Exciting events fill the Boston Events Calendar for April, 2022 - Patriots' Day reenactments, the Boston Marathon, Red Sox opening day, and more!
Patriots' Day, which commemorates the start of the American Revolution with numerous reenactments, parades, and celebrations, includes a lot of fun events. This local tradition honors those who paved the way for freedom from British rule almost 250 years ago.
Red Sox opening day takes place in early April at Fenway Park. This is always one of the most popular games of the year, so if you want to enjoy this quintessential Boston experience, don't wait to check the schedule and get your tickets.
Check out all our top recommendations for fun Boston events and things to do in April - and start planning your visit now!
Find more fun things to do in Boston during April
Top photo: Boston Marathon runners approaching Heartbreak Hill, (c) Boston Discovery Guide
The Boston Marathon 2022
The Boston Marathon - one of the city's biggest events of the year, and also known as the "Patriots Day Race" - features about 31,500 elite runners from around the world competing in a route made difficult by rolling terrain and features such as "Heartbreak Hill."
The Marathon takes place this year on Monday, April 18.
Although the winners complete the course in just over 2 hours, many participants are still running hours later. You can watch from anywhere along the route.
If you attend the traditional Boston Red Sox home game at Fenway Park scheduled for Marathon Day, you'll be part of the crowd streaming into Kenmore Square just as the runners arrive at the finish line on Boylston Street.
More about the Boston Marathon
Hotels close to the Boston Marathon route
Best places to watch along the Marathon route
John Hancock Sports and Fitness Expo 2022
The huge (and free) John Hancock Sports and Fitness Expo and Number Pick-Up will take place this year at the Hynes Convention Center (900 Boylston Street) from April 15-17. Ifyou love running, you couldn't ask for a better reason to arrive a few days early before the race.
Runner's World magazine calls this event the "best runner's expo in the country" and the 100,000+ enthusiasts typically in attendance can attest to that.
In addition to an Adidas Boston Marathon shop, you can visit exhibits by the running industry's top companies, and buy every piece of running gear on your bucket list. The event is free and open to the public.
Race participants pick up their bib number, race packet, and t-shirt here as well.
More info: www.baa.org
Closest T station: Green Line/Hynes
Marathon Daffodils
On Marathon Weekend (April 16-18 this year), locally grown yellow daffodils line the 26 mile route of the Boston Marathon from Hopkinton to Copley Square as reminder of the 2013 tragedy and the city's strength and resilience. They're a glorious reminder that recovery follows loss - and a part of the beauty of Boston in April.
Look for them everywhere along the route, especially in Back Bay, as well as in dozens of other sites around the city such as the Esplanade (check out the field of daffodils between the Fairfield and Hereford Street Bridges), the Greenway, and the Public Garden, where tulips will compete for your attention.
If you attend a Red Sox game at Fenway Park during Boston Marathon Weekend, don't be surprised to see Boston's favorite team wearing yellow jerseys, shirts and hats.
April 2022 Boston Red Sox Schedule - Opening Day & Home Games at Fenway
The Red Sox typically play their home field season opener at Fenway Park in early April each year. But this year, their home opening game at Fenway happens in late March - see available seats and get your tickets.
That's not the only big April (in most years) event for the Red Sox. Based on tradition, the Red Sox play a home game on Patriots Day (April 18 this year) and the game ends just in time for fans to watch Boston Marathon runners rush past Fenway Park on their way to the finish line.
Red Sox Home Game Schedule for Fenway Park & Tickets
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May - June - July - August - September - October
Stay: Hotels near Fenway Park
Park: Garages & lots near Fenway Park
Celebrate: Best sports bars near Fenway Park
Find out about other Boston sports
Best Boston Harbor Cruises during April
Tour Boston by boat - the best way (and one of the safest) to see the city! Check out these fun sightseeing, music, and entertainment Boston Harbor cruises on the Yacht Northern Lights and Schooner Adirondack III:
Popular Cruises on the Northern Lights:
- Brunch Cruise on the Northern Lights - Savor a delicious 3-course brunch on this relaxing sightseeing cruise around Boston Harbor
- Boston Harbor Cruise on Northern Lights - Soak up Boston's unique sites and rich history on this comfortable sightseeing cruise around the Harbor - perfect friends and family experience! Refreshments are available for purchase at the bar
- Northern Lights Sunset Cruise - Grab a refreshments from the bar and then relax as you watch the sun set on this sail around the Harbor, just in time to catch the USS Constitution fire its cannons as the sun dips down past the horizon
- Sunday Evening Jazz Cruise on Northern Lights - End your weekend on the perfect note by grooving to live jazz as you watch the ever-changing sunset colors as the sun sets behind Boston's city skyline
Sails on the Adirondack III
- Adirondack III Day Sail - Enjoy cool breezes and the afternoon sun on this relaxing sightseeing sail around Boston Harbor and the Inner Harbor Islands
- Adirondack III Sunset Sail - Relax as the setting sun turns the sky brilliant colors
- Adirondack III 90-Minute Mimosa Day Sail - Soak up the sun on this afternoon sail through the Inner Harbor and Harbor Islands with drinks available for purchase at the bar
Labor Day Fireworks Cruises on September 1
- Labor Day Fireworks Cruise on Northern Lights - Watch the brilliant Labor Day Fireworks over Boston Harbor after a leisurely sightseeing cruise around Boston Harbor - Sept 1 - Find out more
- Labor Day Weekend "Illuminate the Harbor" Fireworks Cruise Aboard Adirondack III - Get fantastic views of the Labor Day fireworks on this spacious tall ships-style schooner - Sept 1 - Find out more
Boston Concerts & Shows - April
Top April Concerts & Shows in Boston
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Schedules & Tickets
More Concerts & Shows for April
Boston Concerts throughout the Year
Boston Theater & Shows for April
Top April Shows in Boston - Schedules & Tickets
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- My Fair Lady - Boston Opera House- April 18-30, 2023
- Blue Man Group - Charles Playhouse - Multiple shows all month
More Boston Theater District Shows
Where to have dinner in Boston's Theatre District
Where to Stay near Boston's Theatre District
Enjoy your Boston performance or show experience to the fullest when you stay in one of the nearby Theatre District hotels, such as the hip and glamorous Revere Hotel:
More top Theatre District hotels:
Check out more hotels in Boston's Theatre District
Whale Watching Cruise Tickets
Join one of the exciting 3-hour Whale Watching Cruises departing from the Downtown Boston Waterfront, and experience the thrill of spotting whales off the coast of Boston.
You'll see magnificent creatures such as Humpback and Finback whales close-up from the deck of your ship, and spot White-Sided Dolphins frolicking in the waters.
These cruises sell out quickly, so don't wait to get your tickets now for this iconic Boston experience!
Bruins April 2022 Schedule
Get your Boston Bruins tickets for April home games at TD Garden before the regular season wraps up.
The Garden's convenient location next to North Station and close to Faneuil Marketplace makes it super-easy to get to.
Don't miss the chance to see Boston's hockey team, winner of 6 Stanley Cup championships!
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Find Bruins schedule & tickets for April home games at the Garden
Find Bruins schedule & tickets for all home games
Park: Garages near TD Garden
Celebrate: Best sports bars and clubs near TD Garden
More about TD Garden: Schedule, directions, best ticket prices
Hotels near TD Garden
Coming to an event at the Garden? Spend the night or the weekend at a nearby hotel, such as the glamorous Onyx (shown in photo), part of the Kimpton hotel family:
More top hotels near the Garden:
Check out more hotels near TD Garden
More about TD Garden: Schedule, directions, best ticket prices
Celtics Regular Season - 2022
The Celtics continue play their regular season home games of the season at the Garden. Will they head into the NBA Eastern Conference First Round this year? Stay tuned!
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Where: TD Garden
Nearest public transportation: Green Line/Orange Line or Commuter Rail to North Station, next to the Garden
Where to stay: Hotels near TD Garden
Fun Ways to Explore Boston's Food Culture
What to See in Boston's Museums & Aquarium - April 2022
Museum of Science Exhibits
Special Exhibits
- Project Vaccine - Learn more about vaccines and their development in the Museum's newest exhibition
- Design Engineering Workshop - Design, build, and test solutions for everyday problems
- Resilient Venice: Adapting to Climate Change - Learn how we can implement solutions in this new pilot gallery
Permanent Exhibits
With fascinating permanent exhibits for all ages, there's always something to see, do, and learn. Here are just a few of the most popular: Butterfly Garden (extra fee), Colossal Fossil: Triceratops Cliff, Cosmic Light, Dinosaurs, Arctic Adventure, Hall of Human Life, Live Animal Care Center, Mathematica, Nanotechnology, Natural Mysteries, New England Habitats, The Light House - plus 17 more!
Where: Boston's Museum of Science
When: Daily, 9am-5pm; open until 9pm on Fridays
Admission: $29 general museum admission ($24 for kids). Buy online to skip the line. Get free museum admission when you have a GoBoston Discount card or Boston CityPASS card.
Imax Theater and Planetarium: Additional fees apply
New England Aquarium
Harbor seals and seal lions, a giant 4-story ocean tank with hundreds of Caribbean reef animals, an Amazon rain forest, sharks, Myrtle the green sea turtle, and frisky penguins are just a few of the thousands of aquatic animals you'll experience here.
Get your tickets in advance, or find out more about the Aquarium. Admission also available through the Go Boston Pass, Explorer Pass, and Boston CityPASS discount cards.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Watch the famous tea party event come alive with live actors, immersive exhibits, and a visit to the full-scale replica 18th century sailing ships at this unique living history museum. Get advance tickets.
MFA Boston - Current & Future Shows
- Helina Metaferia: Generations: Collage, video, and installations explore how inherited trauma informs present day experiences for women of color - Through April 11, 2022
- New Light: Encounters & Connections - Juxtapositions of contemporary pieces with objects from other places, other times - Through Aug 22, 2022
- The Banner Projects: Lauren Halsey - The artist remixes signs, symbols, and Afrofuturist vistions inspired by her LA neighborhood with works from ancient cultures of Egypt and Nubia from the MFA's collections - Through May 29, 2022
- Turner's Modern World - More than 100 paintings (including some of his most famous), drawings, and sketchbooks - March 27-July 10, 2022; special ticket (and timed-entry) required
- Philip Guston Now - Major retrospective of this late-20th century giant - May 1-Sept 11, 2022
Museum (and show) admission: $25 adults ($27 starting 3/1/22); special exhibits included unless otherwise noted; free entrance with Boston Discount Cards (GoBoston card and Boston CityPASS). Free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lunar New Year Celebration Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, & Indigenous Peoples' Day. MFA is open Thursday - Monday and closed Tuesday & Wednesday.
Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston - Current & Future Shows
- Raúl de Nieves: The Treasure House of Memory - Fanciful sculptures encrusted with bangles, beads, bells, sequins, and other unexpected materials - Through July 24, 2022
- Eva LeWitt - Huge colorful hanging wall sculpture made from coated mesh fabric - Through Oct 23, 2022
Admission: $15 adults; free entrance with GoBoston card and Boston CityPASS. Closed on Mondays. Free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, & Indigenous Peoples' Day, and every Thursday from 5-9pm. Must have timed tickets for free admission.
The Swan Boats Return - Opening Day 2022
In a sure sign that spring has arrived, the pedal-powered Swan Boats return to the Lagoon in Boston's Public Garden every April on the Saturday before Patriots Day.
Welcome spring and enjoy the pale green hints of spring foliage as your boat glides around the shallow pond for the blissful 12-15-minute ride. Soon, the Public Garden's resident real swans will also return.
While you're in the Public Garden, walk over to see the famous Make Way for Ducklings statues.
Opening day: Saturday, April 16
Spring schedule through June 20: 10am-4pm daily
Summer schedule June 21 - Sept 5 (last day): 10am-5pm daily)
Where: Boston's Public Garden
Cost: $4.50 adults; $3 children 2-15 years; under 2 years free
More information: Boston Swan Boats
Find more fun summer activities in Boston
Boston Hotels with Outdoor Swimming Pools
- Verb Hotel next to Fenway Park (shown in photo) - Find Lowest Rates
- Colonnade Hotel near Prudential Center - Find Discount Rates
- Revere Hotel in the Theatre District -Find Discount Rates
Find more Boston hotels with outdoor swimming pools
SoWa First Fridays 2022
On April 2 as well as on other SoWa First Fridays in Boston's art-filled South End, over 60 galleries south of Washington Street and at the Artist's Guild at 450 + 460 Harrison Ave, and nearby businesses and restaurants open their doors from 5pm to 9pm to give you a chance to experience the vibrant South End arts community.
Start at either 450 or 460 Harrison, and just follow the gallery lights and signs as you stroll around the neighborhood. Wrap up your evening at one of the South End's renowned restaurants.
Please note: Right now, capacity limitations apply to galleries, plus not all have reopened yet. If you are interested in a particular gallery or artist studio, please check with them directly to confirm their open status and hours.
Featured New Hotel for April: Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall in Boston's Financial District
68 Deevonshire Street, Boston's Downtown Financial District
A superb Financial District location close to Faneuil Marketplace, top visitor sites such as the historic Freedom Trail, and the Waterfront, Hyatt Centric Faneuil Market is ideally situated for both business and leisure travelers. You're about 8-10 minutes on foot from TD Garden, plus several nearby T (subway) stations put the rest of the city within easy reach - and now that balmy April weather has arrived, you'll love how many attractions are within a quick walk from the Hyatt Centric.
The 163 guestrooms and suites offer free wifi, smart TVs, bluetooth speakers, robes and slippers, and all the other amenities you'd expect in a high-end hotel. Dine onsite at Bar Mercato and enjoy its small plates and relaxed ambiance, or eat at any of the other excellent choices nearby.
Find low rates & make your reservations
Check out other hotels near Faneuil Marketplace
More Fun Things to Do in Boston in April
Patriot's Day Re-Enactments, Parades, and Events
Celebrated annually on the third Monday in April (a Massachusetts State holiday), Patriot's Day (April 18, 2022) commemorates events and battles in Lexington, Lincoln, Concord, and present-day Arlington (once called Menotomy) that marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
When: Most Patriots Day events take place from Saturday, April 16 - Monday, April 18, with more events throughout April
Get the complete schedule for Patriots' Day 2022 events
Where: Boston's North End, Lexington, Concord, other locations
Cost: Almost all are free
Find out more about Patriots' Day reenactments
Plan a day trip to Old North Bridge and other historic sites in Concord, MA
Fun Sightseeing Tours of Boston to Do Right Now
More: Sightseeing Tours | Tours for Teens | Kids & Family Tours
Cambridge Science Festival
Immerse yourself in virtual fun science adventures for 30 days in the kids-and-adults-friendly Cambridge Science Fest at multiple Boston and Cambridge locations.
A robot zoo, scavenger hunts, urban cycling workshops, bacterial "forests," virtual reality - these are just a few of the things you can explore.
Find the complete schedule and details for this free event on the Science Fest's website.
Run of the Charles
Run of the Charles, New England's largest canoe and kayak race, takes place on the last Sunday in April - perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon if you're a spectactor, or enjoy a day on the river if you're a paddler. About 1,500 racers and spectators participate each year.
Don't miss the River Festival beginning at 11:30 at the finish line with live music, a taco truck, raffles, a beer garden, and vendors!
When: Sunday, April 26
Time: Races start around 10am, depending on the race length (3 to 14 miles). Watch from Boston or Cambridge
Where: Charles River
Cost: Free for spectactors
Find out more about Run of the Charles
2 Easy Ways to Save BIG in Boston on Tours, Cruises, Admissions
Best way to save in Boston. Save up to 50% when you take a Boston Harbor cruise or Duck Boat tour, visit Plimouth Plantation, the New England Aquarium, Franklin Park Zoo, Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, and more. Compare to find out which one is best for you
Carousel Opening Day at the Greenway 2022
Ride a seal, whale, peregrine falcon, or one of the other hand-carved creatures inspired by Boston Harbor wildlife and the original Shawmut peninsula on the unique 34-seat carousel on the Rose Kennedy Greenway across from the Boston Marriott Long Wharf.
The carousel opens for the season on Friday, April 15.
After your ride, stroll over to Faneuil Market for a treat. Closest T station: Blue Line/Aquarium
Cost: $4/ride
More to do & see on the Greenway
Art in Bloom at Museum of Fine Arts 2022
Art in Bloom at MFA welcomes the arrival of spring in Boston with interpretive floral arrangements inspired by 50 works of art throughout the museum, flower arranging master classes, and demonstrations.
And of course, the timing of MFA's event is perfect: outside the museum, magnolia and cherry trees have burst into bloom all over Boston. Celebrate this special time of the year by visiting Art in Bloom - and then walk around the city and enjoy all the flowers.
When: April 29-May 1, 10am-5pm
Where: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston's Fenway neighborhood
Closest T station: Green Line/Museum
Cost: Viewings are free with the cost of museum admission, while the demonstrations and a few other events require tickets - check the MFA website for details and tickets, or use a Go City pass for free entry.
More places in Boston to enjoy gorgeous spring flowers
Boston LGBTQ+ Film Festival at Brattle Theatre
When: April 7-17
Where: In person at the Brattle Theatre and also online
Cost: To be announced
More information: Wicked Queer website
Several online venues host the 37th annual LGBT Film Festival, showcasing an eclectic selection of LGBTQ+ cinema from around the world. Look for 17 short programs and 24 feature films.
Boston Common Carousel
When: Opening date TBD. Hours are Sunday - Thursday, 10am-6pm, Friday and Saturday, 10am-8pm
Where: Boston Common
Cost: $3 (adults can ride next to their child free of charge)
The colorful Boston Common carousel across from Beacon Street provides plenty of entertainment for the younger set from April through October.
Check out Boston's other carousel located on the Rose Kennedy Greenway.
Easter Egg Hunt at Faneuil Market
On Saturday, April 9 at 11:30am (to be confirmed), head over to Faneuil Hall Marketplace for a special 2-hour Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt. Pick up your basket and clue sheet in the Upper Rotunda in Quincy Market to figure out which businesses are hiding eggs, and then visit the businesses to receive one egg. This event is free - but you must register (preferably in advance so you don't have to wait in line) because supplies and places are limited: www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/
More about Faneuil Marketplace
Boston International Film Festival
The Boston International Film Festival brings together the best local and international independent and experimental films in this annual festival. "Eclectic" barely begins to described the wide-ranging scope of the films you'll see here - everything from documentaries to avant-garde surrealism.
Tickets are sold for "sessions," typically including a longer film bundled with several shorter films on a similar topic or theme.
When:
Where:
- Regal Cinemas Fenway Stadium, 201 Brookline Ave; Green Line/D: Fenway
- Kendall Square Cinema, 355 Binney Street, Cambridge; Red Line: Kendall
- Cambridge College, 500 Rutherford Ave; Orange Line: Community College
- Bunker Hill Community College, 250 Rutherford Ave; Orange Line: Community College
- Old South Church, 645 Boylston Street; Green Line: Copley
Nearest T station: Green Line/Park
Tickets: $12 for most session with all-session and VIP passes also available
More information: BIFI Website
More Boston and Cambridge movie theaters
Japan Festival Boston - To be confirmed for 2022
The festival celebrates Japanese culture in Boston with performances on two stages, Japanese athletes and singers, cosplay contest, workshops, food vendors, raffles, silent auctions, and 100+ booths with food, arts, and crafts.
Look for the traditional Japanese portable shrines, including children's versions, brought to the site by volunteeers in the spirit of Japanese festivals.
This has grown into a huge event, with 60,000 attendees last year and probably more this year.
Nearest T station: Red & Green Lines: Park Street
Taste of the North End - To be confirmed for 2022
Taste of the North End on Friday, April 29, 7pm-11pm (to be confirmed) gives you a great chance to sample special dishes from over 45 North End restaurants, bakeries, and distributors in this annual tasting event.
This is also the North End's biggest fundraiser - proceeds benefit the North End Waterfront Health Center, as well as other neighborhood charities for children and seniors.
The list of participating restaurants is too long to name . . . but just to whet your appetite, look for treats from Carmelina's, Castle Island Brewing Co, Mamma Maria, Bricco, Taranta, Artu, Lucca, Massimino, Neptune Oyster, and Modern Pastry, as well as liquid refreshments from a number of neighborhood wine importers.
With panoramic waterfront views to enjoy from the Steriti Rink, this is sure to be a spectacular evening.
Interested in staying in the North End? Check rates at Bricco Suites, in the heart of the neighborhood, and the waterfront Yacht Haven Inn and Battery Wharf Hotel
Where: Steriti Memorial Ice Rink, 561 Commercial Street, Boston's North End
Tickets: $99 (plus service fee) - purchase in advance for $79 before April 20
Nearest T: Orange and Green Lines/North Station
More info: https://www.northendboston.com
More Things to Do in Boston in April
More Ways to Experience Boston in April
Boston bursts into bloom in April, making it the perfect time to explore the city! These fun trolley tours, bus tours, and special destinations let you enjoy Boston at its best!
Continuing during April
- Boston Wine Festival at Meritage Restaurant
- Noon Concerts at King's Chapel on the Freedom Trail
- First Fridays at Museum of Fine Arts
Boston Events Each Month
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | Year at a Glance
Find a Hotel for Your Boston Visit
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