10 free things to do in May in Boston (2024)

Enjoy art, dance lessons, flowers, and more across the city for free during the month of May.

By Cheryl Fenton

April 19, 2024 | 1:24 PM

With April showers finally finished (maybe), Boston is blooming with May
flowers and things to do. Get out and enjoy the city with this go-to guide of
fun (and often outdoor) springtime activities. The best part — you can enjoy
all of them without spending a dime. Here are 10 things to do in Boston for
free this May.

1. Learn to dance

Embracing Alvin Ailey’s motto of “dance is for everyone,” you’ll have a
chance to learn his most famous choreography — “Revelations” and the jazz-
infused “Night Creature” — thanks to a free dancer-led workshop held on
May 1 at 7 p.m. “Revelations for Everyone” is through the Celebrity Series
of Boston and marks Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s annual visit to
Boston by offering these all-age lessons. Wear comfortable clothes and
sneakers, and RSVPs are encouraged at celebrityseries.org. (Reggie
Lewis Track and Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont St., Roxbury)

2. Celebrate the season with Berklee College of Music

Berklee College of Music students, faculty, and alumni give hundreds of
free outdoor concerts all over the city from the beginning of May through
September, from jazz to classical, Latin to funk, folk to world. This season’s
Summer in the City will be held at Atlantic Wharf, the ICA, the Prudential
Center, Spectacle Island, Club Passim, Longfellow House, Parcel 12, and
more locations, and will include the Tito Puente Latin Music Series, Sunset
Concerts, Swinging in the Fens, and Jazz at the Fort, to name a few.
(Various locations throughout Boston)

3. Get an early start on Cinco de Mayo

In partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in Boston, Downtown
Boston will be giving off Cinco de Mayo vibes on May 3 from 12:30 to 3
p.m. thanks to Downtown Boston BID. Held on Summer Street Plaza at
Washington Street outside of Macy’s, entertainment will include traditional
Mexican folk and classic music, along with dancing, as well as an artisan
showcase that will include a small craft fair and an activation from Topo
Chico. (Summer Street Plaza at Washington Street, Boston)

4. Come dance with Chinese lions

Boston’s Gund Kwok, America’s only all-women lion dance troupe, will take
over the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum on May 4 from
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for centuries-old lion dances and dynamic drumming.
In “Celebrate!” the group of Asian women will wear detailed costumes
crafted from papier-mâché and bamboo and display beautifully
choreographed movements to inspire and empower. Reservations are
required. (John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia
Point, Boston)

5. Discuss all things Red Sox Nation

Enjoy a lively discussion by “The Fenway Effect” author David Krell as he
delves into the social impact of Boston’s beloved team on May 8 from 6 to
7 p.m. Insightful and heartwarming/breaking topics on the agenda include
the Curse of the Bambino, Ted Williams’ World War II military service, the
Boston Marathon bombing, and Cheers’ depiction of Boston’s sports fans,
as well oral histories of Red Sox fans. (Boston Public Library, Central
Library in Copley Square, 700 Boylston St., Boston)

6. Enjoy Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum

Founded in 1872 as America’s first, the Arnold Arboretum is one of the
lushest green spaces in Boston. But around this time, it turns purple. With
more than 407 lilac plants of 173 kinds, the Arboretum holds one of the
premier lilac collections in North America. Tours of the lilacs, family
activities, displays, food vendors, and picnicking (on this special day only)
make for the memorable Lilac Sunday on May 12, Mother’s Day, from 10
a.m. to 3 p.m. (125 Arborway, Boston)

7. Watch little ‘ducks’ all in a row

Spring has sprung when the ducklings come out to play during another
beloved Mother’s Day event in Boston on May 12 when families celebrate the
Boston-based book “Make Way for Ducklings.” Every year, more than 1,000
children dress up as feathered friends and gather on Boston Common to
enjoy face painting, a puppet show, and marching behind the famous Harvard Band to the Public Garden. While inclusion in the parade costs
$35, being a bystander to all that cuteness is free. (165 Tremont St., Boston)

8. Sip tea after yoga practice

Thanks to Sip & Stretch on the Harborwalk on May 18, you can start your
morning by gathering outside Martin’s Park near Fort Point Channel with
Britney Willingham of Move with Brittany leading you through slow-flow
Vinyasa yoga at 9:30 a.m. Following practice, Alexis Jones of Té Spa
serves hot and iced, herbal, and caffeinated teas. Bring your mat and a
water bottle. (64 Sleeper St., Boston)

9. Reflect on those who gave their lives

As part of the Memorial DayWeekend events held on May 27 throughout
Boston, one spectacular one to view is the Garden of Flags atBoston
Common’s Soldiers and Sailors Monument.Each of the 37,000-plus flags
planted by theMassachusetts Military Heroesrepresents a Massachusetts
service member who bravely gave his or her life defending our country
since the Revolutionary War. (Boston Common)

10. Surround yourself with world-famous art

The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) will offer family-oriented festivities and free admission for Massachusetts residents during its Memorial
Day Open House. The MFA”s fun family day takes place in the
Shapiro Family Courtyard where visitors can make art, music, watch a
film, and join tours and discussions in the art galleries. (465 Huntington
Ave., Boston)