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Events Calendar - 2026


Find a multitude of fun events and great things to do, including weekend events, throughout the year, like music, festivals, comedy, outdoor fun, boat cruises, excursions for families and kids, food, wine and beer tastings.

Check out the listings of year-round Fairs & Festivals throughout New England. Also be sure to read our list of Great Things To Do in New England. Whether you're curious about what to this weekend, this month, or this season, we have you covered.

For events specifically related to the anniversary of the American Revolution, please visit our MA250 Events Calendar.

Find the dates you plan to travel or simply search the full events list below.

We welcome the events that are open to the public. Click here to Submit your Event for FREE

-= Featured Events =-

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary at XV Beacon

Feb 16, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026 15 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108

 ID of the event
Step into history as Boston marks the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. This exclusive package blends the city’s revolutionary heritage with XV Beacon’s signature luxury, offering a refined downtown stay just moments from Boston’s most iconic historic landmarks.

Guests enjoy a $250 Columbus Hospitality dining gift card, a curated historic welcome amenity inspired by 1776 (paired with local Downeast cider), complimentary parking, and a bespoke Boston 250 Historic Guide crafted by the concierge team—perfect for exploring the city’s Semiquincentennial celebrations in style.

Book Dates: February 16 – August 30, 2026
Stay Dates: April 21 – August 31, 2026

Available on select room types. Blackout dates apply. Cannot be combined with other promotions.

End-of-Summer Savings: Kids Get in FREE! at Old Sturbridge Village

Aug 8, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566

Kids Free
Make the most of the final days of summer at Old Sturbridge Village! Before the kids head back to school, step into 19th-century New England and enjoy hands-on activities, historic homes, costumed historians, heritage-breed animals, scenic walking trails, and traditional crafts that bring history to life.

Discover something new every visit with daily demonstrations celebrating the years following the American Revolution, plus exciting August events including Music & Art Weekend (August 8–9), Churn Back Time: Dairy Discovery Days (August 15–16), Summer, Sounds & Sparks featuring fireworks on August 15, and special author book signings.

From August 5–30, 2026, up to two children (ages 17 and under) receive FREE admission with the purchase of an adult or senior daytime admission ticket. Simply use promo code SUN26 when reserving tickets online. It's the perfect opportunity to create unforgettable family memories before summer comes to an end!

🕺 '70s, '80s & '90s Dance Party 🎶at Discover Quincy

Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 15, 2026 Hancock Adams Common 1305 Hancock St, Quincy, MA 02169

Dance Party
Step back in time and get ready to dance! Join Quincy’s Annual Summer Dance Party at the Hancock-Adams Common, from  for an afternoon filled with disco grooves, retro rock, throwback hits, and plenty of nostalgic fun.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair, find your spot on the Common, and enjoy the music and vibrant summer atmosphere. For the best viewing experience, the stage will be set on the green of the Common.

✨ Grab your dancing shoes and get ready to groove through the decades!

Arts & Crafts Shows

Culture Splash Returns to Rocky Neck for Its Sixth Season of Summer Arts Celebration

Jul 9, 2026 - Aug 27, 2026 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Culture Splash
Culture Splash returns to Gloucester's historic Rocky Neck Cultural District for its sixth season, bringing art, music, performances, dining, and community together every Thursday evening from July 9 through August 27. Visitors can explore galleries and artist studios, enjoy live music, poetry readings, demonstrations, waterfront dining, and special events while experiencing one of Cape Ann's most beloved summer traditions.

The festivities also feature a free water shuttle connecting key Gloucester locations to Rocky Neck, making it easy to enjoy an evening along the waterfront. Highlights throughout the season include live jazz, theater performances, artist demonstrations, film screenings, and appearances by local musicians and writers.

Culture Splash celebrates the rich artistic heritage of Rocky Neck while inviting visitors to discover Gloucester's vibrant creative community in a festive waterfront setting.

Children & Families

Cinderella’s Enchanted Garden Party at Hammond Castle Museum

Aug 11, 2026 - Aug 11, 2026 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930

Step into a fairy tale at Cinderella’s Enchanted Garden Party at Hammond Castle Museum! ✨

Join Cinderella on the Museum’s beautiful seaside lawn for an enchanting evening filled with music, dancing, bubbles, storytelling, photo opportunities, sweet treats, and plenty of magical surprises. Little princes and princesses are encouraged to dress in their favorite crowns, capes, or anything that makes them feel magical!

This event is rain or shine and will move into the Great Hall in case of inclement weather.

Please note that the Museum will be closed for tours during the event. Ticket holders who wish to tour earlier in the day may purchase Self-Guided Tour tickets at a 20% discount before 2:45 PM. Children ages 4 and under receive free admission to guided and self-guided tours.

All proceeds support the restoration and preservation of Hammond Castle Museum.

Fairs & Festivals

Fun Sized: A Tiny Public Art Festival + Jazz Fest: Discover Northampton Through a New Lens This Fall

Sep 26, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026 116 Pleasant St, (055) Easthampton, MA 01027

This fall, Fun Sized: A Tiny Public Art Festival invites visitors to experience Northampton in an entirely new way. Transforming downtown into a walkable gallery of miniature public art, the festival encourages residents and travelers alike to slow down, explore, and uncover fifteen site-specific artworks hidden throughout the city. Opening September 26–27 and remaining on view throughout October, Fun Sized offers a distinctive cultural tourism experience that combines contemporary art, architecture, local history, and the charm of one of New England’s most celebrated arts destinations. Timed to coincide with the Northampton Jazz Festival, the opening weekend provides an ideal opportunity to enjoy world-class music, public art, local dining, independent shopping, and the creative energy that has long made Northampton and the Connecticut River Valley a destination for artists, writers, and cultural travelers. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or rediscovering your own backyard, Fun Sized reveals the unexpected beauty and creative spirit hidden in plain sight.

Lotus Festival

Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026 Gillette Stadium, 1 Patriot Pl, (Entrance W1/W2) Foxborough, MA 02035

More About the Lotus Festival! This will be for an evening of inspiration, entertainment, networking, and dancing, so buy your tickets so you don't miss: - A thoughtfully curated dinner menu blending rich flavors and bold creativity - An open bar with signature cocktails and classic favorites - A thrilling live auction showcasing one-of-a-kind items and exclusive experiences - Interactive moments that bring our programs in India to life. See the impact you’re helping create - Live performances, dancing, and high-energy entertainment throughout the night - Opportunities to connect, network, and engage with like-minded changemakers united by purpose Come celebrate, connect, and make an impact together.

Food Trucks

Cape Cod Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

Aug 8, 2026 - Aug 8, 2026 Cape Cod Fairgrounds, Route 151, East Falmouth, MA 02649

Get ready for a weekend packed with flavor and fun! Sample fan favorites from 30 of New England's most popular food trucks while enjoying craft beers from more than 50 national, regional, and local breweries. From fall-off-the-bone BBQ and wood-fired pizza to juicy prime rib, spicy Korean specialties, gooey mac & cheese, and more, there's something to satisfy every craving. Add in live music, lawn games, and family-friendly entertainment, and you've got the perfect recipe for an unforgettable summer festival.

Food, Wine, Beer

Dine Out Boston

Aug 1, 2026 - Aug 15, 2026 Boston, MA Boston, MA

Savor the flavors of Boston during Dine Out Boston® 2026! From August 1–15, Boston's celebrated restaurant week returns with two delicious weeks of prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at some of the city's top restaurants. Whether you're a local foodie or visiting for the first time, this twice-yearly culinary event is the perfect opportunity to discover why Boston is considered one of the nation's premier dining destinations. With a variety of cuisines and price points to choose from, Dine Out Boston® invites everyone to enjoy exceptional meals while exploring the city's vibrant restaurant scene.

Dine In Cambridge For Dine Out Boston

Aug 1, 2026 - Aug 15, 2026 Cambridge, MA Cambridge, MA

Dine Out Boston 
Participating restaurants across Cambridge are serving specially priced prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. Whether you're discovering a new favorite or revisiting a beloved spot, Dine Out Boston + Cambridge is the perfect opportunity to enjoy an exceptional meal at a great value. Reserve your table today!

BONS 2026: The Results Are In! Meet the Best of the North Shore

Aug 13, 2026 - Aug 13, 2026 Danversport, 161 Elliott Street, Danvers, MA 01923

The results are in! 🎉 Meet the 2026 Best of the North Shore (BONS) winners, celebrating the restaurants, shops, beaches, experiences, and local businesses that make the North Shore shine.

Presented by Northshore Magazine, this year’s winners span six categories—DINE, DRINK, LIVE, PLAY, RENEW, and SHOP—with both Readers’ and Editors’ picks highlighting the very best of the region.

Whether you’re planning your next night out, searching for the perfect lobster roll, discovering a new favorite shop, or looking for your next North Shore adventure, explore the 2026 winners and see who took home the honors!

Historic

1926: A Year in the Life of Hammond and His Castle

Sep 30, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026 80 Hesperus Ave., Gloucester, MA 01930

Step back 100 years with “1926: A Year in the Life of Hammond and His Castle” at Hammond Castle Museum.

Join Collections Director Beth Welin for a fascinating look at the pivotal year John Hays Hammond Jr. began building his extraordinary medieval-inspired castle. Discover why Hammond embarked on this ambitious project, how construction unfolded during his absence, and the people and events that helped bring his remarkable vision to life.

The evening begins with networking from 5:30–6:00 PM, followed by the presentation and discussion from 6:00–7:30 PM. Light refreshments will be served. Museum members and VIP guests receive complimentary admission. 

Reservations are required, and space is limited.

Museums

Falconry and the Medieval World: A Live Bird Presentation at Hammond Castle Museum

Aug 7, 2026 - Aug 7, 2026 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930

Wingmasters’ Birds of Prey returns to Hammond Castle Museum for a fascinating live bird presentation exploring the ancient art of falconry!

Discover how falconry shaped medieval life while meeting live birds of prey and learning about their unique characteristics, training, and role throughout history. Please note that this is a live bird presentation, not a flight demonstration.

Recommended for ages 8 and up. Tickets include access to the presentation and Museum Shop. A separate ticket is required for Museum tours, with event ticket holders receiving 20% off Self-Guided Tour admission.

All proceeds support educational programs and ongoing restoration efforts at Hammond Castle Museum. Museum member savings apply.

"Brave-Too-Much" Curator's Remarks & Exhibit Preview

Sep 16, 2026 - Sep 16, 2026 80 Hesperus Ave., Gloucester, MA 01930

Celebrate the exclusive opening of “Brave-Too-Much”: The Legend of John Coffee Hays, a special temporary exhibition presented by Hammond Castle Museum in partnership with the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Discover the extraordinary story of legendary Texas Ranger Captain John Coffee Hays—the great-uncle and namesake of John Hays Hammond Jr. Through museum artwork, fascinating stories, and historical artifacts, the exhibition explores Hays’s journey from joining the Texas Rangers at age 19 to becoming one of the most respected military leaders of the American frontier.

Guests will enjoy early access to the exhibition, a special curator’s presentation by Curatorial Director John Leysath, Western-inspired refreshments and themed treats, and time to explore the exhibition before it opens to the public.

Space is limited. Museum members receive complimentary admission.

Martine Gutierrez Unveils Monumental New Installation at Worcester Art Museum

Sep 23, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609

First Revelation of the Sovereign Queen
The Worcester Art Museum has commissioned acclaimed interdisciplinary artist Martine Gutierrez to create First Revelation of the Sovereign Queen, the newest installation in its renowned Wall at WAM series.

Opening September 23, 2026, the large-scale photographic work will transform the Museum's 67-foot Renaissance Court wall, drawing inspiration from religious art throughout WAM's collection while weaving together themes of identity, spirituality, heritage, and self-expression. Blending photography, performance, handcrafted sets, and original costumes, Gutierrez reimagines historical symbols through a contemporary lens.

To celebrate the installation, visitors are invited to a special After Hours event with the artist on September 25, followed by an Artist Talk on September 27, where Gutierrez will discuss the inspiration and creative process behind the work.

The installation will remain on view for two years, continuing the Worcester Art Museum's tradition of bringing contemporary artists into conversation with its historic collection.

Music

Rose Clancy’s Tuesday Night Fiddle Concerts on Cape Cod ~ All Summer Long!

Jun 30, 2026 - Sep 8, 2026 Chatham Drama Guild, 134 Crowell Rd Chatham, MA 02633

Experience the warmth and spirit of a traditional Irish gathering with an evening filled with lively music, heartfelt songs, spirited fiddle tunes, and captivating stories. Featuring Rose Clancy, Max Cohen, Alex Becrelis, Jake Goodwin, special guest Clayton March, and other talented musicians, this special concert celebrates the rich traditions of Irish culture. Gene and Cecilia Clancy will bring their signature old-world IRISH CHARM, creating an atmosphere that feels both welcoming and unforgettable. After the show, continue the celebration with Cecilia's comforting Irish Tea and Gene's famous homemade Brown Bread—a cherished tradition that brings everyone together. A cash bar will also be available.

We The People At Tanglewood

Aug 1, 2026 - Aug 9, 2026 297 West Street, Lenox, MA 01240

Join world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma for We The People: Our Shared Past, Present, and Future, a thought-provoking week of concerts, conversations, and community events at Tanglewood. Bringing together artists, thinkers, musicians, and local communities, this inspiring series explores shared values, our connection to one another and the land, and the possibilities for a hopeful future. Through music and dialogue, participants are invited to reflect on the stories that unite us and imagine ways to strengthen community and common purpose.

Performing Arts and Theater

Polly in the Colony: A True Revolutionary Tale

Aug 7, 2026 - Aug 8, 2026 Boston College High School, 150 Morrissey Blvd Boston, MA 02125

A new and exciting children's play that is a remarkable, funny and mostly true account of a fashion doll who came from England on one of the Boston Tea Party ships and found herself caught up in the American Revolution. The story follows her journey from vain fashion doll to a true American colonist and teaches adults and kids alike about patriotism, family, courage and how one person can change history with intention, grit and using your voice for the benefit of all. Tickets can be purchased online through the website or at the door.

Science & Nature

Full Moon Walk at Caratunk- Seekonk

Aug 28, 2026 - Aug 28, 2026 Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Ave, Seekonk, MA 02771

Experience the magic of nature after dark on a Full Moon Walk at Caratunk Wildlife Refuge. Join an Audubon naturalist for a guided evening hike beneath the glow of the full moon and discover the sights and sounds of late-summer wildlife. Keep an eye out for deer, foxes, wild turkeys, frogs, tree crickets, and a variety of birds as they become active after sunset. Perfect for nature lovers ages 5 and up, this peaceful outdoor adventure offers a unique opportunity to explore the refuge under the moonlit sky. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, bring insect repellent, and pack a flashlight for the journey.

Shopping & Sales

Open Newbury Street - Pedestrian Only Sundays

Jul 26, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026 Newbury Street, Boston, Boston, MA 02116

Experience one of Boston's favorite summer traditions during Open Newbury Street! On select Sundays from July through October, Newbury Street transforms into a pedestrian-only destination where visitors can stroll freely while exploring its renowned shops, restaurants, cafés, galleries, and salons. Whether you're shopping, dining, or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, it's the perfect way to spend a summer day in the city. Open Newbury takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a special Holiday Stroll returning in December.