What to do in Boston this weekend (Aug 22 - 24)

Also, if you have an event, new attraction, new hotel, or restaurant opening you’d like me to cover, don’t hesitate to contact me.

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Dorchester Food Co-Op is in danger of closing. The community- and worker-owned grocery store is running out of funds and needs urgent help. To keep the store going, consider shopping, donating, ordering bulk, ordering catering, or spreading the word. (Boston Restaurant Talk)

Angelina is coming to Boston. The NYC-based eatery is setting up shop in the former Bank of America on the corner of Mass Ave and Boylston at the edge of Back Bay and Fenway. The menu features Asian and Italian-inspired dishes, including sandwiches, pizza, pasta, gelato, and more. (Boston Restaurant Talk).

The Air Canada strike is over, but the cleanup is just starting. Thousands of flights were grounded over a three-day period after flight attendants walked off the job at Air Canada over a labor dispute. While flight attendants have returned to work following a tentative agreement, officials believe it will take 7-10 days for flight schedules to stabilize. (Afar)

A “steep drop” in airfares is predicted for Labor Day. New data from Points Path shows domestic fares are currently down 7.44% from 2024, while international flights have dropped 8.44%. Flying international first class? These fares are currently down 23%. This could mean cheaper-than-anticipated flights during the holiday season. (The Points Guy)

TSA has partnered with Clear ahead of the 2026 World Cup. E-gates are being introduced at airports nationwide to expedite the airport security process. There are already e-gates at six airports (San Francisco, Oklahoma City, Greenville-Spartanburg, Atlanta, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National) that help clear passengers through the physical portion of security. (The Points Guy)

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Everything here is happening this weekend only. Scroll down for recurring events every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Boston. For more ideas of what to do, check my Boston Guide.

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Relive the magic of Chinatown movie theatres with the 19th Annual Films At The Gates film festival, a three-day, bilingual film festival running from Friday, August 22, through Sunday, August 24, from 5:30 to 10 pm at The Chinatown Gate (John F Fitzgerald/Beach St, Boston, MA 02111). This is a free event.

All month: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is once again sponsoring free Bluebike credits across the Greater Boston Area (including Salem!) in celebration of National Wellness Month. You can redeem a free $31 Bluebikes credit by entering the code BLUECROSSMARIDE in the “Rewards” section of the Bluebikes app.

Step back in time with an Old School Dance Party in City Hall Plaza (1 City Hall Square, Boston, MA) on Friday, August 22, from 5 to 9 pm. This is a free event, with food and drink available for purchase thanks to on-site food trucks.

Celebrate New England’s summer harvest with Summer’s Bounty Fest at Boston Public Market on Friday, August 22, at Boston Public Market (100 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02108) from 10 am until 7 pm. The lineup of events includes free face painting, Strawberry Peach Matcha Tasting at George Howell, and the Hop-Up Beer Garden series on the patio, which will be serving up free samples of hard cider from Red Apple Farm, Whalers Brewing Company, and Dirigible Brewing Company.

Slip into the weekend with good vibes and great music with The Listening Room @ The Substation (4228 Washington St, Boston, MA 02131) on Friday, August 22, from 7:30 to 11 pm. DJ Lola Vera closes out her summer residency with a partner DJ performer at this free listening event. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

new recurring: Ease into the weekend with a Friday Yoga Flow for all levels at Boston Public Library Honan-Allston Branch (300 N Harvard St, Allston, MA 02134) every Friday through September 19 from 3 to 4 pm. This event is free, but registration is required as each class is customized to participants’ preferences. Yoga mats, blocks, and straps will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Celebrate Ukraine’s rich culture and heritage at the Ukrainian Independence Day Festival on Saturday, August 23, from 12 to 5 pm at City Hall Plaza (1 City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA 02203). In addition to the annual flag-raising ceremony, the festival will feature music, dancing, Ukrainian cuisine, and more. This event is free and open to the public.

We Make Noise Boston is throwing the We Make Noise Fest 2025 on Saturday, August 23, from 11 am to 8 pm in Downtown Crossing (Washington St + Summer St, Boston, MA 02108). The festival will feature local musicians and DJs, an art show, digital interactions, and local vendors from Boston Women’s Market. This event is free and open to the public, with food and drink available for purchase.

Tea lovers can immerse themselves in the aromas, tastes, and culture of their favorite drink at the North East Tea Festival on Saturday, August 23, from 10 am to 5 pm at Arts at the Armory (191 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02143). Tickets for General Admission are $15 pre-sale, $30 at the door, and include a porcelain tasting cup as well as a canvas tote bag filled with tea samples.

Shop LGBTQ+-owned businesses at the Wicked Local Wares Pride Market on Saturday, August 23, at Time Out Market Boston (401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215).

Enjoy a Car-Free Newbury Street this Sunday, August 20, from 10 am to 8 pm.

As part of the car-free Newbury Street, Trident Booksellers & Cafe (338 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115) is hosting its first outdoor Book Swap on Open Newbury on Sunday, August 24, from 12 pm to 3 pm. Swap tables will be located in front of the cafe, and there will be paper on hand for you to write down why you’re recommending the books you brought to swap. Note: There is a 3-book limit. All leftover books will be donated to Women’s Lunch Place.

End the weekend with a Candlelight Yoga Flow under the disco ball in Upstairs at Bow (1 Bow Market Way, Somerville, MA 02143) on Sunday, August 24, from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. Classes are $15. Please bring your own yoga mat.

Find balance before the start of a new week with a Reiki Sound Bath at Blissful Monkey Yoga Studio (663 Centre St, Boston, MA 02130) on Sunday, August 24, from 3 to 4 pm. Classes are $30.

In honor of Ukrainian Independence Day, the St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Church (24 Orchard Hill Rd, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130) is showing Voices from Ukraine: Stories of War and Hope on Sunday, August 24, from 7 to 8:30 pm. This musical theater production features five young Ukrainian actors who will bring to life the stories of Ukrainian children of war. Tickets are free, but a donation is requested. All proceeds will directly support Common Man for Ukraine’s humanitarian efforts, which include delivering food, warmth, and trauma counseling services to Ukrainian youth.

As a reminder, the Commuter Rail has $10 weekend passes, which give the ticket holder unlimited travel on Saturday and Sunday. The pass is activated during your first trip on Saturday and remains active until Sunday night.

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Taste your way through Back Bay with a Back Bay Evening Chocolate Tour. For $55, take a guided walking + tasting tour of one of Boston’s most beautiful neighborhoods while learning about Back Bay’s historical and architectural significance. Plus, enjoy tastings at four different locations where you’ll sample hot chocolate, cookies, cupcakes, and cake from Back Bay’s most iconic establishments.

Learn the real history of Salem with a Salem Witch Tour from Boston: History, Hysteria, & Handcrafted Brooms. These guided tours begin at Boston’s North Station and take you through the streets and history of Salem before ending in a private broom-making workshop (including a custom spell). Tickets are $149 - $159 and include a round-trip train ticket, broom-making class materials, spell satchel, and guided walking tour of Salem.

You can find a full rundown of recurring walking tours, food tours, bus tours, and trolley tours of Boston in my Beginner’s Guide to Boston.

Start your weekend with a dose of wellness at The Hidden Art Gallery (25 Myrtle Street) in Beacon Hill, which hosts weekly Explore Meditation with Watercolor classes. Held every Friday from 3 pm - 6 pm, learn the basics of meditation while intuitively creating with watercolor. Classes are $55.

Surround yourself with skyline views during a Saturday Community Yoga session at Rooftop@Revere, on top of Revere Hotel Boston Common (200 Stuart St, Boston, MA 02116), every Saturday from 10 - 11 am. Tickets are $10 and include a post-session smoothie.

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to navigate Boston by bicycle but have been too intimidated to start, join a Weekend In-And-Back Guided Ride with A Better City TMA. On Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm this spring and summer, join a free, three-hour bicycle ride from one of the many bike paths outside the city (meeting location disclosed upon sign up) and traverse the Urban Loop through downtown before returning to the start location.

If you need a weekend pick-me-up, come to The Moxy Boston Downtown (240 Tremont St, Boston 02116) for Rooftop Yoga on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 - 10 am. Led by Julianne Maquire (Saturday) and Claire Metrick (Sunday) from YogaHub, you’ll flow through a dynamic vinyasa yoga experience, expending energizing movement with breath and community. Tickets are $25.

Reconnect with your ability to digest and rest during a Sound Bath Meditation with Ramon of Ib and Flow (247 Walnut St, Brookline, 02445). Sessions ($50) are held every Sunday.

Wind down from the weekend and prepare for the week ahead with a Grounding Meditation session every Sunday from 5 - 6 pm at Blissful Monkey Yoga Studio (663 Centre Street, Boston, 02130) in Jamaica Plain. Led by Licensed Mental Health Counselor Brennan Mallonnee, you will be guided through techniques on how to calm stress responses and practice trauma-informed grounding techniques for anxiety. Tickets are $20. Yoga mats, cushions, and blankets are available, but you can bring your own.

If you’re trying to bring balance into your life this year, start your Sunday brunch with a gentle yoga flow with Brewery Yoga at Lamplighter CX. The class is held every Sunday from 12:30 - 1:30 pm at Lamplighter Brewing Co.’s CX location (110 North First Street, Cambridge, 02141) in their upstairs taproom. Tickets are $25 and include a beer token or a complimentary non-alcoholic drink.

If you’re new to oysters or want a fun way to spend a sunset this summer, don’t skip Shucking oysters by Boston Harbor with EBO Oysters + EBO Grocery-owner Alex Cervasio. Tickets are $65 and include a hands-on workshop on how to shuck oysters right on a dock in East Boston, fresh oysters, and a shucking knife you’ll get to take home.

Whether you already love screenprinting or are completely new to this printing method, DARK MODE hosts DIY Screenprinting workshops at their storefront in Bow Market (1 Bow Market Way, #24) in Somerville on Friday (7 pm) and Saturday (6 pm and 7 pm) nights. Tickets are $45, including t-shirts.

DARK MODE also hosts Candle Making and Intention Setting Workshops every Thursday at 7 pm in their storefront at Bow Market in Somerville. Tickets are $50.

Spend your Friday learning to make classic Italian cuisine with Self Up Cooking Classes (19 Kingston St) in Downtown Crossing from 6 pm - 9 pm. Every week, they host an Italian Dinner with Tiramisu Finale cooking class and dinner experience, where you can learn how to make a three-course meal, including a luscious tiramisu for dessert. Tickets are $100 and include all ingredients.

New to natural wines? Don’t miss the free wine tastings at Petrova Chocolates (61 Salem Street, Boston, MA) in the North End every Friday (3 - 7 pm) and Saturday (12 - 3). Each week, they open bottles of Eastern European natural wines from countries like Georgia, Bulgaria, and Greece.

Love Child hosts free wine tastings every Friday from 5 pm to 7 pm and Saturday from 12 pm to 3 pm at their South Boston location (364 West Broadway, Boston, MA). These tastings are free and require no reservations.

Whether you’re looking to get to know new beers or just have a happy hour to kick off the weekend, come out for Hop-Up Series: Local Brewery Tastings at Boston Public Market (100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02108) on Fridays from 5 - 7 pm. This free tasting features a rotating lineup of breweries, including Frost Beer Works (August 8) and a patio beer garden featuring Dirigible Brewing Company and Red Apple Farm's hard cider (August 22).

Coffee lovers, this one is for you. Every Friday at 10 am, Counter Culture Coffee (374 Somerville Ave) in Somerville opens their Training Center for free coffee tastings. Anyone can learn and connect over perfectly brewed, high-quality, sustainable coffee.

Come to DeLuca’s Market Wine Cellar (11 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114) in Beacon Hill for a free wine tasting every Friday from 4 - 7 pm. Every week, resident wine expert Donovan handpicks a mix of familiar favorites and bottles from up-and-coming vineyards or hard-to-find vintages to share among participants. No ticket is required.

Every Friday at 6:30 pm, GrandTen Distilling (383 Dorchester Ave) in South Boston holds Friday Night Flights: a chance to get to know their full line-up of spirits (plus special limited-run bottles not available elsewhere) at an intimate tasting. Tickets are $25, and seating is limited (10 max).

On Saturdays, Boston Harbor Distillery (12R Ericsson St, Boston, 02122) leads VIP tours ($50) and barrel-side tastings of their spirits ($20).

Come to The Urban Grape (303 Columbus Ave) in the South End on Saturday for The After Brunch, between 2 pm and 5 pm, for their weekly free wine tasting.

Shop local artisans every Thursday and Friday at the Downtown Boston Arts Market. Located in Downtown Crossing (8 Summer St, Boston, MA 02110) between Macy’s and Roche Brothers, this outdoor market will recur weekly from 11 am until 5 pm until October 24.

The Boston Open Market returns to Boylston Street, between Arlington and Charles (across from the Boston Public Library), every Saturday through October from 12 to 5 pm.

Alongside the Boston Waterfront, shop over 50 vendors at the Greenway Artisan Market on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Beginning May 3, the market will be held every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and every Saturday and Sunday beginning June 1.

Jamaica Plain holds its weekly Farmers Market every Saturday from 12 pm to 3 pm year-round in the Bank of America parking lot (677 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, 02130).

The Unique Square Farmers Market returns for their 21st season in Somerville’s Union Square Plaza (66-70 Union Square Plaza, Somerville, MA 02143) every Saturday through October 25 (except Sept 20).

One of Boston’s largest open-air markets, SoWa Open Market (500 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA), is held every Sunday from 11 am - 5 pm until October 26. Stop by to shop with various regional and local vendors, including food and beverage trucks.

Shop the Seaport Summer Market (88 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02210) every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm. Like the winter market, the summer market is filled with unique vendors selling a wide range of items, from original artwork to pet supplies. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase, along with a DJ and a game area for all ages.