Columbus Day weekend in Boston might be a Bostonian’s favorite two weeks of the year, not just because of our long weekend, but also because the region’s weather is indisputably pleasant—a terribly rare circumstance for New England. So, we’ve rounded up our favorite activities to get out there and enjoy the splendid crisp autumn air that coincides with this mid-October holiday weekend and honor the Indigenous People of our land!
When is Columbus Day weekend?
Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 13, 2025. Columbus Day Weekend thus begins on Friday, October 10, and runs through Monday, October 13.
Is it called Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day in Massachusetts?
Under federal law, the state still observes the holiday as “Columbus Day.” However, due to the rich indigenous roots of Massachusetts, over 20 municipalities now recognize the holiday as “Indigenous Peoples Day,” such as Boston and the following municipalities: Amherst, Aquinnah, Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Brookline, Cambridge, Easthampton, Falmouth, Grafton, Great Barrington, Harvard, Holyoke, Marblehead, Mashpee, Maynard, Medway, Melrose, Newton, Northampton, Provincetown, Salem, Sharon, Somerville, Stow, Wellesley and Westford.
Indigenous People’s/Columbus Day Weekend in Boston events:
We’ve rounded up some of the most exciting events to do in Boston and beyond this upcoming holiday weekend!
1. Enjoy a FREE performance with the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers
Hailing from the tribal communities of Mashpee, Cape Cod and Aquinnah on Martha’s Vineyard, Wampanoag Nation performers will sing and dance in a free one-hour performance! Enjoy the traditional eastern dances and songs at the Concord Museum. Registration is encouraged, for the event on Monday, October 13 from 10-11 AM.
2. Journey to space inside a castle in Back Bay
A stunning immersive exhibit landed in Boston! On Saturday and Sunday, explore this stunning Moonwalkers journey exploring the Apollo missions with rare NASA footage and exclusive interviews between Tom Hanks and Artemis astronauts. Tickets start from $22. Learn more and reserve tickets here!
3. Go on a spooktacular outdoor mystery picnic
Columbus Day weekend is just about one week before Boston slowly reaches peak foliage. Enjoy an outdoor picnic (mystery edition) and scavenger hunt hybrid to unlock the destination of your picnic in a bed of vibrant leaves.
4. Enjoy a fall flannel jam festival in Marshfield and on the island of Nantucket
Levitate’s annual Fall Flannel Jam music festival aligns perfectly with Columbus Day weekend. The festival begins in Marshfield, Massachusetts on October 11 ans 12 before it heads to Nantucket on October 13. Sport your best flannel and get ready to rock!
5. Go on a New England fall foliage road trip
Mid-October is some of the best time to enjoy fall foliage in New England! The northern part of the region peaks from late September, while the rest of the region follows, with Connecticut and the islands turning in early November. Check out some of our fall foliage guides below for an idyllic day trip or overnight voyage!
6. Visit the Topsfield Fair
Celebrating 207 years as the “oldest country fair in America,” the Topsfield Fair traditionally falls around Columbus Day weekend, operating from October 3-13 this year. The fair takes place on more than 60,000-square-feet of grounds with 300+ vendors, rides, parades, and more!
Happy long weekend, Boston!