Many free and low-cost programs, performances, festivals, films, and public art offer access to Boston’s lively downtown waterfront in the summer months

BOSTON, MASS. (July 2025) – It’s summer in the city, and Boston uniquely has a front-row seat to oceanfront dining, fitness classes, festivals, films, and myriad free and low-cost engaging activities if you know where to look.

Yoga, high intensity workouts, movies, markets, movies, and other free fitness and family-friendly activities are happening all summer along the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Beach and park cleanups, fishing days, walking tours, hikes, and picnics around Boston Harbor are plentiful. Eating and drinking along the downtown waterfront offers a special summer experience with food trucks, beer gardens, and entertainment including cult classic films for $10 at the New England Aquarium’s Simons Theatre.

With Boston marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, there are special parades and historical events. And, the Wharf District Council and the Coalition for Resilient & Inclusive Waterfront highlights art-making, dance parties, live music concerts, and other activities that are accessible and affordable for all.

“It’s our high season now on the waterfront,” said Luz Arregoces, the New England Aquarium’s Director of Community Engagement. “As the New England Aquarium works to raise awareness about marine conservation and the impacts of climate change on our coastlines, the summer months are a perfect opportunity to draw people to Boston Harbor—with free festivals, events, programs, classes, and activities along the water’s edge and in the neighboring communities. It’s the best time to be reminded that Boston is a capital city that also has the advantage of being coastal.”

• “The Future of Climate Resiliency” will be the focus of a free, public panel discussion on Wednesday, July 23 at the New England Aquarium’s Simons Theatre, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with networking and the program starting at 6 p.m. Hosted by the Wharf District Council, the event features speakers Massachusetts Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer and Harvard University Senior Lecturer John D. Macomber.
• Until October 31, the Boston Public Art Triennial has 20 free, outdoor public artworks by 23 artists to see all across the city from Charlestown to East Boston, Roxbury, and Dorchester. It’s the first year of the organization’s every-three-year public art event, with corresponding free programs planned all summer into fall.
• Free outdoor movies are offered from Revere to Back Bay to Brighton and Cambridge, as well as in all of the city’s parks in August.
• As part of Berklee College of Music’s Summer in the City there will be 200 performances all around Boston, including at Atlantic Wharf, as well as Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City free concert series on Rowes Wharf.
• Boston Harbor Now hosts a range of events including Eastie Week, July 13 to 27, a two-week celebration of arts, culture, community, and music, as well as tours around Dorchester’s Port Norfolk, beach cleanups, and harbor island tours.
• Year-round, the 43-mile Boston Harborwalk affords the best views of the active harbor, and it’s all free to traverse the public pathway along the ocean.
• Getting around the waterfront area is also an adventure with bikes, scooters, and other low-cost alternatives to walking.
• For simple crossings between East Boston, the Seaport, and North Station, there are inexpensive public ferries that offer short, daily rides for commuters or tourists.
• In East Boston, Piers Park has beautiful views of Boston for picnics, playground time, or a simple walk in the park. There is also a range of community programming from affordable kayaking passes and programs for young people. The Boston Lyric Opera performs in Piers Park on its “Street Stage” as well as other locations such as Charlestown Navy Yard and the Rose Kennedy Greenway.
• There are other easily accessible playgrounds all around the harbor including Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, Fan Pier Park, and Martin’s Park near the Boston Children’s Museum.
• On the first and second Sundays each month, Boston Family Days continues to offer free admission to cultural institutions across Boston for school-aged children who live in Boston and their families. Participating locations along the waterfront include the New England Aquarium, Boston Children’s Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art, JFK Presidential Library and Museum, Paul Revere House, and Old North Illuminated, and USS Constitution Museum.

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