Special Events in Boston

Harvard Square Oktoberfest
October
Food, beer, live entertainment, and shopping equal fun during this lively German festival. Clowns, rides, and face painting entertain children. Adults enjoy tasting foods and beers from around the world. Numerous vendors set up shop along the streets for those looking to go home with a memento. Multiple musical concerts are provided along the square. There is something for everyone during this popular local event.

New England Spring Flower and Garden Show
March
Take time to stop and smell the roses at this magnificent event sponsored by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. This event has occurred for over one hundred years and has always presented five acres of carefully manicured gardens. Some of the artistic floral displays match a named theme and compete for special awards. Award-winning or not, all of the displays are worth a visit. Event takes place in mid-March.

Boston Marathon
April
Adrenaline is pumping throughout the streets of Boston on the third Monday of April. Thousands line up to begin the 26.2-mile physical challenge called the Boston Marathon. From Hopkinton to Boston's Copley Square, runners compete to conquer their goal, which is ultimately to reach the finish line of one of the most respected marathons in the world.

Boston Harborfest
July
A historical celebration on the waterfront during the last week in June and culminating on the fourth of July. The variety of festivities includes firework displays, concerts, and re-enactments of the Boston Tea Party. Visitors are encouraged not to miss the Chowderfest competition among restaurants in the downtown area. Another popular attraction is to visit the US naval ships and watch as the USS Constitution is sailed into the harbor during her annual "turn around" cruise. City Hall Plaza serves as the center point of the many activities and events associated with Harborfest.

Boston's Fourth of July
Independence Day has never been celebrated as it is in Boston. Nearly half a million people gather each year to enjoy a concert performed by the famous Boston Pops Orchestra. The evening ends with a bang as cannons are shot, bells are rung, and the perfectly choreographed fireworks and music display (called a "pyromusical") lights up the sky and entertains the crowd.

Boston Blues Festival
September
The Blues Festival put on Boston is as good as it gets. The mix music and energetic crowds combine to put quite a spotlight on the Hatch Shell, attracting performers like Junior Johnson, Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater and Big Jack Johnson. Numerous associated events are held during the days leading up to the festival as part of Blues Week.

Boston Film Festival
September
A variety of short and feature films are presented during this festival, which is held during the second week of December. Many entries are works that were completed by students from nearby arts schools. The event is non-competitive, and some films that are shown become big hits at the box office. One example is "American Beauty," which ended up winning an Oscar.

Bean Town Jazz Festival
September - October
Disc Jockey Greg Sarni started this festival in 1996. Performances are free and feature many talented jazz musicians, including The Love Dogs, The Jones Brothers, and Johnny and The East Coast Rockers. Many establishments that support the two-day jazz fest will offer discounts to customers sporting the Bean Town Jazz Festival Buttons. Usually held the last weekend in September.