Things to do in Boston on Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer here in Boston. Here are a few ways to get out and enjoy the much anticipated mild weather this long weekend.

In addition to some special Memorial Day activities to honor those who have served in the military, you can find lots of things to do this weekend.  Highlights include:

Local Memorial Day Parades

Memorial Day is a day to to honor those that gave their lives in the service to their country. Here is a list of Memorial Day parades around Boston for Memorial Day.

Visit the Memorial Day Flag Garden on Boston Common 

Each Memorial Day Weekend for the past 13 years, the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund (MMHF) and its volunteers have created a garden of flags on Boston Common near the Soldiers and Sailors monument.

Volunteers plant more than 37,000 flags, one for every service member from MA who has fallen in the line of duty from the Revolutionary war until now. 

Rainy Day Ideas 

Sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate so we've put together a hearty list of things to do in Boston on a Rainy Day.  There are lots of ways to make rainy days fun even on this long weekend know as the unofficial start of summer. 

Visit an Artisans Market or a Farmer's Market 

Outdoor artisan markets return throughout the city this summer, officially ushered in by May’s warming weather. The Greenway Artisan Market returns on Saturdays and Sundays from May through October, featuring food trucks and a central downtown location. SoWa’s Open Markets return on Sundays starting May 7, bringing a joint artisan/farmers’ market and beer gardens to the South End.   Don't forget Haymarket - one of many time-honored Boston farmer's markets. 

Visit a Boston Museum for free on Memorial Day Monday

On Memorial Day Monday, both the Museum of Fine Arts and the ICA Boston offer free admission to all MA residents. Free admission to the MFA will be available on a first come, first served basis. Learn more here about Free admission at the ICA. 

Enjoy the Outdoors at a Beer Garden

Boston outdoor beer gardens have taken the city by storm lately, so there are lots of terrific choices for beer garden mingling in Boston. From the Seaport District to the Greenway, to the Esplanade to Charlestown - grab some friends and a brew and enjoy the outdoors with friends.

Hit the Beach

There are quite a few Beaches near Boston offering lots of room to dig, play, and swim.  A stretch of sand on the edge of the breezy surf might be the perfect place to spend a hot sunny day over Memorial Weekend. 

If you're looking for white sand beaches, we suggest visiting the North Shore's Good Harbor Beach or Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester, or Salisbury Beach State Reservation. 

If you want to stay closer to the city, there are several options to choose from including Revere Beach, just a few miles north of Boston, which is the oldest public beach in the United States, as well as Carson Beach and M Street Beach in South Boston.

**(On hiatus 2026) Boston Calling Music Fest (*returning 2027)**

Boston Calling, the area’s largest music festivalis taking a break this Memorial Day weekend, but it usually brings a jam-packed three-day lineup of artists. Boston Calling takes over the Harvard Athletic Complex from Friday through Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend, and features local food trucks and a VIP Reserve Lounge.  We look forward to it's return in 2027!

More Things to Explore

Warmer weather is a great excuse to get the whole family involved in some fun seasonal activities.  Enjoy a Swan Boat ride or a Duck Boat tour, learn a thing or two at the MIT Museum or the Museum of Science; tame your inner animal at Franklin Park Zoo, or simply enjoy the weather with a trip to Castle Island, a Ferry ride to Spectacle Island. 

It's always fun to take a stroll along the Boston Harborwalk, or there are lots of things to do along the Rose Kennedy Greenway.  Kids of all ages can catch a ride on the Greenway Carousel.  The Boston Common carousel is another fun family destination.  

You can find many more things to do in Boston with kids in our handy guide for families looking for fun things to do all year round.  Sign up for our free weekly events newsletter and stay in the know about fun things to do in Boston every week!

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Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for over 25 years.  She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area.