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17 Summer Festivals and Fairs in Boston for Families

Photo courtesy of Harborfest
Photo courtesy of Harborfest
5/26/23 - By Lucie T

Boston's summer festivals and fairs bring games, treats, and entertainment—​all in the fresh air with the whole family having fun. Whether you get excited about parades or sand sculptures, delicious food, or art activities for your little ones, the festive events here are all super family-friendly and make for a memorable summer outing. Read on for our picks for the best summer festivals and fairs for Boston kids and families.

Looking for even more seasonal fun? Check out our Summer Fun Guide for all the best ways to have a blast, stay cool, and rock school vacations! And check our events calendar often—we're always adding more activities in and around Boston. If you're in the mood for something a little more laid-back, see our guide to Drive-In Movie Theaters In and Around Boston for Outdoor Movie Night With Kids.

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Boston's North End takes to the streets with summer festivals and fairs. Fisherman's Feast photo by Matt Conti
Boston's North End takes to the streets with summer festivals and fairs. Fisherman's Feast photo by Matt Conti

Best Summer Festivals and Fairs in Boston

Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

Cambridge
June 11, 2023
Stunningly decorated boats race down the Charles River all day long, while arts and crafts, Asian food vendors, and Asian cultural performances line the riverbank. READ MORE

Boston Pizza Festival

City Hall Plaza
June 24-25, 2023
Interested in "all-you-can-eat" pizza, sampling, live entertainment, games, and more? Vendors from all over will be serving up Gluten-Free, Vegan, Neapolitan, Sicilian, New York Style, and much more at City Hall Plaza in Boston. READ MORE

Harborfest

Boston
July 1-4 , 2023
With hundreds of activities over Independence Day week at Boston’s best landmarks, this family-friendly event is one of the country’s largest Fourth of July festivals. Activities include historical reenactments, Freedom Trail walks, boat tours, live entertainment, and more. READ MORE

Fisherman's Feast

Boston
August 18-21, 2023
The annual event began in Boston in 1910 and is based on a tradition that goes back to the 16th century in Sciacca, Sicily. READ MORE

St. Anthony's Feast

North End
August 25-28, 2023
Celebrate with the North End as they honor patrons Saint Anthony and Saint Lucy with colorful parades, religious services, strolling singers, live entertainment, and of course, an abundance of great Italian and American food. READ MORE

Best Summer Festivals and Fairs near Boston

Fairy Festival at the Wenham Museum

Wenham
June 3, 2023
Start the summer in magical fashion at this year’s Fairy Festival, full of family-friendly activities inspired by art, nature, and story. READ MORE

Topsfield Strawberry Festival

Topsfield
June 10, 2023
The second Saturday in June marks the beginning of summer with the Topsfield Historical Society’s Annual Strawberry Festival where bowls and bowls of fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and piles of shortcakes are prepared and served by volunteer members. READ MORE

Brazilian Harvest Festival

Somerville
June 24, 2023
Celebrate Festa Junina, the Brazilian Harvest Festival, with kids' activities, storytelling, folk dancing, music, and delicious snacks!  READ MORE

Bridgewater Arts & Music Festival

Bridgewater
July 4, 2023
At this festival, the whole family can enjoy art, live music, dance, yummy food, children's activities (like face painting), train rides, sand art, and more. READ MORE

Artbeat 2023

Somerville
July 16, 2023
At this year’s ArtBeat Festival, there will be 100 craft, community, and food vendors. Plus, two stages of music and a dance showcase. READ MORE

Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival

Revere
July 22-24, 2023
The largest Sand Sculpting Festival on the East Coast is back for the 19th year. The festival features include an interactive Kid’s Zone & Learning Center, a beach-side food pavilion and a fireworks extravaganza on Saturday night. READ MORE

Lowell Folk Festival

Lowell
July 29-31, 2023
Lowell celebrates its 36th Folk Festival with three days of musicians, food vendors, and artisans celebrating folk culture from around the globe.  READ MORE

Yankee Homecoming in Newburyport

Newburyport
July 30 - August 7, 2023
Head to Newburyport for the annual celebration of Yankee Homecoming. This week-long celebration features a parade, fireworks, live music, and vendors. Events include a cornhole tournament, a road rally, and an exhibition of artwork from all over New England. READ MORE

Beverly Homecoming

Beverly
August 3-7, 2023
The 58th annual Beverly Homecoming celebration features dozens of events over 4 fun-filled days. Enjoy classics like the LobsterFest, a fireworks display, concerts, and a movie night. READ MORE

Bolton Fair

Lancaster
August 11-13, 2023
The carnival is rolling into Bolton. Spin and whirl on the rides, try your luck on a game, and indulge in some tasty carnival treats. 2023 marks the 140th Bolton Fair. READ MORE

Marshfield Fair

Marshfield
August 19-28, 2023
The Marshfield Fair is a traditional American country fair begun in 1867 that features amusement rides, a midway, fair food, and farm and animal exhibits. READ MORE

August Moon Festival

Quincy
August 21, 2023
The annual festival features lion dancing, live music, giant backyard games, a kids' zone, and other Asian cultural performances. READ MORE

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