Boston’s Best Free Outdoor Events This Summer

We’re still a few days away from “official” summer, but there are already plenty of ways to enjoy the balmy weather and access to the outdoors that make living in the Boston area such a joy in June, July, and August. And while we love a good Red Sox game or concert at the Pavilion, there are tons of ways to take advantage of summer without spending a dime. From free music to lectures to movies and more, Boston has a plethora of events that are worth checking out.

As local residents of Cambridge and Somerville, who adore the communities we live and work in, we'd like to share a few of our favorite events. They are a great way to get to know your city…or get to know it again!

Somerville PorchFest: The Whole Neighborhood’s a Stage

It might seem odd to start this list with something that’s already over, but we can’t talk about our favorite free outdoor events without mentioning Somerville PorchFest. This beloved annual event took place on Saturday, May 10. Picture this: families on front steps, dogs in rain jackets (it was a little drippy but that didn’t stop anyone!), and neighbors listening to many different types of music. No ticket lines, no velvet ropes—just a map, a walk, and whatever tunes you happen to stumble upon. We ran into past clients, old friends, and neighbors. It’s all about creating a connection with people in the community.

While this event is in the past, other communities have followed suit and there’s plenty of music still to experience: Arlington PorchFest is June 21, Quincy is the following weekend, and just a ride away on the Red Line, Jamaica Plain is coming up on August 16, and Roslindale is set for September 13.

Outdoor Talks, Lectures & Big Ideas

Boston is packed with thinkers, and summer is when the big ideas come outside. The Boston Public Library’s Concerts in the Courtyard are a good place to start—not only for music, but for poetry readings, author events, and cultural programming. 

University calendars (like Harvard’s events or MIT’s public lectures) are worth checking out, too. You’ll find everything from architecture talks to science storytelling—often free and open to the public.

Free Concerts All Over the City

• Berklee’s Summer in the City puts on more than 200 concerts all across Greater Boston. From jazz to soul to global fusion, you’ll hear artists you’ll probably want to look up later.

• Boston Parks and Recreation’s Neighborhood Concert Series brings music to local parks through July and August.

• GroundBeat: The Esplanade's Free Riverfront Music Series at the Hatch Shell is a community favorite—live music right on the river, no tickets, just good vibes.

Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and treat yourself to a midweek concert without spending a dime.

Movies in the Park

There’s just something fun about watching a movie outdoors—even the cheesiest rom-com feels epic. Boston’s full of free movie nights in July and August, and they’re perfect for spending a chill evening with friends, kids, or just yourself and a giant bag of popcorn.

• In Somerville, Assembly Row offers free movies along the Mystic River, and plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you busy all evening long. Thursday on the Lawn also features stand-up comedy, music, and free workouts.

• Cambridge’s Screen on the Green program even has free snacks!

• Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell are a summer tradition—great for families.

• Boston Parks Movie Nights bring films to different neighborhoods.

• The Prudential Center’s Summer Flicks run on Saturday evenings, right in the South Garden.

This is just a taste of what’s out there, so please let us know your favorite free events! And if you spot us out and about this summer, please say hi. We’ll be the ones holding iced coffees, probably petting someone’s dog, and smiling like we’re on our third PorchFest (because we might be).