Boston’s make-up, also check out our guide to all the neighborhoods of Boston.
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