Boston Events for May 2022Boston Calling, Memorial Day, Art Walks, Red Sox, Theater, Concerts, & More Show
Check the Boston Event Calendar for May for fun things to do as spring arrives. Boston bursts into bloom, and you'll want to be outside soaking up the sun. Top May events include the Boston Calling Festival. On other Boston concert stages, look for performances in the smaller venues (for now). More top May events include Memorial Day Weekend activities, Mother's Day events, concerts, ArtWeek, and art walks. More big events include Lilac Sunday, the Garden of Flags on the Common, Duckling Day Parade, special Harbor cruises, Beacon Hill's Hidden Gardens tour, and lots of Theatre District shows and performances. Take advantage of the balmy temperatures to see Boston on a Duck Tour, catch a Boston Red Sox games at Fenway Park, join a Historic Pub Crawl Tour along the Freedom Trail for a fun way to explore Boston, or just relax as you enjoy outdoor patio dining at one of our wonderful restaurants. See for yourself why May is the perfect month to be in Boston! Top photo: Tulips blooming in mid-May in Boston's Public Garden Boston Calling 2022Boston Calling Music Festival performance - Photo credit John EckmanBoston Calling Music Festival, the popular 3-day indie and pop rock music festival that takes place over Memorial Day Weekend, returns to the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston bigger and better than ever. Headliners Metallica, Foo Fighters, and Rage against the Machine will take center stage in 2022. Look for three music stages, a comedy stage, and more music than ever from over 50 groups, plus over 30 food vendors, a wide selection of beer and wine, sponsor exhibits, and surprise attractions. Tickets typically go fast, and prices rise as the dates draw closer. In addition for single-day passes, you'll see options for 3-day passes plus a tiered array of VIP tickets; the most expensive tiers typically sell out the fastest. Boston Calling 2022 TicketsEnter DISCOVERY 10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets Revere Beach Kite Festival - 2022Photo courtesy of FrancisCelebrate spring by heading to Revere Beach, America's oldest public beach, on Saturday, May 15 at 11am-2pm for the annual family-friendly kite festival. Bring your own kite, and watch it soar. You'll see people of all ages flying kites, having a great time, and enjoying this lovely 2-mile long expanse of sun and water. Don't forget that across from the pavilion, you can get fabulous fried clams or a lobster roll at Kelly's Roast Beef, just a short walk from the Blue Line's Wonderland Station. More about Revere Beach and other Boston beaches More Ways to Enjoy Boston
Memorial Day Weekend Events in BostonGarden of Flags in Boston CommonWhen: Monday, May 30 - Memorial Day 2022 Many Bostonians leave town on Memorial Day - so if you're visiting, you have the best of both worlds: plenty of fun things to do, less competition for tickets (and perhaps lower prices), and somewhat smaller crowds. Memorial Day Weekend events in Boston range from somber ceremonies of remembrance and the Garden of Flags on Boston Common to fun activities embracing summer weather such as the Boston Calling Music Festival, the city's waterfront location, and of course, the Red Sox, home again in time to play the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park on Memorial Day. Find out about all the best Memorial Day events and activities. Need a hotel? Hotels.com is listing lots of last-minute deals right now - Check them out! Boston Harbor Sightseeing CruisesTour Boston by boat - the best way to see the city! Check out these fun sightseeing, music, and entertainment Boston Harbor cruises on the Yacht Northern Lights and Schooner Adirondack III: Fall Foliage Cruises (through November 6)
Popular Cruises on the Northern Lights:
Holiday Cruises
Gift Card
Whale Watching Cruise TicketsTail of a humpback whale, seen on a whale watching cruise - Photo credit: iStock.com/stephenalien75Join one of the exciting 3-hour Whale Watching Cruises departing from the Downtown Boston Waterfront, and experience the thrill of spotting whales off the coast of Boston. You'll see magnificent creatures such as Humpback and Finback whales close-up from the deck of your ship, and spot White-Sided Dolphins frolicking in the waters. These cruises sell out quickly, so don't wait to get your tickets now for this iconic Boston experience! Where to Go for Mother's Day Brunch in Boston 2022Show your appreciation for all those tasty meals your mom cooked for you, and take her out for Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, May 8 at one of these Boston and Cambridge restaurants offering a special menu for the occasion.
Forgot to make reservations? Take your mom for Dim Sum in Boston's Chinatown - but pretend that's what you were planning all along. You'll see other mom/child couples doing the same thing. Duckling Day Parade - 2022For the perfect Mother's Day celebration, join Boston's annual Duckling Day Parade with your young children - and be sure to bring your camera! You'll retrace the path taken by Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and their own flock of 8 young ducklings in Robert McCloskey's beloved children's book, Make Way for Ducklings. To really get into the spirit, dress your offspring in yellow to resemble their favorite Ducklings characters, and decorate your stroller or even a wagon. When: Mother's Day Sunday, May 8, with entertainment and the Harvard University Band starting at 10am until the parade kicks off at around noon Need cute duckling outfits? Here's our favorite selection on Amazon (#ad). More about the Duckling Day Parade For a special Mother's Day weekend, stay in a hotel overlooking the Public Garden. Here are 4 with spectacular views to consider: Hotels with Public Garden & Boston Common ViewsFind out more about these spectacular hotels Boston Theater & Shows for May 2022Top May Shows in Boston - Schedules & TicketsEnter DISCOVERY 10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets
More shows for May More Boston Theater District Shows Where to stay and dine in Boston's Theatre District Top Hotels near Boston's Theatre DistrictEnjoy your Boston performance or show experience to the fullest when you stay in one of the nearby Theatre District hotels, such as the hip and glamorous Revere Hotel: More top Theatre District hotels:
Check out more hotels in Boston's Theatre District Fun Boston Sightseeing ToursBoston Concerts & Shows - MayTop April Concerts & Shows in Boston
Enter DISCOVERY 10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets Schedules & TicketsMore Concerts & Shows for May Boston Concerts throughout the Year Boston Comedy Clubs May 2022Looking for something to do in Boston that doesn't (usually) cost too much money? Head over to one of Boston's comedy shows. You're sure to leave smiling! Enter DISCOVERY 10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets Find more comedy club show schedule & tickets More about Boston's comedy clubs May Boston Red Sox Schedule - Home Games at FenwayRed Sox fans walking to Fenway ParkLocation: Fenway Park Indulge your passion for baseball by going to see the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park! Get Schedule & TicketsEnter DISCOVERY 10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets Find Red Sox Home Games at Fenway for Other MonthsJune - July - August - September - October Stay: Hotels near Fenway Park Find out about more Boston sports MFA: Memorial Day Open House - Free Admission - 2022When: Monday, May 30 - Memorial Day Weekend MFA will offer family-oriented festivities this year with special exhibitions and free admission on Memorial Day. This fun family event takes place in the Shapiro Family Courtyard where you can make art, make music, watch a film, and join tours and discussions in the art galleries. Want to come on another day? If you have a GoBoston card or CityPASS, you can get free admission at any time. Find more things to do on Memorial Day Weekend in Boston Boston Hotels with Outdoor Swimming PoolsEnjoy your summer vacation to the fullest in when you stay at a Boston hotel with an outdoor swimming pool:
Find more Boston hotels with outdoor swimming pools Fun Boston Tours for MayFun Events & Activities on the Rose Kennedy GreenwaySplash fountain on the GreenwayThe Rose Kennedy Greenway is offering so many fun things to do this summer:
More about the Rose Kennedy Greenway Greenway walking tour and map Independent Film Festival BostonWhen: May 6-16 The Independent Film Festival Boston spans 11 days this year year, and promises to be bigger and better than ever, with familiar names plus many new ones. IFF Boston showcases independent film makers from around the world working outside of the Hollywood system, and the lineup offers plenty of interesting features, shorts, and documentaries. Lots of panels and parties let you can talk with the filmmakers and ask them questions. Boston film fanatics rate this festival as one of the best. Find more Boston film festivals SoWa First FridaysOn April 2 as well as on other SoWa First Fridays in Boston's art-filled South End, over 60 galleries south of Washington Street and at the Artist's Guild at 450 + 460 Harrison Ave, and nearby businesses and restaurants open their doors from 5pm to 9pm to give you a chance to experience the vibrant South End arts community. Start at either 450 or 460 Harrison, and just follow the gallery lights and signs as you stroll around the neighborhood. Wrap up your evening at one of the South End's renowned restaurants. Please note: Right now, capacity limitations apply to galleries, plus not all have reopened yet. If you are interested in a particular gallery or artist studio, please check with them directly to confirm their open status and hours. Martha's Vineyard Day Trip from BostonHarbor at Martha's Vineyard - Photo credit: andykazie/iStockSpend the day exploring the beautiful beaches, art galleries, gingerbread houses, and seafood restaurants on this unforgettable Martha's Vineyard Day Trip fro Boston. And don't forget to catch the brass ring at the country's oldest carousel! Pickup and dropoff from selected Boston hotels plus ferry tickets are included. Book now More Fun Boston ToursWhat to See in Boston's Museums - May 2022Museum of Science ExhibitsMuseum of Science Butterfly Garden - Photo credit: TedSpecial Exhibits
Permanent ExhibitsWith fascinating permanent exhibits for all ages, there's always something to see, do, and learn. Here are just a few of the most popular: Butterfly Garden (extra fee), Colossal Fossil: Triceratops Cliff, Cosmic Light, Dinosaurs, Arctic Adventure, Hall of Human Life, Live Animal Care Center, Mathematica, Nanotechnology, Natural Mysteries, New England Habitats, The Light House - plus 17 more! Where: Boston's Museum
of Science New England AquariumHarbor seals and seal lions, a giant 4-story ocean tank with hundreds of Caribbean reef animals, an Amazon rain forest, sharks, Myrtle the green sea turtle, and frisky penguins are just a few of the thousands of aquatic animals you'll experience here. Get your tickets in advance, or find out more about the Aquarium. Admission also available through the Go Boston Pass, Explorer Pass, and Boston CityPASS discount cards. Boston Tea Party Ships & MuseumWatch the famous tea party event come alive with live actors, immersive exhibits, and a visit to the full-scale replica 18th century sailing ships at this unique living history museum. Get advance tickets. MFA Boston - Current & Future Shows
Museum (and show) admission: $25 adults ($27 starting 3/1/22); special exhibits included unless otherwise noted; free entrance with Boston Discount Cards (GoBoston card and Boston CityPASS). Free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lunar New Year Celebration Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, & Indigenous Peoples' Day. MFA is open Thursday - Monday and closed Tuesday & Wednesday. Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston - Current & Future Shows
Admission: $15 adults; free entrance with GoBoston card and Boston CityPASS. Closed on Mondays. Free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, & Indigenous Peoples' Day, and every Thursday from 5-9pm. Must have timed tickets for free admission. Voices of Humanity Concert at Vilna Shul - 2022Vilna Shul in Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhoodVilna Shul, a historic landmark on Beacon Hill and Boston's last remaining immigrant-era synagogue (now a Jewish cultural center), presents their annual Voices of Humanity concert on May 15 at 3pm. In this community event, three Boston-based choirs will perform uplifting songs from Jewish, Muslim, and Christian traditions in an expression of unity and hope. Location: 18 Phillips St, Beacon Hill, Boston 2 Easy Ways to Save BIG in Boston on Tours, Cruises, AdmissionsBest way to save in Boston. Save up to 50% when you take a Boston Harbor cruise or Duck Boat tour, visit Plimouth Plantation, the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park Tour, and more. Compare to find out which one is best for you. Anime Boston 2022Anime Boston - the largest anime convention in New England - returns to the Hynes Convention Center and Sheraton Boston Hotel (find rates & reviews) on May 27-29 with music, films, cosplay, and star guests plus lots of exhibits, artists, and special presentations. The focus is on Japanese pop culture, including anime, manga, J-Pop, J-Rock, and live-action Japanese media, plus some aspects of Japanese history and traditional culture. More information Harpoon Fest - 2022Harpoon Brewery (306 Northern Ave, South Boston Waterfront) celebrates spring, local music, and local beer with a 2-day beer festival at their brewery featuring a large selection of Harpoon beers, live music, and food trucks plus drinks from UFO Beer, Clown Shoes Beer, Arctic Chill Hard Seltzer, and WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye Smash. Dates: May 20 and 21, rain or shine Cost: Tickets (credit cards onlyi) start at $30 - Includes festival entrance, souvenir cup, and first beer. Nearest T station: Silver Line 2/Harbor Ave Not Sure about Boston Neighborhood Locations?
This neighborhood map should help you get oriented. You can find a list of top attractions in each neighborhood here. Need a more details? Here are our favorite free and low-cost Boston maps. Lawn on D 2022Lawn on D, a playground for adults (kids are welcome too but this is primarily an adult venue) located behind the Convention Center in the South Boston Waterfront, is where you'll find fun swings with LED lights and comfy seating, bocce and other games, and music throughout the summer and early fall, along with casual food and wine, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. Opening date: May 22 Open daily from 7am-11pm from May to October, except when closed for private events (always check their website before going). Food, drinks, and lawn games available Thursday 3-10:30pm, Friday & Saturday 12 noon-11pm, Sunday 12 noon-10:30pm, with live entertainment by local bands on the weekends. Swings are open whenever Lawn on D is open. Rules, in case you're wondering: No dogs, no outside alcohol, no outside food during concession hours. Another option in this area is to sample one of the many restaurants in the Seaport and Fort Point areas of the South Boston Waterfront. For Boston Harbor views while you dine, visit a Seaport restaurant. To try the creative cuisine of some of Boston's most innovative chefs, head to a Fort Point restaurant. Featured New Hotel for May: Four Seasons Hotel One DaltonFour Seasons Hotel One Dalton StreetOne Dalton Street, Boston's Back Bay neighborhood The opening this month of Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street in Boston's third tallest building brings another 5-star luxury hotel to chic Back Bay. You'll enjoy the excellent location near renowned Newbury Street, top cultural attractions, and Fenway Park - plus the onsite spa, restaurant, and bar, and superb service.
Boston Theater Marathon XXIIIEven though the Boston Theater Marathon, produced by the Boston Playwrights' Theatre, stretches across a weekend filled with full-length play reading, the heart of this part-festival, part-race takes place from noon until 10pm on one special day when 50 New England theater actors, directors, and technicians present 50 new 10-minute plays (out of 400 submissions) produced by 50 New England theaters. To call this event "lively" is an understatement! In one short 10-hour period, you'll see the wide diversity of Boston theater in this showcase for the local and New England theater community. When: May 18, noon-10pm (ticket needed) - To be confirmed SoWa Open Market Opening Day & Sunday MarketsA sea of white, blue, and even a few red tents await you at SoWa, Boston's biggest outdoor art and indie market showcasing artists, artisans, and designers in Boston's South End. Add in musicians, the SoWa Vintage Market (downstairs at 450 Harrison Ave) Sundays, 10am-4pm all year), and onsite food trucks, and you have the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Vendors are carefully chosen to avoid duplication - plus the mix of vendors is different every week, so you never know what you'll find. More information: What to shop for at SoWa Open Markets When: Every Sunday from May 4 through October 25, 10am - 4pm Free Art and Architecture Tour at BPLJoin one of the Boston Public Library's free tours offered once a day almost every day. You'll see highlights of the library's magnificent Renaissance Revival architecture by Charles Follen McKim and late 20th century building by Philip Johnson. You'll also get to view some of the many works by famous artists throughout the building. Tours last about an hour, and are conducted by trained volunteer guides. When: Every day in May - and almost every day throughout the year; times vary More about Boston Public Library Boston Discount Cards for Attractions, Tours, CruisesBest way to save in Boston. Save 50% or more when you take a Boston Harbor cruise or Duck Boat tour, visit Plimouth Plantation, the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park Tour, and more. Compare to find out which one is best for you. Greenway Open MarketGreenway Open Market, sister market to SoWa Open Market (held Sundays in the South End), brings an eclectic mix of hand-made art, music, and locally produced products to Boston. Look for the sea of white vendor tents - and get ready for some fun shopping, plus good eating at the gourmet food trucks. With a different mix of vendors present each week, you never know what treasures you'll find! It's a quintessential Boston event. When: Every Saturday and 1st and 3rd Sunday from May through October, 11am - 5pm May, June, Sept, Oct, and 11am-6pm July and
August Opening Day for Boston Harbor IslandsWhen: Saturday, May 21 to Spectacle Island; service from Boston to both Spectacle and Georges Islands begins June 25 Hop on a ferry at Boston's Long Wharf (near the Boston Marriott Long Wharf) for a 15 minute cruise to Georges or Spectacle Island. Join a free tour led by the Park Rangers, or enjoy a day of exploring historic sites, photographing birds, enjoying a picnic, hiking, swimming, wading in tidal pools, or simply enjoying the scenery. Ancient Fishweir Project on Boston Common When: May 5 through June, with dance and music performances by the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers on Monday, June 1 during school hours Each year, members of the local Wampanoag and Massachusetts Nations collaborate with about 1,000 Boston public school students to build a 150 foot fishweir sculpture on the Common to commemorate those built by local Native people about 5,000 years ago to catch alewife, herring, smelt, and salmon in the tidal flats then covering the area. Remnants of these still exist, buried in layers of clay 28-35 feet under the city's streets. This temporary fishweir is Boston's only centrally-located historical monument focused exclusively on the Native people who lived here for 12,000 years before the arrival of the Puritans. If you want to take a look at this temporary memorial, you'll easily find it close to the path running from Charles Street to the baseball field. More info: Ancient Fishweir Project SoWa Art Walk in the South EndThe annual spring SoWa Art Walk in Boston's South End gives you the perfect destination for enjoying a Sunday afternoon in May while viewing the creations of emerging and established artists in 200+ working artists studios. Explore the fascinating artists' studios, and admire the paintings, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, photography, and more in the South End's SoWa (South of Washington) neighborhood, home to the largest concentration of artists in the city. Be sure to drop into SoWa Open Market which kicks off on Sunday. When:
Saturday May 7, and Sunday, May 8, 11am-5pm (dates and times to be confirmed) Iron fence and spring flowers in Beacon Hill Once a year on the third Thursday in May, a dozen or so Beacon Hill Garden Club members open their gardens to the public for a special Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill self-guided tour. Celebrate spring by spending a day exploring the secret gardens in this historic Boston neighborhood. But don't forget to break for a relaxing brunch or lunch in one of these wonderful neighborhood spots:
More about Boston and Cambridge Garden Tours When: Thursday, May 19, 9am - 5pm, rain or shine More about What to See & Do in Beacon Hill Where to Stay in Beacon Hill Mother's Day Events in BostonMother's Day is on Sunday, May 8. Check out things to do with your mom in Boston on Mother's Day More Mother's Day events:
Mother's Day Harbor CruisesTreat her to a fun, relaxing cruise around Boston Harbor aboard the Northern Lights classic 1940s-style commuter yacht or Adirondack III, Boston's own "tall ship" schooner. Enjoy the music, treat your mom to the beverage of her choice, and smile as you watch her relax and enjoy the best views of Boston. Mothers Day Cruise
More Cruises on Mothers Day Weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Lilac Sunday - Mother's Day EventThe Arnold Arboretum's large lilac collection bursts into glorious bloom in May, putting on an exuberant show of color and intoxicating fragrance just in time for Mother's Day. Visit on Lilac Sunday to enjoy family-oriented activities in honor of Mother's Day - or come any time during early-to-mid-May to experience the unforgettable scent of these gorgeous lilacs. Lilac Sunday is the only day of the year when the Arboretum allows picnics - so take advantage by bringing a tasty brunch or lunch and perhaps a blanket for sitting. When: May 8; lilac tours and family activities from 10am - 3pm; Arboretum open from dawn to dusk Looking Ahead to June Events in Boston
More Things to Do in Boston in MayMore Ways to Experience Boston in MayBalmy May days make exploring the city easy. These fun trolley tours, bus tours, and special destinations let you enjoy Boston at its best! Continuing during May
Boston Events Each MonthJanuary | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | Year at a Glance Need a Boston Hotel or Apartment?Use this handy map from Booking.com to find the perfect place to stay. Just enter your dates to find what's available, see the best rates, and make your reservations. Booking.com Where can I go for a few hours in Boston?7 things to do in Boston in under two hours. Boston Public Market. ... . Top of the Hub. ... . The Sports Museum. ... . Harvard University. ... . Samuel Adams. ... . The Freedom Trail. ... . Beacon Hill.. Is 2 days enough in Boston?Even with just 2 days in Boston, you can cover some serious ground and get a good feel for the city. Read on for a detailed itinerary for how to make the most out of a weekend stay in the Massachusetts capital. Few cities in the United States hold more historical importance than Boston.
How can I spend one day in Boston?How to best spend 24 hours in Boston. Discover the classic beauty of Beacon Hill.. Wander through the Boston Public Garden and Boston Common.. Walk along the historic Freedom Trail.. Visit the Granary Burying Ground.. Experience the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.. Step back in time at the Old State House Museum.. What is there to do in Boston in the middle of the night?The best things to do in Boston at night. Check out Boston's bar scene. Bars. ... . Party hard at a nightclub. Clubs. ... . Sip something special at a top cocktail bar. Bars. ... . Catch some live music. Music. ... . Drink without the fuss at a dive bar. Bars. ... . See the city from the water. Things to do. ... . Indulge in fine wines. Bars. ... . Get to know Irish pub life.. |