17 Things to Do in Boston This Week · September 3–6, 2026

Music & Nightlife

Esperanza Spalding at City Winery

Berklee grad and jazz icon Esperanza Spalding plays three intimate nights at City Winery Boston.

Friday, September 4, 2026 – Sunday, September 6, 2026 7:30 PM · City Winery Boston, 80 Beverly Street

Tuesday Concerts at King's Chapel: Dermot Gleeson, guitar

Dermot Gleeson performs a solo guitar recital in the intimate setting of historic King's Chapel, with a $5 suggested donation.

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 12:15 PM · King's Chapel, Downtown Boston

Festivals & Special Events

King Richard's Faire 2026

New England's largest and longest-running Renaissance festival opens for the season with knights, royalty, artisans, and unforgettable entertainment for all ages.

Saturday, September 5, 2026 · Carver, MA

Embrace Massó ¡Con Salsa! Block Party

Free outdoor festival featuring legendary salsa orchestra El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, DJ ArmandoTheTruth, and Johnny Giraldo of Salsa y Control at Summer Street Plaza in Downtown Crossing.

Saturday, September 12, 2026 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM · Summer Street Plaza, Downtown Crossing

Arts & Culture

Derrick Adams: View Master at ICA

The Institute of Contemporary Art presents Derrick Adams: View Master, a major exhibition exploring Black leisure, joy, and self-definition through vivid mixed-media works.

Friday, September 4, 2026 · Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston

The Moth StorySLAM: NINE TO FIVE

The Moth's signature competitive storytelling night comes to WBUR CitySpace with the theme Nine to Five — grab a ticket and maybe a mic.

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 · WBUR CitySpace

Music of Larry Thomas Bell (World Premiere)

Free world premiere performances of three new works by composer Larry Thomas Bell performed by three pianists at Berklee's David Friend Recital Hall.

Thursday, September 10, 2026 7:30 PM · David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston Street, Boston

Maria Bamford at The Wilbur

Cult comedy favorite Maria Bamford brings her darkly brilliant stand-up to The Wilbur in Boston.

Saturday, September 12, 2026 7:00 PM · The Wilbur, Boston

Free Events

Labor Day Free Admission at the ICA

The Institute of Contemporary Art offers free admission to all visitors on Labor Day, including art-making activities and exhibitions by Lucy Raven and Derrick Adams.

Monday, September 7, 2026 · Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston Waterfront

Family-Friendly

Movie Night at Fenway Park: Happy Gilmore

Watch Happy Gilmore on Fenway Park's centerfield videoboard for the film's 30th anniversary — walk the warning track and see World Series trophies.

Saturday, September 5, 2026 · Fenway Park, Boston

The Great Elephant Migration on Commonwealth Avenue

A stunning public art installation of 100 life-sized elephant sculptures marches through Commonwealth Avenue Mall, raising awareness about elephant conservation.

Saturday, September 5, 2026 8:00 AM · Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Boston

Outdoors & Active

ATHLETES CLUB at Backyard Boston

HYROX training community session at Backyard Boston — the journey that happens before race day, with the people who push you.

Friday, September 4, 2026 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM · Backyard Boston, 5 Necco Street

Colby Farm Sunflower Field Closing Day Party

Say goodbye to summer at Colby Farm's sunflower field closing day celebration at one of New England's original and most beloved sunflower destinations.

Sunday, September 6, 2026 9:00 AM · Colby Farmstand, Newbury, MA

Boston Landing Community Fit Fest 2026

Free community fitness festival at New Balance's signature track featuring workouts, vendors, and community energy.

Saturday, September 12, 2026 9:30 AM · the TRACK at New Balance, Boston Landing

Sports

Backyard Brawl III

A 60% HYROX race simulation at Backyard Boston featuring race-day strategy, cash prizes, recovery, vendors, a BBQ, and community competition.

Saturday, September 12, 2026 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Backyard Boston, 5 Necco Street

Date Night

Moved Yoga X The Verb

A curated outdoor yoga experience at the iconic Verb Hotel in the Fenway neighborhood.

Saturday, September 5, 2026 8:00 AM · The Verb Hotel, Fenway

After 5 Social – Seaport

BostonYPA hosts an after-work social with reserved cabanas at Cisco Seaport — a low-key way to meet people and close out summer in the waterfront district.

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Cisco Seaport, Boston