While there are a ton of things to do in Massachusetts (Boston alone has everything you could ever need), we’ve put together a list of cool things to do that are either major attractions you just HAVE to see or are things that may be slightly “off the beaten path.”
1. Food Truck Festival of New England
Where: Boston, Charlestown, Worcester, Brighton, Falmouth, Lowell, East Boston, Hingham, Framingham
When: Jun 10, 16, Jul 14, 28, Aug 25, Sept 8, 22, 29, Oct. 6, 20
This isn’t that dinky little ice cream truck that used to drive around your neighborhood. This is eating in style, but just with wheels. This year, the Food Truck Festival will travel throughout Massachusetts to various locations, and will feature over 50 different food trucks from across the northeast.
Website: http://foodtruckfestivalsofne.com/
2. Chowderfest
Where: City Hall Plaza, Boston
When: July 1
Also know by the locals as “Chowdahfest,” it is one of the main events of Boston Harborfest and features chowder from various restaurants across Boston. Get a chance to sample each kind, and vote on your favorite.
Website: http://www.bostonharborfest.com/chowderfest.html
3. JawsFest: The Tribute
Where: Martha’s Vineyard
When: August 9-12
A little strange, we know, but actually sounds kind of awesome at the same time. JawsFest in Martha’s Vineyard includes discussions about the making of JAWS, live scene re-enactments, a museum-quality display of JAWS memorabilia, JAWS trivia, and learn about the real predators behind the film.
Website: http://www.jawstribute.com/
4. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
Where: The Esplanade in Boston
When: July 4
Watch the Boston Pops Play along with a huge fireworks display on the nation’s independence day.
Website: http://www.july4th.org/
5. SoWa Open Market
Where: 500 Harrison Ave, Boston
When: Every Sunday May 6-October 28
The SoWa Open Market is a trendy open market featuring original art, food trucks, indie designer clothing, ceramics, glass, photography, jewelry, handbags, house wares, baked goods, and local produce.
Website: http://www.sowaopenmarket.com/
6. Freedom Crawl Pub Crawl
Where: Fanueil Hall, Boston
When: July 21
A huge pub crawl that loosely follows the Freedom Trail in Boston to 11 or 12 different renowned bars and pubs in the Fanueil Hall area.
Website: http://freedomcrawl.com/
7. Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Party
Where: City Hall Plaza, Boston
When: June 22
One of the premiere rib fests in the U.S., the Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Party features barbecue teams from around the world. The event also features beer gardens, sand, music, and even a Ferris wheel!
Website: http://bbq.phantomgourmet.com/
8. Samuel Adam Brewery
Where: 30 Germania Street, Boston
When: Monday-Thursday 10 am -3 pm
Ever wondered how they do it? Well wonder no more! All you 21+s can take a tour of one of America’s most famous breweries and get a chance to taste some of what they make.
Website: http://www.samueladams.com/share-passion/tours.aspx
9. Skywalk Observatory
Where: 800 Boylston Street, Boston
When: Every day 10 am – 10 pm
Get a bird’s eye of all of Boston from atop the Prudential Building. This is probably one of the most expansive views in the entire city.
Website: http://www.prudentialcenter.com/shop/shop_detail.php?id=64
10. Institute of Contemporary Art
Where: 100 Northern Ave, Boston
When: Tuesday and Wednesday 10 am-5pm, Thursday and Friday 10 am – 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 5pm
Situated in one of probably the coolest buildings in Boston, the Institute of Contemporary Art features some of the most significant national and international pieces. The exhibits highlight all types of media, including visual art, music, film, video, and performance art.
Website: http://www.icaboston.org/
Off Campus Housing Blog 