At first glance, Boston breathes incredible energy. It is a city that pours its spirit into entertaining the youth and charming everyone else with endless things to do. Sitting on the edge of the Atlantic, it thrives on the vastness of its horizons and channels a cultural vibrancy into everyday life. As we know, some cities never sleep, but this one finds its peace in enjoying the late night gigs and the effortless joy in leisure. Whether a music lover or a stargazer, Boston is always digging up new things to do at night. And we’ve dug a bit further.
Wally’s Cafe Jazz Club for the jazzophiles
This isn’t the type of bar you visit for an imitated jazz nostalgia. It is the bar you go to get a taste of real musical history. Founded in 1947 by Joseph L. Walcott (the first African American to own a nightclub in New England), Wally’s Cafe quickly became a cornerstone of Boston’s jazz scene. Names like Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, and Billie Holiday once greeted its stage. Still run by Walcott’s descendants, the club continues to thrive and fuels a deep and enduring passion for live music.
Visit an asylum for comedians
Originally located at 216 Hanover Street in the North End, Boston’s renowned Comedy Asylum has found a new home on Warrenton Street after flooding forced a relocation. Undeterred by nature’s challenges, you can keep it on your things to do as the venue continues to thrive, hosting weekly stand-up and improv shows full of energy and charm.
Their 90-minute main stage show, blending sketch and improv comedy, runs every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Saturday nights also feature an all-improv extravaganza, with musical formats and a rotating lineup of in-house performers. Meanwhile, Sundays and Wednesdays are dedicated to rising talent, as students take the stage for 20-minute sets during the NXT Show.
The Paradise Rock Club is your venue for gigs
Zooming in on the music lover’s side again: this venue feeds Boston’s craving audience with a steady stream of live sound. Spacious and built to host both rising and renowned acts, the Paradise Rock Club dances with a 933-person capacity. Affectionately nicknamed “The Dise,” it first opened its doors in 1977 and has since earned its place as a legendary hub in the city’s music scene. To put things in perspective, icons like Billie Eilish, The Police, U2, and AC/DC have all stood face to face with the Paradise crowd.
Late night strolls on the Boston waterfront
Nightlife is not always about getting your eardrums attacked by tenacious bangers or sitting in the depths of a snug cinema. Late-night walks are known to be curators of all things harmful to one’s state of mind, and Boston is fortunate enough to boast its coastal urban front. Take this as an idea for something to do late at night, the Boston Harborwalk is a 47-mile public walkway that offers spectacular views and a solid series of piers and parks to rest your wheels. Never underestimate a simple view to make up your entire night.
Night at the MIT Museum: After Dark Series
This is something to do as a once a month event, hosted in the perimeters of one of the most prestigious institutions dedicated to the development of science and technology. Whether you’re a newcomer or a loyal local, this calls all curious adults to engage in handwrought events in the night’s after hours. These monthly evenings differ in theme. Bouncing between live music, interactive exhibits, local culinary and curated talks, these events become a celebration of community and creativity that never fail to please its attendees.
Get snug at the Coolidge Corner Theater
A landmark, to say the least – and a building that has worn many hats throughout its lifetime. Originally constructed as a church, later transformed into one of the many movie theaters in Boston and eventually evolved into a non-profit arts hub dedicated to film. The Coolidge Corner Theater is an imperative thing to do for big screen buffs seeking solace in an old classic, an indie gem, or an international motion picture. Most recently, the venue underwent a thoughtful expansion plan, updating and enhancing its dedicated spaces to better serve its growing community.
Have you ever stargazed at Boston University?
This is another freebie – a deeper ponderer. Far from noise and exhilarating events. Up on the Boston University rooftop, every Wednesday the area exceeds its limits by welcoming all who wander by. The idea is to observe the sky and stargaze through Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, while being guided through tailored discussions on what we can see in the vast sky above. As this is not an all night event, this gives you the chance to join other things to do later in the evening.
Get the boards ready at Tavern of Tales
Not strictly a nighttime activity at the Tavern of Tales, but certainly one that can liven up your evening. Heading to a café with friends or family is always a comforting plan, but mister Tales takes it a step further by throwing board games into the mix. Having been declared the only café in Boston to offer such entertainment, this local gem ranks high on many people’s gaming go to list.
Discover a Candlelight concert
There’s a quiet elegance in the way candles interact with darkness. In this event, Candlelight pays tribute to iconic artists, from centuries ago to contemporary stars, artists whose legacy has had an impact musically and culturally. They pay tribute by reimagining their best and favourite songs arranged classically and in the light of thousands of candles. It’s different. It’s also a different way to spend your evening in the heart of Boston’s music scene.
On an adventurous note, join a skate club for the night
Terribly, a great idea. Gather with a bunch of fellow eight-wheelers and embark on various runs around the city. The group calls themselves SkatersBoston on Facebook, and simply joining the group will get you rolling on your first merry go round through town. You might not be able to keep up – or you might outpace them all. There’s only one way to find out, and either way, it’ll be a story worth telling.
Playing video games in night clubs
Last but not least. Framed in a club-like environment, Play Boston bursts with fun, arcade games, and live DJs. It’s only a place to visit if you’ve got energy to burn before diving into the competitive atmosphere. For those with a knack for video games and a late night mission, Play Boston thinks alike. Midweek, the club closes at decent hours, while Saturdays and Sundays stretch out for the 2 am crowders. How many things can one do in the midst of the night?