There’s so much happening this summer, and Boston Harbor is at the center of it all. From festivals and special events to our Spectacle Summer Nights series and daily programs on the islands, there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to a favorite spot, start exploring what Boston Harbor has to offer this summer!
Want to be one of the first to know what’s happening on Boston Harbor this summer? Sign up for Boston Harbor Now’s mailing list!
Spectacle summer nights
Every Saturday night from July 18 to August 29, Spend a summer evening on Spectacle Island after the crowds have gone home. Spectacle Summer Nights feature live music, lawn games, a beer garden, food from ZaZ, and sweeping sunset views of the harbor and Boston skyline. Pack a picnic or grab food and drinks on-site, explore the trails, or relax by the water as the island stays open just a little longer. Each ticket includes ferry access to and from Spectacle Island from Long Wharf in Downtown Boston, making it an easy, unforgettable night out on the harbor.
Get Tickets & More Info: Saturday, July 18 | Saturday, July 25 | Saturday, August 1 | Saturday, August 8 | Saturday, August 15 | Saturday, August 22 | Saturday, August 29
Camp Spectacle
Join us for a unique opportunity to camp overnight on Spectacle Island for a night of s’mores, games, nature walks, and stars! Ticket includes round-trip ferry service to Spectacle, camping for one night in a group camping area, continental breakfast, s’mores, and Park Ranger- and Boston Harbor Now-led games and activities. Bring everything necessary for a backcountry camping experience. Two dates are available this year:
Daily activities on Georges and Spectacle Islands
This summer, Boston Harbor Now, the National Park Service, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation are excited to provide programs and activities on Georges and Spectacle Islands every day of the week! Planning your trip? View our 2026 downloadable calendar, or search activities and programs day by day on the Boston Harbor Islands event calendar!
Daily island programs are FREE with purchase of ferry ticket unless otherwise noted.
FERRY TICKETS
Getting to the Boston Harbor Islands is half the fun! Enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Spectacle, Georges, or Peddocks Island. Public ferries to the Boston Harbor Islands operate from May to October. Click here to get further details, view ferry schedules, and purchase tickets!
FOURTH OF JULY ON BOSTON HARBOR
Red, White, & Views
Celebrate July 4th at Red, White & Views on Georges Island. Enjoy live music, BBQ with ZaZ, and a beer garden featuring 67 Degrees—plus face painting and games for all ages! Bring your crew and take in unbeatable harbor views while you celebrate Independence Day in style.
More info to come
Harborfest
Boston Harbor comes alive for Boston Harborfest, a multi-day celebration of the city’s history and waterfront. Events across downtown and along the harbor include live music, historical programming, family-friendly activities, and fireworks. It’s a chance to experience Boston at its most vibrant.
Harborfest Fireworks – Thursday, July 2nd, 9:15 PM
For a full schedule of events, visit bostonharborfest.com.
PARADE OF SAIL & TALL SHIPS
Tall Ships return to Boston Harbor this summer! Sail Boston brings sailing and naval vessels from around the world to the waterfront for a multi-day celebration, including the iconic Parade of Sail, public ship tours, cultural programming, and fireworks.
Meet Boston Parade of Sail – Saturday, July 11th, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fireworks – Saturday, July 11th and Wednesday, July 15th, 9:15 PM
For a full schedule of events, participating vessels, and berthing locations, visit sailboston.com.
REVOLUTION 250
Boston Harbor played a key role in the events of the American Revolution! As we mark the nation’s 250th birthday, there are a number of events and historical activities taking place on or near the harbor to help you celebrate.
Visit The Boston 250 Homepage for Events and Activities
Visit the USS Constitution Museum
Learn about the Siege of Boston from the National Park Service
WORLD CUP
The world comes to Boston for the 2026 FIFA World Cup! To get all the details, from tickets and game schedules to fan parties and surrounding events, visit bostonfwc26.com.
FIFA Fan Festival Boston at City Hall Plaza – June 12th-27th, times vary
EASTIE WEEKS
Eastie Weeks is a celebration of the rich, vibrant, and resilient community of East Boston—its people, history, culture, music, and art. This year, there are over two full weeks of FREE and low-cost, family-friendly community-led activities hosted by East Boston organizations and partners. Eastie Weeks is a community initiative made possible by the support and efforts of organizations across East Boston.
Eastie Weeks 2026 will take place from Sunday, July 12th to Wednesday, July 29th.
More info to come!
Eastie Weeks by Martello Cesar (@martello_cesar)
LIGHTHOUSE CRUISES
Voyage through maritime history with a special three-lighthouse cruise featuring close-up views of Long Island Light, Graves Light, and Boston Light—America’s first light station!
Cruises run Saturdays from June 27th-September 19th at 12:45 PM and 3:15 PM. The earlier Saturday Lighthouse Cruises will focus on the Siege of Boston and its impact on Boston Harbor in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday.
There are also special sunset lighthouse cruises on select Friday evenings.
Camping on Peddocks Island
Enjoy a night under the stars on Peddocks Island, Boston Harbor’s second-largest island, featuring wooded campsites, miles of trails, and scenic beaches. Campers can reserve a tent site or one of many yurts featuring bunk beds and electricity.
2026 camping reservations are now OPEN and can be made 4 months in advance of check-in! Click here for reservations and more information.
The 2026 camping season runs from June 17th– October 12th, with campgrounds available Wednesday–Saturday nights throughout the summer season until September 7th (Labor Day), and then Thursday–Saturday nights throughout the fall season until October 12th (Indigenous Peoples’ Day).
The Boston Harborwalk
A near-continuous, 43-mile linear park along Boston’s shoreline, the Harborwalk connects Boston’s waterfront neighborhoods to Boston Harbor and each other. Nearing completion, it stretches from the Neponset River in lower Dorchester to Constitution Beach in East Boston via Charlestown, the North End, Downtown, Seaport, South Boston and Dorchester.
Want to go for a waterfront walk, find the nearest public restroom, or enjoy a rooftop view of the harbor? Visit bostonharborwalk.org and use the interactive tool to find what you need along the Boston Harbor shoreline!
MOAKLEY PARK
Boston’s largest waterfront park offers wide-open green space along Dorchester Bay and a full lineup of summer activities. From monthly clean-ups to Southie Summer Nights, it’s a place to get involved and connect with the harbor. Visit moakleypark.org to plan your trip and Make Moakley Yours!
MORE RESOURCES
City of Boston Summer Guide – Your guide to everything happening in Boston this summer! Includes information for tourists and businesses as well.
Meet Boston – The city’s official tourism resource, with up-to-date guides on events, things to do, places to stay, and ways to explore Boston and the surrounding waterfront. It’s a great place to start building your trip.
National Parks of Boston Event Calendar – Find out what’s happening across the National Parks of Boston, including Boston African American National Historic Site, Boston National Historical Park, and Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park.
Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park Calendar – Search day by day through this calendar to find out what’s happening on the Boston Harbor Islands this summer!