Enjoy that sweet August sunshine.
Although July was quite a rainy month, hopefully August will bring some much-needed sun to Boston. Here are some August activities that’ll liven up your summer days before they come to an end in September!
1. Attend a glorious Candlelight Concert
So, you missed the Eras Tour. Soften the blow with this Candlelight Concert: A Tribute to Taylor Swift at First Church. It’ll even help cure the post-concert blues if you’re still not over the surprise song debacle. And while we are self-proclaimed Swifties, we understand if you’re not-check out these other Candlelight Concert options:
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Radiohead
- Candlelight: Songs from Magical Movie Soundtracks
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen and More
2. Gear up for an authentic Flamenco performance
After massive success in the US and Brazil, Authentic Flamenco is twirling its way to Boston! The performance has over 50,000 fans and this August, Bostonians can experience the magic and captivating power of flamenco artist, Yolanda Osuna, presented by the Royal Opera of Madrid. Ticket sales will run through August for performances beginning September 15.
3. Get ready for Dine Out Boston, round two
Our favorite time of the year is here- Dine Out Boston! Over 100 menus to choose from, enjoy a two or three course lunch for just $25 at some of Boston’s best establishments! Dine Out Boston will run from August 6-19 and include favorites like Eastie’s Pazza on Porter.
Their special $36 menu includes the choice of one of four appetizers (Arancini, Scarpetta, Eggplant Caponata, Cucumber Salad), one of five entrees (Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti, Rigatoni All’Arrabbiata, Alla Pazza, Gnocchi Pesto, Chicken Parmagiana) and the choice of one of three desserts (Cannoli, Affogato, Assorted Sorbets).
4. Explore Boston with an interactive outdoor game quest
Get ready to see Boston from a whole new perspective! The open-air game company Questo has created an outdoor adventure game inspired by local folklore and history, that takes you on an eventful adventure across the city and offers one of the most unique ways of discovering your hometown. Reserve your quest this summer!
5. Celebrate National Ice Cream Sandwich Day with Oddfellows
The Brooklyn to Chestnut Hill ice cream shop is celebrating the holiday with FREE ice cream sandwiches from its St Pierre Bakery collaboration. St Pierre Bakery has joined forces with OddFellows Ice Cream Co. to offer complimentary ice cream sandwiches using Brioche Waffles to the first 50 consumers at five locations.
Find Oddfellows at 55 Boylston St, Suite 5578, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
6. Enjoy a relaxing dinner by the waterfront
As a seaside town, Boston has no shortage of waterfront dining. There’s no better plan for a summer evening than to spend the evening cooling off by the water at one of the many beautiful waterfront spots the city has to offer, so check out our list of seaside eateries for your evening plans.
7. Take a picnic…a mystery picnic
If you like scavenger hunts and picnics, you’ll love this mystery picnic that combines the best of both worlds! Play in a group of 2 to 8 and solve clues, puzzels, and games to take yourself through a pre-organized tasting and stunning picnic spread featuring curated artisanal cheese, meats, crackers and local produce.
8. Cool down with a scoop of Boston’s best ice cream
If it’s hot out in Boston, there’s one thing you must have at hand at all times–an ice cream! Our mapped-out list has everything from Emack & Bolio’s cool cones to Eataly’s gourmet Italian gelato. Check it out!
9. Enroll in a guided walking tour of Harvard
Sure you might live in Boston or a neighboring hub like Cambridge, but have you seen Harvard? As one of the strictest and most exclusive campuses in the state, unless you’re a student the most access permitted is a passing through the yahd.
This walking tour will take you through the square, campus, art museums, Memorial Hall, and make a necessary visit to the John Harvard Statue. August is a fun time to be on campus as new and returning students trickle into Harvard Square.
10. Jump on the charcuterie craze at Kured
If you’ve ever been on the foodie side of TikTok, you’l definitely be familiar with the meat-and-cheese trend sweeping the internet. You can try out a customized charcuterie board at Kured in Beacon Hill, where you can pick out your very own selections of meats and cheeses to take home. Better yet, they also offer local delivery to get your custom boards sent straight to your home!
11. Attend a free Shakespeare play in the park
Boston’s most popular outdoor theatre is back this summer with free productions of Shakespearean classics like Macbeth. Running until August 6, you don’t wanna miss these lovely performances in an even lovelier location: Boston Common!
12. Take a wild ride at a local theme park
Warm summer weekends call for city escapes and adventure — and what better place to find both than at a theme park? From the North Shore to the further-flung Lake Compounce, our list of theme parks near Boston are some of the best to pay a visit to this summer.
13. Cruise around the city’s parks on a bicycle
A bike ride around Boston is a simple yet enjoyable summer activity for locals and visitors alike. There’s a bike path for everyone – whether you’re looking for a beginner-friendly path, Instagrammable views of the city, or historical landmarks. You can bring your own bike or rent a Blue Bike from one of the many docking stations around the Hub.
14. Board an 80-foot schooner for a Boston Harbor sail
Take 90 minute to 2-hour sail around Boston aboard this timeless ship originally dating back to the 1890s! You’ll see everything from Castle Island to the Long Island Head Light on this sail. Reserve your adventure here!
15. Lounge around at one of Boston’s beautiful parks
From Fenway to the South End to the Back Bay, Boston’s green spaces are a perfect backdrop for a lazy summer afternoon. For all your lounging and picnicking needs, check out our picks for some of the best parks in Boston.
16. Seal the summer with a Seaport cruise
There’s no better way to close out the summer than on a boat with friends. Bring some old ones and make some new ones on this Seaport Summer Cruise! Enjoy panoramic city views and watch the sunset on the Provincetown II Boat launching from Seaport.
17. Take part in a historic stand-up paddle challenge
The Cape Cod Bay Challenge is the Northeast’s oldest and most recognized stand-up paddle challenge! Participants can partake in a 5 or 16 mile paddle and later celebrate at the Levitate Backyard and Rexicana Surf Cantina from 1 PM until 4:30 PM! The proceeds from the Cape Cod Bay Challenge will benefit Christopher’s Haven, a non-profit helping family whose children have cancer secure housing adjacent to MGH.
Over the last 16 years, Christopher’s Haven has raised more than $1 million with the Cape Cod Bay Challenge.
Find the Cape Cod Bay Challenge on August 19 from 6:30 AM until 5 PM
Duxbury Beach Park 260 Gurnet Road Duxbury, MA 02332
Afterparty from 1 PM until 4:30 PM at 1871 Ocean Street, Marshfield, MA
18. Catch a beat at the Coolidge’s celebration of Hip Hop
All August long, the Coolidge Corner Theatre will host a special showcase of cinema highlighting 50 years of hip hop’s influence on cinema. 20 films will play at select dates and times beginning August 1 and running through August 26.
Select screenings include Posse, Clockers, Belly in 35 mm film, Straight Outta Compton, and many, many more! On August 18 at 9 PM catch a special Boston Hip Hop Showcase with live performances from DJ 7L, Akrobatik, and STL GLD!
19. Enjoy a 3-day music festival on an island
Beach Road Weekend returns to Martha’s Vineyard on August 25! Headliners of the 3-day festival include Bon Iver, Mumford & Sons, and Leon Bridges!
20. Get colorful at a drive-in nighttime laser concert
The hot air balloon and laser show returns, this time with an epic drive-in spectacular! While there won’t be balloons soaring this August, you can head to Topsfield for live entertainment melded with an exciting laser show!
Find it August 11 and 12 at Topsfield Fairgrounds
207 Boston St, Topsfield, MA 01983
21. Sail with a U.S. Olympian at Wequassett Resort
Cape Cod’s Double Forbes Five Star Resort, Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail with world-renowned US Olympic Sailor Lara Dallman-Weiss from August 25–27th. The public is welcome to sail with Lara as she trains to compete for the 2024 Paris Olympics! The 3 days will be chockful of fun sailing-themed events like:
- A meet-and-greet with Lara about her new book, The Road to Paris
- Interactive group sailing classes
- Bring your own boat private lessons
There will also 10% discount for guests who book with the special sailing package!
22. Raise awareness for breast cancer research with an 8-foot-tall blow-up chair
The American Cancer Society is kicking off the 31st annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer season in Boston. Event organizers will host a celebration with an 8-foot-tall blow-up Breast Cancer Awareness chair at Faneuil Hall on Saturday, August 12. Visitors can take a photo on the chair and learn about the risks and signs of breast cancer as well as the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk coming up on October 1.
23. Celebrate Julia Child’s 111th birthday with a French-themed feast from Clover
In honor of culinary icon Julia Child’s 111th birthday, Clover Food Lab has whipped up a French feast inspired by the beloved chef. The Julia Child’s Birthday Box incorporates everything that Julia loved; fresh, local produce from farms in New England and simple, delicious recipes. The last day to order your box is Saturday, August 12 for pick-up or delivery on Monday, August 14.
In the box you’ll find cassoulet with white beans and mushrooms, caramelized onion butter and crunchy breadcrumbs! You’ll also enjoy Vichyssoise (a French potato & leek soup), a simple Bibb salad with vinaigrette and fresh herbs, and a vegetarian Sole Meuniere made with hearts-of-palm and brown butter sauce. And of course, a French feast would not be complete without chocolate mousse!
24. Ride Bluebikes for every Monday this August
August is National Wellness Month and Blue Bikes is back with free weekly rides. In partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, you can enjoy a free Bluebikes Adventure Pass every Monday! On August 28, enjoy a free 60-minute spin class with Rev’d Instructor Alyssa Pannozzi at Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. To access your free bike each Monday, use the following codes:
- August 7: BLUECROSS0807
- August 14: BLUECROSS0814
- August 21: BLUECROSS0821
- August 28: BLUECROSS0828
25. Support CambridgeSide’s back to school supplies drive
CambridgeSide and East End House, one of Boston’s oldest social service centers, have partnered for a Back-to-School drive. The drive will help under-resourced children in the Boston area access necessary school materials. Recommended donations include Backpacks, Pencil boxes, Pencils + Sharpeners, Pens, Crayons, Markers, Highlighters, Erasers, Scissors, Book Covers/Booksox, Art Supplies, Stickers, Glue/Glue Sticks, Notebook Paper, Construction Paper, Pocket Folders, Binders, Paints/Brushes, Calculators, Rulers, Colored Pencils, Educational Books, and Index Cards