
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 our 50 count 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 Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to a limited-edition celebration of 100 Years of Warner Bros.
A Candlelight Gift Card also makes a great gift for those summer birthdays!
2. 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!
3. Watch cliff divers jump into the Boston Harbor
As you sail ahead, another fun adventure in the Boston Harbor is watching Olympic-level divers jump into the harbor! Part of the international Red Bull Cliff Diving Series, top athletes will jump from a 66-foot-high platform extension off the top of the ICA in Seaport.
4. Celebrate Pride in the city
June is pride month, and while Boston celebrates all-year long, we can’t help but love the season of love. From annual festivals to marches and more, there are over 10 unique Pride festivals to celebrate at this June!
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. 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:
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. Attend a music festival in Massachusetts
At long last, music festivals have returned to Massachusetts, and they’re back in full swing. Who needs Coachella when you’ve got stellar festivals with world-class acts right here? In June, check out the Green River Music Fest. Hosted at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in western Massachusetts, the festival takes place on over 28 acres of land from June 21-23, and will feature Fleet Fox and Cake.
10. 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:
11. 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.
12. 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. This summer, there are plenty of anticipated films, like A Quiet Place: Day One, Despicable Me 4, and It Ends With Us. Get your tickets to the hottest films in Boston here with an exclusive discount.
13. 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!
14. Grab a slice at the annual Boston Pizza Festival
Over 30 pizzerias will showcase their famed slices at this festival happening at City Hall Plaza on Saturday June 22, 2024 and Sunday June 23, 2024! Vegan and gluten-free options will be available to snack on as well. While the festival is free, tickets are required for each slice, you can skip the line of 20,000 guests by pre-ordering your slice tickets here.
15. Celebrate and 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. Celebrate pops this Father’s Day
Sunday, June 18, 2023, 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 the Yankees at Red Sox game at 7:10 PM on Father’s Day- you know it’s going to get heated!
- 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
19. 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.
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!