Welcome to the Top 10 Events in Massachusetts
Explore the selection of the top 10 annual events and festivals, fairs and celebrations (listed in calendar priority) across the State of Massachusetts including events in Boston, Lowell, Marshfield, Lenox and Topsfield.Boston Marathon
April
Boston, Massachusetts
The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world's most prestigious road racing events. A Boston tradition for more than 112 years, the 26 mile, 385 yard Boston Marathon has distinguished itself as the pinnacle event within the sport of road racing by virtue of its traditions, longevity and method of gaining entry into the race.
To qualify to run the Boston Marathon, entrants must run a qualifying time at a certified marathon. In 2007 more than 20000 runners completed the race.
For more information visit: www.bostonmarathon.org
Boston Harborfest
July
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Harborfest is a six-day Fourth of July Festival that showcases the colonial and maritime heritage of the cradle of the American Revolution: the historic City of Boston. Now in its 28th year, Harborfest is considered to be the largest patriotic celebration in the nation with visitors enjoying more than 200 activities during the Festival. Over 200 daily events are concentrated in Boston's historic downtown and waterfront districts, with sponsored Main Events on Boston's City Hall Plaza.
For more information visit: www.bostonharborfest.com
Fourth of July Celebration at the Hatch Shell
July
Boston, Massachusetts
Nationally known for the Boston Pops Orchestra’s Boston Fourth of July celebration, the Hatch Shell is an outdoor concert venue next to the Charles River Esplanade near downtown Boston.
The famous concert and fireworks display at the Hatch Shell is one of Boston’s most famous and popular events. The live performance by the Boston Pops Orchestra and appearances by various special guests is televised nationwide.
Attendees collect on the Oval, the lawns in front of the Hatch, or along the Charles River Esplanade, for the evening concert at 8:30pm which concludes with the fireworks at 10:30pm.
For more information visit: www.july4th.org/concert.htm
Barnstable County Fair
July
East Falmouth, Massachusetts
An annual summer tradition on Cape Cod for over 165 years, the annual Barnstable County Fair offers the best in wholesome family fun and entertainment.
More than 85,000 visitors enjoy a variety of animal shows, 4-H demonstrations, petting zoos, horticulture displays, rides, games, live music, arts & crafts, food and commercial vendors with various arts and crafts for sale. Blacksmith demonstrations, agricultural exhibits, Rockwell Amusements Midway rides and games, and main stage entertainment complete the lineup.
For more information visit: www.barnstablecountyfair.org
Lowell Folk Fest
July
Lowell, Massachusetts
The largest free folk festival in the USA, with continuous music on six outdoor stages, takes place in July in downtown Lowell. A family friendly event, the Lowell Folk Festival has presented an international array of folk music, ethnic foods, craftspeople and artisans, as well as kid’s activities to enthusiastic New England audiences every summer for over 20 years.
Lowell also hosts the Lowell Summer Music Series from the end of June to the beginning of September.
For more information visit www.lowellfolkfestival.org
Marshfield Fair
August
Marshfield, Massachusetts
More than 137 years old, and drawing more than 180,000 visitors, the Marshfield Fair offers an exciting mix of entertainment for the whole family, from agricultural and horticultural displays, exhibits and demonstrations, to the family midway and music events.
Highlights of the fair include the demolition derby and tractor pulls.
For more information visit: www.marshfieldfair.org
Tanglewood Jazz Fest
August
Lenox, Massachusetts
The Tanglewood Jazz Festival is held on Labor Day weekend at Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Artists who have appeared in the past include Miles Davis, Diana Krall, Wynton Marsalis, Natalie Cole, Ahmad Jamal, Donal Fox, Nancy Wilson, Roy Haynes, Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Smith, Freddie Hubbard, Ray Charles, Hiromi, and many more.
For more information visit: www.tanglewoodjazzfestival.org
Topsfield Fair
October
Topsfield, Massachusetts
America’s oldest agriculture fair, the Topsfield Fair began 186 years ago when a group of local farmers met to further the interests of the agricultural community of Essex County. Today the fair offers everything from livestock to Midway, opening parade and sand sculpture. Highlights of the fair include the opening parade, Giant Pumpkin Contest, Robinson’s Racing Pigs, the Bee Building and the Rabbit Barn.
For more information visit: www.topsfieldfair.org
Head of the Charles Regatta
October
Boston, Massachusetts
The world's largest two-day rowing event, Head Of The Charles Regatta was first held in 1965. "Head" races, a class of regattas, are generally three-miles-long boat races the winners of which are awarded the honorary title of "Head Of The Charles."
Today, more than 7,500 athletes from around the world compete in 55 different race events. The Regatta now attracts up to 300,000 spectators during the October weekend.
For more information visit: www.hocr.org
First Night
December 31
Boston, Massachusetts
First night Boston is the largest New Year''s Eve event in North America. Celebrating the arts and showcasing Boston's cultural and artistic communities through over 250 exhibitions and performances by both local and internationally recognized artists, activities start at 1pm and run to midnight.
Highlights of the festivities include the Boston Pops Symphony Hall concert broadcast live on video screens on City Hall Plaza, and the fireworks display over the harbor.
Admission to all activities is with a $20 First Night button.
For more information visit: www.firstnight.org
