Temperatures plummeted overnight, but just in case you’re still trying to cool off — we’ve got the scoop.
A scoop of Toscanini’s peanut butter is the perfect sweet treat. | Photo by @stillcutedough
J.P. Licks, multiple locations
J.P. Licks was founded in 1981 in Jamaica Plain and has grown to 17 stores in the Greater Boston area. This summer only — you can get a side of their signature vanilla with your favorite cookie from Levain’s Back Bay or Seaport locations.
FoMu, multiple locations
This non-dairy ice cream shop offers plant-based ice cream at four locations across Boston. Get to know the owner + try one of the seasonal flavors like the blueberry shortbread or strawberry rhubarb pie.
The Ice Creamsmith, Dorchester
This family-owned shop has been making homemade ice cream since 1976. The small batch shop is three specialty flavors this month: Dorchester Dirt, Black Cherry, and Dulce de Leche.
Far Out Ice Cream, Brookline
This New Zealand-style ice cream features local, small batch, real fruit ice cream — think soft serve. This summer, try their limited peach or signature Kookaberry flavors. The shop also offers coffee, matcha + fresh made waffle cones.
Toscanini’s Ice Cream, Cambridge
This locally owned shop was founded in 1981 and has since earned recognition from the New York Times as “The World’s Best Ice Cream.” They offer about 30 flavors, including Kulfi, Burnt Caramel, Cardamom Fig, Dark and Stormy, Lemon Espresso, and Belgian Chocolate.
Hands-On: Pesto alla Trapanese | 3-4 p.m. | Eataly Boston | $75 | Learn how to make Sicily’s version of pesto with an expert chef in this hands-on class.
Seaport Sweat 2025: Yin Yoga | 6:30-7:15 p.m. | Seaport Common | Free | Flow in the great outdoors with Boston’s biggest free workout series — remember a mat, towel, and water.
Counting Crows: “The Complete Sweets! Tour” | 7:30 p.m. | MGM Music Hall at Fenway | $72+| Get ready to pack the Fenway venue for a night of classic rock tunes dating back to 1991 — with support from The Gaslight Anthem.
Friday, June 27
North End Coffee Hour with the Mayor | 10-11 a.m. | Langone Playground | Free | Don’t miss a unique opportunity to speak with Mayor Wu and other city officials, with catering from Dunkin’ — obviously.
Pride Trivia at Boston Public Market | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Boston Public Market | Free | Show off your knowledge of all things Pride, compete for prizes, and grab something to eat + drink from a local vendor.
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Boston Red Sox | Friday, June 27-Sunday, June 29 | Times vary | Fenway Park | $53+ | Catch a ballgame this weekend — and don’t be late to Sunday’s afternoon game where the first few fans will receive a free jersey honoring No. 34, better known as David Ortiz.
Saturday, June 28
High Yield Gardening Workshop | 11 a.m. | East Boston Neighborhood Health Center Garden | Free+ | Improve your gardening game with expert tips, tricks, and insights into living more sustainably and self-sufficiently.
Harvard Square Chocolate Tour | 2-3:30 p.m. | Harvard Square Meeting Spot, Cambridge | $45 | A delectable adventure awaits, with chocolate, history, and local tips combining for a mouthwatering afternoon.
Pet Adoption Night | 4-8 p.m. | Boston Children’s Museum | $25 | Animal lovers unite as the museum keeps it doors open later than usual for a night of adorable adoptees-in-waiting, with proceeds benefiting local organizations.
Tuesday, July 1
“Friends” Trivia | 6-8:30 p.m. | Central Perk Coffee Co | Free | Could this be any more fun? Test your knowledge of the NYC gang while enjoying coffee, cocktails + small bites inspired by the iconic TV sitcom.
First Friday | 5-9 p.m. | SoWa Art & Design District | Not feeling the fireworks? A new month means another installment of featured artists, shops, and showrooms popping up in the SoWa Art + Design District.
Boston Calling will be taking a gap year in 2026. The news was shared last week, and organizers say this will allow them to improve attendee experiences. The festival will also no longer be held Memorial Day weekend and is scheduled for June 4-6, 2027. (Boston.com)
Weather
Here’s a little hint for the quiz — Tuesday, June 23 was Boston’s hottest day on recordfor the month of June, peaking at 102º (we won’t even mention the humidity). The hottest day in history was July 4 (scroll back up to find out the year), when temps hit 104º. (WBUR)
Sports
Boston Marathon officials are tightening up qualifying standards — again. For 2027, qualifiers from races with 1,500+ net downhill elevation change will have at least 5 minutes added to their time. (WROR)
Outdoors
Several local area beaches ranked among the safest urban beaches in the country. Pleasure Bay and City Point in South Boston both earned perfect scores in recent water quality reports — followed closely by Hull’s Nantasket Beach + M Street and Carson beaches. (The Boston Globe)
Regional
Barrow Bookstore in Concord has been ranked No. 4 on USA Today’s recent list of top 10 independent bookstores in America. The publication celebrated the shops collection of rare and antique books — to get there, take the Fitchburg Line from North Station.
Play
The Frog Pond spray pool is now open daily, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. in the Boston Common. This seasonal water feature is intended for supervised youth wading. Pro tip: adults can grab a beer and some live music from the Harpoon Brewing x Emerson pop up at UnCommon Stage.
Trending
Yesterday, the Bruins released new branding and uniform designs for the 2025-2026 NHL season. The kits feature a bear silhouette inspired by the original 1924 jerseys worn during the team’s first season. Get your own.
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We hope those palm trees are staying warm now that temps are back in the 60s. Whether it’s chilly, scorching, or somewhere in between — @thebostoncal has a robust list of free things to do this weekend, including Big Gay Prom, Big Gay Picnic, City of Cambridge Dance Party, and Seaport’s Summer Market.
Catch us at the BPL-Central Location tomorrow afternoon for Concerts in the Courtyard.
The basics you need while they’re on sale. Amazon Basics just marked down tons of products in a sale exclusive for Prime members — time to restock the bathroom/office/supply closet shelves:
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Jack Daryl Photography shared a tip this week — if you’re looking for a new or different spot to hang out in the shade, work outside, or grab some lunch, look out for the courtyard on St. James Ave., across from Bacco’s in Back Bay.
Reportedly, the spot features ample shade, good summer breezes, and cool water features. See more of Jack’s work — featuring photos of Boston and New England — on his website.
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