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Things-to-do

How to Spend Memorial Day Weekend in Boston

Head over to the Boston Common flag garden, take a stroll through one of the city’s art museums, or participate in a race

While we’re done with the beachgoing temps for now, the weather should largely cooperate for Boston’s Memorial Day weekend. We’ve put together a list of activities—from a ceremony honoring fallen soldiers to a road race to cultural events —so you can make the most of the holiday weekend. 

Memorial Day Flag Garden at Boston Common

Each year, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the Boston Common becomes a sea of red, white, and blue. Over 37,000 American flags are planted to represent the Massachusetts military members who have lost their lives in service since the Revolutionary War. Head to the Common to see the display, volunteer for a shift to watch the flags over the weekend, or attend the flag-retiring ceremony when they are taken down on Monday, May 25. There is also an option to sponsor a flag by donating to the Home Base foundation.

Through Monday, May 25, on the Boston Common. Learn more here. 

The Freedom Trail

See all the historical sights of the American Revolution by walking or biking the Freedom Trail this weekend. The 2.5-mile, red-lined path includes 16 national historic sites that tell the story of the nation’s revolution and more. Sites include the USS Constitution (the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat), the Bunker Hill Monument, Paul Revere’s house and statue, and the Massachusetts State House. To make an event out of it, grab sandwiches or a gelato as you snake through the North End following the trail.

Red Sox Games

There are three opportunities to watch the Boston Red Sox face off against the Minnesota Twins this weekend, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Fan events throughout the weekend include a Roger Clemens 20-Strikeout bobblehead giveaway and a celebration of the 50th season of Survivor.

Friday, May 22, at 7:10 pm, Saturday, May 23, at 4:10 pm, and Sunday, May 24, at 1:35 pm, Fenway Park, 4 Jersey St., Boston. Find more information and buy tickets here.

Boston’s Run to Remember Half Marathon and 5-Mile Race

For those feeling active this holiday weekend, lace up your running shoes and hit the streets for either a half-marathon or a five-mile course. The race pays tribute to first responders, and this year’s official charity is Massachusetts Fallen Heroes. Runners will start in the Seaport District, and participants can register up until 6:30 am the day of the race. 

Sunday, May 24. The races begin at 7 am at Seaport Boulevard. Find more information and register here.

Institute of Contemporary Art Free Admission

Typically, the museum closes on Mondays, but it will open its doors (for free) on Memorial Day. Advanced timed tickets are required and will be available to reserve beginning on Sunday, May 24, at 10 am. While you’re there, check out An Indigenous Present, an exhibition spanning 100 years of contemporary Indigenous art, or Derrick Adams: View Master. Adams is famous for painting Black figures in scenes of leisure, such as swimming in a pool, celebrating a birthday, and riding a bike. “These paintings aren’t explicitly political, but they are radical in their representation of Black people simply going about their lives and enjoying their day,” which is too often “a privilege that in painting has long been reserved for white figures,” writes the New York Times.

Monday, May 25, ICA, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston. Learn more here.

Museum of Fine Arts Free Admission Open House

The Museum of Fine Arts will be opening its doors to all Massachusetts residents on Memorial Day. The open house includes access to the museum, drop-in art making, puppetry, and interactive children’s storytelling. The museum will also host guided tours—with an option for a puppet to be your guide.

Monday, May 25, 10 am to 5 pm, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more here.