Massachusetts Festivals and Events
The races, reenactments, festivals and parades that come back every year.
Massachusetts has a holiday the rest of the country does not: Patriots' Day, the third Monday in April, marking the battles of Lexington and Concord. It is also the day of the Boston Marathon, so the long weekend combines dawn reenactments on the Battle Green with huge crowds along the marathon route. Summer moves the calendar to the waterfront and the Berkshires, and fall brings foliage, harvest fairs and Halloween in Salem.
Some favorites come back every week rather than every year. Boston's Haymarket sells produce on Fridays and Saturdays near Faneuil Hall, Red Sox home games fill Fenway from spring to early fall, and summer towns on the Cape and islands run weekly concerts, band nights and farmers markets.
Annual Festivals and Events
The world's oldest annual marathon, run since 1897, finishing near Copley Square.
Dawn reenactment on the Lexington Battle Green and events at the Old North Bridge and along the Battle Road.
An antique car parade and tailgate picnics in 'Sconset as millions of daffodils bloom across the island.
Colonial reenactments, harbor events and Freedom Trail activities around Independence Day.
A free concert by the Boston Pops followed by fireworks over the Charles River.
Boston Symphony concerts, guest artists and popular shows in the Berkshires.
One of America's oldest dance festivals, with ticketed shows and free outdoor performances.
A week of themed parties ending in a big costume parade down Commercial Street.
A classic country fair with livestock, a woodsman contest, rides and island food.
Held since 1919, with processions, street food and music on Endicott Street and nearby.
New England's largest fair, with a building for each of the six states.
The world's largest two-day rowing event, with crowds on the bridges and riverbanks.
A month of parades, costume events, ghost tours and Halloween night in the city of the witch trials.
A parade of historical floats and marchers from the 1600s onward, with a food festival on the waterfront.
A New Year's Eve arts celebration that began in 1976, with ice sculptures and fireworks.
Dates move from year to year — confirm on the organizer’s site before you plan around an event.
Official Event Calendars
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Get free trip quotes »Massachusetts Events — FAQ
What is Patriots' Day?
A state holiday on the third Monday in April marking the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775. Schools close, the Boston Marathon is run and the Red Sox play a morning home game.
Is Salem crowded in October?
Very, especially on weekends and the days before Halloween. Take the train, book lodging months ahead and visit on a weekday if you can.