The Weekender: May 15 to 18

Photo by WS Development

May 15 to 18

Commencement weekend has arrived. Whether you’re walking the stage and have family in town this weekend or hanging out and celebrating the end of finals, we’ve got you covered with incoming summer fun.

Comedy at Improv Asylum

Take a trip to Boston’s Theater District to enjoy a blend of improv and sketch comedy. Improv Asylum has brought comedy to Boston for over 25 years, implementing audience suggestions into fast-paced scenes. Shows last about 90 minutes and are open to all ages, though evening shows are recommended for those aged 17 and older.

Daily throughout the weekend, 74 Warrenton St., Boston. Check times and buy tickets here.

Boston’s LGBTQ Past Walking Tour

Follow the footsteps of Boston’s 19th- and 20th-century queer community on this one-mile walking tour. In partnership with The History Project—an organization dedicated to documenting and preserving the history of New England’s LGBTQ+ community—visitors spend 90 minutes exploring World War II baths and bars and the AIDS memorial quilt project and learn more about icons like cross-dressing actress Charlotte Cushman and poet Walt Whitman. The tour begins at the Massachusetts State House and ends near the John Hancock Tower.

Most weekends until August 15, 2025. Begins at the Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St., Boston. Buy tickets here. 

Seaport Sweat

Seaport Sweat celebrates 10 years as Boston’s largest free workout series. Sponsored by the Mass General Brigham Health Plan, classes on the Seaport Common are free to the general public and welcome all fitness levels. Enjoy classes spotlighting high-intensity training, pilates, yoga, and even Zumba. Saturday’s class is called Sculpt that sASS. Classes are dog-friendly and have water bowls for thirsty pups, along with hydration stations for water bottle refills. Classes are held throughout the week through the end of September; check the schedule here.

Saturday, May 17, 10 am, Seaport Common, 85 Northern Ave., Boston. 

Copley Square Farmers Market

One of Massachusetts’ largest farmers markets reopens for the 2025 season on May 16. Besides offering fresh produce and farm specialties, the market features various vendors selling things like Polish paczki—savory donuts—Argentinian-style empanadas, and even handmade wooden cutting boards.

Every Tuesday and Friday, from 11 am to 6 pm, until November 25, 2025, 230 Dartmouth St., Boston. 

Seaport Summer Market

From the same group that organizes the winter market at Seaport—called Snowport—comes a summer market featuring a diverse group of local women- and minority-owned businesses. New and returning artisans will sell a variety of clothing, jewelry, artwork, and home decor. This year, the market will feature an outdoor food and beverage area outfitted with a DJ and games for people of all ages. 

Every Saturday and Sunday, from 11 am to 6 pm, until September 21, 2025, 88 Seaport Blvd., Boston.

SoWa Vintage Market

Rain or shine, the SoWa Vintage Market is open weekly year-round for your antiques and collectibles needs. Whether you’re looking for art, clothing, vintage vinyls, or home decor, this indoor market has you covered.

Sundays, 11 am to 4 pm, 450 Harrison Ave., Boston.

Black Owned Bos. Outdoor Market

Black Owned Bos.—a retail store and consulting agency for uplifting Black-owned businesses—is partnering with Seaport to highlight Black entrepreneurship throughout Greater Boston. Vendors will offer apparel, packaged food, and beauty and skincare products, among other things. The first event is this Sunday, May 18. 

Every third Sunday, noon to 6 pm, until October 19, 2025, 111 Harbor Way, Boston.