10 free things to do in April in Boston

Enjoy the city without spending a dime.

Boston Marathon runners in 2023. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff

4 minutes to read

Spring has sprung and there are plenty of activities throughout the city to enjoy our warming weather. From marathons to musicians, relaxed knitting circles to energetic parades, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy all the city has to offer as Boston blossoms. Here are 10 things to do in Boston for free this April.

1. G rab your knitting needles

On April 2, connect with fellow knitting pals during the Boston Public Market’s recently launched “Netflix and Knitting” series. Gather your yarn and needles and take a seat at one of the long wooden tables in the Market in the Hub center. A TV will be streaming Netflix’s popular shows from 4 to 6 p.m. for a cozy atmosphere of creating. (100 Hanover St., Boston)

2. Enjoy live music at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

As part of the museum’s Free First Thursdays, celebrate the arrival of spring on April 4 among the hanging nasturtiums with a romantic performance for lovers by musical couple Luminary Fabiola Mendez and Trio and Saxophonist Jonathan Suazo in the Courtyard. Museum admission is free from 3 to 9 p.m., and programs kick off at 5 p.m. (25 Evans Way, Boston)

3. 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. Shows take place between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. (1 South Market St., Boston)

Rebecca Cline Trio performs on April 11 at Long Live Roxbury

4. Indulge in some local jazz

The spotlight is on legendary Boston jazz groups during the jazz and Latin music series at Long Live Roxbury, a new craft brewery and taproom. This month’s performances include Triad on April 4, Rebecca Cline Trio on April 11, Combo Sabroso on April 18, and Teresa Ines Quartet on April 25. Presented by Feldman Geospatial, each show runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. (152 Hampden St., Boston)

5. Get artistic in an artist’s studio

Now’s your chance to delve into the world of art. On April 5, creative juices flow in a relaxed environment in the heart of the vibrant and inspiring SoWa Boston Art+Design District. All studios and galleries are also open on first Friday evenings, so stick around to view what others have created. Open to all ages and levels of art experience, all art supplies are included. Registration is required. (450 Harrison Ave. #214, Boston)

6. Experience a total eclipse (at least partially)

While NASA has revealed that Boston isn’t in the path of totality (when the entire sun is covered by the moon) for the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, we in the Hub will still be able to see a partial eclipse. Grab your solar viewing glasses (never stare directly at the eclipse or sun) from 2 to 4:40 p.m. and look into the sky for a spectacular show that only happens once every 18 months. Check out this interactive map to track the eclipse’s journey across the Earth.

7. Get hyped for good health at an expo

Whether you’re picking up your Boston Marathon number or you just want to check out the latest in fitness finds, the 128th Bank of America Boston Marathon Expo takes place this year at the Hynes Convention Center on April 12 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 13 and 14 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. (900 Boylston St., Boston)

8. Celebrate Patriots Day

Observed annually on the third Monday of April, Massachusetts’ very own holiday — Patriots Day — will be held this year on April 15 to commemorate the events that marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War. From live re-enactments of battles and Paul Revere’s ride to festive parades, the majority of events will take place from April 13-15 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 15 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, continuing to Granary Burying Ground to present a wreath at the grave of Paul Revere. (Various locations)

9. Watch the Boston Marathon

Held every year on Patriots Day, the famous Boston Marathon, taking place this year on April 15, brings 30,000 competitors to the 26-mile route from Hopkinton to the finish line on Boylston Street in Boston. Find a spot along the route to cheer on the runners, such as the notoriously difficult Heartbreak Hill. You can watch from anywhere along the route. (Various locations)

10. Plant flowers with your kids for Earth Day

Get your the little ones involved in Earth Day, taking place on April 22, with a fun flowerpot craft on April 16. Starting at 4 p.m. and sponsored by the Boston Public Library, this Earth Day craft is a perfect drop-in activity at the children’s room for decorating and planting seeds in a small flowerpot. The craft event is appropriate for ages 3 and up. (35 Harvard Ave., Hyde Park)

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