We’ve got a lot to look forward to this year in Boston. Bust out the calendar and pencil in these important events happening in our city in 2025.
Boston Wine & Food Festival
Friday, Jan. 31-Thursday, March 27 | Boston Harbor Hotel
This festival brings together winemakers, chefs, and Bostonians to celebrate the best in food + wine from all over the globe. It features dozens of special ticketed events, including grand dinners in the hotel’s Wharf Room, tastings, and master classes covering topics like French and Italian wines.
4 Nations Face-Off
Monday, Feb. 17 + Thursday, Feb. 20 | TD Garden
This is so cool — part of this international NHL ice hockey tournament will be played at the Garden, temporarily replacing the NHL’s All-Star Game for 2025. The Boston games will feature Canada vs. Finland, Sweden vs. USA, and whichever two teams make the championship on Thursday, Feb. 20.
Dine Out Boston
Sunday, Feb. 23-Saturday, March 15 | Multiple locations
Formerly known as Restaurant Week Boston, this twice yearly event features dozens of restaurants across local neighborhoods that offer special prix fixe lunch + dinner menus for $22-$55. It’s a great excuse to finally try that one spot you’ve been eyeballing.
You’d better believe Boston goes hard for this holiday.
Photo by @jakehunterallen
South Boston St. Patrick’s Day/Evacuation Day Parade
Sunday, March 16 | South Boston
Presented by the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, this parade has marched down South Boston since 1901. The route starts at Broadway Station and ends in Andrew Square, with many great viewing spots from local restaurants, Broadway, or Thomas Park.
Red Sox Home Opener
Thursday, March 27 | Fenway Park
Let’s go, Boston. Our MLB team swings into the 2025 season with a home opener against the Texas Rangers. If you’re heading to the ballpark this season, check out the concessions.
Boston Marathon
Monday, April 21 | Hopkinton to Boston
The grit, the dedication, the finish line. This inspiring, iconic race has a way of making us tear up, every time. This famed route starts in Hopkinton, MA and ends on Boston’s Boylston Street — there’s nothing quite like the energy among cheering spectators along the course.
MayFair
Sunday, May 4 | Harvard Square, Cambridge
Expect music, dancing, beer gardens, food vendors, craft, and local artisans to line the streets of this shindig, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025.
Boston Calling
Friday, May 23-Sunday, May 25 | Harvard Athletic Complex
The 2025 lineup for this beloved music festival is epic — we spy Luke Combs, Fall Out Boy and Dave Matthews Band, to name drop a few. Beside the nonstop music, Boston Calling features visual arts, 30+ local food vendors, and that 100-ft Ferris wheel.
Boston Early Music Festival
Sunday, June 8-Sunday, June 15 | New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall
This celebration of early music will feature operas and 18 concerts, plus events like lectures, master classes, and dance workshops.
Boston Pride is in full swing this year.
Photo by Ben Vreeland [READ SOURCE NOTES BEFORE RUNNING]
Boston Pride for the People
Saturday, June 14 | Boston Common
Beantown’s Pride celebration will include the beloved parade — which starts at Copley Square and ends at Boston Common — followed by the festival featuring live performances. There’s also a 21+ part at City Hall Plaza in the afternoon.
Boston Pizza Festival
Saturday, June 21 + Sunday, June 22 | City Hall Plaza
Explore Boston’s incredible pizza scene at this fest featuring 60+ vendors selling all types of slices, from Detroit to Neapolitan. Entry is free — attendees purchase pizza tickets to cash in for slices at participating pizzerias.
The Boston Harborfest fireworks show happens every Fourth of July.
Photo by @amyhoro
Boston Harborfest
Wednesday, July 2-Friday, July 4 | Downtown Crossing
Billed as one of the country’s largest Fourth of July festivals, this local summertime staple includes the opening ceremony, historical reenactments, an arts market, live music, Chowderfest, and fireworks.
Boston Arts Festival
Saturday, Sept. 6 + Sunday, Sept. 7 | Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
Going strong since 2003, this annual event champions Boston’s visual and performing arts scene — aka, our “ahts” scene. Expect a jam-packed lineup of performances from local musicians and works on display from artists across mediums.
All is fair at the annual state fair.
Photo by @plaidtink
The Big E
Friday, Sept. 12-Sunday, Sept. 28 | 1305 Memorial Ave., Springfield
The fourth largest fair in North America returns this September with concerts, car shows, agriculture, competitions, Midway rides, and lots of food. Pro tip: If you’re a mega Big E enthusiast, you can buy a pass for all 17 days of the fair that costs $35 for kids + $70 for adults.
Head of the Charles Regatta
Friday, Oct. 17-Sunday, Oct. 19 | Charles River
A tradition since 1965, this event features rowing races along the river and plenty of prime viewing locations for spectators.
Boston’s Winter Fest
December 2025 | Hood Park, Charlestown
This festive event transforms the park into a 2-acre winter wonderland filled with twinkling holiday lights, family-friendly activities, Santa’s Workshop, the Artisan Village, and seasonal drinks + food.