Free Summer Arts Events

The Boston art world is alive and thriving! We’re excited to be able to share this list FREE arts events happening this summer. Get out and explore the city during these sunny warms months.

With help from ArtsBoston, the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, The Boston Calendar and more resources, we have developed our annual list of Free Summer Arts Events. We will continue to update this list through the summer so check back!

Have a free arts event that you want included? Email us at artsinbu@bu.edu. 

Jump to: May |June | July | August | September | Ongoing| 

MAY

JUNE

Carribean American Heritage Festival – June 1, 2024, 12-7 PM

Since 2006, June has been designated as National Caribbean American Heritage Month by Presidential Proclamation. Caribbean American have contributed to the development of the United States in extraordinary ways. Millions of people in the United. Come out and enjoy a festival presentation with music, food, arts and craft vendor and more.

 

Night & Day: Barbershop A Capella Showcase – June 1, 2024

Welcome to the Night & Day: Barbershop A Cappella Showcase! Get ready for a night of incredible harmonies and vocal performances. The first of our two annual shows, Night and Day is a family-friendly event that seeks to celebrate the everchanging nature of life: happy beginnings, necessary endings, hope, anticipation, mystery, and many more. And if one show wasn’t enough, for the first time we are hosting TWO shows in one day! Admission is FREE to the public, thanks to support we get from our sponsors and your donations — so come once, or twice if you fancy! If you would like to donate and help us continue to put on shows like this, see details below. This event will feature the talents of Vocal Revolution, VocaMotion, and quartets Daily Special, Praxis, and Point of View.

 

SomerStreets Carnaval – June 2, 2024, 2-6 PM

Carnaval is back for its 14th year, bringing even more fun for everyone. Enjoy delicious food, family activities, live music, and explore over 30 vendors, restaurants, and artisans. Be entertained by performances from Esh Circus, Grooversity, Capoeira, Timba Messengers, Let’s Vamos, and more.

 

Beacon Hill Artwalk – June 2, 2024, 12-5 PM

The Beacon Hill Art Walk takes place the first Sunday of June from Noon – 6pm, 
throughout the nooks & crannies of Beacon Hill’s North Slope. Residents open up their private gardens, alleyways, and courtyards and allow artists to display and sell their artwork. It is a chance for visitors to tour the private spaces of Beacon Hill while viewing original, handmade artwork. Thousands of people attend each year. It is a free popular event in the neighborhood, with a festive atmosphere and volunteer musicians playing in various gardens throughout the day. Typically 50 – 75 artists participate, with a variety of styles, media, and subject matter. As a visitor you will enjoy a unique atmosphere boasting bursts of colors at the background sound of live classical, klezmer, and folk music playing in various gardens throughout the day. Artists display a variety of styles, media, and subject matter.

Picture + Panel: Queerness and Pop Culture with Maurice Vellekoop and Cathy G. Johnson – June 3, 2024

This month, Picture + Panel dives into an electrifying discussion with Maurice Vellekoop and Cathy G. Johnson about the intersection of queerness and pop culture. QT Library executive director Emily Talley will moderate.

 

Watertown Public Library Pride Night Out – June 5, 2024, 6-8 PM

Join WFPL & Hatch for music, snacks, a photo booth, and zine-making with artists Cosmic Zo: The Intergalactic Haitian (Tammi Jean Fedestin), Bithiah Holton, and Mac Maclean!

 

Queer Open Studios – June 5, 2024, 6-10 PM

Join New Art Center on June 5 for Queer Open Studios! Located at our main location, this event will feature local queer community artists and makers, along with live music, crafts, and entertainment so that attendees can experience everything that Newton’s arts and culture community has to offer.

 

Powwow and the People Who Bring it to Life – June 6th-8th

Join us at the New Art Center at TRIO (245 Walnut Street, Newtonville, MA) between June 6th – June 8th for an exhibit on Native American powwows through the lens of local photographers Scott Strong Hawk Foster & Dr. Rob Adelman. A reception will be held on Saturday, June 8th, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM where you can mingle with the photographers & other community members about powwow culture. Light refreshments will be served. View dates and times below:

Thursday, June 6th, 5:00-9:00 PM

Friday, June 7th, 5:00 – 9:00 PM

Saturday, June 8th, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

 

Flowers and Opera – June 7, 2024, 6-9 PM

Opera will ring out in Bow Market on June 7th from 6-9pm! Opera on Tap presents Flowers and Opera at Bow Market with live opera singers, free flowers from Nellie’s Wildflowers, and a food drive.  Bow Market vendors showcase specialty treats. Come for the live opera and walk away with a fresh bouquet.  Please bring something for the Project SOUP collection box. (link)

 

Open Mic Night: Spoken Word hosted by Symone Jannelle featuring D. Ruff. – June 7, 2024

 

Boston Bollywood Dance Show – June 7-8, 2024,  8 PM

Boston’s premier Bollywood Dance Company, Boston Bollywood, brings together dancers to present its Season Thirteen Dance Performance. Watch us pay tribute to the Indian Film Industry in a spectacular dance show featuring original choreography set to some of the most popular dance numbers. Shows are Friday at 8pm and Saturday at 7pm. When available, tickets are sold via the Boston Bollywood website.

 

Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2024 – June 8, 2024

Catch the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series at the ICA. Watch divers free-fall from up to 90 feet in the air, into the Boston Harbor, all while performing awe-inducing acrobatics.

A total of 12 men and 12 women compete at every stop, each earning crucial championship points along the way based on their final event positions. Since 2009, the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series has provided a platform for aesthetic action and dives of incredible complexity.

 

Celebrate! Juneteenth with Benkadi Drum and Dance – June 19, 2024, 10:30-11:30 AM

The multicultural Benkadi Drum and Dance group returns to perform new dances showcasing traditional West African rhythms and movements. With vivid costumes, interpretive dance, and audience participation, join us in honor of Juneteenth!

The Celebrate! series, appropriate for family audiences and children ages 5 and up, highlights America’s rich cultural diversity through the arts. This program is tied directly to President and Mrs. Kennedy’s concern for and support of the arts and culture in a democratic society. Thanks to generous support from the Martin Richard Foundation and the Mass Cultural Council all performances are free.

 

Film Screening: Twilight’s Kiss (Suk Suk) – June 20, 2024 – 6-8 PM

Join us on Thursday, June 20, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM for a screening of the film Twilight’s Kiss (“Suk Suk”), 2019 co-presented with Boston Asian American Film Festival (BAAFF). The film follows the story of two closeted married men in their twilight years as they navigate their families and personal histories while contemplating a possible future together. Twilight’s Kiss studies the subtle day-to-day moments of the two men as they struggle between conventional morals and their personal desires.

 

FREE Floral Workshop at Boston Landing – June 26, 2024

Step into the enchanting world of floral artistry with our free workshop, designed to both entertain and enlighten as you explore the beauty of blooms. Led by a seasoned professional florist, this hands-on experience will immerse you in the secrets of crafting your own stunning bouquet while learning how to preserve select varieties through the art of drying, ensuring their splendor lasts for years to come.

From selecting the freshest flowers to mastering the delicate balance of colors and textures, each participant will discover the intricacies of floral design in an engaging and informative environment. As you delve into the techniques and tricks of the trade, you’ll also celebrate the arrival of summer, embracing nature’s bounty and harnessing its vibrant energy to create arrangements that radiate warmth and joy!

 

All Krump – June 29, 2024

All Krump is finally here! Join us in Boston, MA, USA for an electrifying event celebrating the art of Krump. Get ready to witness jaw-dropping performers battle it out on the dance floor; all striving to win $5000. This event is for everyone who loves dance and is ready to experience the biggest Krump Tournament of the year. Don’t miss out on this groundbreaking event. See you there!

 

Boston Kids Comics Fest – June 8, 2024

Boston Kids Comics Festival invites children, parents/guardians, educators, and librarians to discover and explore kid friendly comics, graphic novels and hybrid books. The 2024 festival will have a book fair as well as hands-on workshops for kids. Free admission! This in-person event will be held June 8, 2024 from 10am to 5pm at Northeastern University’s Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex in Boston.

 

DanceWorks Boston Season 25 performance – June 13-15, 2024, 8 PM, 3:30 PM 

The DanceWorks Boston Project is a jam-packed, two hour-long production featuring 29 original choreographed works that will premiere at the Tsai Performance Center. The production blends high energy hip-hop, jazz, tap, lyrical, and contemporary to create a spectacle that is anything but your typical dance recital. Tickets on sale April 29.

 

Fenway Porchfest 2024 – June 15, 2024

Fenway Porchfest was founded in 2018 as a collaborative partnership among three Fenway organizations – Fenway Community Development Organization, Fenway Civic Association, and the Fenway Alliance. In June 2019, Fenway Porchfest hosted 36 locations throughout Fenway and over 85 performers! Due to the Covid pandemic, a music video celebrating the Fenway was organized in 2020 in lieu of an in-person event. Porchfest returned in 2022.

 

Juneteenth Free ICA Admission – June 19, 2024

FREE for all / timed tickets required and available online at 10 AM on June 18

 

Juneteenth Open House – June 19, 2024, 10-5 PM

In partnership with Citizens, admission to the MFA—including access to “Hallyu! The Korean Wave”—is free for all Massachusetts residents on June 19 in honor of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally observed commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Join us for performances, participate in art-making activities, catch a talk, and see “Hallyu!,” a new exhibition highlighting South Korea’s meteoric rise as a cultural trendsetter on the global stage.

 

Boston Art & Music Soul (BAMS) Festival – June 29 & 30, 2024

Join 10,000 friends at Franklin Park’s Playstead Field for two days of R&B, funk, soul, hip hop, house and more performed by nationally acclaimed artists and homegrown talent. Immerse yourself in connection all while discovering the artistry of Black and Brown performers as they bring their culture and creativity to Boston’s largest green space. This year, the event will be headlined by multi Grammy-nominated rapper, Rapsody, and acclaimed singer-songwriter, BJ the Chicago Kid. They will lead an eclectic lineup of world-class DJs and high energy local talent. View performer profiles below! In addition to the main stage performances, the festival also includes Rep Your City, a visual art exhibition, a Vendor Village showcasing local Black-owned businesses, the chance to learn Afro-diasporic dance styles from local Black choreographers – and Soul Food Row where food trucks will dish out international fare.

JULY

Balancing Life and Writing with Jacquinn Sinclair and Jonathan Todd – July 11, 2024

Family priorities, work, and other commitments can make it difficult to prioritize writing. Join writers and GrubStreet’s Teaching Fellows Jacquinn Sinclair and Jonathan Todd as they facilitate a panel discussion with local scribes about how they balance their professional writing goals with finding time for loved ones, work, and self-care. Panelists will share perspectives, strategies, and disciplines that help them make time to write while adulting. Jacquinn and Jonathan will also share what they’ve learned so far on their writing journeys.

 

ICA Watershed Block Party – July 13, 2024

FREE / no tickets required to visit the Watershed! Water Shuttle transportation to East Boston, is included with museum admission to the ICA in Seaport but requires a timed Water Shuttle ticket.

 

BUTI Young Artists Orchestra – July 20, 2024, 1:30 PM

Boston University Tanglewood Institute presents BUTI Young Artists OrchestraJuly 20, 2024 – 1:30pm • Kerem Hasan, conductor • BLACHE, Habari Gani; SHOSTAKOVICH, Symphony No. 7, “Leningrad”. • Find BUTI’s complete summer concert lineup at bu.edu/cfa/tanglewood/performance_calendar.

 

Watershed Workshop: Taíno Community and Culture – July 21, 2024

Delve into the living culture of the Taíno Peoples with members of the Higuayagua Taíno community of the Caribbean. Explore the rich history of the Taíno, which has been present since time immemorial and continues to resonate in the Caribbean and beyond. This interactive session is presented in collaboration with the Community Healing Center and is open to both English and Spanish speakers. This event has been organized to accompany the ICA Watershed exhibition—Hew Locke: The Procession. Poetic and powerful, the installation draws on the metaphor of the voyage to, in the artist’s words, “reflect on the cycles of history, and the ebb and flow of cultures, people, finance, and power.”

 

BUTI Young Artists Wind Ensemble – July 21, 2024, 1:30 PM

Seiji Ozawa Hall, 297 West St. Lenox, MA

Boston University Tanglewood Institute presents BUTI Young Artists Wind Ensemble, July 21, 2024 – 1:30pm • David Martins, conductor; Jennifer Bill, saxophone • GRAINGER, arr. ERICKSON, Children’s March “Over the Hills and Far Away”; CORIGLIANO, arr. MARTIN, Triathlon for Saxophonist and Wind Ensemble, II. Lines; REED, El Camino Real – A Latin Fantasy; MASLANKA, Symphony No. 7 • Find BUTI’s complete summer concert lineup at bu.edu/cfa/tanglewood/performance_calendar.

AUGUST

BUTI Young Artists Orchestra – August 3, 2024, 1:30 PM

Boston University Tanglewood Institute presents BUTI Young Artists OrchestraAugust 3, 2024 – 1:30pm • Beatrice Affron, conductor • DEBUSSY, Prelude to Afternoon of the Faun; ORTÍZ, Antrópolis; STRAVINSKY, Firebird • Find BUTI’s complete summer concert lineup at bu.edu/cfa/tanglewood/performance_calendar.

 

BUTI Young Artists Wind Ensemble – August 4, 2024, 1:30 PM

Boston University Tanglewood Institute presents BUTI Young Artists Wind EnsembleAugust 4, 2024 – 1:30pm • H. Robert Reynolds, conductor; Mallory Thompson, guest conductor • TICHELI, NitroBACH, Fervent is My Longing; BACH, trans. CALLIET, Fugue in G Minor “Little Fugue”; MARQUEZ, arr NICKEL, Danzon No. 2HOLST, First Suite in Eb; HORNE, Deep River; HISAISHI, arr, GOTO, Howl’s Moving Castle • Find BUTI’s complete summer concert lineup at bu.edu/cfa/tanglewood/performance_calendar.

 

Tanglewood On Parade, BUTI Young Artists Programs – Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 4 PM

Boston Symphony Orchestra presents: Tanglewood On Parade, BUTI Young Artists Programs • August 6, 2024 – 4:00pm • Program to be announced. • Koussevitzky Music Shed, 297 West Street Lenox, MA 01240 • Find BUTI’s complete summer concert lineup at bu.edu/cfa/tanglewood/performance_calendar.

 

BUTI Young Artists Vocal Program Chorus – August 10, 2024, 1:30 PM

Boston University Tanglewood Institute presents BUTI Young Artists Vocal Program Chorus • August 10, 2024 – 1:30pm • Katie Woolf, conductor • Program to be announced. • Seiji Ozawa Hall, 297 West Street Lenox, MA 01240 • Find BUTI’s complete summer concert lineup at bu.edu/cfa/tanglewood/performance_calendar.

 

Watershed Dance Workshop: Caporales of the Andes – August 11, 2024

Learn about Caporales, a traditional Andean dance. As described by the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, this high-energy dance, “acknowledges the African slave experience of Bolivia, and honors Afro-Bolivian identity and cultural expressions.” This interactive workshop at the Watershed will be co-hosted with Veronica Robles Cultural Center (VROCC), an East Boston arts organization that seeks to foster, share, and celebrate Latino cultures. Performers from East Boston and Caporales San Simon New England will join Robles to share the history, cultural influences (Bolivian indigenous, African, European), and traditions of Caporales followed by a demonstration of this folkloric dance. This workshop has been organized to accompany the ICA Watershed exhibition—Hew Locke: The Procession. Poetic and powerful, the installation draws on the metaphor of the voyage to, in the artist’s words, “reflect on the cycles of history, and the ebb and flow of cultures, people, finance, and power.”

 

BUTI Young Artists Orchestra – August 17, 2024, 1:30 PM

Boston University Tanglewood Institute presents BUTI Young Artists OrchestraAugust 17, 2024 – 1:30pm • Paul Haas, conductor • MAHLER, Symphony No. 5; COLEMAN, Ashé • Seiji Ozawa Hall, 297 West Street Lenox, MA 01240 • Find BUTI’s complete summer concert lineup at bu.edu/cfa/tanglewood/performance_calendar.

 

14th Annual African Festival of Boston – August 17-18, 2024

Experience the rhythms of Africa through traditional drumming, get lost in the intricate beadwork of local artisans, and savor the flavors of authentic African cuisine. Whether you’re a longtime fan of African culture or just looking for a fun day out, there’s something for everyone at the African Festival of Boston.

ONGOING

ICA Free Thursday Nights – Every Thursday from 5-9 PM

 

Eliot Schoolyard Summer Concerts – Sundays at 5 PM

Including eight FREE concerts on select Sundays at 5 PM throughout June, July, and August. The series begins with a wonderful Brazilian Jazz Trio on Sunday, June 9. 

 

SOWA First Fridays – Every First Friday from 5-9 PM

On the First Friday of every month, the artists, galleries, shops, and showrooms of the SoWa Art + Design District in the South End open their doors to the public for an evening of art, culture, and inspiration. Meet the artists in their element, view the latest gallery exhibitions, shop small, and dine at one of SoWa’s world-class restaurants.

 

Rooted Cafe Sunday Brunch – Every Sunday 11-1 PM

Brunch every Sunday with live music from 11-1 PM. Sunday hours are 9-5 PM. View the website for more information.

 

ICA Vinyl Nights – Fridays July – August 2024

Wine and grooves with waterfront views at the ICA Wine + Coffee Bar. Don’t miss the perfect pairing of all-vinyl DJ sets by some of Boston’s best DJs, natural wines selected by nationally recognized sommelier Lauren Friel of Rebel Rebel and Dear Annie, and oysters and shrimp from our raw bar. In case of inclement weather, vinyl nights will move indoors.

 

Harborwalk Sounds: Berklee College of Music at ICA – Thursdays July – August 2024

A summer classic returns! Grab a drink, enjoy the cool ocean breeze, and hear some of Berklee College of Music’s outstanding musicians perform on the waterfront. Harborwalk Sounds is FREE and tickets are not required. If you would like to visit the ICA galleries, please reserve a ticket to Free Thursday Nights. Tickets will be available at here at 10 AM the morning of the event.

 

Shakespeare on the Common: The Winter’s Tale – July 16 – August 4

King Leontes of Sicilia falsely accuses his wife, Hermione, of infidelity with his best friend, the King of Bohemia. Inflamed by jealousy and convinced that he is right, Leontes’ torment causes a storm of loss. Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale is a captivating parable of betrayals, renewed hope, and the transformative power of time. Directed by CSC Associate Artistic Director Bryn Boice in her Boston Common debut, the production will take place at the Parkman Bandstand on July 16 – August 4, 2024 in partnership with the City of Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ryan Woods, and Boston Chief of Arts and Culture Kara Elliott-Ortega.

 

Public Art in Boston: Explore a variety of public art in Boston. Check out our website for BU Public Art on Campus, find nearby murals on the Boston Mural Map or cross the river and explore the MIT Public Art Map. Other ongoing public art exhibits are presented by amazing organizations like the Rose Kennedy Greenway and Now + There.

 

BU Museum Memberships: Remember BU Students, Faculty & Staff can get free access, even over the summer, to the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Harvard Art Museums and the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA/Boston). Please check our Museum Membership website for reopening and ticketing information.