Events

10 free things to do in Boston in October

These celebrations, festivals, and museum events don't cost a thing.

Crew teams trained against the Boston city skyline on the Charles River in preparation for the 2022 Head of the Charles Regatta. Photo by Maddie Meyer / Getty Images

By Cheryl Fenton

4 minutes to read

Whether you’re strolling in search of a Halloween scare or peeping the changing foliage, there are plenty of ways to dive head first into fall in Boston. You can sip on cider, pack in some outdoor music before the cold weather hits, spend time with your pooch, and appreciate the arts, all without shelling out a dime. Here are 10 things to do in Boston for free this October.

1. Check out a public art installation

“Whale Song,” a new public art installation that pays homage to the majestic sea animals, recently opened in Boston’s Central Wharf Park. The new public art installation by artist Jean-Marie Appriou is crafted from molded driftwood and old railroad ties and cast in aluminum. The three sculptures, “Hommage,” “A Long Journey,” and “The Gate of the Whales,” represent the historical, mythological, and future ways that whales impact our lives. (Central Wharf Park, 248 Atlantic Ave., Boston)

2. Visit New England’s largest free contemporary art space

Now known as the MassArt Museum, MassArt’s Bakalar and Paine Galleries were recently reimagined with thousands more feet of space for paintings, photography, sculptures, installations, and performance art. In addition to viewing exhibits, on Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. guests enjoy a half-hour long ceremonial activation of Katie Paterson’s artwork, “To Burn, Forest, Fire,” which burns incense that evokes the scents of the Earth’s earliest forest and the imagined aroma of its last. (621 Huntington Ave., Boston)

3. Say ‘I do’ to a bridal expo

Have a big day coming in 2024? Whether you’re just starting the planning or you’ve already made a few decisions, discover all things wedding, honeymoon, and home on display at the Great Bridal Expo on Oct. 6 from noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy giveaways, prizes, live orchestra, and DJs, and sample catering options while exploring aisle after aisle of exhibits. (Westin Boston Seaport District, 425 Summer St., Boston)

4. Celebrate Indigenous People Day

Honor Indigenous American peoples and commemorate their histories and cultures on Oct. 14 with free access to museums around Boston. The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), whose collection of Native American artworks is one of its hidden treasures, is offering free admission and special events during an open house that day, while the Institute for Contemporary Arts (ICA) also offers free admission to view its galleries. (Various locations around Boston)

“Whale Song,” a new public art installation in Boston’s Central Wharf Park.

5. Watch teams row, row, row their boats

Consider the Head Of The Charles Regatta as a who’s who of rowing. Held this year Oct. 18-20, the world’s best crew teams challenge each other to the ultimate rowing competition on the Charles River. Grab a spot early between the Anderson and Weeks bridges, the halfway point of the race, for the best views. Between competitions, which run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., stroll the Weld Exhibition for delicious local flavors, free samples, and official Regatta programs and merchandise. (Charles River, Boston)

6. Bring your pooch to a spooky dog park

Dress up your pets in their cutest costumes for a spooktacular day at the park on Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. There will be a pet costume contest parade (complete with pawsome prizes), dog-friendly pumpkin spice lattes, and shopping from local pet friendly vendors. (Peter’s Park Dog Park, 1205 Washington St., Boston)

7. Bring the family out for Halloween fun

The LOT’s Halloweenfest is back with family-friendly fun on Oct. 26 from 2 to 8 p.m. Celebrating the holiday and fall season, kids can dress up in their costumes to carve or paint pumpkins and participate in Halloween-themed activities. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, while games, activities, and entry are free of charge. The rain date is Oct. 27. (383 Dorchester Ave., Boston)

8. Dive into your favorite book genre

Honoring the power of the written word, the Boston Book Festival culminates a year-long schedule of events with its 16th annual festival. Held in partnership with GBH on Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the event promotes a culture of reading and hosts several authors discussing their chosen genres, including mystery, fiction, non-fiction, art history, young adult, and science and society. (Copley Square, Boston)

9. Enjoy Halloween at the Pru

Every year, over 50 stores and restaurants at the Prudential Center sponsor Pru Boo. Dress the kiddos in their cutest Halloween outfits and enjoy trick-or-treating, face painting, magic shows, pumpkin decorating, live musical performances, and more on Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities are free and participants are encouraged to use the $5 donation Prudential Center trick or treat bag. All proceeds go to a non-profit partner. (Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St., Boston)

10. Listen to live music by the water with your pet

Yappy Hour @ The Anchor returns to the popular open-air and pet-friendly courtyard patio in Charlestown. A collab with Red Dog Resort and Spa and Charlestown Dogs, the festivities take place on Oct. 30 from 4 to 7 p.m. Bring your furry friend to enjoy live music, views of Boston from the Charlestown Naval Yard, live music, free swag, treats, and giveaways, along with food and drink for purchase. (1 Shipyard Park, Boston)

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