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10 free things to do in Boston in April
From festivals to parades to the historic Boston Marathon.
With the warm weather finally here, there are plenty of activities throughout the city where you can enjoy spring. From marathons to colorful festivals to health expos to energetic parades, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy all that the city has to offer. Here are 10 things to do in Boston for free this April.
1. Watch street performers at Faneuil Hall Marketplace
While street performers entertain year-round, April’s warmer weather definitely ramps up their show frequency. Expect to see stunts, musical acts, breakdancing, magicians, and acrobats. It’s not mandatory, but popping a dollar or two into a hat or donation bin to support their efforts is obviously appreciated. The entertainment mostly takes place between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. (1 South Market St., Boston)
2. Celebrate the colorful festival of Holi
On April 4 from 3 to 5 p.m., the Indian Festival of Colors known as Holi
takes over at Faneuil Hall Marketplace with joyful bursts of color to welcome
spring. While the holiday actually fell on March 4 this year, the high-energy
celebration continues with live performances of Dhol-Tasha-Lezim (Indian
drums), music, dancing, and dry color play – all hosted by the Indian Society of Worcester. Register here. (Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston)
3. Hold on to winter with ice skating
Not ready to say goodbye to winter? You can still take a few more spins around
the ice during one of the free public skating afternoons and evenings held at
DCR-managed ice rinks. Strap on your own blades (or rent them for $5) and
practice your salchow at EHO — Charlestown, Steriti in North End, Devine in
Dorchester, Murphy in South Boston, Bajko in Hyde Park, and Reilly in Brighton through April 12. (Various locations, Boston)
4. Get hyped for good health
Whether you’re picking up your Boston Marathon number or you just want to
check out the latest in fitness finds, the huge 130th Bank of America Boston
Marathon Expo takes place this year at the Hynes Convention Center on April 17 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and April 18 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and April 19 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Expo will be open for free to not only race participants but also friends and fans, and will feature an Adidas store, as well as opportunities to learn about (and grab swag from) official Boston Marathon sponsors and
licensees. Panel topics include AI in running, motherhood and marathoning,
Boston Marathon history, and more. (900 Boylston St., Boston)
5. Celebrate Patriots Day
Observed annually on the third Monday of April, Patriots Day will be held this year on April 20 to commemorate the events that marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War. From live battle re-enactments to Paul Revere’s ride to festive parades, the majority of events will take place the weekend of April 18-19 throughout Boston’s North End, as well as other locations outside of the city such as Lexington, Arlington, and Concord. In Boston, the Patriots Day Parade kicks off at 9 a.m. on April 20 at City Hall with a short flag-raising ceremony and stops at King’s Chapel Burying Ground to lay a wreath on the tomb of Major William Dawes and Granary Burying Ground to present a wreath at the grave of Paul Revere. (Various locations, Boston)
– Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe
6. Watch the Boston Marathon
Held every year on Patriots Day, the famous Boston Marathon brings 30,000 competitors to the 26-mile route from Hopkinton to the finish line on Boylston Street in Boston. This year’s race is on April 20, and you can watch and cheer on the runners from anywhere along the route. One suggestion for prime viewing is along the notoriously difficult Heartbreak Hill. (Various locations, Boston)
7. Join one of the largest Earth day cleanups in the country
If you are looking for an outdoor activity that helps the environment this Earth Day, gather with like-minded planet lovers for the great Earth Day Charles River Cleanup on April 24 at 10 a.m. and April 25 at noon. The local activity builds on a national effort of American Rivers’ National River Cleanup, which has removed over 25 million pounds of trash from America’s waterways. More than 3,000 volunteers come together each year to pick up litter, remove invasive species, and assist with park maintenance along all 80 miles of the Charles River. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, you’re encouraged to bring your own gloves, while trash bags, picker-uppers, and other cleanup materials will be supplied. Register here. (Various locations along the Charles River, Boston)
8. Enjoy a parade and Greek food
The 30th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade of Boston returns to the city
on April 26, when the streets along Boylston to Charles Street will be filled with revelry of all kinds. The parade will welcome nearly 100 registered Hellenic groups and the Presidential Guard of Greece (Evzones) — returning to Boston for the first time in 25 years — all celebrating Greek culture with traditional music, dancing, and food on the Boston Common immediately following the parade. (61 Exeter Street, Boston).
9. Celebrate Japanese culture
Japan Festival Boston takes over the historic Boston Common on April 25 and 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a full day of celebrating the beautiful culture. You’ll enjoy traditional and modern cultural performers (both local and touring), as well as cultural events, cosplay stage actors, and food vendors with bites of tasty Japanese cuisine. The first Japan Festival Boston took place in 2012, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the gift of cherry blossom trees from Tokyo to Washington D.C., and this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever. (16 Charles St., Boston)
10. Watch a runway show
Citrus & Salt is launching a free monthly Fashion Show Series called “Citrus &
Style” that will turn the restaurant into a runway with a dozen local fashions each month. April’s event, which takes place on April 29, will showcase West Roxbury boutique Top It Off from 8 to 10 p.m. There will be themed cocktails and small bite menus available for purchase, as well as a pop-up shop featuring the looks available from the show. Keep your eye out for ongoing shows, which will be scheduled on the last Wednesday of the month. (319 A St., Boston)
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