If you’re anything like us, you’re ready for spring. Here’s a rundown of our favorite things to do in Boston this spring!
South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Date: Sunday, March 16. The Parade kicks off at 11:15 a.m.
Location: The Parade Begins at Broadway Station in South Boston, continues onto East Broadway & P St., before heading west to Andrew Square. You can find the Parade Route here.
Cost: Free to watch!
Details: This St. Patrick’s Day celebration is the oldest in the United States, tracing its origins all the way back to 1737! Back for its 122nd year, spectators at this annual parade can enjoy a celebration of all things Irish. With an estimated 1 million spectators annually, be sure to book a parking spot early and secure your spot along the parade route!
Watch the Red Sox at Fenway
Date: The Red Sox home opener is Friday, April 4. You can view the entire regular season schedule here.
Location: Fenway Park
Cost: Ticket price varies based on opponent
Details: Nothing says spring like a day at the ballpark. When the weather is nice, grab your friends and head over to Fenway to cheer on the Red Sox!
Wicked Queer Film Festival
Date: April 4 – 13
Location: ArtsEmerson Paramount Center, 559 Washington Street, Boston, & Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle Street, Cambridge.
Cost: TBA; typically tickets range from free – $12 based on the event. You can find tickets here as they are released.
Details: Wicked Queer is the largest LGBT media event in New England, bringing together film lovers of every gender and sexual identity. Films are available to be viewed virtually as well as in person. Visit the main site for details about the film line-up and tickets as they are made available.
The Boston Marathon
Date: Monday, April 21. Waves begin at 9:00 a.m.
Location: Starts on Main Street in Hopkinton and finishes near the John Hancock Tower in Copley Square. You can find the course map here.
Cost: Free to cheer! $205 for race registration for qualifying participants only.
Details: The Boston Marathon is one of the biggest events of the year! Every spring, it’s held on Patriots Day, the third Monday of April. Even if you’re not running, you can still join the hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the streets of Boston. You can find more information on the race here.
Lilac Sunday at Arnold Arboretum
Date: May 11
Location: Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway.
Cost: Free!
Details: Spend a day admiring the Arboretum’s collection of 400 lilacs in full bloom. Visitors can also enjoy tours, special children’s activities, and more. Learn more here.
Explore the Public Garden
Dates & Hours: Open daily 6:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Location: Boston Public Garden, 4 Charles Street.
Cost: Free!
Details: The first public botanical garden in America has a lot to offer, especially on a nice spring day. Bring a picnic, or go on a leisurely stroll. Time spent at the Public Garden is never wasted.
Jet off on spring break
If you’re heading out of town for spring break, we wouldn’t hold it against you. Catching a flight? Just remember to reserve your airport parking spot in advance!
Transportation Tips and Tricks
Street parking and metered parking is in very high demand throughout the Boston Area. Pay close attention to any posted signs; parking in a restricted spot could result in a ticket or even a tow. Click here for more information.
If you are planning on parking on the street, we would recommend downloading the ParkBoston app, which allows drivers to pay for parking and extend their time at a meter directly from their mobile device!
Boston also has many garages and lots that are available for a fee. You can use SpotHero to reserve a spot in advance and park with ease!
Public Transportation
Boston is served by the MBTA transit system which is available for a fee. If you’re going to a large event, consider parking further away in a less busy area and taking public transit to save time and money. You can learn more and view schedules here.
Happy spring, Boston!