BOSTON —
World Cup games are coming to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough next summer, and Boston Harbor will once again play host to majestic tall ships. These are just two of the many events slated for a busy 2026 in the city, promising a year packed with tradition and new experiences.
A Year of Celebrations: From Tradition to Global Events
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Boston’s calendar is filling up fast, blending beloved annual events with exciting newcomers. The year will also be marked by celebrations commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, adding a historical layer to the festivities.
- World Cup Fever: Gillette Stadium will host matches in June and July 2026.
- Sail Boston Returns: Tall ships will grace Boston Harbor, offering a spectacular sight.
- 250th Anniversary Events: A year-long series of events will commemorate the nation’s founding.
- Savannah Bananas in Town: The popular exhibition team will play at Gillette Stadium.
January & February: Kicking Off the Year
The new year begins with established favorites. January features the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s “E Pluribus Unum: From Many, One” festival, celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary. The 56th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast will also take place. February brings the excitement of the Dunkin’ Women’s Beanpot Championship at TD Garden, where the team is aiming for a three-year winning streak, followed by the Dunkin’ Men’s Beanpot Tournament. Celebrations for Lunar and Chinese New Year will also brighten Boston’s Chinatown, marking the Year of the Horse in 2026.
Spring & Summer: Marathons, Festivals, and Ships
March sees Boston’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. April will host the 130th running of the Boston Marathon. May brings Duckling Day, hosted by the Friends of the Boston Public Garden. June will be dominated by World Cup games at Gillette Stadium, alongside the Boston Pride celebration and St. Peter’s Fiesta in Gloucester. July welcomes the return of Sail Boston to Boston Harbor, and the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company will present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” for free on the Boston Common.
Fall & Winter: Feasts, Regattas, and Holiday Cheer
August features St. Anthony’s Feast in Boston’s North End, New England’s largest Italian festival, and a unique sporting event: the Savannah Bananas will take on the Cocoa Beach Coconuts in the Banana Ball World Tour at Gillette Stadium. September marks the start of move-in day for local colleges and the beginning of apple season. October brings the Head of the Charles Regatta and the quirky What the Fluff? Festival. November includes the Boston Athletic Association’s Half Marathon and America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration in Plymouth. December concludes the year with the Holiday Lights tree lighting in the Boston Common.
Notable Absence and How to Contribute
One familiar event will be missing from the 2026 calendar: the Boston Calling Music Festival is taking a hiatus this year. If you know of an event not listed, suggestions can be emailed to [email protected].
