With the Boston Marathon right around the corner, it’s time for participants to start gearing up for the big day. If you’re coming to the Boston area in support of someone or are participating in the race yourself and prolonging your stay, you’ll likely be in search of some additional activities to fill your time. Below, we’ve shared a handful of Boston Marathon weekend activities to enjoy while in town for the Boston Marathon!
1. Step into the shoes of a participant at the Boston Marathon Expo
Open to participants, as well as the general public, the 127th Boston Marathon Expo will take place at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center from Friday, April 14 to Sunday, April 16. The expo will cover various topics, including Boston Marathon history, the gender gap in women’s running, tips for mastering Monday’s race and other enlightening conversations. Take a look at the schedule here, and consider popping in to learn about a subject that catches your eye.
2. Experience classical music by candlelight in a stunning local venue
If you’re in town this weekend, check out a captivating Candlelight concert featuring talented musicians amidst hundreds of luminous candles. Enjoy one of these dazzling concerts before or after Marathon weekend.
3. Grab your jersey and head to a Red Sox game
If you’re a Sox fan in town for Marathon Weekend, you’re in luck! The Red Sox will be playing home games every night from April 11 to 28, including a 4-game series facing the Los Angeles Angels from April 12 to 14 before taking on the Cleveland Guardians on Marathon Monday, which also happens to be Jackie Robinson Day! Be sure to snag tickets and map out your route, especially if you plan on going to the game on Marathon Monday.
4. Fuel up in Fenway Park
For the spectators out there who are planning to watch closer to the finish line, you’ll likely want to grab a bite to eat at some point. Sure, running a marathon is way harder, but standing around can be tiring too! Luckily, we’ve got you covered with our ten favorite food spots in Fenway Park for those spectating around mile 25! With several fast casual options, you can easily get something to go and reassume your spectating stance.
If you’ll be watching from the finish line, make sure to check out some of our favorite spots in Back Bay, plus Marathon Monday food specials!
5. Set out on an iconic Swan Boat
As you may have heard, the Swan Boats are back in action at the Public Garden! Rest your legs and take a short cruise out into the water as you soak up the picturesque scenes around you. Boston’s Swan Boats first came on the scene in 1877, making them 20 years older than the first Boston Marathon!
6. Chow down on your cuisine of choice from the Greenway food trucks
With 25 food trucks and over 15 different cuisines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Rose Kennedy Greenway food trucks, which returned to the space this April. For those who will be running the marathon, there are plenty of simple yet delicious options to play it safe, including elevated comfort food from Gogi on the Block and protein-heavy dishes from The Chicken and Rice Guys.
7. Dive into the world of water at the New England Aquarium
The infamous New England Aquarium is home to numerous incredible aquatic species, including California sea lions, green sea turtles, cownose rays and many more. If you find yourself with some downtime amidst exercising, dining and, of course, resting, consider visiting one of the aquarium’s spectacular exhibits such as the four-story Caribbean reef or Science of Sharks.