Events

10 free things to do in Boston in September

These concerts, workouts, and museum events don't cost a thing.

The Anchor
The Anchor in Charlestown offers free outdoor salsa and bachata classes and dancing by the waterfront every Monday night. The Anchor

By Cheryl Fenton

4 minutes to read

With summer winding down and fall around the corner, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy all the city has to offer. From outdoor workouts to salsa lessons, appreciating art to playing mini golf with a historical twist, there are plenty of activities to experience without shelling out a dime. Here are 10 things to do in Boston for free this September.

1. Stroll and play at The Lawn on D

While the beloved swings will be sorely missed, there’s still plenty of love for South Boston hot spot The Lawn on D. Stroll under the new The Kaleidoscope Garden (a light garden of immersive sky of firefly-like glowing discs) or the Urban Grove (a canopy of reflective and mirrored leaves and color-changing lights) or hit up the bocce or pickleball courts, corn hole, ping pong, or giant Jenga for a quick first come, first served game. (420 D St., Boston)

2. Try for a historical hole in one

Every day through the end of October, you can putt putt your way through history at the USS Constitution-themed nine-hole miniature golf course in the Navy Yard. Test your skills and your knowledge of the ship and Boston trivia at each hole. The mini golf course is open 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weather permitting. (USS Constitution Museum & Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown)

3. Spend Labor Day at a museum

Art lovers of all ages are granted free admission to the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) on Labor Day, Sept. 2. Explore the museum’s extensive array of contemporary gallery exhibits and contribute your own drawing to a collaborative art project. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and free advanced tickets are required. (25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston)

4. Salsa the night away

The Anchor, Charlestown Navy Yard’s open-air destination, offers free outdoor salsa and bachata classes and dancing by the waterfront every Monday night through the month, beginning on Sept. 2. Sabor Latino Boston, Salsa y Control, and DJ Hernan come together to host Saborcito at The Anchor, a dance class-meets-party set on the beautiful courtyard patio complete with comfortable lounge seating, free standing tables, and views of Boston. Come anywhere from 6 to 9 p.m., but if you need a little instruction, the free salsa lessons begin at 6 p.m. (1 Shipyard Park, Charlestown)

5. Glimpse into an artist’s world

Come explore the four floors of the Artist Studios Building during its open studio times from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 6 and meet the artists currently in the BCA Studio Residency. See the space where they create and learn more about their artistic practices from the artists themselves. On the same night in the Mills Gallery, you can also pop in for the opening reception of J Rowen O’Dwyer’s “DEVOTIONS, to a dirty queer home” and Kate Wildman’s “prayers from the earth” from 6 to 9 p.m. (Artist Studio Building at BCA, 551 Tremont St., Boston)

6. Support local artists at the Boston Arts Festival

Holding court Sept. 7-8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Boston Arts Festival showcases the visual and performing arts in Boston. Run by the organizers of the Beacon Hill Art Walk and Artists Crossing Gallery, the event launches Boston’s Arts Open Studios season featuring more than 70 juried local visual artists, craftspeople, and local musicians performing on the waterfront stage throughout the day. See (and shop, if you please) a wide variety of art and high-end craft work, including paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, and more. (Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, 100 Atlantic Ave., Boston)

7. Sip and stretch on the Harborwalk

Enjoy a relaxing morning of yoga and refreshments near Fort Point Channel on Sept. 8 and 21 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. All levels of experience are welcome, as instructor Britney guides you through a 45-minute gentle slow flow practice, with a backdrop of the peaceful waterfront. Following the session, enjoy hot or iced locally hand-blended and sourced teas presented by Alexis Jones of The Té Spa. (Martin’s Park, 64 Sleeper St., Boston)

8. Listen to a beloved radio host read her children’s book

Celebrate the tail end of summer with mother-daughter duo Candy O’Terry from Magic 106.7 and Colleen Esposito on Sept. 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. The co-authors of the illustrated children’s book “Nelson’s Garden” will take you through a story that’s all about growing both gardens and friendships. Book readings are at 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. and will include songs, a table-sized garden mural coloring project, and more. (Leventritt Pavilion, The Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway, Boston)

Buddhist Art Gallery at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, on May 9, 2024. * Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

9. Appreciate Japanese art at a renowned museum

Enjoy free admission to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston on Sept. 14, thanks to Japanese casual wear brand UNIQLO. Enjoy a visit to the newly reopened Arts of Japan galleries or take a MFA gallery tour from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can also participate in art-making activities, such as creating a miniature subtractive sculpture inspired by Japanese netsuke from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (465 Huntington Ave., Boston)

10. Brush up on the history of Boston

Join author Daniel Dain and photographer Peter Vanderwarker on Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. as they discuss their new book, “A History of Boston.” As part of the Boston Public Library’s author talk series, they will act as your tour guide through the history of the city and discuss what lessons can be learned for the challenges of a modern city today. (Boston Public Library’s Central Library in Copley Square, 700 Boylston St., Boston) 

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