66 free things to do and get in Boston and around the Boston area, including 23 attractions, 11 food, 9 entertainment.
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Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm (closed Mondays and major holidays)
Harvard Art MuseumsCambridge
The Harvard Art Museums are free for everyone, every day they're open: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, just outside Harvard Square. Check in at the Visitor Services desk when you arrive.
Verified Oct 27 · harvardartmuseums.org
No catch
Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–4pm (closed MLK Day, Patriots' Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day)
USS Constitution, Charlestown Navy YardBoston
'Old Ironsides' is still crewed by U.S. Navy sailors, and tours are free year-round. The ship is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm, at the Charlestown Navy Yard (hours can change, so check before you go). Adults 18+ need a physical government photo ID or passport (no digital IDs), and everyone goes through airport-style screening. No strollers aboard.
Verified Oct 27 · navy.mil
Catch: Visitors 18+ need a physical federal or state photo ID; security screening
Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm (closed Mondays and major holidays)
Fuller Craft MuseumBrockton
Fuller Craft Museum, the region's museum of contemporary craft, has free admission (donations welcome) and free parking. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm; closed Mondays and major holidays.
Verified Oct 27 · fullercraft.org
No catch
Daily: breakfast 8:30–9:30am, lunch 11:30am–1pm
Lazarus House Ministries Soup KitchenLawrence
The Lazarus House Ministries soup kitchen in Lawrence serves breakfast (8:30–9:30am) and lunch (11:30am–1pm) every day of the week, about 250 meals a day for individuals and families facing homelessness and food insecurity.
Verified Oct 27 · lazarushouse.org
No catch
Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm; Sunday 1–5pm (closed Mondays)
Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips AcademyBoston
The Addison Gallery of American Art on the Phillips Academy campus in Andover has free admission to all exhibitions. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1 to 5pm.
Verified Oct 27 · addison.andover.edu
No catch
Off-season (Oct 13–May 28): Wednesday–Sunday, 1–4pm
Bunker Hill Monument and Museum (Boston National Historical Park)
Climb the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, or visit the Bunker Hill Museum across the street, free. Off-season hours (through late May) are Wednesday to Sunday, 1 to 4pm; last climb is 30 minutes before closing and only 25 people can be inside at once. The climb can close for weather.
Verified Oct 27 · National Park Service
No catch
Fridays 10am–12pm and 2–4pm, Oct 30–Nov 20, 2026
Newton Free Library, Computer Lab
Bring your phone, tablet or laptop questions to a free 20-minute session with a librarian in the Newton Free Library's computer lab on Fridays, 10am to noon and 2 to 4pm (posted through November 20, 2026). First come, first served: sign in at the 1st-floor Ask Desk; one session per person per week. They can't help with resumes, applications, website design or broken hardware. Can't make Fridays? Request an appointment on the library's Tech Time page.
Verified Oct 27 · newtonfreelibrary.libcal.com
No catch
Fridays 11am–12pm through Dec 18, 2026 (not Nov 27)
Newton Free Library, 3rd floor
English learners of all levels can practice speaking and listening with volunteer ELL tutors on the third floor of the Newton Free Library, Fridays 11am to noon, through December 18, 2026 (no session November 27). No registration; come when you can. Group classes are open to adults 18+ from any Massachusetts town. Info: Andrew Shapira, 617-796-1364.
Verified Oct 27 · newtonfreelibrary.libcal.com
Catch: Adults 18+ living in Massachusetts
Sun, Nov 1, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Lions Eye Mobile at 440 East Squantum StreetQuincy
Lions Club volunteers give simple eye screenings (no drops) in the Lions Eye Mobile on Sunday, November 1, 2026, 9am to noon, at 440 East Squantum Street, with referrals for follow-up care when needed. No appointment required; all are welcome. You can also bring old prescription or reading glasses to donate.
Verified Oct 27 · quincyma.gov
No catch
Sun, Nov 1, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston celebrates Diwali on Sunday, November 1, 2026, 10am to 5pm, with free admission for visitors 18 and under. Adults pay regular admission.
Verified Oct 27 · mfa.org
Catch: Free for ages 18 and under only; adults pay regular admission
Thu, Nov 5, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Somerville City Hall Annex
The City of Somerville's Health and Human Services department runs a free vaccine clinic for anyone 6 months or older on Thursday, November 5, 2026, 11am to 12:30pm, at the City Hall Annex. Vaccines help protect against flu, COVID-19 and other viruses. Pre-registration is highly encouraged; walk-in spots are limited. There's no cost to you: the city bills insurance for people who have it, and uninsured residents are served too.
Verified Oct 27 · somervillema.gov
Catch: Insured? Bring your insurance card: the city bills insurance, not you
Fri, Nov 6, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
ConnexionSomerville
The Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs and Somerville Community Corporation run free financial education workshops in Spanish. The Friday, November 6, 2026 session (10am to noon at Connexion, 149 Broadway) covers taking control of debt and using credit wisely; participants in the series get a certificate of completion. Registration is required (link on the city page, or call 617-625-6600 ext. 2624 or 2122).
Verified Oct 27 · somervillema.gov
Catch: Registration required · Taught in Spanish
Sat, Nov 7, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Newton City Hall, War Memorial Circle
Bring your Halloween pumpkin to Newton City Hall's War Memorial Circle on Saturday, November 7, 2026, 1 to 4pm, and smash it (including with machines built by the high school robotics team). There's touch-a-truck, composting tips, and a pop-up costume swap where donated costumes are free to take home. Food trucks sell food. Pre-registration is encouraged; cancelled if rain is likely.
Verified Oct 27 · newtonma.gov
Catch: Registration encouraged (on-site registration if you don't pre-register)
Sat, Nov 7, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
440 East Squantum StreetQuincy
Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School offer free kidney screenings on Saturday, November 7, 2026, 1 to 4pm, at 440 East Squantum Street. Includes blood pressure, body mass index, a urine test and a free physician consultation. Recommended if you're over 50, smoke, or have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease. Call the Nursing Office at (617) 376-1023 to register.
Verified Oct 27 · quincyma.gov
Catch: Registration required (call 617-376-1023)
Sun, Nov 15, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Newton Free Library, Druker Auditorium
Clarinetist Nat Seelen of Ezekiel's Wheels Klezmer Band and Mozambican guitarist and singer Albino Mbie, a Berklee professor, share the stage at the Newton Free Library on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 2pm.
Verified Oct 27 · newtonfreelibrary.libcal.com
No catch
Fri, Nov 27, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Hancock-Adams CommonQuincy
The City of Quincy lights its holiday tree on Hancock-Adams Common on Friday, November 27, 2026, 5 to 7pm. A public city event open to all.
Verified Oct 27 · quincyma.gov
No catch
Sat, Nov 28, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Pageant FieldQuincy
Santa lands by helicopter at Pageant Field in Merrymount Park on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at noon. A city special event; check the city calendar for details as they're posted.
Verified Oct 27 · quincyma.gov
No catch
Sun, Nov 29, 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Hancock Street parade routeQuincy
Quincy's 73rd annual Christmas Parade steps off on Sunday, November 29, 2026, at noon (city calendar: noon to 3:30pm). The route starts at Hancock Street and Walter J. Hannon Parkway and ends at North Quincy High School. Free to watch along the route.
Verified Oct 27 · quincyma.gov
No catch
Sun, Nov 29, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Newton Free Library, Druker Auditorium
Violinist Ilana Zaks (New England Conservatory and Yale graduate, former first violinist of the Seattle Symphony) plays 'Virtuosity and Storytelling: From Folk Roots to the Concert Stage' at the Newton Free Library on Sunday, November 29, 2026, at 2pm: Bach's E Major Partita, Chinese folk songs, Native American traditions and American fiddle music.
Verified Oct 27 · newtonfreelibrary.libcal.com
No catch
Mon, Nov 30, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Copley Square ParkBoston
Boston Parks celebrates the reopening of the renovated Copley Square Park with its annual tree lighting on Monday, November 30, 2026, 5 to 6pm: arts and crafts, a guided tour of the square, Santa and Rudolph, and music from the Boston Children's Chorus and others. Free.
Verified Oct 27 · boston.gov
No catch
Tue, Dec 1, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Somerville Public Library, Central Library
Somerville Health and Human Services holds a free vaccine clinic for anyone 6 months or older on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 11:30am to 1pm, at the Central Library on Highland Avenue (flu, COVID-19 and other vaccines). Pre-registration is highly encouraged; walk-in spots are limited. There's no cost to you: the city bills insurance for people who have it, and uninsured residents are served too.
Verified Oct 27 · somervillema.gov
Catch: Insured? Bring your insurance card: the city bills insurance, not you
Thu, Dec 3, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Boston Common
Boston's annual tree lighting on the Common is Thursday, December 3, 2026, from 6 to 8pm, next to the Visitor Information Center on Tremont Street. It's free and open to everyone.
Verified Oct 27 · boston.gov
No catch
Thu, Dec 3, 8:00 PM
Commonwealth Avenue MallBoston
The trees along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall light up on Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 8pm, right after the Boston Common tree lighting. Free; gather near 15 Commonwealth Avenue.
Verified Oct 27 · boston.gov
No catch
Sat, Dec 5, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Newton Free Library, Druker Auditorium
Bring a broken household item to the Newton Free Library on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10am to 4pm, and a volunteer Repair Coach will help you diagnose and fix it yourself: small electronics, sewing and textiles, lamps and rewiring, computers, bicycles, musical instruments and more. It's totally no-cost. Reserve a time slot by item category; registration opens about a month before. Run by the Newton Recycling Committee with the library and Newton DPW.
Verified Oct 27 · newtonfreelibrary.libcal.com
Catch: Reserve a time slot (registration opens about a month before)
Sat, Dec 5, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Market Square, Portsmouth, NHBoston
Downtown Portsmouth, NH lights its tree in Market Square at 5pm on Saturday, December 5, 2026, then the Illuminated Holiday Parade leaves Goodwin Park on Islington Street at 6pm and reaches Market Square about 20 to 30 minutes later. Free and open to all.
Verified Oct 27 · portsmouthnh.gov
No catch
Sun, Dec 6, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston marks Hanukkah on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 10am to 5pm, with free admission for visitors 18 and under. Adults pay regular admission.
Verified Oct 27 · mfa.org
Catch: Free for ages 18 and under only; adults pay regular admission
Mon, Jan 18 · check hours
Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston
The ICA opens on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 18, 2027, and admission is free for everyone. Regular adult admission is $20. Check the museum's site for that day's hours.
Verified Oct 27 · icaboston.org
No catch
Mon, Jan 18, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 18, 2027, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is free for anyone with a Massachusetts zip code, 10am to 5pm. Adult admission is normally $30. Tickets are handed out in person, first come, first served; there are no advance tickets.
Verified Oct 27 · mfa.org
Catch: Massachusetts residents only (valid Massachusetts zip code) · Tickets in person only: no advance tickets
Sun, Feb 7, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston celebrates Lunar New Year on Sunday, February 7, 2027, 10am to 5pm, with free admission for visitors 18 and under. Adults pay regular admission.
Verified Oct 27 · mfa.org
Catch: Free for ages 18 and under only; adults pay regular admission
Thursdays 7–8pm, Oct 29–Nov 19, 2026
Framingham Public Library
Career coach Ed Lawrence leads a free weekly Job Search Prep program at the Framingham Public Library, Thursdays 7 to 8pm through November 19, 2026: applicant tracking systems, job boards, LinkedIn, networking, resumes and how to stand out.
Verified Oct 27 · framinghamma.gov
No catch
By appointment
Somerville Public Library (online sessions)
If you have a U.S. citizenship interview scheduled, Somerville Public Library's citizenship tutors give free one-on-one virtual practice interviews covering the N-400 questions, the reading and writing sections and the civics questions. You need intermediate English and 5 years as a permanent resident (3 if married to a U.S. citizen). Spots are limited; contact Brigid Pigott at 617-623-5000 x2935.
Verified Oct 27 · somervillepubliclibrary.org
Catch: Intermediate English and 5 years as a permanent resident (3 if married to a U.S. citizen) · Limited spots
By appointment
Somerville Public Library
Book a free individual technology help session at the Somerville Public Library: learn Zoom or Google Meet, fill out an online job or benefits application, use a keyboard and mouse, Microsoft Office or Google Docs and Sheets, social media or email, or get your tech questions answered. Call 617-623-5000 x2955 or email spltech@somervillema.gov to book.
Verified Oct 27 · somervillepubliclibrary.org
Catch: Appointment required
First Tuesday of each month, 3–4pm
Online (Zoom)Somerville
Somerville Prevention Services and the Cambridge Public Health Department offer a free one-hour virtual training on the first Tuesday of each month, 3 to 4pm: signs and symptoms of an overdose, risk factors and how to give naloxone (Narcan). Join by Zoom (link on the city event page). Free on-site trainings for groups are available by appointment.
Verified Oct 27 · somervillema.gov
No catch
Second Saturday of each month, 10:30am–12pm
MelroseWakefield Mobile Food MarketMalden
The MelroseWakefield Mobile Food Market hands out free food on the second Saturday of each month, 10:30am to noon, at 239 Commercial St. in Malden. It's held outdoors, so dress for the weather.
Verified Oct 27 · medfordma.org
No catch
Every Thursday, 5–9pm
Isabella Stewart Gardner MuseumBoston
The Gardner Museum, with its famous Venetian-style courtyard, is free every Thursday from 5 to 9pm. You need a free timed ticket: they're released at 10am on the Tuesday before and can run out, so book early. Some performances and programs that night have their own priced tickets.
Verified Oct 27 · gardnermuseum.org
Catch: Free timed ticket required (released Tuesdays at 10am; capacity is limited) · Some performances and programs are ticketed separately
Every Thursday, 5–9pm
Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston
The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston is free for everyone every Thursday from 5 to 9pm. Regular adult admission is $20. Book a free ticket in advance. The Seaport museum sits right on Boston Harbor, a short walk from the Silver Line's Courthouse stop.
Verified Oct 27 · icaboston.org
Catch: Free advance ticket required
