Chill on Park’s Summer Event Picks
School is [almost] out, the sun is still shining after work, and everyone’s is excited to spend time outside. So what’s happening around the Dorchester area and Boston over the next few months? We’ve compiled a list of our top summer event picks (with plenty of exploring, food, activities, and games) happening in town. There’s surely something for everyone!
BEACHES
Unable to walk out your door onto a sandy beach? No worries. While Cape Cod and Rockport are quite a hike, there are a bunch of beaches within a reasonable distance! Revere Beach is easily accessible by the T on the blue line, and although you can make a trip any day, pencil in the Sand Sculpting Festival from July 22 to 24!
You can also take the red line to South Boston for L Street, M Street, and Carson beaches. Known for a beautiful breeze and nice views, Castle Island is a popular place for exploring. Just hop on the #9 bus at Copley to City Point and then walk out to Castle Island! If you’d like to hang out around Dorchester, take the Red Line to Savin Hill, walk toward your right on Savin Hill Avenue, and turn right onto Denny Street to find the Savin Hill and Malibu beaches. To view additional options, take a look at this beach guide!
FITNESS
Summertime is a great season to look and feel good. So why not switch out the treadmill for outdoor activities? Every Friday from 12-1pm, the Dorchester Walking Club meets at the Dorchester House Gymnasium (1353 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester). If running isn’t your thing, head on over to the Frog Pond for some free summer yoga every Thursday.
There are even more free fitness classes and programs held throughout our Boston Parks, ranging from boot camps, to yoga, to salsa all summer long. Another awesome free series is Healthy, Fit, and Fun around the Esplanade.
FOOD
Admit it, eating is a favorite pastime. The fourth annual Boston JerkFest, a family-friendly Caribbean style food festival, hits the South End June 24-25. Go for the Jamaican, jerk-spiced food and “all things jerk hot!” On August 10, Boston Magazine’s 5th annual Battle of the Burger is the ultimate experience for burger lovers.
The beloved St. Anthony’s Feast in the North End returns on August 16 and runs to August 29. Show up hungry, as street vendors and restaurants all around the area will be calling your taste buds! Aside from food, there will be music and a ton of souvenir and craft vendors lined up on the streets.
MUSIC
Attention music lovers: from now through September, the Berklee Summer in the City Concert Series will present more than 200 free performances throughout Greater Boston! There are a ton of events scheduled at venues including Assembly Row, Boston Public Library, the Greenway, Lawn on D, and Sam Adams Park (to name a few). Go get your dance on!
This year’s Jazz Fest will be on Saturday, August 27 at the Boston Maritime Park in Seaport! Entry is free and the festivities begin at noon.
MOVIES/FILM
On Friday, June 24, get comfy at Lawn on D for the Lawn after Dark Movie Night featuring “Jaws.” (Make sure to bring your lawn chair or blanket!)
The Roxbury International Film Festival takes place through July 1 with workshops, panel discussions, and film screenings at the Museum of Fine Arts.
The Magic 106.7 Family Film Festival at the Prudential Center runs from July 2 through August 31! Movies include “Minions,” “Zootopia,” “Mary Poppins,” and more. (View the full schedule here.) Picnic blankets and beach chairs are welcome, and if you spend $10 (snacks?!?), you’ll receive discounted parking in the Prudential Center Garage.
Ronan Park in Dorchester also hosts monthly movie nights where you can watch a family-friendly movie under the stars and enjoy free food and drinks! Announced dates: July 8, August 19, and September 9.
SOCIAL
On Friday, June 24, kick off your weekend with a scavenger hunt! Guided from a smartphone, this adventure will bring you around well-known and overlooked gems of the city to solve clues and complete challenges. You’ll also learn some local history.
Coming up on Saturday, June 25 (11am-5pm) is the Four Corners Day Celebration at Mother’s Rest Park (398-418 Washington St, Dorchester). This free event for all ages will feature live performances, fun activities, yummy food, and music. The same day, you can fly kites and make art at the Ronan Park Kit Festival in Dorchester! Entry is free and open to everyone.
The 13th annual Chinatown Main Street Festival is coming up on July 2! Stop by to see stage performers, lion and Chinese folk dances, arts and crafts, games, and more! While you’re there, make sure to scour out some good food, too!
The 4th of July means FIREWORKS! No matter where you are, there are a bunch of spots to catch some magical views that night. Watch over the Charles River in Boston at 10:30pm, the Marblehead Harbor at 9pm, Albemarle Field in Newton at 9pm, Derby Wharf in Salem at 9:15pm, or the Springfield wharf at 9:30pm.
Join Cindy of the Fields Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library for our July Children’s Story Hour at Chill on the 21st at 6pm! The theme is “Stories to Cool You Down,” and guests will enjoy a summer treat (This is a monthly event; check back soon for our August date!). Family Night is back at Chill on Park! Join us every Tuesday this summer, July 12-August 23, for activities the whole family can enjoy. Family Nights are all about fun, so grab a scoop of your favorite flavor, kick back, and chill with us!
Youth in Crisis presents the 11th annual Food For Thought Cookout: Scoops and Hoops on Saturday, July 23, from 10am-4pm; swing by the Mildred Community Center for some free food, ice cream, basketball games, and more activities!
The Boston GreenFest is free from August 19-21! At the region’s largest multicultural environmental music festival located at Boston City Hall Plaza, Faneuil Hall and the adjacent Sam Adams Park, attendees can watch live performances, learn abut new innovations, and try out new products.
AFTERNOON FUN
Starting Friday, June 24, the Frog Pond Spray Pool & Carousel open daily, weekdays until 6pm and weekends until 8pm. Surrounded by a number of restaurants and shops, the Greenway Carousel is another convenient downtown spot for a fun ride.
FARMERS MARKETS
The Ashmont Peabody Square Friday Farmers Market opens up for its eighth season on Friday, June 24! Stop by from 3-7pm for some local goods. Every Saturday from 10am-3pm, the Codman Square Farmers Market brings fresh, local food to Codman Square Commons. You’ll also find crafts, art, food demonstrations and recipe distribution from UMass Extension School, a walk group, and a weekly raffle!
What events are you attending this summer? Do you have some favorite local spots and activities? Tweet us @chillonpark to let us know!
Do you have a question you’d like to ask us? Are you looking to book an event or place a catering order? Learn about those services here, and give us a ring at (617) 297-5401. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, specials, and giveaways. We love to hear from our neighbors!
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