20 FREE Cultural Festivals around Boston: Summer 2024
When:
Thursday, May 16, 2024 9:00a -
Saturday, Sep 14, 2024 10:00p
Thursday, May 16, 2024 9:00a -
Saturday, Sep 14, 2024 10:00p
Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
FREE
Categories:
Date Idea, Festivals & Fairs, Food, Good for Groups, History, Kid Friendly, Music, Seasonal
Event website:
https://joyraft.com/event/19-free-cultural-festivals-around-boston-summer-2024-boston-422495
Boston wouldn’t be the same without the people that make it our vibrant home. Experience different cultures, meet your neighbors, and learn about history, food, art, music, and more. Here’s your list of cultural festivals this summer, so you can immerse yourself in Boston’s unique communities.
By Kenneal Patterson & Yelena Nicolle Salvador
Festivals listed chronologically.
Where: Union Square
When: Sat. 5/18
Info: Savor the evening with delicious Hong Kong and Asian food while watching live performances like lion dances, Cantonese opera, and Cantonese pop music by local bands! There will be activities and family games too.
Where: Southie
When: Sun. 5/19
Info: Celebrate the rich culture of the Polish American community in Boston with a live polka band, tasty food, and traditional dancing.
3) The Cultural Diversity Day of MA
Where: Downtown
When: Wed., 5/29
Info: With over 10 Boston cultural organizations that will each be performing a 5-minute showcase, the Cultural Diversity Day at the State House is the perfect way to see the different backgrounds that make up our city. Stop by and stay a while!
4) Caribbean American Heritage Festival
Where: Roxbury
When: Sat., 6/1
Info: June is National Caribbean American Heritage Month! Listen to live music, munch on great food, look at handmade art, and more – all while you learn about the Caribbean American community in Boston.
Where: East Somerville
When: Sun., 6/2
Info: Celebrate the 14th anniversary of Carnaval in Somerville! With a lively parade returning, as well as interactive dance classes, music performances, and food trucks galore, Carnaval is the perfect way to explore the communities that make up the area.
6) Boston Pride Parade & Festival
Where: Back Bay
When: Sat., 6/8
Info: Honor the history and culture of the LGBTQIA+ community in Boston! Enjoy a beautiful and colorful parade through Boston’s South End that will end with a party full of live performances and entertainers. There’s a 21+ Block Party at City Hall Plaza too.
7) Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
Where: Cambridge
When: Sun., 6/9
Info: Watch the foot-long dragon boats race along the Charles and stay for the multicultural Asian festivities on the bridge. With dragon dances, an array of food vendors, and immersive activities for kids and adults, you’ll experience a slice of the different Asian cultures around the city.
Where: Watertown
When: Fri, 6/21- Sun, 6/23
What: You’ll be drooling when you see the loukoumades and kafenio. At the Taxiarchae Archangels Greek Church, enjoy a three-day celebration of homemade pastries and traditional Greek food, live music, and so much more.
9) My Caribbean One World Expo
Where: Rowes Wharf
When: Sat., 7/6
What: It’s the 11th year of this expo! Stop by the Wharf and take in this year's theme: Our Folklore Culture. Immerse yourself in rich Caribbean history and participate in arts, crafts, and other entertainment activities!
10) Little Saigon Night Market
Where: Dorchester
When: Sat., 7/13
Info: The fun starts when the sun goes down. The Little Saigon Night Market, or Chợ Đêm, returns for its third year with mouthwatering food vendors, local artisans, games, entertainment, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
11) Americans with Disabilities Act Celebration Day
Where: City Hall
When: Wed., 7/17
Info: The passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act was a momentous moment in history. It marked the beginning of legally protecting the rights of disabled folks. Honor this historic event, learn about disability culture and resources, and enjoy music and food during this day celebration.
Where: South End
When: Sat., 7/20
Info: Who’s ready to salsa dance? At Festival Betances, or Salsa en el 2024, you can celebrate 50 years of the iconic parade, delicious Puerto Rican food, lively music, and so much more. Don’t miss out on this one-day event!
13) Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts
Where: Franklin
When: Sat., 7/27 - Sun., 7/28
Info: We’re counting down the days until the famous Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts, which offers Bostonians across the city a chance to experience the music and culture of Puerto Rico firsthand. Complete with fun souvenir tents, incredible Latin food, and even carnival rides, this two-day festival is not to be missed.
14) St. Agrippina di Mineo Feast
Where: North End
When: Thu, 8/1-Sun, 8/4
What: From summer concerts to delicious food to fascinating history, the three-day St. Agrippina di Mineo Feast epitomizes Boston’s iconic North End. Immerse yourself in our city’s little Italy.
15) North End Fisherman’s Feast
Where: North End
When: Thu, 8/15 - Sun, 8/18
What: Mama mia, a summer of the North End’s Italian festivals is hard to beat. For three jam-packed days, you can wander through the cobblestone streets to see entertainment on the bandstand; the statue of the Madonna in her chapel; the Sunday night “Flight of the Angel” display; and food vendors with pizza, pasta, and more.
16) African Festival of Boston
Where: Boston Common
When: Sat, 8/17 - Sun, 8/18
What: For over a decade, the African Festival of Boston has brought together people across New England to celebrate the music, arts, culture, fashion, and craft made by young creatives across the African diaspora.
Where: North End
When: Thu, 8/24 - Sun, 8/27
What: Ciao, Boston. St. Anthony’s Feast is known as the “Feast of all Feasts” for a reason. Make sure you stop by for colorful parades, religious displays, next-level Italian food, top-notch performances, and so much more at this Boston festival that has been around for 100+ years.
Where: Sun., 9/8
When: Cambridge
Info: This year marks the 30th Cambridge Carnival! Come celebrate the African and Caribbean traditions in Boston. Enjoy the sounds of a steel drum band, colorful costumes, and yummy food.
MORE INFO TBA:
19) Chinatown August Moon Festival
Where: Chinatown
When: Sun., 9/11
What: When the August Moon rises, you know where to find us. Chinatown’s Festival is back for its 54rd year with lion dancing, Chinese music, traditional folk dance, martial arts, historical crafts, delicious food, Chinese calligraphy, and so much more.
20) Boston Annual Ukrainian Festival
Where: Fenway
When: TBA - typically mid to late August
What: Celebrate the culture and customs during the Annual Ukrainian Festival & Independence Day. Visitors can enjoy classic music, folk dances, and authentic Ukrainian food.
BONUS: These amazing festivals are not free but worth the price
Where: Franklin
When: Sat., 6/29 - Sun., 6/30
Cost: $10-50
Info: Enjoy the beautiful sounds of R&B, funk, soul, hip hop, house music, and more. Stop by this music festival that celebrates Black joy. There will be food trucks, Black artists and vendors, and a whole lot of dancing tunes.
Where: Allston
When: Fri, 7/12 - Sat, 7/13
Cost: $25
What: In 2022, Boston Magazine recognized JerkFest as the Best Food Festival of the year. This year will be no different, so make sure you show up for hot spiced food, yummy sauces, a jerk cook-off, and so much more.
– Caribbean Rum & Food Festival
Where: Roxbury Crossing
When: Sat, 9/14
Cost: $25-65
What: Is anyone else dreaming of rum punch? Celebrate the delicious food and drink of the Caribbean with a day of festivities at Roxbury Community College. Cheers!
--
Photo by:
- Matt Conti
- BostonDragonBoat
- Boston Little Saigon
-
Sponsored -
SponsoredAffordable Spanish Classes in Boston (in-person and online courses) | BASE
Monday, Jan 13, 2025 goes until 03/15
Boston Area Spanish Exchange (BASE)
-
Sponsored
