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10 free things to do in Boston in August
From outdoor movies and concerts to Italian feasts.
With summer in full swing and fall around the corner, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy all the city has to offer. From outdoor concerts, fitness classes, and movies to cultural celebrations and Italian feasts, there are so many ways to thrive this month without shelling out a dime. Here are 10 things to do in Boston for free this August.
1. Watch a movie under the stars
From the Prudential Center to Christopher Columbus Park, Greenway’s Wharf
District Park to Chinatown, there are plenty of free flicks this summer throughout Boston. Of note are Free Friday Flicks at the Esplanade Hatch Shell, with “Despicable Me 4” on Aug. 1, “Sonic 3” on Aug. 8, “Captain America: Brave New World” on Aug. 15, and “Wicked Sing-Along” on Aug. 22. On Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m., the City of Boston will host its own viewing of the hit movie “Wicked at the Boston Common Frog Pond, along with free popcorn while supplies last. (Various locations around Boston)
2. Dress in cowboy hats for an ice cream rodeo
Get Cowboy Carter-ready for the 3rd Annual Ice Cream Social Family Day Rodeo. Riding into town on Aug. 3 from 1-6 p.m., Mr. Kool Ice Cream Truck and Style House Events & Rental will be serving up scoops and turning Loesch Wainwright Park into the Wild West during this family day full of fun, flavors, and festival vibes. This year, there will be live entertainment, interactive games, creative vendors, and plenty of community resources. (Rev. Loesch Family Park, 20 Wainwright St., Boston)
3. Sweat it out outside
The Rose Kennedy Greenway transforms into a high energy workout zone, with free fitness classes almost daily as part of the Fitness on the Greenway series. There are more than 100 fitness classes scheduled, including yoga, self defense, Zumba, HIIT, bodyweight circuit, and strength classes, so there’s something for every level of fitness. August’s offerings include recurring one-hour classes, such as Intro to Parkour, Power Barre by Pulse, Total Body Greenway by Sam Amato, Family Yoga by Balabends, and more. (Various points along the Greenway, Boston)
4. Mangia your way through the North End
During summer weekends, various Italian societies honor the patron saints of ancestor towns with masses, processions, food and music during Boston’s historic North End Feasts. The streets are adorned with lights, the air is rich with the smell of sausages, and traditional songs have every toe tapping. For a true experience, visit during the largest feasts, St. Agrippina di Mineo (July 31-Aug. 3), the Fisherman’s Feast (Aug. 14-17) and St. Anthony’s Feast (Aug. 28-31). (Various streets in the North End, Boston)
5. Trade in quiet reading for lively music
The Boston Public Library’s Concerts in the Courtyard series continues through
August with a wide array of concerts performed by local and Berklee College of Music musicians in the courtyard of the Central Library in Copley Square (inclement weather location: Rabb Lecture Hall). The current program offers one-hour concerts held at 12:30 p.m. on Fridays and 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. You’ll find the full month’s schedule from Aug. 1 through Aug. 29 here. (700 Boylston St., Boston)
6. Enjoy concerts along the Charles River
Crowds flock to the Hatch Shell for The Boston Landmarks Orchestra’s weekly free summer concerts and its mix of classical, traditional, modern, and contemporary music. The two-hour concerts begin at 7 p.m., and the final month’s schedule includes Mercury Orchestra on Aug. 6, “Debussy and Music of the Sea” on Aug. 13, “Eroica Symphony: Beethoven & Revolution” on Aug. 20, and “Mahler & Ravel” on Aug. 27. (Hatch Memorial Shell, 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston)
7. Celebrate the Moon Festival
The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New England brings back the August Moon Festival (aka the Harvest Festival) on Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Known as one of the greatest Chinese Festivals, second only to the Chinese New Year, the celebration is a festival of joy and health and pays homage to the arrival of autumn’s prosperous harvest. The full day event will host Asian folk dance, lion dances and Chinese opera, along with vendor tables with food, gifts and souvenirs. (Various streets around Chinatown)
8. Dive into African culture
The 15th Annual African Festival of Boston is a day filled with vibrant music,
delicious food, and colorful cultural performances. Held on Aug. 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the festival puts the spotlight on the rich diversity of African heritage in Boston with live performances of African music, dance, and art. There will be local artisans showing off their intricate beadwork and arts, flavors of authentic African cuisine to savor, workshops and panels to engage with community leaders and youth empowerment activities, an Afro-Live Designer Fashion Show, and a Children’s Cultural Book Heritage Village. (Boston Common, 139 Tremont St., Boston)
9. Enjoy a harborside block party
Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art’s Watershed ICA for the museum’s annual Block Party on Aug. 16 from noon to 4 p.m. There will be program beats by A Trike called Funk, dance performances and face painting by Veronica Robles Cultural Center, corn hole, sidewalk chalk, and more, as well as food for purchase by Aloe Natural Açai & Coffee Shop. (25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston)
10. Make some noise at a women-driven festival
The 2nd Annual We Make Noise Festival fills Downtown Crossing with a
celebration for women and gender-expansive artists. During this one-day summer event on Aug. 23 from noon to 8 p.m., the spotlight shines on music and art with local musicians and DJs, an art gallery in partnership with Boston Art Review, digital interactions exploring feminism and activism, and a platform for local vendors through Boston Women’s Market. Co-produced with DBA and the City of Boston by Mass NOW and We Make Noise Boston, this year’s performers include Lady Lamb, Eph See, Naomi Westwate, jill mccracken, and kieramari. (Summer Street Plaza, Washington St. at Summer St., Boston).
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