15 Things to Do in Boston This Week · August 27–30, 2026

Festivals & Special Events

Boston Jazz Fest 2026

The 15th Annual Boston Jazz Festival brings national and local jazz talent to South Boston Maritime Park for two days of live music on the waterfront.

Friday, August 28 – Saturday, August 29, 2026 · South Boston Maritime Park, Boston

St. Anthony's Feast

Boston's beloved annual North End festival celebrating the patron saint of Padua with parades, live music, and Italian food runs through the last weekend of August.

Thursday, August 27 – Sunday, August 30, 2026 · North End, Boston

Music & Nightlife

Donna Summer Disco Party at City Hall Plaza

Get your groove on at the annual summer disco party honoring five-time Grammy winner and Boston native Donna Summer.

Friday, August 28, 2026 · City Hall Plaza, Boston

DL Hughley at City Winery

Stand-up legend DL Hughley brings five shows over three nights to City Winery Boston's intimate seated venue.

Friday, August 28 – Sunday, August 30, 2026 · City Winery Boston, 80 Beverly Street, Boston

Arts & Culture

Vibe Check Live with Rachel Reid

A live taping of the weekly podcast hosted by poet Saeed Jones featuring a special guest appearance by Rachel Reid.

Friday, August 28, 2026 · WBUR CitySpace, Boston

Lucy Raven: Rounds at the ICA

An immersive exhibition by artist Lucy Raven at the Institute of Contemporary Art exploring perception, technology, and moving image.

Friday, August 28, 2026 · Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston Seaport

The Road to Revolution: Massachusetts and the Independence Movement

An immersive historical exhibition exploring Massachusetts' pivotal role in the American independence movement, on view at a Downtown Boston venue.

Thursday, August 27 – Friday, August 28, 2026 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Downtown Boston

Free Events

JP PorchFest

Jamaica Plain's beloved neighborhood music festival with live acts performing on porches, stoops, and yards throughout the community.

Saturday, August 29, 2026 · Jamaica Plain, Boston

741 Frequency Fest with Jaylen Brown

Celtics star Jaylen Brown hosts a free thank-you block party on Boston Common featuring music, carnival games, giveaways, and a 741 pop-up shop.

Sunday, August 30, 2026 · Boston Common, Boston

Seaport Sweat 2026: Align and Define Yoga

Free outdoor yoga class at Seaport Common as part of the Seaport Sweat 2026 fitness series.

Monday, August 31, 2026 5:30 PM · Seaport Common, Boston

Outdoors & Active

Seaport Sweat Saturdays: Recharge & Refine Pilates with Reese Pressey

Free outdoor Pilates class along Harbor Way in the Seaport as part of the Seaport Sweat Saturdays series.

Saturday, August 29, 2026 10:00 AM · Harbor Way, Boston Seaport

Family-Friendly

August Sensory Friendly Morning

A special sensory-friendly morning event designed for families with children who benefit from a quieter, calmer experience.

Friday, August 28, 2026 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM · Downtown Boston

Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience

A stunning after-dark lantern experience featuring massive illuminated wildlife sculptures throughout the paths of Franklin Park Zoo.

Friday, August 28, 2026 6:00 PM · Franklin Park Zoo, Boston

Food & Drink

Tomato Fest at Cambridge Crossing

A festive late-summer celebration of the tomato harvest at Cambridge Crossing with food, activities, and community fun.

Thursday, August 27 – Friday, August 28, 2026 5:00 PM · Cambridge Crossing, Cambridge

Date Night

GBH Jazz Night with Rob Flax & Slava Tolstoy

Violinist Rob Flax and guitarist Slava Tolstoy blend jazz, hot swing, and global folk traditions in a free concert at the Boston Public Library kicking off the GBH Jazz Nights series.

Thursday, September 10, 2026 5:30 PM · Boston Public Library, Boston