July and August are the high summer season in Boston. Most schedules for the many, many series of concerts, free movies, etc, cover both months. So we're combining them into one post that we'll feature for the next couple of months.
As usual, Penny has started a conversation about the summer over on the Boston Trip Advisor forum. If you click through to this link, you'll find contributions from a wide range of locals and visitors about his topic. We highly recommend you visit that conversation. It includes insights and tips on topics that are not in our areas of interest and that we don't cover.
Boston On Budget Provides Great Summer Lists
Kate from Boston on Budget has done a wonderful job of gathering free summer events into one place.
Free Music and Concerts in Boston This Summer!
Free Things to Do This Summer in Boston
Photo: John Schinker used under this creative commons license. Here's a link to his wonderful July 4th photostream!
Events and Holidays in July and August
This year, July 4th falls on a Saturday. According to the official holiday information on the Secretary of State's website, this will not be a three day weekend because, "All holidays falling on Sunday must be observed on Monday, under state law. Saturday holidays are observed on Saturday."
The city of Boston is taking a different approach. The holiday page on the city website reads:
Friday July 3rd Independence Day- City Holiday
"City offices closed. Sunday parking rules in effect. BCYF Community Centers are closed. The Mirabella and Clougherty Pools will be open regular hours. Please Note: All Boston Public Libraries will be open on July 3rd."
July 4th Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks
Since some visitors and perhaps some new Bostonians are unclear on the location of our famous July 4th Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks display, it is on the Charles River NOT on the harbor and can be viewed from both the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river. Here is a link to the official site for the details.
Here is our resource page for the July 4th holiday:
What's Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules
Conventions
There are only three large conventions that might raise hotel prices and make popular restaurant reservations necessary. They are all out in the Seaport, so they will have less impact on the locals and tourist areas than they might if they were in the heart of the city.
July 11-13 (10,500 attendees)
July 27-29 (5,500 attendees)
August 17-19 (17,000 attendees)
Three of our Favorite Summer Happenings Are:
Shakespeare on the Common from July 22 – August 9:
The Landmarks Orchestra Concert Series from July 15th to August 26:
The Boston Public Library Courtyard Concert Series ongoing thru August:
Summer Food Traditions
Our summer food tradition is to treat ourselves to fried clams, steamers, and lobster rolls. We like our steamers small and our fried clams the big belly versions not strips. Or, we can be just as happy with a lobster feast like the one above from Wood's Seafood in Plymouth.
We are dedicated to the no mayo version lobster roll with hot butter and a squeeze of lemon. We're looking forward to the opening of Luke's Lobster on Exeter Street near the Boston Public Library in July as a great source of properly made Maine Lobster Rolls. Here's a link to check for updates on that happening.
What are your favorite places to go and things to do in summer in Boston? Do you have must-do treats, eats, and events?
Related Posts
What's Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules
Luke's Lobster Weekend Pop-up: Lobster Roll Chronicles
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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2010-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino