I made this list for something else, and thought I might as well share it here…
June brings dragon boats, dance parties, and mountains of ice cream to Boston. Before we begin, the always-important Red Sox schedule can be seen here.
- Tuesday, June 2
Folk Dancing by the Fountain in Copley Square
This free weekly mass folk dancing lesson has been a summer tradition since 1971. Dances are held on the plaza in front of Trinity Church, and often have live music for accompaniment.
Details: 7:30 – 10 p.m. Call 781-662-7476 to confirm in case of bad weather.
- Thursday, June 4
Early Explorers at Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
Get the kids excited about summer with a morning of exploring, stories, and games. In a program designed to teach kids ages 3-6 the basic concepts of the natural world, Mass Audubon will open your child’s eyes to our environment.
Details: 10 a.m. 500 Walk Hill Street in Mattapan. Pre-registration is required ($6 for a parent/child pair)
- “Not Your Average Date Night” Movies on the South Garden at The Shops at Prudential Center
Enjoy a movie with your boyfriend, girlfriend, or a group of friends on the lawn at the Pru. Grab some dinner at the mall, then come for pre-movie activities and a free show.
Details: 7:30 p.m. 800 Boylston St. Pre-movie fun starts at 6.
- Friday, June 5
Benny Goodman Birthday Celebration with the Boston Pops
The Boston Pops pays tribute to “The King of Swing” for his 100th birthday. Enjoy an evening of his hits, from “Don’t be that Way” to “Sing, Sing, Sing.”
Details: 8:00 p.m. Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Avenue. Tickets start at $20. - Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7
Boston Dragon Boat Festival on the Charles River
North America’s longest-running Dragon Boat Festival celebrates 30 years on Boston, bringing almost 2300 years of tradition alive. See races, martial arts demonstrations, and musical performances to the Charles River, and sample some amazing Asian food.
Details: All day. Banks of the Charles River. Free.
- Sunday, June 7
AIDS Walk Boston, starting at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade
Boston was the site of the first ever AIDS Walk, and walks in this city have raised more the $32 million since 1986. Join more than 15,000 members of the community in the walk, or just stop by to enjoy the festivities and show your support.
Details: 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Monday, June 8
Boston Red Sox Pitching in for Kids Poker Benefit at Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Watch your favorite Red Sox players play poker at a gala to benefit New England’s youth. Pitcher Tim Wakefield, team captain Jason Varitek, and other Sox players will be there, along with gourmet food, dancing, and a charity auction.
Details: 6 – 10 p.m. Ned Devine’s and the Upper Rotunda at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Call 617-367-3322 for ticket information.
- Tuesday-Thurday, June 9-11
Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl on City Hall Plaza
What better way to spend a sunny June afternoon that at the nation’s largest all-you-can-eat ice cream festival? For just 8 bucks, eat as much Ben & Jerry’s, Baskin-Robins, Breyers, Brigham’s, Spasso Sorbet and Gelato, Edy’s Grand Ice Cream, Garelick Farms, Gifford’s, Häagen-Dazs and HP Hood as you can. Tickets support the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Details: Noon – 8 p.m. all days. $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-9, and free for children under 3.Red Sox vs. Yankees at Fenway Park
Time to get your blood pressure checked: the Bronx Bombers are in town for three days! So, either weasel your tickets however you can, line up at the bar extra early, or avoid Kenmore Square at all costs. Your choice.
All games start at 7:10 PM
- Saturday, June 13
Gay Pride Parade and Festival from the South End to City Hall Plaza
Pride Week runs from the 5th to the 14th, but the main event is today. The parade starts at the intersection of Tremont and Clarendon, and ends at City Hall. With more than 10,000 colorful marchers and 500,000 spectators expected, it’s sure to be a good time.
Details: Noon – 3 p.m. Parade starts at the intersection of Tremont and Clarendon, and ends at City Hall. Free.Cambridge River Festival on the Banks of the Charles
Now in its 30th year, the River Festival features jazz, latin, and world music, along with dance, art activities, and tons of good food.
Details: Noon-6 pm. Memorial Drive between JFK Street and Wester Ave. Free.
- Thursday, June 18, 2009
Gardner After Hours: Mezze at the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum
Mingle in the galleries, drink under the stars, and dance to live music as Isabella lets down her hair ever third Thursday of the month. These sell out quickly, and the line can go WAY out the door. So plan ahead, and get there early!
Details: 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. 280 The Fenway. Tickets are $12 General Public, $10 Seniors, $5 Students.Taste of Cambridge at the Charles Hotel
Sample the melting pot of foods that is Cambridge. From Japanese to Brazilian to Ethiopian, you can eat almost anything in this city. This event is all about sampling that variety, and all proceeds are donated to charity.
Details: 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. 1 Bennett Street, Cambridge. Tickets are $75.
- Friday, June 19
He Who Burns at the BU Dance Center
The ANIKAI Dance Company presents the US premiere of this work, exploring Islam, Hunduism, and Sufism. After Boston, it’s on its way to the Kennedy Center!
Details: 8 p.m. 915 Commonwealth Ave. Tickets are $25.
- Saturday, June 20
Life is Good Festival on Boston Common
One of Boston Common’s biggest charity parties returns, with seed-spitting contests, tug-o’-war, and classic backyard food. The festival benefits project Joy, and is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.Capitol Steps Live at the Majestic Theatre
You’d be surprised at how smart, funny, and musical a group of singing Capitol Hill staffers can be. As they say in the show, if there’s a scandal in Washington, come to the Capitol Steps to find out exactly what rhymes with it.
Details: 8:30 p.m. 219 Tremont St. Tickets start at $35.
- Sunday, June 21
Free Community Day at the Museum of Fine Arts
They may be renovating and building all over the place, but the MFA is still a great place to spend an afternoon. With free general admission to the museum today, you can enjoy the art and feel sophisticated while saving the $17 ticket price.
Details: 10 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. 465 Huntington Avenue. Free.Let’s Dance with the Boston Pops
The Pops roll out their dance floor and play everything from swing to ’80s music. If you’ve ever wanted to go disco dancing at Symphony Hall, here’s your chance!
Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave
Details: 8:00 p.m. Tickets start at $20.
- Friday, June 26
City of Cambridge Dance Party at Cambridge City Hall
The Mayor’s office shuts down Mass Ave and brings out the DJs for a night of free dancing in the street. After dark, expect a spectacular light show, and hundreds of dancers.
Details: 7 – 10 p.m. In front of Cambridge City Hall, 795 Mass. Ave. Free.
- Saturday, June 27, 2009
EurekaFest at the Museum of Science
Watch as over 200 high school students compete in an all-day design challenge, working to create a wind-powered machine. The Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation will be there, offering hands-on learning activities for young children.
Details: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 1 Science Park. Included with Museum Admission.
- Sunday, June 28
Puerto Rican Parade in Dorchester
Come out to Dorchester for an afternoon of celebration and music. The parade will march from Egleston Square to Franklin Park. For more information, call the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism & Special Events at 617-635-3911.
Details: 1 p.m. Egleston Sq. to Franklin Park. Free.