8 Fun Things to Do in Boston Over Memorial Day Weekend
There’s plenty to do to justify your staycation.
Memorial Day all the way, baby. And while the long weekend tends to be a little quiet ’round these parts, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do to justify your staycation. It all starts with the return of Boston Calling; there’s also an outdoor photography exhibit, a museum open house, a new walking tour, and a throwback movie fest. Use the next three days as an excuse to go on a proper date, then treat yourself to everything fun to do in Boston this Memorial Day weekend.
Weekend-long
Harvard Square
The Campfire Festival is the anti-Boston Calling, and for those who seek some chill, you can’t beat the annual Club Passim fest. Dozens of acts in Americana, bluegrass, and acoustic take the stage, day and night, starting on Friday evening and take you easefully into Monday evening.
Cost: $25 for a full festival pass; $10 per day
Weekend-long
Harvard Square
You don’t need to spend the entire weekend outdoors. During Reunion Week 2023, the Brattle Theatre continues its tradition of honoring the city’s many college reunions with 25th, 50th, and 75th anniversary screenings of classics and staff picks; this year’s showings include Pi, The Big Lebowski, Enter the Dragon, and Key Largo.
Cost: $12-$14 per viewing
Weekend-long
Jamaica Plain
We love a good outdoor art exhibition, especially when local artists are being celebrated. Take a walk around Jamaica Pond while taking in an alfresco exhibit from the Boston Press Photographers Association featuring the winning images from the 2022 Pictures of the Year contest.
Cost: Free
Friday, May 26-Sunday, May 28
South End
The SpeakEasy Stage Company never steers us wrong, but The Prom is a true gem. Follow the fraught but feel-good trials of Emma as she wages a reluctantly public battle to take her girlfriend Abigail to the prom–and then attracts the attention of burnt-out Broadway babies. Hilarity and song-and-dance numbers ensue.
Cost: $25-$75
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Weekend-long
Seaport
Aren’t you tired of the word pickleball by now? Turn to a true old-timers game at the Project Paulie Bocce Club, where you can reserve one of three outdoor bocce lanes and do a little merch shopping afterwards; plus, a portion of the proceeds go to Project Bread.
Cost: $10 per player (2-4 players required)
Friday, May 26-Sunday, May 28
Boston & Cambridge
You have to love a region that invented both anesthesia and Junior Mints. Learn about the full breadth of our region’s genius while walking the brand-new Innovation Trail of Greater Boston, which takes self-guided visitors into museums and historic landmarks across both Boston and Cambridge to learn more about local heroes both lauded and undersung.
Cost: $20
Friday, May 26-Sunday, May 28
Allston
You stayed in town for a good reason: Boston Calling at the Harvard Athletic Stadium. This lineup is as epic as ever: Foo Fighters, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Alanis Morrisette, The Lumineers, Paramore, the list goes on. More than 30 food and drink vendors seal the deal for an epic three-day event.
Cost: $159.99 single-day general admission
Monday, May 29
Fenway
Because the barbecue can wait. Before gouging yourself on hot dogs, take some time to digest the full wonders of the Museum of Fine Arts, free of charge, including the much-lauded exhibition Hokusai: Inspiration and Influence.
Cost: Free (first come, first served)