Boston, September 6, 2025
News Summary
The 22nd annual Boston Arts Festival takes place this weekend at Christopher Columbus Park, featuring over 50 local artists and 10 musical acts. With free admission, the festival invites an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 attendees to enjoy visual art, jewelry, and live performances from local musicians. Concurrently, the Marshfield Community Rib Cook-Off and the Sterling Fair offer additional entertainment options, creating a vibrant weekend full of community spirit and artistic expression.
Boston — The 22nd annual Boston Arts Festival will be held this Saturday and Sunday at Christopher Columbus Park, running from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Entry is free, and the event will showcase visual art, jewelry, and original music by more than 50 Boston-area artists and 10 local musical acts. Organizers expect an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 attendees over the weekend.
What’s happening this weekend
The weekend features three community events across the region. In Boston, the Boston Arts Festival focuses on making fine art and original music accessible to the public with no admission fee. The festival highlights visual artists and jewelers and includes live performances from local bands and solo musicians. The musical lineup for the festival includes Samatha deLuca, Katie Dobbins, In Lieu of Flowers, Fly by Brass Band, Jessica Woodlee, The 94s, blindspot, Nick Zaino, James McCarthy, and Ava Valianti. A playlist of past performers has been compiled for listeners on Spotify for those who want additional context about previous festival music.
Outside Boston, the Marshfield Community Rib Cook-Off takes place Saturday at the Marshfield Fairgrounds from noon to 7 p.m. This event is a community fundraiser offering live entertainment and family-friendly activities, including a touch-a-truck experience. Tickets cost $8 in advance and $12 at the gate for attendees over the age of 12. Food and beverages are available for purchase on site and are not included in the ticket price.
The Sterling Fair is currently underway and will continue through Sunday. The fair offers typical county-fair attractions such as rides, livestock shows, food vendors, and live entertainment. Attendees are advised to check each event’s official schedule for timing of specific activities.
Key details and logistics
Boston Arts Festival — Location: Christopher Columbus Park. Dates: Saturday and Sunday. Hours: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Cost: free admission. Focus: visual art and jewelry, more than 50 participating artists, 10 live musical acts. Estimated attendance: 30,000–40,000.
Marshfield Community Rib Cook-Off — Location: Marshfield Fairgrounds. Date: Saturday. Hours: noon–7 p.m. Cost: $8 (advance), $12 (gate) for ages 13 and up; younger children may have different policies depending on event organizers. Admission includes live entertainment and family activities; food and beverages sold separately. Event status: fundraiser.
Sterling Fair — Ongoing through Sunday. Offerings include rides, livestock shows, food, and entertainment. Visitors should consult the fair’s posted schedule for show and contest times.
Background and history
The Boston Arts Festival was founded in 2003 during the administration of former Mayor Thomas Menino. The festival has run annually with some interruptions and nearly faced cancellation in 2015; it was preserved and continued with the help of a long-time organizer, Jen Matson, who has been involved since the festival’s inception. The festival’s stated aim is to provide free public access to fine art and live music created by local artists and musicians.
All three events advise attendees to check official event websites or posted schedules for the most up-to-date information on performance times, vendor lists, and any weather-related changes. Parking, public transit options, and accessibility services vary by venue and should be confirmed ahead of arrival.
Practical tips for visitors
- Confirm times and schedules on the day of attendance, as lineups and show times may shift.
- Expect crowds at the free Boston Arts Festival; arrive early if you want to see popular performances or artists.
- Bring cash or a card for food and merchandise purchases; some vendor areas may be cash-preferred.
- For family events like the Rib Cook-Off, check age policies for admission and whether youth activities require separate tickets or sign-ups.
FAQ
When and where is the Boston Arts Festival?
The Boston Arts Festival is at Christopher Columbus Park on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.
Is there an admission fee for the Boston Arts Festival?
No. Admission to the Boston Arts Festival is free for all attendees.
Who is performing at the Boston Arts Festival?
Ten local musical acts will perform, including Samatha deLuca, Katie Dobbins, In Lieu of Flowers, Fly by Brass Band, Jessica Woodlee, The 94s, blindspot, Nick Zaino, James McCarthy, and Ava Valianti.
What are the Marshfield Rib Cook-Off times and ticket prices?
The Marshfield Community Rib Cook-Off runs Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance and $12 at the gate for attendees over 12; food and beverages cost extra.
How long does the Sterling Fair run and what does it offer?
The Sterling Fair is currently underway and continues through Sunday. It includes rides, livestock shows, food, and entertainment; check the fair schedule for specific events.
Where can I find full event schedules?
Full schedules are available on each event’s official website or posted program. Attendees should check those sources for the latest updates and any last-minute changes.
Quick event reference
| Event | Location | Date(s) | Hours | Admission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Arts Festival | Christopher Columbus Park, Boston | Saturday & Sunday | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Free | 50+ artists, 10 musical acts; estimated 30,000–40,000 attendees |
| Marshfield Community Rib Cook-Off | Marshfield Fairgrounds | Saturday | Noon – 7 p.m. | $8 advance; $12 gate (age 13+) | Fundraiser; food and drinks sold separately; family activities included |
| Sterling Fair | Sterling (fairgrounds) | Now – Sunday | Varied (see fair schedule) | Varied (check fair site) | Rides, livestock shows, food, entertainment |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kid-Friendly Events in Boston This Weekend
Boston’s Arts and Entertainment Weekend Events
Seisiún Festival Set to Return to Boston This Fall
Nine Inch Nails Captivates Boston Audience at TD Garden
Boston Honors New Edition with New Edition Day
Boston’s City Hall Plaza to Host Third Annual Fiesta en la Plaza
Boston Symphony Orchestra to Host Free Community Concerts
Boston Hosts Free Cultural Events This Week
PGA Tour’s New Miami Championship Faces Player Backlash
LPGA Tour Unveils Ambitious Tournament Schedule
Additional Resources
- Boston 25 News: 3 Things to Do This Weekend
- CBS News: What to Know About the Boston Arts Festival
- Bay State Banner: Boston Arts Festival
- Wikipedia: Arts Festival
- Google Search: Boston Arts Festival
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.
