13 Things to Do in Boston This Week · July 23–26, 2026

Free Events

A Midsummer Night's Dream (Shakespeare On The Common)

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's 30th Anniversary production transforms Boston Common's Parkman Bandstand into a neon-lit festival escape with Puck reimagined as a shadowy DJ of fate.

Thursday, July 23, 2026 8:00 PM · Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common

MIT Summer Philharmonic Orchestra: Celebrating Hope & Optimism – Free Concert

The MIT Summer Philharmonic Orchestra returns for its 27th season with a free concert at Kresge Auditorium sponsored by MIT Professional Education.

Friday, July 24, 2026 · Kresge Auditorium, Cambridge

Networking Night for Boston's Young Professionals

BostonYPA's monthly networking night brings young professionals together at The Merchant's downtown patio for connections, ideas, and community.

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 6:00 PM · The Merchant, 60 Franklin Street

Festivals & Special Events

The Night Bazaar: Summer Series (July)

A multi-night outdoor night market at The Charles River Speedway featuring local vendors, food, and nighttime vibes.

Thursday, July 23, 2026 · The Charles River Speedway

Puerto Rican Festival – Boston

The 58th annual Puerto Rican Festival offers two days of free cultural entertainment, live music, food, and a parade in Boston.

Friday, July 24, 2026 · Boston

Arts & Culture

Bach in Potsdam, Telemann in Paris

Aston Magna presents a historically informed chamber concert featuring Telemann quartets and J.S. Bach's Musical Offering on period instruments.

Thursday, July 23, 2026 7:00 PM · Slosberg Recital Hall, 415 South Street, Waltham

'Mortified' Live at WBUR CitySpace

Adults share their most embarrassing childhood diaries, letters, and poetry on stage in this beloved live storytelling show.

Friday, July 24, 2026 · WBUR CitySpace, Boston

Carry/Held // 2026 Summer MFA Thesis Exhibition

MassArt's summer MFA thesis exhibition opens at the MassArt x SoWa Gallery in the South End, showcasing emerging artists' culminating work.

Friday, July 24, 2026 · MassArt x SoWa Gallery, South End

Date Night

WBUR CitySpace: An Evening of New York Times Games

A live, in-person evening of New York Times Games hosted at WBUR's CitySpace — a uniquely fun social event for word and puzzle enthusiasts.

Thursday, July 23, 2026 · WBUR CitySpace, Boston

Family-Friendly

Rosalita's Puppets Summer Marionette Shows

Whimsical marionette puppet performances by Rosalita's Puppets delighting kids and families throughout the summer.

Thursday, July 23, 2026 · Boston

Outdoors & Active

2026 Boston DEKA FIT Weekend

A fitness competition weekend at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center challenging athletes across multiple fitness stations.

Friday, July 24, 2026 7:30 AM · BCEC – Boston Convention and Exhibition Center

Music & Nightlife

Kevin Nealon at The Wilbur

SNL veteran and stand-up comedian Kevin Nealon brings his signature dry wit to The Wilbur Theatre for a night of laughs.

Saturday, August 1, 2026 7:00 PM · The Wilbur Theatre, Boston

Food & Drink

Dine Out Boston 2026

Boston's official Restaurant Week returns for two weeks of prix fixe meals at the city's best restaurants, with lunch options from $27 and dinner from $38.

Saturday, August 1, 2026 · Participating restaurants citywide