Boston is a place of rich history, diverse culture, and a great location for exploring fine American heritage. No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always some interesting event to attend or great sites to see. From the Swan Boats to the grand Boston Harbor, Boston has something to offer everyone. There is no limit to the great events that take place, so we’ve decided to give you our top picks of the best annual events in Boston. Attend any one of these shindigs and we promise you, you won’t be disappointed. These are sure hit to create memories that last a lifetime!
L Street Brownies Polar Bear Plunge
Every year bold Bostonians and others splash in the new year with a frigid dip into Boston Harbor at the Annual Polar Bear Plunge. If the weather is just right, those drips of ice will turn into icicles upon exiting the harbor. This annual event takes place January 1st and is complete with food, games and live music.
Book discounted Polar Bear Plunge parking here.
New England Boat Show
Many Bostonians and Boston visitors head to the New England Boat Show, the largest indoor boat show in the Northeast, in February. No matter how chilly it may be outside, everyone stays warm and cozy inside, drooling over the latest and greatest in boats and boating equipment and innovations.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Sponsored by the Allied War Veteran’s Council, the Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a long-held tradition beloved by Bostonians. Something for the whole family, St. Patrick’s Day in Boston is a day full of fun in celebration of rich Irish heritage and contributions to Boston.
Book discounted St. Patrick’s Day Parade parking here.
Boston Marathon
The oldest and most famous marathon in the country draws international stars, amateurs, and all those in between as participants. Cheer and provide inspiration along the race route or watch and congratulate as the runners cross the finish at Boylston Street.
Book discounted Boston Marathon parking here.
Faneuil Hall Street Performers Festival
Where you will see the impossible suddenly become possible! You never know what you’re going to witness at the Faneuil Hall Street Performers Festival. This is a treat that you will never forget, that is unless you are extremely drunk and even then, we think it will still be pretty remarkably memorable!
Book discounted parking near Faneuil Hall here.
Boston Pride Parade
Taking place the second weekend in June, Boston Pride Parade is the largest gay pride parade in the New England region. Drawing people from across the country and beyond, the Boston Pride Parade is the biggest highlight of week-long festivities celebrating diversity in Boston. Come on and join, sporting those brilliant rainbow colors with pride and joy!
Book discounted Boston Pride Parade parking here.
Boston Harborfest
What better place to celebrate our nation’s independence than Boston? Festivities last all week long at the Boston Harborfest with an amazing display of fireworks taking place on the 4th of July. Events include concerts, fireworks, children’s activities, cruises, guided tours and more.
Book discounted Boston Harborfest parking here.
August Moon Festival
Celebrate the end of the harvesting season at Boston’s August Moon Festival in Chinatown. With food, games, music, activities, storytellers and a dragon parade, this is a great event for the whole family. Make sure you try some yummy mooncakes!
Cambridge Carnival
Steeped in rich African traditions, Cambridge Carnival is a burst of color and festivity. Cambridge Carnival has brought free fun, celebrating diversity for more than 20 years. A grand parade with dazzling costumes and rhythmic music is the main feature, but here you can also find international foods and multicultural crafts too.
Oktoberfest
This huge street fair draws visitors from across the nation. The atmosphere is electrifying as street performers entertain the masses, along with great food and vendors selling their marvelous crafty wares and creations.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Faneuil Hall
Get dazzled at the traditional tree lighting at Faneuil Hall and also enjoy a brilliant light and music show. The lighting display uses more than 350,000 LED lights, creating a magnificent and magical sight for all eyes. This holiday show is great for all ages and starts earlier than most of its kind, so it’s best to arrive early.
First Night Boston
Get a peek at the works of some of Boston’s most talented artists. First Night Boston features a series of artwork on display, along with many live musical performances throughout the city. The whole city comes to exuberant life, as it is dotted with elegant ice sculptures and other works of art. More than a million people gather to see the wondrous spectacle that is the First Night Boston’s Grand Procession down Boylston Street each December 31st.
Annual Event Parking Advice
Of course, it should go without saying that for attendance at any event to go off without a hitch takes a lot of good planning. Even if the event is free, you have to think of other logistics, such as where you will park your car. Parking on the winding, narrow streets of Boston can be a difficult feat at any time, but then things get extra tough when you have hordes of visitors from out of town. Between the high demand for parking and the confusing parking regulations, finding good parking in Boston can turn into a horrific adventure.
Rather than sweat the small stuff, you can take it easy and leave the parking to the pros. SpotHero can help you find parking near any event you attend or site you wish to see throughout Boston. Teamed up with hundreds of parking garages in the greater Boston area, SpotHero can get you amazing discounts that you may not be able to find anywhere else. Check it out for yourself and see how easy it is to reserve affordable parking in Boston that’s guaranteed. With this one less worry on your head, you can enjoy your time in Boston instead!
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