At long last, June kicks off summer in Boston! And that means there’s plenty of activities and events to enjoy. Below are some of our top picks for things to do this June in Boston.
From food festivals and music festivals to parades and outdoor movie nights, read on to find the best activities in Boston this June. For even more summer recommendations, check out 60+ other things to do on our summer bucket list!
1. Enjoy a soothing performance of classical music by candlelight
Calm your mind and experience classical music in a whole new light with these sensational concerts located in historical Boston venues. Throughout June, the Candlelight Concert series will feature a wide variety of themed repertoires, from a Tribute to ABBA to a Tribute to Bad Bunny!
A Candlelight Gift Card also makes a great gift for those summer birthdays!
2. Spend an evening under the stars with Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood
If you’ve never made it up to Tanglewood for a summer performance from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, make sure you tick it off your summer bucket list this year. The summer season is officially open and tickets are still on sale. This year, Yo-Yo Ma’s “We the People” series is sure to be a real highlight of the season – don’t miss out on securing your tickets.
3. Take a trip to the beach
New England has some of the best beaches in the country! It’s why celebs flock to the Vineyard, Rhode Island is “the Island State,” and why our Cape traffic is so darn atrocious. If you want to skip the traffic, hop on the CapeFLYER, a train servicing Boston to the Cape Friday-Sunday through Labor Day.
You can also take this $10 train to 32 different Massachusetts beaches, or visit one of these award-winning beach resorts:
4. Enjoy bottomless ice cream for a good cause
The Annual Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl returns to Boston with a new location in Seaport June 2-4. This is the nation’s largest all-you-can-eat ice cream festival, with bottomless scoops and sweets, plus live entertainment. The 3-day event directly supports the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and is a New England summer tradition.
5. Go on a self-guided foodie adventure with clues and mystery picnics
Enjoy the lovely warm weather and go on an adventurous culinary experience! This mystery picnic date includes solving puzzles and riddles sent to your smartphone to figure out the location of your stunning secret picnic spot. You can go on this 3-hour picnic extravaganza with a date or a group of friends—it’s up to you!
6. Kick off the FIFA World Cup in the city
The World Cup begins this June and as one of the host cities, Boston is filled with events, watch parties, and more. If you don’t have tickets to a game, FIFA Fan Festival is one of the most exciting ways to get involved in the action
7. Take an educational and delicious Pizza Tour in the North End
Whether you’re looking to entertain out-of-towners or want to learn some pizza history yourself, you can enjoy a pizza-powered guided tour around Boston’s historical North End. On the tour, you’ll visit five history-laden Freedom Trail sites and snack on pizza as you go along. Get your tickets to the experience here.
8. Celebrate at the Bunker Hill Day Parade
9. Check out summer markets and workout series in Seaport
Seaport is the place to be this summer! With daily events and activities, here are some that we’re most looking forward to this June:
- Seaport Summer Market
- Black Owned Bos. Market]
- Seaport Sweat
10. Watch a movie in the great outdoors
The perfect summer evening activity is back! One of the most nostalgic and entertaining ways to spend a summer night is definitely enjoying an outdoor movie. Whether you want to go to the drive-ins or walk to a local screening, check out these outdoor movie screening spots on a warm summer night.
11. Or catch a new movie on the big screen (indoors, with AC!)
We can’t wait to see the newest movie releases on a screen larger than our laptops! Plus, you can’t beat that movie theater AC on a hot June day. Get your tickets to the hottest films in Boston while staying completely cool with an exclusive discount.
12. Cheer on the Red Sox
With plenty of home games this June, it’s a great time to get out and cheer on the Sox! Can’t snag a ticket? No worries – check out our favorite sports-adoring restaurants in Boston to cheer from your seat!
13. Honor Juneteenth in the city
Juneteenth, named after June 19, the date marking the federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas. The historic moment dates back to 1865 Galveston, Texas where Union soldiers formally announced the abolishment of slavery. It became an official Massachusetts state holiday in 2021 and is now honored every year.
Boston Juneteenth will celebrate on June 19 with a special flag ceremony, parade, museum tour, and emancipation program.
14. Check out Boston’s 3-story sky-high observatory
View Boston is a first-of-its-kind observatory will offer panoramic views of Boston both indoors and outdoors. Located atop the Prudential Center, it will also be home to three skyscraper restaurants and lounges where you can enjoy a meal with unmatched views! Make sure to check out our 11 favorite rooftops for more stunning city views.
15. Rent your own private electric boat
Bye, bye boat envy! You know those boats cruising along the Boston Harbor making a splash and having a good time? Well, now you can be in one of them! Boston Electric Boats is one of our must-do experiences this summer! Take a 2-hour private boat rental that fits up to 12 people for $499 (that divvies out to $42 per person). The best part- you get to be your own captain and there are no carbon emissions.
16. Celebrate pops this Father’s Day
Sunday, June 21 is Father’s Day! Taking him out for a boat ride is always a great option. You can also check out some of these amazing restaurants, local gift shops, or take him out to Fenway Park for a Sox game!
- Buy him some delicious Father’s Day-themed chocolates from local Artisan, Choc Allure
- Take him to Cremieux in Seaport for impeccably crafted men’s clothing
- Treat him to hand-crafted American made sunglasses from local brand, Randolph– celebrity fans of the brand including Boston natives John Krasinski and Mark Wahlberg
- Stop by Puttshack for some mini golf fun and all day dining
17. Relax and reset at a local spa Haven
Summer is the best season-we don’t make the rules! But as we all know the sun, sand, surf, and salt can have some implications and sometimes require a little extra care for da body. Haven Beauty is your one-stop-shop this summer for tipping back on anything you might have overdone, whether it be sun or fun. You can get a cooling facial, hair refresh, or massage as you sip on their icy cold complimentary beverages.
18. Take a swing at summer in Stowe
Itching for a getaway? T-off summer with a trip to the pristine Mount Snow Golf Course! This isn’t your average gold course, set in one of the most beautiful small towns in the world, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas of Mount Snow and Haystack Mountain as you navigate the course! Epic Pass holders will also receive exclusive rates, so save big on golf and ski season with one pass!
19. Visit the New England Aquarium
Summer is all about the sea. An the NEAQ brings the sea to the city. Learn all about different sea creatures and habitats at the New England Aquarium.
20. Go Glamping on the Cape with AutoCamp Cape Cod
Head down the Cape to kick off summer with AutoCamp Cape Cod! Explore the Shining Sea Bikeway, take a dip at Chappy Beach, grill under the stars, and explore the charming shops of Downtown Falmouth!
21. Cruise on a sightseeing day ride around the Boston Harbor
Take a 90 minute to 2-hour sail aboard the beautiful Adirondack III! The 80-foot beauty will whisk you around the Boston Harbor! Sail past Boston Seaport, Castle Island, Fort Independence, Spectacle Island, and Long Island Head Light. Enjoy the fresh saltwater breeze on a hot summer’s day. Book your sailing adventure here!
