Boston Events

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Events

First Night Boston © Susan Cole Kelley

First Night Boston

The oldest and largest New Year's Eve celebration in the country, First Night Boston features performances and entertainment at over 40 indoor and outdoor venues throughout the city. Highlights include ice sculptures, glittering fireworks displays, a Family Festival and the First Night Grand Procession, as well as a variety of theatre, dance, music, film and storytelling.

Venue: Various
Date: 31 December
Time: 1pm to midnight
Website: www.firstnight.org

Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon Boat Festival

Apart from an energetic and rhythmic display of dragon boat racing, the festival taking place along the banks of the Charles River features traditional Chinese arts and crafts, Dragon dancing, Asian food, martial arts demonstrations and drumming.

Venue: Charles River
Date: 8 June 2008
Website: www.bostondragonboat.org

Boston Harborfest

The six-day Boston Harborfest celebrates the nation’s independence and the maritime and colonial heritage that is part of Boston’s history. There are over 200 events, including re-enactments, concerts, historic walking tours, and parties, climaxing with the 4th of July orchestra and fireworks display over the Charles River. Main events include the Opening Ceremony, the Chowderfest and Children’s Day. The festival is thought to be the largest celebration of patriotism in the country.

Venue: Historic downtown and waterfront districts, and City Hall Plaza
Date: 1 July to 6 July 2008
Website: www.bostonharborfest.com

St Patrick’s Day

Boston boasts a long-standing Irish culture with Irish pubs a-plenty, and St Patrick's Day is a significant event in the city, featuring one of the biggest parties in America. It was here that the first St Patrick's Day was celebrated in 1737, and today green-clad families gather to enjoy the high-spirited celebrations. This year's parade is the 106th and features marching bands and pipe bands, and plenty of traditional costumes. The event takes place the day after St. Patrick's Day.

Venue: South Boston
Date: March 2009, TBC
Time: 1pm
Website: www.saintpatricksdayparade.com/boston/boston.htm

Boston Marathon

The oldest marathon in the world, and ranked as one of the most celebrated road racing events, the marathon sees 20,000 runners take to the streets of Boston every year. Entry is by qualification - would-be runners must complete a certified marathon in a qualifying time determined by age.

Date: 20 April 2009
Time: 12/12.30pm
Website: www.bostonmarathon.com