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10 free things to do in Boston in March
From yoga to folk music to a St. Patrick's Day Parade, these activities don't cost a thing.
With the winter slowly departing and spring on the horizon, March is a month of decisions —do we do something outside or inside? With plenty of activities throughout the city, from talented musicians to pop-up art installations to a famous parade, you can enjoy both — all without spending a dime. Here are 10 things to do in Boston for free in March.
1. Stroll the city for art surprises
In an effort to get people out and about this winter, new artworks have been popping up all over downtown, thanks to a Canadian art initiative known as WINTERACTIVE. From big clown heads peeping out from between buildings to giant whale sculptures, the 16 displays feature interactive elements designed to brighten Boston’s downtown neighborhood during its dreariest time of the year. Produced by the Downtown Boston BID in partnership with three curatorial partners from Canada’s Québec province (EXMURO Arts Publics of Québec City; LeMonde Studio of Montréal; and Quartier des Spectacles International of Montréal), they will remain on view through April 14. (various locations throughout Boston)
2. Visit a museum
On the first and second Sunday of each month, Boston Public School students and up to three family members can enjoy free admission to six city museums and attractions. Called “BPS Sundays,” the new partnership between the city and its cultural institutions allows free admission to: the Boston Children’s Museum, Franklin Park Zoo, the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, The Museum of Science, and the New England Aquarium. (various locations throughout Boston)
3. Book a tour at the State House
That famous gold dome on Beacon Street doesn’t have to be a mystery anymore. If you’re interested in touring the Massachusetts State House, you can go it alone for a self-guided tour or enjoy a conducted tour with a member of the tours office staff or by a volunteer well-versed in the history and architectural background of the building — both versions are free of charge. Tours are given weekdays year-round from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For the DIY version, grab self-guided materials to guide you through the building and its history from the information desk in Doric Hall on the second floor. For a conducted tour, you must reserve your time and date by calling (617) 727-3676.(24 Beacon St., Boston)
4. Listen to the next generation of musicians
The Boston Public Market will host a captivating 45-minute live performance by the talented students of the renowned New England Conservatory on Mar. 9 at 11 a.m. The extraordinary musical skills blending with the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s bustling marketplace together promise a unique experience. (Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover St., Boston)
5. Calm your body with yoga
Enjoy an hour of relaxing Slow Flow Yoga in the McKim Exhibition Hall on Mar. 12 at 6 p.m. hosted by Hands to Heart Center’s Yoga 4 All. The classes are inclusive, and the pace meditative, as participants are led mindfully through a variety of poses that emphasize peace and calm. Anyone under age 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult. Organizers suggest bringing your own mat, but some will be also available for use during the class. (Boston Public Library Central Library, 230 Dartmouth St., Boston)
6. Cheer on road race runners
Cheer on the 1,750 runners of the St Patrick’s Day 5K Road Race. The long-standing race tradition (the first was run in 1940) kicks off a couple of hours before the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Mar. 17. at 11 a.m. The first 650 entrants proudly don the official long-sleeved race shirts designed by one of the race’s most famous sponsors, Southie’s own Celtic punk rock group, The Dropkick Murphys. All proceeds from the race go to support South Boston youth programs. (Edgerley Family South Boston Boys and Girls Club, 230 6th St.)
7. Attend the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
What began in 1737 as a gesture of solidarity among the city’s new Irish immigrants still keeps Southie’s street rocking in March for Boston’s famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Held this year on Mar. 17 from 1-5 p.m., the parade starts at the Broadway T station on the Red Line and will follow its normal long route again this year. Don’t forget to wear green.
8. Geek out at a Science Fiction Book Club
Adult sci-fi lovers unite at the Museum of Science for this month’s science fiction book club meeting to read and discuss “Titanium Noir” by Nick Harkaway, an entertaining futuristic whodunit. Held on Mar. 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., it’s free to join with registration. Bring your book and willingness to dive deep into the imaginary world of science fiction. (Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston)
9. Enjoy folk music from around the world
Three acclaimed musicians — violinist and erhu player Shaw Pong Liu, cello innovator Mike Block, and tabla virtuoso Sandeep Das — come together on Mar. 23 from 3 to 5 p.m. as the Soul Yatra Trio for Stringfest. Presented by the Celebrity Series of Boston, they’ll play alongside young musicians from Boston String Academy to showcase folk music from China, India, and the United States, as well as new and original works. (Salvation Army Kroc Center, 650 Dudley St., Boston)
10. Learn the life of an art curator
As part of the museum’s Author Talk series, join ICA’s Ellen Matilda Poss Director Jill Medvedow on Mar. 28 for a conversation with writer, curator, and podcaster Helen Molesworth on her new book, “Open Questions: Thirty Years of Writing about Art.” Known as a dynamic and influential voice in the art world, Molesworth dives into three decade’s worth of essays gathered from exhibition catalogs and art publications. Tickets are available online at 10 a.m. on Mar. 26 and are limited to two per person. (ICA, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston)
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