The Boston University Art Gallery, Sherman Gallery, and 808 Gallery host free exhibitions that feature special educational programs in coordination with area schools. Public exhibitions showcase the diverse talent of the School of Visual Arts' students, alumni, and faculty. Concerts, recitals, and performances feature faculty and students from the School of Music and School of Theatre Arts Divisions. The internationally known Muir String Quartet performs regularly throughout the academic year. Faculty lectures, such as those of Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, are open to all.

The public can also attend varsity athletic events. Tickets are regularly donated to disadvantaged children, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs, senior groups, and community centers.

Area high schools can use athletic and recreational facilities such as the indoor track. Several varsity athletic programs run youth-oriented initiatives; the crew program, for example, offers rowing classes for coeducational groups of youths, ages eleven to eighteen.

Each year, since 1980, more than 1,200 senior citizens have participated in the popular Evergreen Program, which allows them to take special courses for a nominal fee of $10 to $30 and audit University classes for $35, space permitting.