guide

Summer in Boston 2026

Last updated: 4/15/26

Boston’s hub for programming, events, and resources for your entire family to enjoy all summer long!

Major Events this Summer

FIFA World Cup™

The 2026 FIFA World Cup™ will take place from June 11th to July 19th. Seven matches will be played at Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium).

Sail Boston 26

Boston Harbor will host an international fleet of Tall Ships from July 11th through the 16th.

Boston 250

Celebrate the 250th of July 4th with Boston 250! We 're honoring our historic past and present with city-wide activations.

Grant Opportunities

Block Party Grants and Kits

Mayor Wu and the Office of Civic Organizing are offering grants of up to $750 to residents, neighbors and community groups who want to host a block party on their street. We encourage events that celebrate events this summer (e.g. World Cup).

Office of Cultural Affairs Community Building Mini-Grant

Boston-based community organizations are invited to join the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs by hosting a community building event, welcoming the general public to build connections with Boston’s vibrant cultures and communities.

Grant Virtual Information Session

Want more information about Block Party and Community Building Mini Grants? Join our virtual info session on April 22nd from 6-7pm. Click here to register!

For Businesses this Summer

Contact: Economic Opportunity and Inclusion

Showing World Cup Games

If your business typically shows sporting events on TVs, you CAN show any or all matches WITHOUT a FIFA Public Viewing License. There are regulations related to marketing & ticketing. You can optimize business hours during key games. Learn more here!

Take the Survey

As you plan events, activations, and promotions, the City wants to make sure your business feels supported. Complete our brief survey to help us understand your level of interest and how we can help you!

Attend City-hosted Office Hours

The Boston Licensing Board, Office of Nightlife Economy, and Office of Small Business host bi-weekly Office Hours to assist you with your planning related to the FIFA World Cup™.

Visiting Boston this Summer?

Click here for tourist info!

Explore Boston

Neighborhoods

Parks and Playgrounds

Public Restrooms

Boston Mural Map

Boston Public Library Branches

Food Trucks Schedule

Historic Districts

Browse, Borrow, Board

Stay Cool All Summer Long

Splash Pads Map

Find a spot for your family cool down during the summer.

Heat Safety Tips

Extreme heat can be dangerous to health, and even fatal. We want our residents and visitors to be safe during hot weather.

BCYF Pool Locations

At Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), we offer a variety of aquatics programs at our indoor pools, two outdoor pools, and beach.

Summer Programs and Activities

Summer Eats

Boston Summer Eats provides nutritious breakfast and lunch at no cost at over 100 sites across the City. All youth 18 and under are eligible. No ID or registration required.

Youth Sports

Learn where you can play sports this summer

From basketball to softball and everything in between, find a collection of youth sports opportunities in Boston here! Many opportunities are free and open for registration.

Emerald Necklace

Boston's Emerald Necklace consists of an 1,100-acre chain of nine parks linked by parkways and waterways.

Summer Programs and Events at BCYF

Boston Centers for Youth & Families offers many summer classes and programs for youth. These aren’t only a lot of fun — they also keep children active over the summer months so they are prepared for the return to school in the fall.

Parks Fitness Series

The Boston Parks Fitness Series offers free fitness programming in Boston parks. Join us for both in-person and virtual classes led by certified fitness instructors.

Parks Sports and Activities

We offer free athletic programs, clinics, and camps in neighborhood parks across the City.

Programming, Activities, and Special Events in Boston's Parks

Every year the Parks Department brings engaging programs and events to parks throughout the City of Boston. Don't miss out on these free, fun events!

Host an event in a public park!

Check out Boston Parks and Recreation's new online permitting and registration system. We are proud to offer a wide range of activities and events for the whole family!

Host a Block Party!

Block parties are one of the most delightful ways to connect neighbors, build community, and have fun! Depending on what activities you want, you may need more than one permit.

Women Bike!

Our free learn-to-ride classes are led by women and are for any Boston resident who identifies as female or gender-diverse. Each participant will gain the skills and confidence to get on a bike and keep on rolling! Bikes and helmets are provided.

BPL Outdoor Spaces

We’re expanding the critical role of Boston Public Library (BPL) branches as community resource hubs.

Historic Burying Grounds Initiative

The Historic Burying Grounds Initiative manages sixteen different burying grounds located in Boston.

OYEA Community Events Calendar

Stay connected to youth events happening across the City this summer!

Youth Summer Employment

futureBOS

Hey Boston youth! Looking for a paid job this summer? Explore our Summer 2026 Youth Jobs Catalog and apply online here!

BCYF Lifeguard Recruitment

BCYF often has positions open for lifeguards. We offer full-time year-round and seasonal positions. If you are interested in being a lifeguard at a BCYF pool you can check out available positions in the City of Boston Career Center.