June in Boston is one of my favorite months. While summer often means peak crowd levels for many cities, that’s not the case for Boston. As a college town, the city can actually feel a bit sleepy in summer, with the students having gone home after their semester comes to an end. 

May in Boston usually brings about college graduations, which makes the city burst at the seams with families coming to celebrate. But these graduations are typically less common in June.

Still, the city also feels very alive in summer, having now awoken from its winter slumber. Outdoor activities are back in full swing, and unlike the mugginess of July or August, June brings about prime weather for spending the day in the sunshine. Just bring an umbrella and plan some indoor activities for the occasional rainy day.

Planning a trip to Boston in June and wondering what to do? I’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Boston in June for you, from festivals to foodie paradises. Stick to this list, and you’re bound to have an amazing early summer trip!

The 15 Best Things to Do in Boston in June

1. See a Home Game at Fenway Park

Baseball season continues throughout June, which is why seeing a home game at Fenway Park is one of the most fun things to do in Boston in June. The Red Sox have several home games throughout the month, giving you plenty of opportunities to check out this historic ballpark and cheer on your favorite team.

2. Have a Beach Day

With the weather heating up, visiting one of Massachusetts’ many beaches is one of the best things to do in and around Boston in the summer. Boston has a few beaches of its own, but you also have nearby options.

For a weekend away, you can head down to the South Shore and check out Cape Cod’s many beaches. But for an easier day trip, head to the North Shore to laze about on beaches like Glouchester’s Good Harbor Beach.

3. Take a Whale-Watching Tour

Boston’s whale-watching season starts in May, thanks to City Cruises. This cruise line offers one of the coolest things to do in Boston in summer. Abroad this cruise, your destination is Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, where you may spot not only whales like humpbacks, finbacks, and minkes but also dolphins and a litany of sea birds. 

If you’re an animal lover, it’s a one-of-a-kind activity. Plus, with New England Aquarium naturalists on hand, you’re sure to learn quite a lot.

4. Explore an Outdoor Market

Summer in Boston is when the city fully comes back to life, with many activities that are closed for the winter open for visitors to explore. One thing you’re sure to find in Boston in June is many outdoor markets for you to peruse, filled with everything from unique treats to one-of-a-kind works of art.

Just some of the outdoor markets running in June in and around Boston include the Greenway Artisan Market and SoWa Open Market.

5. Take the Beacon Hill Art Walk

For more opportunities to check out local artists’ work, head over to the Beacon Hill Art Walk, one of the best Boston events in June. Typically taking place on the first Sunday in June, this art walk invites you to explore one of the most beautiful Boston neighborhoods as you check out both the incredible architecture of the area and works of art from over 50 artists.

This art-focused event also offers a soundtrack to your perusing, where you get to enjoy live music from talented local musicians. 

6. Attend the Roxbury Int’l Film Festival

As the largest film festival in New England celebrating people of color, the Roxbury International Film Festival is one of the coolest Boston events in June you just can’t miss. If you’re a film lover, you’ll feel right at home at this 10-day festival, where you’ll see all genres of movies, listen to panel discussions, and even take part in workshops.

7. Experience the North End Feasts and Festivals

Boston in summer means the return of the North End Feasts and Festivals. As a neighborhood steeped in rich Italian culture, the North End offers festivals throughout the weekends of the summer, each honoring a different Italian saint or martyr. 

Throughout June, you can enjoy parades and festivals for multiple saints, though feasts come with other celebrations later in the summer. 

8. Honor African American Culture for Juneteenth

Juneteenth originated in 1865 on June 19, when the Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas, to declare that the Civil War was over and all enslaved persons were free. Today, Juneteenth is a federal holiday, and Boston is one of many US cities that celebrates the historic day. 

In addition to checking out the annual Boston Juneteenth Parade, Juneteenth is a great day to honor African American culture, perhaps by walking the Black Heritage Trail or paying a visit to the Museum of African American History.

9. Boogie at the Donna Summer Disco Party

Did you know Donna Summer, the disco queen, was born in a Boston neighborhood? You have her to thank for one of the best Boston events in June: the Donna Summer Disco Party.

This party, taking place in Copley Square, invites revelers to dance the night away to Summer’s greatest hits and listen to tributes from people who knew her throughout her career.

10. Go to the Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

The Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most unique things to do in Boston in June. This festival is the first dragon boat festival in the US. In addition to dragon boat racing, a tradition that originated in China, guests can enjoy cultural performances, treats from local AAPI vendors, and more.

11. Celebrate Boston Pride

Boston in June brings about the return of Pride Month, where people of all kinds can come together to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. In early June, Bostonians and visitors alike can take part in the Boston Pride for the People Festival & Parade. 

Connect with the local LQBTQ+ community, listen to speakers, listen to live music, enjoy local food, and gather helpful resources for LGBTQ+ individuals in Boston.

12. Check Out the Bunker Hill Day Parade

With a historic city like Boston, it’s no wonder that one of the most unique Boston events in June is one that’s tied to its Revolutionary War history. Bunker Hill Day, which is June 17, marks one of the most critical battles of the American Revolution, in which the American patriots proved they could hold their own against the British. 

Though the battle ended in defeat, it was a monumental fight as it confirmed that there would be no reconciliation between the two armies. Today, the battle is celebrated by an annual parade in Charlestown.

13. Chow Down at Scooper Bowl

What’s better than eating ice cream? How about eating ice cream for a good cause? 

Every June in Boston marks the return of Scooper Bowl, a weekend-long event where guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat ice cream, with proceeds going to the Jimmy Fund. The Jimmy Fund raises funds for adult and pediatric cancer care at Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

In addition to the ice cream, though we’re sure that’s a good enough reason to go all on its own, guests also get to enjoy live music, games, and more fun.

14. Attend a Free Outdoor Concert

Looking for one of the best free things to do in Boston in the summer? From May through September, the Berklee College of Music puts on free performances in venues all throughout the Greater Boston area as a part of their Summer in the City program. The series features students, alumni, and faculty performing music of all genres.

15. Visit the Lawn on D

The Lawn on D is a waterfront events space that’s one of the best places to be during a summer evening in Boston. Located in the Seaport district, the Lawn on D is a fun gathering hub where you can ride on giant neon swings, play oversized lawn games, and try your hand at pickleball. 

All summer long, Thursday through Saturday, you’ll find live music here at night and food and drink available for purchase from the bar.

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Boston in June. What are your favorite Boston events in June? Let us know in the comments!

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