These are just some of the great things to do around Massachusetts this Labor Day weekend. And free admission for the military and their families at these museums.
GREATER BOSTON
For a complete listing of events in and around the Boston area Click Here
Highland Street's Free Fun Fridays
Free admission on August 31st to JFK Library & Museum, Plimoth
Plantation, The Discovery Museums, MASS MoCA and EcoTarium.
Deutsche Bank
Golf Championship
August 29-September 3
Beacon Hill Walking
Tour: Magnificent and Modern
Saturdays through October 27
Go beyond the brick sidewalks and charming gardens and learn about
Beacon Hill's development in the Federal Era. The fortunes,
ambitions, and struggles of Beacon Hill's early residents, both
wealthy and working class, shaped the streets, architecture, and
character of the hill. The program starts with a tour of the Otis
House Museum, the earliest intact mansion in the neighborhood, and
continues on Beacon Hill's historic streets.
Otis House Museum, 141 Cambridge St., Boston
Newton Community
Weekend
September 1-2
Welcome NEWTON COMMUNITY WEEKEND at Historic Newton Jackson
Homestead! Newton residents are invited to enjoy free admission to
the museum.
Historic Newton Jackson Homestead, 527 Washington St., Newton
Festival of St. Lucia
September 1-3
Ethnic festival on Cushing St. in Cambridge
Cushing St., Cambridge
Car Talk: The Musical
Through September 2
Presented by Central Square Theater, Cambridge, MA
Mythos: Pathos
Through September 2
Presented by Luminarium Dance Company at the Arsenal Center for the
Arts, Watertown, MA
Lost in Boston, or Dating Game of Thrones
Through September 5
Presented by Improv Asylum
Marlborough
Labor Day Parade
September 3
Marlborough has a proud tradition of hosting the largest and most
prestigious Labor Day Parade in New England!
Garden in the
Woods
Labor Day Weekend is the last weekend to see
Repurposed - the summer sculpture show in Garden in
the Woods. This collaboration between New England Wild Flower
Society and New England Sculptors Association has brought rave
reviews from visitors and the press. Don't miss the final weekend
September 1-3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Stone Zoo
Daily through September 3
The birds are back at Stone Zoo, but not for much longer! Hurry in
to catch the final month of the popular seasonal bird show, Masters
of Flight: Birds of Prey, which ends September 3. Masters of
Flight: Birds of Prey is an exciting, open-air, free-flight bird
show featuring more than a dozen different bird species from around
the world, including the bald eagle, bateleur eagle, Egyptian
vulture, military macaw, spectacled owl and white-necked raven.
These “acrobats of the sky” fly in from overhead and
demonstrate their natural behaviors, such as unique survival
techniques, food foraging and specialized physical adaptions in
this engaging, memorable and educational experience for visitors of
all ages. Be sure to swoop on in before the show migrates for the
season!
Franklin Park
Zoo
Free Admission for the 100th Visitor – Ends September
9
Throughout the summer, Franklin Park Zoo has been rewarding its
100th daily visitor with free admission! The Zoo opens at 10:00 AM
every day, so hurry in for your chance to be our 100th guest-of-the
day! Aussie Aviary – Beginning mid-September, weekend
hours only
Aussie Aviary is home to hundreds of brightly-colored, free-flying
budgies! Visit Aussie Aviary and marvel at these fascinating and
beautiful birds while they surround you in a fully interactive and
unforgettable experience. Purchase a seedstick and the birds may
even land right on it!
Zoorassic Park – Ends September 3
As visitors are immersed in a prehistoric journey through time at
Franklin Park Zoo’s Zoorassic Park, they will be enthralled
by the vast array of fascinating dinosaurs awaiting them. These
large animatronic dinosaurs will excite visitors of all ages with
their lifelike sounds and movements. From the imposing
Tyrannosaurus rex to a variety of other dinosaurs including a
Massospondylus, which means “massive vertebra,” an
Ornithomimus, which had a bird-like bone structure, to many others,
this is a unique experience not to be missed!
Butterfly Landing – Ends September 3
Watch in amazement as butterflies flutter around you in Butterfly
Landing at Franklin Park Zoo. At Butterfly Landing, guests have the
opportunity to stroll through this tranquil environment filled with
hundreds of butterflies. This tented, outdoor exhibit also features
several garden beds, a pond and soothing surround-sound music.
Butterfly Landing is a seasonal exhibit and will be open through
September 3 (weather permitting).
NORTH OF BOSTON & GREATER MERRIMACK VALLEY
Gloucester
Schooner Festival
August 31-September 2
28th annual festival featuring numerous schooners and fun for the
whole family
Gloucester
New England Arts and
Craft Festival
September 1-3
The Topsfield Fairgrounds will come alive with color, flavor and
music for the 32nd Annual New England Arts & Crafts Festival,
featuring over 150 booths of American-made arts, crafts, specialty
foods, live music and craft demonstrations.
207 Boston Rd., Topsfield
Sowing the Seeds of
Liberty: Lexington and the American Revolution
Ongoing Exhibit
This long-term installation is designed to stimulate fresh ways of
thinking about a conflict that always spark the American
imagination. In addition to describing the battle and events that
led up to it, the exhibition explains why members of this small
farming community were willing to take arms against their own
government to protect their way of life.
National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Rd., Lexington
Bread and Roses
Festival
September 3
Celebrating Lawrence's diversity and its labor history named for
the "Bread and Roses" textile strike of 1912. Numerous family
events.
Campagnone Common, Lawrence
Andover Farmers
Market
Saturdays through October 6
he market provides fresh, local produce, backed and prepared foods,
as well as hand-crafted goods. Demonstrators and musicians will
entertain customers adding to the rich spirit of the market. Family
friendly activities will take place in the barn including crafts,
games, and facepainting. Join us for another season of fun and
food!
97 Main St., Andover
Feast of the Three
Saints
August 31-September 2
Each year the Feast offers Italian food, a Torchlight Parade,
Procession of the Saints, live musical entertainment, amusements,
kids carnival rides, games and raffles. Festivities begin Friday
evening at 6:30 p.m. with the opening ceremony at Lawrence City
Hall on Common Street and a procession to Corpus Christi Parish at
Holy Rosary Church, after which there are two free concerts
featuring celebrity entertainers and popular local bands. The fun
continues on Saturday with entertainment throughout the
afternoon.
Paula
Cole
August 30-31
Presented by Rockport Music at Shalin Liu Performance Center,
Rockport, MA Thursday & Friday,, 8 pm Friday performance is
sold out, but a few tickets remain for Thursday, August 30th
SOUTH OF BOSTON
The Mayflower Sprint
Triathlon at Plymouth Rock
September 1
Start time: 7:30am EST
Swim starts at The State Boat Ramp. Buses will run from Transition
Area to Swim Start starting at 6:20am. If you choose to walk it is
a ½-mile away or about a ten-minute walk.
Pilgrim Memorial Park, Plymouth
Pilgrim Hall
188th Birthday
September 1
Join the staff as they celebrate 188th anniversary of the laying of
the cornerstone of Pilgrim Hall Museum. Enjoy birthday cake and see
the Pilgrim possessions that really did come over on the Mayflower!
Free admission all day.
75 Court Street, Plymouth
World War II Weekend at
Battleship Cove
September 1-2
9am-4:30pm
History comes alive when over 50 World War II Allied and Axis
re-enactors arrive at Battleship Cove. See an exciting display of
equipment, artillery, and vehicles. Talk with veterans and relive
the history of that important time. Special programs scheduled
throughout the day are FREE with paid admission. Great family
event!
Battleship Cove
Five Water Street, Fall River
Pilgrim Belle
Cruises
Through October 30
Cruise Plymouth Harbor in style and comfort aboard the Pilgrim
Belle, a Mississippi-style paddlewheeler. Get a narrated account of
this historic town and seaport and a mariner’s view of
Plymouth Rock, Mayflower II, Plymouth Beach, Clarks Island and
Gurnet Lighthouse. Pilgrim history and maritime lore await you on
this 1-hour-and-15-minute cruise.
Mayflower II State Pier, Plymouth
Feast of Our Lady of
Angels
September 1-3
A traditional Portuguese “festa” with live music, game
booths, Portuguese & American foods, auctions, kids’
activities.
Our Lady of Angels Feast Grounds, Fairhaven
Plymouth Cruises -
Pirate Cruise!
Through Labor Day
Climb aboard for a swashbuckling adventure! Man the water cannons
and battle the enemy pirate ship to recapture the treasure. See
what other surprises lie ahead!
Town Wharf, Plymouth
Plymouth Farmers
Market
Thursdays through October 25
Shop for local and seasonal food and more each Saturday at Downtown
Courthouse Green located at 11 Russell Street in Plymouth Center.
Held rain or shine.
King Richard's
Faire
Weekends: September 1-October 21
Transport yourself back in time and revel in the magic of New
England's largest and longest running Renaissance Festival. King
Richard's Faire kicks off its 29th season on Saturday, September 4,
2010. Tucked away on 80 acres of enchanted forest in Carver, MA,
King Richard's Faire is a full day of live, interactive
entertainment for all ages.
235 Main St., Carver
CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS
Cape Cod Music
Festival
September 2
year's festival will be held at the /barnstable County Fair Grounds
from 2-10PM on September 4. It is an all day music and food
festival with benefits for the Cape Cod Hunger Network. Patrons are
asked to bring a non-persishable food donation to be collected to
help stock our local food pantries. We are also very [pleased to
announce that the festival will feature Boston's creates bluesman,
Ronnie Earl, blues/folk legend Chris Smither and Cape Cod's own
American Idol Siobhan Magnus, along with other great bands.
The
Martha's Vineyard Jazz & Blues Summerfest
August 31-September 1
The Martha’s Vineyard Jazz & Blues Summerfest will be
held at the Union Chapel from 7-10 pm and feature SAGE, an all
ladies jazz ensemble; Ragan Whiteside flautist, vocalist, and
songwriter; Andrea & James Rohlehr and The AndJam Band and
KJDenhert. 7 pm-10 pm
Union Chapel, Oak Bluffs
17th
Annual Labor Day Festival
August 31-September 2
The largest art show on Martha's Vineyard featuring Island Artists
with hand-made work, many demonstrations, food, music, pony rides,
$2.00 fee for Scholarship fund benefits students of M.V.R.H.S.
Labor Day in
Falmouth
September 1-2
Car show on September 1 in historic Falmouth Village. Car Cruise
and lobster bake on September 2.
Falmouth Village
5K Road Race
September 2
The Dennis Chamber of Commerce presents the 6th Annual 5K Road
Race. The race starts at Johnny Kelly Park, Bob Crowell R., South
Dennis and finishes at the Carlton Hall, Old Bass River Rd, Dennis
Village. Race starts at 10:00 am.
Great
Provincetown Schooner Regatta
September 1-7
This year's race will include the revival of the historic
Fisherman's Cup from Gloucester to Provincetown extending the
regatta's schedule of events into five full days of nautical
competition in Provincetown Harbor and lively entertainment on
shore.
By the Bay's 6th Annual Labor
Day Weekend Fine Arts and Craft Show
August 31-Septmeber 2
Something for every taste and every style at the By the Bay Fine
Art & Craft Show in Brewster, Massachusetts. You'll find
everything from a delicate watercolor that accents a room to a
piece of sturdy handcrafted furniture. Other items on hand include
Jewelry, pottery, stained glass. photography,oils, hand made
weaving,shells and folkart of many kinds Go shopping at this unique
event during your Cape Cod vacation and find some great souvenirs
to remember your trip
733 Main St., Brewster
Hyannis Harbor Artist
Shanties
Through September 3
Tthe shanties are open seven days a week, 11:00AM - 8:00PM through
Labor Day, September 5, 2012. Over 45 Cape Cod artists will occupy
the 7 artist shanties this year. Two will showcase rotating
artists.
250 South St., Hyannis
West
Tisbury Farmers Market
You won't want to miss the sights, sounds and tastes at the
Farmer's Market at the West Tisbury Grange Hall . Just picked local
produce, fragrant flowers, delicious prepared foods from Island
kitchens and more. 9 am -noon, Saturdays June 12 through October
9th
Grange Hall, West Tisbury
The Vineyard Artisan
Festival
August 31-September 2
The 17th Annual Vineyard Artisan Labor Day Festival. Great food and
music, $2 parking fee helps support our scholarship fund for the
arts. Free admission, hay rides. Don't miss this very special
event!
Grange Hall, West Tisbury
Truro Agriculture
Fair
September 2
Celebrate agriculture, aquaculture, fishing and farming on Cape
Cod!
Martha’s Vineyard
Yoga Festival
August 30-Sept 3
Vineyard Yoga Festival’s mission is to offer world class yoga
in a spectacular natural setting, we are more inspired than ever by
our community and its dedication to local food, alternative healing
and maintaining a genuine relationship with the land we live
on.
Martha’s Vineyard
Comedy Festival
August 30 – Sept 3
An all-star cast of comedians each night at the Lampost in Oak
Bluffs
Martha’s
Vineyard Jazz and Blues
August 31 – Sept 1
Jazz & Blues Summerfest featuring Jay Hoggard, Mimi Jones &
Luis Perdomo, Andrea & James Rohlehr and SAGE, the all ladies
jazz ensemble!
Martha’s Vineyard
Wind Festival
September 1
A family event that incorporates all that is the Vineyard: Our
VISITORS, the ARTS, the SUMMER SPORTS, offering a perfect setting
for that last family picnic, with many wind based
events...including 'kids only' model sailboat races, kite
construction and flying, frisbee games, kite boarding, and other
flying contraptions, demonstrations, competitions and prizes.
NANTUCKET EVENTS
nantucketchamber.org
Friday
7-8:15 Jazz Concert: Ann Martindale and Richard Busch. This duo
performs mellow American jazz and popular standards. Atheneum Great
Hall, 1 India St.
Saturday
Farmers & Artisans Market 9AM-1PM at Cambridge and N. Union
Street
Four EZ Payments performing at Cisco Brewery, 5 Bartlett Farm
Road
Final show of “Moscows of Nantucket”, Sam
Forman’s Nantucket based family comedy. 7:30 PM. Centre
Stage, 2 Centre Street. Tickets $25
Sunday
Bob Lehman Trio performs live at the Brant Point Grill Lounge,
(White Elephant, Easton Street). 8-10:30 PM
Monday
“Guiding Lights” Exhibition at the Shipwreck &
Lifesaving Museum 10AM-5PM
CENTRAL MASS
Irish Dance
Competition
September 1
Holiday Inn, Fitchburg
Wachusett Mountain
August 31-September 3
You won't want to miss the blow out sales at our Annual Labor Day
Sale Aug 31-Sept 3. While you're here, take a shopping break
outside on Sun & Mon from 12-4pm to enjoy our Family Fun Days,
featuring live music, a BBQ and fun activities for the whole
family.
Fun in Central Massachusetts for Labor Day and beyond
Labor Day Weekend at Old Sturbridge Village
September 1-3
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
Lots of fun for whole family. Multiple events planned throughout
the weekend.
Spencer Fair
August 31-September 3
Monster truck shows, tractor pulls, reptile show, variety shows,
music, craft competition, baking shows, exhibits and
demonstrations; children''s play area and petting zoo.
Rt. 31, Spencer
Tower Hill Botanic
Garden
September 3
Open Labor Day and offering a special guided tour at 2pm. Enjoy a
guided tour of this magnificent garden, with seasonal highlights
such as spring flowering bulbs and perennials, flowering trees and
shrubs, summer annuals, the vegetable garden, and a Systematic
Garden overview. Learn about the history of the Worcester County
Horticultural Society that owns and operates Tower Hill Botanic
Garden, and learn about the Garden's future goals.
Lake Quinsigamond
Boat Parade
September 1
It’s back by popular demand. The Lake Quinsigamond Boat
Parade @ 2pm. (rain or shine). Let’s celebrate the end of the
summer with some splash!! Top 3 motor boats win honors and bragging
rights. TOP BOAT Wins a $200 Gift Card to Doug Russell Marine.
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
Labor Day Sidewalk
Sale
August 31-September 3
Lee Premium Outlets
Experience abundant savings of 25-65% at the annual Lee Premium
Outlets Labor Day Sidewalk Sale. Great savings on fall clearance at
your favorite brand name designer outlet stores.
17 Premium Outlets Boulevard, Lee
Amherst Farmers
Market
Through November 19
Voted the best farmers market in the Pioneer Valley, AND the best
"small" farmers market in the country!
Spring St. Parking Lot, Amherst
Three County Fair
August 31-September 3
Polish festival, thoroughbred horse racing, agricultural &
livestock exhibits, demo derbies, good healthful food, musical
entertainment; rides and games as well.
Northampton Fairgrounds, Bridge St., Northampton
Blandford
Fair
August 31-September 3
Antique car show, Fiddle contest, art show, stage show, midway,
horse, oxen and truck pulls, agricultural displays and horse
show.
North St., Blandford
Tanglewood Jazz
Festival
September 1-3
Talented, well-known jazz artists perform on the beautiful grounds
of Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony
Orchestra.
Rt. 183, Lenox
Tanglewood
Wine & Food Classic
August 31-September 3
The culinary event will feature wine and food seminars from local
and national experts, a wine auction dinner, two grand tastings,
and a Sunday brunch. Guests are invited to pair these world-class
wine and food happenings with performances of the 2011 Tanglewood
Jazz Festival. Ticket purchases to either Grand Tasting event come
with a complimentary lawn ticket to the associated Jazz Festival
concert.
Rt. 183, Lenox
Boston Pops Orchestra - Michael Feinstein's American
Songbook
September 2
Presented by Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood: Koussevitzky
Music Shed
More Labor Day events going on in the Berkshires.
Map of the Regions in Massachusetts
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Win a Prize Package |
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- Where to Go
- Things to Do
For New England's largest theme park, head to Six Flags New England in Agawam. Experience the "Glow in the Park Parade", an all new nighttime spectacular with dramatic state-of-the-art floats, cirque-style music and thousands of sparkling lights! The Dept. of Conservation and Recreation presents Park Passport, a program where families are encouraged to continue to visit parks statewide in an effort to fill their passport with stamps from all the parks.
- Plan Your Trip
- 50 Under $50
- Getting Around
State and regional resources, including air, land, and water transportation; Boston public transit info; detailed info on travel to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Island
