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Visit Massachusetts from May to September and be prepared for a wide variety of experiences that this state has to offer. From the spring flower blooming period, which lasts from mid-April to late May, and the Boston Marathon in April, to beach season from mid-May to mid-September, the magical sounds of Singing Beach around the same time, and Boston Harbor Cruises from March to December, there's no shortage of things to do. And don't forget to check out the most picturesque spots for fall foliage all over the New England region from late September to early November. If you visit Massachusetts in the winter, beat the winter gloom with cross-country or alpine skiing in the Berkshire region.

62 things to do in Massachusetts

Spring and Autumn Surf Season

March–May | September–November Activity

Spring season in Hawaii is a good time to enjoy waves and master your surfing skills

Boston Harbor Islands

May–mid-October Activity

The islands of Boston Harbour conceal abandoned forts, ancient lighthouses, and many other surprises

Charles River Kayaking

April–October Activity

Boston is one of those lucky cities that can be observed by boat

Fiddleheads

March Food

Have you ever tried eating ferns? In Boston, this green delicacy is quite a popular ingredient

Boston Harbor Cruises

March–December Activity

Boston Harbor has all kinds of cruises on offer

Spring Blooms

mid-April–late May Nature

Boston is particularly charming and colourful during the spring flower blooming period

Boston Harborfest 4th of July

July 1–4, 2024 Event

Naval ship cruising, historical reenactments, walking tours, and concerts—tonnes of fun, and all of it for free!​

Head of The Charles Regatta & Kayak Races

April 27, 2024 | October 18–20, 2024 Event

Check out the action on the Charles River in spring and autumn when Boston hosts two famous water races

Frozen Waves

January–February Nature

This unusual phenomenon is a great reason to visit an island of Nantucket when temperature drops

Fall Foliage in & around Boston

October Nature

A leisurely stroll in Boston's parks is a delightful autumn experience

St Anthony Feast in Boston

August 22-25, 2024 Event

This feast showcases Italian culture in America's melting pot

Baseball and the Red Sox

April–October Event

Visiting Boston without seeing the Red Sox is just unforgivable

Lobster

mid-May–mid-November Food

During the lobster season, seafood is particularly succulent

Beach Season

mid-May–mid-September Activity

If you don't mind frigid waters, you can enjoy a nice beach weekend

Boston Marathon

April 21, 2025 Event

Runners from all over the world come to Boston to partake in its most famous athletic competition

Oysters

mid-October–April Food

Oysters never taste better than during harvest season

Clams

June–September Food

Clams come fresh, steamed, baked, fried, breaded, and in clam chowder—one has no excuse to abstain from this divine delight

Restaurant Week Boston (Dine Out Boston)

March 12–25, 2023 Event

Choose the place that fits your budget and your appetite

Boston Calling Music Festival

May 24-26, 2024 Event

Dance, laugh and enjoy a great music festival at the Harvard Athletic Complex

St. Patrick's Day Parade

March 17, 2024 Event

A huge celebration of everything green and Irish

Boston Dragon Boat Festival

June 9, 2024 Event

Charles River gets crowded during the first dragon boat festival in the United States.

Singing Beach

late May–early September (all year round) Activity

Shuffle the sand and listen to the magic sounds of this beach at Manchester-by-the-Sea near Boston

Christmas Markets in Boston

mid-November–early January Event

Festive entertainment and plenty of gift ideas for the holidays

Christmas Tree Lighting

late November Event

The official start of the holiday season in Boston

SoWa Winter Festival

November 29–December 22, 2024 Event

The biggest winter shopping village and holiday festival in Boston

Memorial Day Weekend

May 23–27, 2024 Event

Lots of special events, concerts, and activities all over the city

Brimfield Antique Show

May 14–19, 2024 | July 9–14, 2024 | September 3–8, 2024 Event

The largest flea fair of its kind in the United States

4th of July Fireworks & Events

July 1–July 4 Event

You won’t run out of things to do in Massachusetts on America's Independence Day

Whale Watching in Massachusetts

April–October Nature

The Bay State is one of the top-ten whale-watching spots in the world, according to the World Wildlife Fund

Provincetown Carnival Week

August 17–24, 2024 Event

A vibrant celebration of Cape Cod

Falmouth Road Race

August 18, 2024 Event

The most massive and famous race on Cape Cod

The Big E

September 12-28, 2025 Event

The sixth-largest fair in the United States, the biggest on East Coast

Halloween in Massachusetts: Parties & Attractions

late September–October Event

From Witch City to Beantown—hear all of New England's dark stories

Christmas Lights

mid-November–early January Event

Spectacular light tunnels, Christmas trees, and holiday installations

Harvard Primal Scream

early May | early December Event

A peculiar biannual tradition when students run naked around the Harvard Yard before finals begin

The Green River Festival

June 21-23, 2024 Event

The celebration of music in Western Massachusetts

Northeast Balloon Festival

July 10–12, 2020 Event

One of the best ballooning events in New England

Massachusetts Fall Foliage

October Nature

The most popular season to visit New England

Skiing

December–March (best in February) Activity

Beat the winter gloom with cross-country or alpine skiing in the Berkshire region

Lowell Winterfest

February 17-18, 2025 Event

The weekend full of fun competitions and outdoor activities

Greenfield Winter Carnival

February 2-4, 2024 Event

Join a century-long winter tradition!

Christmas Lights and Events in Cape Cod

late November–late December Event

Cape Cod is a perfect destination to visit during the winter holidays

New Year's Eve in Boston

December 31 Event

Join the famous First Night celebrations in Boston

Baltimore Oriole

April–September Nature

Attracted by fruits and nectar, these birds are often spotted in the gardens

Plimoth Patuxet (Plimoth Plantation)

mid-March–late November Activity

The 17th-century settlement reenacted in this living history museum

Bash Bish Falls

April–November | best April –May Nature

One of the most beautiful New England waterfalls

Fall Foliage on Cape Cod

mid-September–late October Nature

With the arrival of autumn, another unexpected vacation season begins on Cape Cod

Cherry Blossom

April Nature

Boston isn't the only place in Massachussetts where cherry-blossom culture thrives

Hummingbirds

May–September Nature

Ruby-throated hummingbirds visit Massachusetts to nest and breed every summer

Fan Expo Boston (Boston Comic Con)

August 8–10, 2025 Event

The major comic convention in New England

Stargazing

all year round (best June–October) Nature

Cape Cod and other scenic areas offer decent stargazing during the warm season

Whip City Brewfest

June 1, 2024 Event

A summer beer festival in Westfield, Massachusetts

Spencer Fair

August 30-September 2, 2025 Event

Spend a memorable weekend at this family-friendly fair

Seekonk Flea Market

April–November (every Sunday) Event

Vintage flea heaven with hundreds of vendors

North Adams Fall Foliage Parade

October 6, 2024 Event

Discover the beautiful fall foliage in the Berkshires and enjoy plenty of fun activities

New England Fall Foliage

late September–early November Nature

Check out the most picturesque spots for fall foliage all over the New England region

Franklin Park Zoo Festival of Lights

August 2-November 3, 2025 Event

Nocturnal light magic at Franklin Park Zoo

Massachusetts Renaissance Faire

August 3–4, 2024 Event

Explore a world of legend and soak up a magical ambiance

King Richard's Faire

August 31–September 20, 2024 (weekends, including September 2 and October 14) Event

One of the largest and oldest Renaissance fairs in New England

Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival

July 20, 2024 Event

Believe it or not, you can feel like you're in Scotland while staying in Massachusetts–but only if you attend this festival

Wachusett AppleFest

October 19–20, 2024 | October 26–27, 2024 Event

Celebrate yummy apple season and crisp, flamboyant fall at the most accessible ski resort in the East

North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival

September 28-29, 2024 Event

The beloved community " festival that stinks”

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