Boston, August 25, 2025
News Summary
Boston will offer a range of free cultural events from outdoor films to live music and theater performances starting from August 25 to 31. Highlights include a screening of ’10 Things I Hate About You’, a watch party featuring local reality show contestants, the Boston Jazz Festival, a family puppet show, and performances of Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’. All events are free to attend and aim to provide community access to the arts.
Boston — Free cultural events across the city and nearby neighborhoods will run from Aug. 25 to Aug. 31, offering outdoor film, live music, theater, poetry and family programming at multiple venues. Highlights include an outdoor movie screening on Aug. 27, a watch party featuring recent reality-show contestants on Aug. 28, the 15th annual Boston Jazz Festival on Aug. 29–30, and public performances of Shakespeare and puppet theater on Aug. 30–31. All listed events are free to attend.
What’s happening and when
The week’s programming begins with a community poetry evening on Aug. 26 and ends with live theater and family programming on Aug. 31. Several events take place outdoors, with some running into the evening. Key events and details follow.
Outdoor film screening — Aug. 27, 9:00 p.m.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999), an adaptation inspired by Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, will be shown outdoors on Aug. 27 at 9 p.m. The screening will take place at The Anchor, located at 1 Shipyard Park, Charlestown. Attendees should plan for an outdoor setting and bring appropriate clothing for late-evening temperatures.
Television watch party — Aug. 28, 6:30 p.m.
A watch party for the newest episode of a popular reality series will be held on Aug. 28 at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature two Boston-area contestants from the prior season, Tucker Des Lauriers and Kenney Kelley. The gathering is set for Aeronaut Brewing Company at 14 Tyler St., Somerville.
15th annual Boston Jazz Festival — Aug. 29–30, until 10:00 p.m.
The 15th annual Boston Jazz Festival runs Aug. 29–30 at South Boston Maritime Park, 225 Northern Ave. The festival features local performers including Pat Braxton and GroovaLottos alongside international artists representing Puerto Rico, India and Germany. Programming will continue into the evening each night, with activities scheduled through 10 p.m.
Family puppet show — Aug. 30, noon
The Good News Gus Show, a musical puppet show hosted by Harry LaCoste, will be presented on Aug. 30 at 12:00 p.m. The event is family-friendly and includes interactive storytelling and comedy. The location is Boston Common, near the Boylston T stop.
Shakespeare in the park — Aug. 30–31, 6:00 p.m.
The Dream Role Players troupe will stage Macbeth on Aug. 30 and Aug. 31 at 6:00 p.m. The production emphasizes faithful dialogue and staged combat. The performances will take place at Longfellow Park, Cambridge. Attendees are asked to bring their own chairs or blankets for seating. Sunscreen and bug spray will be available at the site.
Poetry in the Garden — Aug. 26, 6:00 p.m.
The Somerville Community Growing Center will host Poetry in the Garden on Aug. 26 at 6:00 p.m. Attendees may share original or favorite poems and participate in a complementary art activity. The venue is located at 22 Vinal Ave., Somerville.
Practical details
- All events listed are free to attend.
- Several events are outdoors; bring weather-appropriate clothing and seating where advised.
- The Macbeth performances will provide sunscreen and bug spray on-site; attendees should still consider bringing personal insect repellent if desired.
- Family-friendly programming is available, including the puppet show and daytime festival activities.
Background and context
These events form part of late-summer community programming that encourages public access to the arts without admission fees. Offerings span multiple disciplines—film, television-related social gatherings, jazz music, puppet theater, classical drama and participatory poetry events—creating options for a range of ages and interests. Programming involving international artists adds cross-cultural elements to the local music scene, while outdoor and park-based presentations continue a seasonal pattern of accessible cultural activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these events free?
Yes. The events listed for Aug. 25–31 are free to attend.
Do I need to reserve a ticket in advance?
No advance tickets are noted for these events; they are presented as free public programs. For events held in enclosed venues or where space may be limited, arriving early is advisable.
Should I bring seating or other items?
Attendees are specifically asked to bring chairs or blankets for the Macbeth performances. For other outdoor events, bringing seating and weather-appropriate items is recommended where comfort is a concern.
Will there be amenities like sunscreen or insect repellent?
Sunscreen and bug spray will be available at the Macbeth production. No other guaranteed provisions are listed for the remaining events, so plan accordingly.
Are events family-friendly?
Some events are explicitly family-oriented, including the Good News Gus Show and daytime festival activities. Other events may be better suited to adult audiences depending on content and timing.
What should I do about accessibility or special accommodations?
Accessibility details are not specified in the event listings. Individuals with questions about access, mobility needs, or other accommodations should check directly with the venue or event organizers when possible before attending.
Event at-a-glance
| Event | Date | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poetry in the Garden | Aug. 26 | 6:00 p.m. | Somerville Community Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave. | Open mic and art activity |
| 10 Things I Hate About You (outdoor film) | Aug. 27 | 9:00 p.m. | The Anchor, 1 Shipyard Park, Charlestown | Outdoor screening; bring layers |
| Big Brother watch party | Aug. 28 | 6:30 p.m. | Aeronaut Brewing Company, 14 Tyler St., Somerville | Boston contestants Tucker Des Lauriers and Kenney Kelley in attendance |
| Boston Jazz Festival (15th annual) | Aug. 29–30 | Through 10:00 p.m. | South Boston Maritime Park, 225 Northern Ave. | Local and international acts (Puerto Rico, India, Germany) |
| Good News Gus Show (puppet) | Aug. 30 | 12:00 p.m. | Boston Common (near Boylston T stop) | Family-friendly; interactive storytelling |
| Macbeth (Dream Role Players) | Aug. 30–31 | 6:00 p.m. | Longfellow Park, Cambridge | Faithful dialogue and staged combat; bring seating; sunscreen and bug spray available |
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Free Things to Do in Boston
- Boston.com: 10 Free Things to Do in Boston in July
- OperaWire: Boston Lyric Opera to Present Free Events
- CBS News: Juneteenth Boston Events
- Wikipedia: Boston
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
