The weather is still warm, the leaves will soon be changing colors, and the possibilities for indoor and outdoor activities are endless! Check out our list for the best things to do and see all throughout the month:
1. Celebrate the last days of summer on a Seaport Boat Cruise
Embrace the last days of summer by sailing on a 3-hour Seaport boat cruise. Witha fully stocked bar and two DJs playing the best hits from the 90s and 00s, you’ll have a blast partying on this cruise and taking in the sights of Boston’s harbor. This cruise set sail again on September 9th and 10th, so make sure you snag those tickets soon!
2. Do back to school right with our ultimate student guide
There’s no better city on earth to be a student. With 64 colleges in the Boston area, the city floods with students from all over the world in September. If you’re one of them, check out our handy student guide to make the most of your years studying in Boston.
3. See fields of sunflowers in full bloom
In New England, the best time to see sunflowers in full bloom is late August until early September. That’s why you don’t want to wait to catch these natural beauties in action! Before autumn rolls around, enjoy the last moments of the summer by stopping by a sunflower field in full bloom, snapping some pics, and maybe even taking some home with you. It’s the perfect seasonal activity to drive outside the city and have some fun in the sunflowers!
4. Catch a candlelight performance of classical music
Calm your mind and experience classical music in a new light with these sensational concerts in some of Boston’s most magical locations. Coming in September are dozens of concert series in two venues. Soothing melodies play at Arlington Street Church and Temple Ohabei Shalom, two historic and architecturally beautiful venues that elevate the music to even higher levels. Read more about each event here:
- Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
- Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay
5. Celebrate an ‘Allston Christmas’ with $1 hotdogs
Silhouette Lounge celebrates Christmas early. The ritual, made famous for college students ditching their apartment lease and furniture on the curb, has millennial dumpster divers scoring big for their new digs.
After a successful move-in, head over to the Silhouette Lounge for a “Christmas in September” celebration on September 1. The Sil will be decked in Yuletide décor complete with an inflatable Santa dancing in the wind atop the roof.
P.S. Ugly sweaters recommended but not required.
Find it at Silhouette Lounge, 200 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA 02134
September 1 from 4-6 PM
6. Catch a WaterFire lighting event
WaterFire, Providence’s very own arts, music, and bonfire event, is a lovely event that runs from summer through late fall! This year will be the 26th anniversary of Providence’s iconic tourist attraction, and there will be plenty of music, food, and arts vendors in the area to check out as well! Check out the lighting on September 21 from 5:30-11 PM!
7. Catch a flick the old-fashioned way at a drive-in theatre
Drive-in theaters have been seeing a renaissance over the last year. When actual theaters closed, the 50s tradition of “driving in” to the movies became a perfectly COVID-safe and vintage alternative to seeing the latest flicks as well as old classics. There are many options around New England for catching a drive-in showing—some with more of a drive than others—but all will provide an unforgettable movie experience!
8. Attend the Boston Local Food Festival
On Sunday, September 15, the 14th annual Boston Local Food Festival will be held at the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway in Boston. With food and produce vendors spanning four city blocks, you’ll be delighted to find bounties of local food and restaurants downtown. This free event will run from 11 AM to 5 PM, so get ready to eat, shop and discover local food from across New England!
9. Go glamping on the Cape
AutoCamp offers one of the best glamping retreats near the city! Its just a 90-minute trip from Boston and boasts gorgeous marsh views, starry skies, access to the Shining Sea bikeway and local beaches, plus much more!
10. Take a ride on a beautiful city bike path
A bike ride around Boston is a simple and peaceful activity for locals and visitors alike to enjoy while the weather is still nice. 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.
11. Soak up the last of the summer sun on a hiking trail
What better way to appreciate September’s changing leaves and temperate weather than to take a walk on a gorgeous hiking trail? It’s safe to say Boston’s one of the best and most beautiful cities in the country, but our beloved Boston is also surrounded by some absolutely stunning wilderness. From the more urban Emerald Necklace to the hilly paths of World’s End, explore the great outdoors at these ten gorgeous spots, perfect for hikers of all levels. Don’t forget to bring your camera with you because these gorgeous trails serve some equally gorgeous views!
12. …Or challenge yourself to this advanced hike at an acclaimed national park
Acadia National Park is home to one of the “13 most iconic attractions” in the country according to Fodor’s Travel. The Beehive Loop as it is called, is a one-way trail that involves rungs and ladders.
The trail is advanced and strenuous. Because it is one-way there is no turning back once you commit. But the views at the top are unmatched!
13. Take a $157 flight to London
Norse Airways, an affordable Norwegian-airline offering direct flights between Boston and London launched its inaugural flight last year. The connection travels straight from Logan to London Gatwick Airport. Average prices start from $157 and some even drop below depending on the season.
14. Buff up your culinary skills at a cooking class
If you’re looking for a delicious food experience that you can recreate again and again, why not try a cooking class? Whether you attend in-person or online, a variety of cooking classes offered in Boston right now are sure to elevate your kitchen skills to a whole new level.
15. Learn all about sailing at The Whaling Museum
The Whaling Museum showcases exhibitions about sailors and whalers, offering an inside look to life at sea.
16. Go pumpkin picking at a local patch
Bring out the gourds! Hoards and hoards of pumpkins and squash will decorate local patches all around the city. Grab some pumpkins for decorating, painting or carving!
17. And grab some apples while you’re there
Apple picking is the quintessential fall activity in Massachusetts. After all, America’s first apple orchard was planted on Beacon Hill in 1625!
Most pumpkin patches also offer apple picking. Check out this guide for a specific list of apple-picking farms near Boston. Tougas Family Farm, about 1 hour from Boston, was recently picked as the best apple picking farm in America.
18. Warm up with hot apple cider donuts
And for the cherry on top, kick off September with apple cider donuts. Whether stopping by a donut shop in the city or fresh from the farm, taste September in this sweet confection.
19. Celebrate women at the Junior League’s fall tea
Junior League of Boston’s enchanting Fall Tea, celebrates the outstanding contributions of the women of the Junior League of Boston and honors Elizabeth Tyminksi, the 2024 Distinguished Service Award recipient. Relish in a delightful afternoon featuring a selection of exquisite teas, savory salads, tea sandwiches, pastries, and a champagne bar, all set to the backdrop of live music! Reserve your soiree!
The reception takes place in the enchanting Hampshire House!
20. Enjoy movie nights at Seaport
Enjoy free outdoor movies every Monday in Seaport! This month’s movies include:
- September 16 – Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (Rain Date: September 17)
- September 23 – Catch Me If You Can (Rain Date: September 24)
If you’re looking to elevate your movie night, indulge in the “Movie Magic Package.” For $25 relax in 2 front row Adirondack chairs with footrests, a table for your food & drink, 2 bottles of water, and a complimentary sweet treat!
21. Enjoy a summer lobster bake in the city
New England has some of the best seafood! Enjoy loads of it in one elegant night at the Liberty Hotel! The end of season lobster boil ticket is $89 for adults and $35 for kids. The menu includes:
- One hardshell Maine lobster (included in adult ticket only)
- Old Bay roasted East coast salmon with charred corn and tomato succotash
- Honey-kissed fried free-range chicken
- Wild Cape Cod Mussels cooked with lobster butter, shallots, garlic, and herbs
- Late summer tomatoes salad
- Local butter and sugar corn on the cob
- Fingerling potatoes with herbs and garlic
- Warm cornbread with whipped maple butter
- Build-your-own strawberry shortcake
Find it September 6 from 6-8 PM.
22. Catch Luna Li at Boston’s Red Room
The creative force celebrates the release of her new record, When A Thought Grows Wings, with a stop in Boston! The “cinematic dream-pop” artist is known for songs like “Confusion Song” and “2516.” Learn more a reserve your tickets!
Find Luna at 939 Boylston St. on Saturday September 21 at 7 PM.
23. Go to a fall-themed museum party at MassArt
Eclectic disco and gallery viewing in one night? That’s what to expect at the upcoming MassArt Museum Fall Party. The multi-sensory event highlights the new installation, Displacement, which explores the relationships between humans and their environments.
Find the Fall Party on September 12 from 6:30-8 PM
24. Celebrate National Gyro Day with a tantalizing BOGO deal
Sunday, September 1 is National Gyro Day! Dedham House of Pizza celebrates its Greek roots with BOGO gyros! Enjoy one gyro and get one half off on the house. The deal applies to both gyro rolls and sandwiches!
Find the deal at Dedham House of Pizza at 376 Washington St. Dedham, MA
25. Get inspired at CineFest Latino Boston film festival
The second annual CineFest Latino Boston film festival runs from September 25 through September 29! The festival features captivating narrative, documentary, and short films in addition to Q&A sessions with the filmmakers. To kick off this year’s festival, for the first time, CineFest presents a free community screening prior to the official launch of the fest in Chelsea, MA. The free screening of a shorts compilation takes place on Thursday, August 29 at the Apollinaire Theatre at 6:30 PM.
Tickets for the CineFest Latino Boston festival go on sale in September.
26. Find hidden treasures at a vintage pop-up market in Southie
Georgia’s Closet, the local mobile thrift shop presents another pop-up with The Broadway this September. The vintage pop-up market features various small businesses and women-owned businesses. Find it at The Broadway in South Boston on Saturday, September 14 from 10 AM-2 PM.
27. Continue the thrifted treasure hunt with Select Markets
Also on September 14, because why not hit up two thrift markets on the same day, is the first annual MASS-IVE Thrift Market from student-run Select Markets. Peruse over 80 vendors in this city to city market featuring an 80,000-square-foot playground of vintage and thrift shopping. The event will also include food and beverage plus $10 barrels.
Tickets for early bird access to shop from 12-1 PM will be announced by Select Markets. Free general admission is from 1-6 PM.
Find MASS-IVE Thrift Market Saturday September 14 from 12-6 PM at 1350 Tremont St Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120
28. Venture on a luxury backroad excursion
Fall is the perfect time for some glamping, and what better place to do it than amid the changing leaves in New Hampshire? Stormtrooper Landy of STL Offroad hosts guided day drips on New Hampshire trails and will host a limited fall foliage excursion in October. The all-inclusive luxury excursions just require a 4-wheel drive, toothbrush, change of clothes, and good attitude. STL takes care of the rest!
“The epic excursions combine history, scenic waterfalls, covered bridges, hiking, gourmet trail lunches, chef’s delights prepared via campfire, luxury-based accommodations at Lumen Nature Retreat, and plenty of offroad instruction provided by expert trail guides and seasoned instructors from STL Offroad (Stormtrooper Landy).”
29. Participate in the inaugural Boston Bird Dash
“Will run for fried dunks.” And we don’t mean friend Dunkin—although Bostonians would probably run for that too! Putting a spin on the traditional run clubs, Shy Bird will host a 5.5-mile run from its Kendall Square location to its South Boston location. Enjoy a bird-themed finish line party plus their famous fried chicken dunks upon completing the race! The run is in collaboration with Metro Moovin Run Club, Boston’s neighborhood run club.
The Bird Dash takes place on Sunday, September 22, and tickets are $20 to enter.
30. Celebrate National Yoga month and these yogi studios in Boston and beyond
September marks Nationa Yoga Month, an ideal time to chaturanga into the fall season and slow down. Visit a Boston favorite yoga studio like Corepower Yoga or Asana Charlestown. Or visit luxury wellness escape, Miraval Berkshires, to delight in exclusive workshops led by Yoga legend, Tamara Hickey.
The workshops take place at Miraval Berkshires every Thursday and Friday in September. The resort also plans to host Aqua Yoga in the outdoor Serenity Pool overlooking the Berkshires, what a grounding (or should we say floating) experience!
Check out the last of Seaport Sweat to enjoy some free outdoor movement in the city.