In addition to longer days and warm nights, the best part about summer, in my opinion, is that it makes Boston come alive. No longer do we want to hurry home after work to crawl under the covers while cursing the cold; no longer do we come up with excuses to blow off our friends for dinner because they picked a spot across town and do they really think you’re going to leave the house right now?
Finally, it’s June, and that icy, slushy, freezing cold misery is behind us. So what do we do? We celebrate outdoors, and gather together for music, food, movies and more in the best parts of the city. That is so much better than snow.
So here’s our running list of summer series in the city that you won’t want to miss. These occur on a regular, oftentimes weekly, basis, so you’ll want to tuck them away in the back of your mind for any night of the week you have free, or make a habit of hitting them up more than once. Because it’s just too nice out to spend your evenings on the couch.
Boston Calling Block Parties at Dewey Square (pictured) – The 2014 reformation of the Downtown Crossing Block Parties of years’ past, this new series is sponsored by Boston Calling and takes place every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. in Dewey Square on the Greenway. There’s no cover, just live music and colorful adirondack chairs for maximum relaxin’. Beers are also available at the pop up bar sponsored by Shocktop for $4 each.
Summertime at The Street – The Street in Chestnut Hill launched their summer series this past Sunday, June 1, and they’re hosting a few different outdoor events all summer long until September rolls around. Head to the Route 9 destination for free yoga, outdoor live music, and kid-friendly activities on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Outdoor Concerts at the Prudential Center – On Tuesdays, the South Garden near Central Court of the Prudential Center is taken over by musicians, from classical to jazz artists, oftentimes from Berklee, for an hour and a half of mid-afternoon music. The concerts run from noon to 1:30 p.m. and the series is already underway, starting today.
Summer Music Series at Bella Luna – Head to the Bella Luna Milky Way Lounge in Jamaica Plain each Wednesday night for an outdoor patio party with live music and an outdoor Harpoon Beer Bar. The fun kicks off this Wednesday, June 4, with folk rock artists The Van Burens. No cover charge to attend, and the music starts at 6 p.m.
Concerts in the Courtyard at Boston Public Library – Free outdoor music returns to the courtyard at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square this week on Wednesday, June 4 at 6 p.m. and Friday, June 6 at 12:30 p.m. The twice-weekly series features a range of musical performers from all types of genres.
Summer Picnic Series on the Greenway – Boston Chef Samuel Monsour and Roxy’s Grilled Cheese have teamed up for a summer picnic series to take place this season at the Rowes Wharf Plaza on the Greenway with food and fun for all. The first of the series, “Street Meat: Volume 1,” takes place Wednesday, June 4, at 6 p.m. with Puerto Rican-inspired dishes. The $35 ticket gets you access and food for two people. Stay tuned for more installations of this yummy series.
Concert Series @ Kendall Square – Take a break from the office this summer and wander over to Kendall Square’s concert series, now in its fifth year, which takes place Thursdays at noon, starting June 5. The concerts, featuring up and coming and well known Berklee performers, will take place in Kendall Square’s North Plaza.
Summer on the Waterfront Neighborhood Weeks – Summer on the Waterfront wants to help you make the most of the warm months here in Boston, and they’re spending a few weeks this summer highlighting different neighborhoods in order to do so. First up is Eastie Week, which kicks off this Friday, June 6 until June 15, and features a food festival, free sailing and harbor cruises, an ice cream social and more. Stay tuned for neighborhood celebrations in Charlestown (July 12-23), Downtown/North End/Harbor Island (August 7-13) and Seaport/Fort Point (August 21-27) to follow.
Salsa in the Park – Let loose on Monday nights starting June 9 when Salsa in the Park returns to Blackstone Community Center in the South End. Weekly, free lessons are offered from 6 to 6:30 p.m., followed by an open dance party until 9 p.m. More lessons for beginners will be held, and performances will take place by seasoned salsa dancers, too.
Summer in the City at the Boston Harbor Hotel – Movies and music on the Boston Harbor four nights a week? Sign us up. Boston’s longest running summertime series is back on June 12. In its 16th year at the Boston Harbor Hotel, the series is bringing more jazz, blues and oldies on the waterfront from Tuesday through Thursday, before you can cozy up for an outdoor movie on Friday nights.
Summer Party Cruises – Starting June 26 and continuing on Thursday evenings throughout the summer, Boston’s Summer Party Cruises will set sail on the Boston Harbor for a night of dancing and mingling on the open water. Tickets are just $15, and there will be live music, a DJ, body painting and an after party on shore.
Free Fun Fridays – The Highland Street Foundation is running its sixth annual Free Fun Fridays summer program, which opens popular museums, attractions and more venues to the public for free on Fridays throughout the summer. The 2014 series begins on June 27 with the Franklin Park Zoo, MIT Museum, The Sports Museum and more open for free.
Art in the Park at Assembly Row – Assembly Row and the Somerville Arts Council have teamed up to bring a series of free art lessons to the Mystic River waterfront this summer, starting June 29 from 2 to 3 p.m. The classes are taught by local artists and teachers, and could cover anything from painting to photography.
Harborwalk Sounds at the ICA – Harborwalk Sounds is returning this summer at the ICA, but not until July 10. Still, mark your calendar for one of the most magical experiences of the Boston summer, when Berklee artists take to the Harborwalk just as the sun is setting and perform on the water. Food and drink is also served.
So there you have it – excited that it’s summer yet? You likely already were, but this just makes it better. For even more summer fun, check out our guide to farmers markets in Boston, and stay tuned for the complete list of summertime fitness series happening in the city.
Let us know if we missed your favorite summer series, and have a blast!
Update: The Summer Series at the Colonnade Rooftop Hotel and Lounge has been removed as its details are worked out by the location.
Image via Boston Calling Block Parties/Facebook
