10 Things to Do in Boston in June

Visiting Boston during the month of June is one of the best options due to the ideal weather between spring and summer, not to mention the great amount of activities in the city.

Verónica Álvarez

Verónica Álvarez

9 min read

10 Things to Do in Boston in June

Boston | ©Kristine Stephenson

After Boston's harsh winter, there's nothing better than enjoying the outdoor attractions available in June. From strolls along the Charles River to gay pride month festivities, there is something for everyone. Everything there is to do and see in Boston throughout the year is enhanced in the month of June.

Join me as I tell you in this article what are the best things to see and do in Boston during the month of June. I'll also give you some money-saving tips on the top activities so you can make the most of your visit to the city this month.

1. Be amazed with the Dragon Boat Festival in Boston

Boston Dragon Boat Festival| ©Julian
Boston Dragon Boat Festival| ©Julian

You can celebrate the annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival during the month of June in Boston. It is a festival in which a race is held in dragon-shaped boats, decorated and painted in bright colors in Hong Kong style.

About 50 teams of rowers from all over New England and other parts of the United States participate in this event, racing down the Charles River between JFK Street and Western Avenue.

In addition to the dragon boat race, you can enjoy the cultural programs that accompany this event every year. There are interesting theatrical performances, art and craft demonstrations.

You can also indulge in the tasty Asian food sold at the stalls during this event. This is the oldest Dragon Boat Festival in the United States and one of the oldest in the West.

It is important to note that all programs at this event are free and suitable for the whole family. Also included are Chinese dragon and lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, dance, music and much more.

Practical Information

  • Where: On the banks of the Charles River in Boston.
  • When: dates change from year to year, so keep an eye on the event's website.
  • Price: free

2. Attend one of the Boston Gay Pride Month events

Pride Parade in Boston| ©Leslee_atFlickr
Pride Parade in Boston| ©Leslee_atFlickr

Boston is one of the cities in the United States where gay pride month is celebrated with more impetus. Throughout the month of June, there are different cultural activities, such as movies, theater, parades and concerts.

There are also special dining events during Boston Gay Pride Month that are really worthwhile. After dinner, the fun doesn't stop, as many venues offer special dances.

Boston Gay Pride month activities are varied and there is something for everyone, for those who prefer the wildness of the nightlife and also for those who opt for quieter activities.

3. Take part in the Juneteenth commemorations in Boston

Juneteenth in Boston| ©Dtrain891
Juneteenth in Boston| ©Dtrain891

The month of June is the most important month for people of African descent throughout the United States. June 19th is celebrated and commemorated in the United States as the anniversary of an important event, when enslaved people in parts of Texas learned of their liberation in 1865.

Juneteenth, as this annual event is called, is celebrated in Boston and across the United States in a festive and exciting way.

Events throughout the month of June that accompany the Juneteenth festivities include delicious food, art shows, music concerts, dancing and above all the remembrance of the history of slavery and freedom.

You can check out Juneteenth' s calendar of events to see what special activities you'd like to participate in.

If you'd like to learn more about these events check out this special Juneteenth program.

4. Participate in Bunker Hill Day celebrations and attend the parade

Bunker Hill Memorial| ©Viator
Bunker Hill Memorial| ©Viator

Bunker Hill Day is one of Boston's official holidays and is celebrated annually around June 17. There are also some activities before and after that date, depending on the celebration's annual calendar of events.

Bunker Hill Day is the anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, also known as the Battle of Breed's Hill. This important battle, which took place on June 17, 1775, was part of the Siege of Boston, which took place during the American Revolutionary War.

The Battle of Bunker Hill is considered the first major battle of the American Revolution.

The famous Bunker Hill Day Parade is part of the city's culture and has been a tradition since 1786. It is an event awaited by all and, above all, it is one of the best activities to do with children in Boston.

The little ones love to see the participants, of all ages, dressed in period costumes, spreading their joy to all participants.

You can learn all the details of the Bunker Hill Parade on the official page of the event on Facebook.

5. One of Boston's most iconic activities, a cruise on the Charles River

Charles River Cruise| ©Brooks Payne
Charles River Cruise| ©Brooks Payne

June in Boston is one of the best months for outdoor activities, thanks to its wonderful weather. One of the things you can't miss is a cruise on the Charles River.

There are different companies that organize cruises on the Charles River at very affordable prices and in strict compliance with all safety standards.

The great advantage of taking a cruise on the Charles River in June is that the weather is warm, but not stifling and the sun is not as harmful as in the middle of summer, so you can enjoy the ride more relaxed.

There are several options for Charles River cruises and you are sure to find one that suits your tastes.

Book your cruise in Boston

6. Enjoy the start of summer in the city at the Boston Harbor Hotel

Summer in Boston| ©Harry Lipson III
Summer in Boston| ©Harry Lipson III

During the month of June, you will have the chance to enjoy live music, dancing and movies under the moonlight at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Each night's schedule includes a specific and different genre of music. Also, once a week, a fun line-up of movies is shown - all of this entertainment is free!

In addition, those who participate in these shows can order food and drinks at the hotel's restaurant and outdoor bar. These activities are much appreciated by Bostonians and also by dozens of tourists who join them to enjoy these free outdoor events.

Practical Information

  • Where: Boston Harbor Hotel, on Rowes Wharf
  • When: all month of June.
  • Price: depends on the event you attend

7. Join another of Boston's favorite parades: the June Day Parade

Boston Military Parade| ©Richard Lee
Boston Military Parade| ©Richard Lee

During the month of June, the city of Boston is full of special parades, if you are in the city at this time take advantage of them and attend, you will not regret it. Every year, at the beginning of June, the largest military parade on the east coast of the United States takes place. This ceremony has been an annual tradition since 1638.

Some of the participants in the June Day Parade include the National Guard, the USS Constitution, the United States Navy, the Ancient and Honorable Artillery, the Washington Light Infantry and many, many other historic military organizations. This parade is free and open to the public.

If you want to learn more about the historical events that marked the city of Boston and its surroundings you can book one of the tours focused on the history of the city.

Book a historical tour of the city of Boston

8. Participate in the Feast of St. Peter

Greasy Pole Contest| ©Leon LEE
Greasy Pole Contest| ©Leon LEE

About 45 minutes north of Boston, in the coastal town of Gloucester, the Feast of St. Peter is celebrated at the end of June.

This festival is a long-standing tradition in honor of the patron saint of fishermen, St. Peter. You can go by train for a price of about 11 euros per person, departing from Boston North Station.

During the Feast of St. Peter, visitors will be able to enjoy musical concerts, parades, rides, games and the famous Greasy Pole Contest, a favorite event of the regular participants of the celebration.

The Greasy Pole Contest consists of a competition in which men dress up in outlandish costumes and try to be the first to grab a flag at the end of a very slippery pole.

The brave winners go down in the local history books as legends and the best part of the contest is that they get free drinks all night.

9. The Beacon Hill Art Walk one of the best June activities in Boston

At the Beacon Hill Art Walk| ©Natalie Gale
At the Beacon Hill Art Walk| ©Natalie Gale

The Beacon Hill Art Walk takes place during the first Sunday in June every year, from noon to 6pm.

During this day, Beacon Hill residents open their private gardens and courtyards to allow artists to exhibit and sell their work.

This is an excellent opportunity for visitors to tour Beacon Hill's private venues while viewing original handmade artwork.

It is estimated that thousands of people attend each year. This is a popular, free event with a festive atmosphere and family-friendly performances by volunteer musicians who play in various gardens throughout the day. There are usually about 100 performers, with a wide variety of styles.

The Beacon Hill Art Walk is an event not to be missed, you will love it if you are a fan of the visual arts.

Practical information about the Beacon Hill Art Walk

  • Where: all around the north side of Beacon Hill.
  • When: first Sunday in June.
  • Price: free

10. Tour the city's parks

On the Rose Kennedy Greenway| ©Andrew Nash
On the Rose Kennedy Greenway| ©Andrew Nash

Boston is a city that has many green spaces to enjoy. Due to its extreme weather during the winter months, Bostonians cannot enjoy them much during the colder months.

For this reason, many of the city's residents choose the month of June to stroll through the city's parks and squares, enjoying the beautiful variety of flowers and trees in all their splendor.

You can take advantage of this time to get to know the city well and do some of the 10 best things to do in spring in Boston.

Temperatures in Boston during the month of June

Evening in Boston| ©Kristine Stephenson
Evening in Boston| ©Kristine Stephenson

In June, the first heat of summer begins, however, for much of the month it can be quite windy and humid, especially in the first few weeks.

Temperatures hover around 24 degrees Celsius, but drop drastically at night to 16 to 18 degrees Celsius.

Be aware that rain showers may occur so it is advisable to pack rainy day clothes in your suitcases.

The tourist flow in Boston in June

Beacon Hill| ©Javi D
Beacon Hill| ©Javi D

As the weather improves, the city begins to gain more foreign tourists. In the month of June, due to the large number of historical and patriotic events, Boston and its surroundings are destinations for many domestic tourists as well.

For these reasons it is convenient that, when planning your travel itinerary, you buy and reserve online the tickets to the attractions you plan to visit to ensure your place. It is also a good idea to book excursions from Boston to nearby places of interest in advance to guarantee your place.

Are prices in Boston in June too high?

Money in Euros| ©Pixabay
Money in Euros| ©Pixabay

In high season it is common for prices to increase a bit, both in stores, hotels and services in general.

A good way to save a lot of money during the month of June is to buy one of the Boston tourist passes that offer free admission to many attractions and also important discounts in stores, restaurants and transportation.

Buy your Boston Tourist Card

What to pack for your visit to Boston in June

Packing your luggage| ©Marissa Grootes
Packing your luggage| ©Marissa Grootes

When you are packing your bags remember to pack them:

  • Swimsuit, the weather is warmer, maybe you can go to the beach or enjoy the pool at your hotel.
  • Light and comfortable clothes to be able to walk around the city comfortably.
  • Comfortable shoes because you will surely walk a lot.
  • Hat, to protect you from the sun during your walks.
  • Sunscreen, it is essential if you are going to do outdoor activities.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Coat for the night because it tends to get quite cool when the sun goes down.
  • Slightlymore formal clothes in case you go to a concert or show at night.