Explore Boston's Calendar
Explore Boston in 2026 and Don’t Miss a Thing
2026 is a huge year in Boston. Between Boston 250 and nationwide America 250 celebrations, annual favorites like the Boston Marathon and Harborfest, and once-in-a-generation events, there’s a lot to keep track of.
This page is your month-by-month guide to the biggest events happening in and around Boston in 2026. Use it to decide when to visit, what to plan around, and which moments you don’t want to miss.
How to use
Skim the highlights below or click into any month for a full narrative guide and detailed ExploreBoston.com tips.
2026 at a Glance: Boston’s Biggest Moments
Plan by Season
Winter 2026
February
- Valentine’s Day dining & events
- School vacation week activities
- Ongoing winter festivals
March
- St. Patrick’s Day parades & events
- Early Boston 250 programming
- Late-winter concerts & shows
Spring 2026
April
- Patriot’s Day reenactments
- Boston Marathon crowds & traditions
- Spring walks along the Charles River
May
- Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum
- Spring neighborhood walks
- Outdoor dining and quiet evenings
June
- Boston Pride parade & festival
- Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl ice cream event
- Harborwalk and Harbor Islands adventures
Summer 2026
July
- Fourth of July Pops concert & fireworks
- Boston Harborfest celebrations
- Tall ships and summer waterfront events
August
- North End Italian feasts and celebrations
- City beaches and waterfront parks
- Harbor Islands ferries and sunset cruises
September
- Boston Film Festival screenings
- Red Sox games and fall sports
- Lively neighborhoods as students return
Fall 2026
October
- Head of the Charles Regatta
- Salem Haunted Happenings
- Fall foliage walks and day trips
November
- America’s Hometown Thanksgiving in Plymouth
- Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker season begins
- Early holiday lights in parks and squares
December
- Holiday lights and festive markets
- Boston Pops holiday concerts
- First Night Boston fireworks and celebrations
Looking for more events?
These major events are just the big anchors. For a wider range of concerts, neighborhood festivals, and day-to-day happenings, browse our full events calendar.
View Events Calendar →