Boston, September 17, 2025
News Summary
This week in Boston features a variety of events and memorials from September 15-21, including concerts by Alabama Shakes and Eric Clapton, the 41st Boston Film Festival, the Red Bull Cliff Diving competition, and family-friendly activities such as the Cambridge Science Carnival. Additionally, statewide memorials will honor the nearly 3,000 victims of 9/11, ensuring both remembrance and celebration during this busy week.
Boston
Key events and commemorations in Boston and nearby communities run from September 15–21 and include major concerts, a citywide film festival kickoff, a Red Bull cliff-diving competition, family-friendly science and food festivals, and regional fall events scheduled through October. Massachusetts 9/11 memorials are also scheduled to honor nearly 3,000 victims with reading of names and presentation of the Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery.
Most important details
The week features high-attendance attractions likely to affect traffic and public transit near event venues. Highlights include performances by Alabama Shakes, Eric Clapton with The Wallflowers, and Morrissey; the start of the 41st Boston Film Festival; the Red Bull Cliff Diving event at the Institute of Contemporary Art in the Seaport; and the Fluff Festival in Somerville. Several multi-day food and tasting events occur in New England during the weekend. Memorial ceremonies tied to the 9/11 anniversary will take place across Massachusetts with public readings and awards presentations.
Events by date (Sept. 15–21)
Monday, Sept. 15
Alabama Shakes perform at MGM Music Hall with an 8 p.m. start time. Attendees should plan for increased activity around the venue in the evening.
Tuesday, Sept. 16
A morning cooking class featuring small bites led by Chef Vekonda Luangaphay takes place at Bow Market from 6:00–8:30 a.m. In the evening, Eric Clapton and The Wallflowers are scheduled to perform at TD Garden at 7:30 p.m., a major concert likely to affect nearby traffic and transit service.
Wednesday, Sept. 17
Summer Shack will host a watch party for the season finale of the series “The Summer I Turned Pretty” at 7:30 p.m., accompanied by specialty cocktails. This is a local watch-party style event at a restaurant location.
Thursday, Sept. 18
The 41st Boston Film Festival begins on Thursday and runs through Sunday, featuring film screenings and related events across festival venues. Author Peter Brennan will present a discussion of his new book at Harvard Square Bookstore at 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 19
Red Bull Cliff Diving is scheduled at the Institute of Contemporary Art in the Seaport from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The event will bring spectators and temporary site activity to the waterfront area.
Saturday, Sept. 20
Several large events are planned. The Fluff Festival in Union Square, Somerville, celebrating the region’s marshmallow-fluff heritage runs from 2–6 p.m. Morrissey is scheduled to perform at MGM Music Hall at 8 p.m. A grand tasting event with more than 70 vendors is set at Mount Snow Resort in Vermont, running across Sept. 19–20. Cambridge hosts an Asian-inspired night market, and Salem begins a two-day Food Truck Festival featuring over 100 food trucks on Sept. 20–21.
Sunday, Sept. 21
The Cambridge Science Carnival takes place in Kendall Square from 12–4 p.m., featuring family-friendly attractions such as a robot petting zoo and live music.
Additional regional fall events
Several autumn events in October are already scheduled and will draw visitors across the region: Boston Public Market’s Autumn and 10th birthday celebration (Oct. 16) with food vendors and a silent auction; a meat-free festival in Roxbury (Oct. 18–19); the Oyster Festival in Wellfleet (Oct. 18–19); Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival in Newport, Rhode Island (Oct. 18–19); a Laconia, New Hampshire festival with jack-o’-lanterns and costume parades (Oct. 25); and Franklin County’s apple cider festival (Oct. 31–Nov. 2).
Massachusetts 9/11 memorials
Statewide memorials and ceremonies mark the 9/11 anniversary with readings of names of the nearly 3,000 victims and presentations of the Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery. These observances will be held in multiple communities and are intended to honor victims and recognize acts of civilian courage.
Public impacts and safety
Major concerts and waterfront events will increase pedestrian traffic, transit ridership, and demand for parking. Attendees are advised to allow extra travel time, consider public transportation where possible, and follow local event signage and temporary traffic controls. Weather and other operational factors may affect outdoor programming; attendees should confirm final schedules with event organizers on the day of an event.
Background
Boston and the surrounding region host a dense fall calendar of cultural, culinary, and community events each year. Annual festivals and touring concerts often cluster in September and October, drawing regional visitors and supporting local businesses. The week of Sept. 15–21 combines single-night headline concerts with multi-day festivals, along with seasonal community celebrations and commemorations.
FAQ
Which events require advance tickets?
Concerts and some festival events typically require advance tickets or registration. Major indoor venues and ticketed festivals are likely to sell out for headline acts, while many neighborhood festivals and public carnivals offer free admission or on-site registration. Check official event pages for ticketing details.
Are events family-friendly?
Several events during the week are family-oriented, including the Cambridge Science Carnival, the Fluff Festival, and community fall celebrations. Nighttime concerts may be less suitable for young children depending on venue policies.
How will events affect travel and parking?
Expect increased traffic and limited parking near major venues such as MGM Music Hall, TD Garden, the Seaport, and Union Square during peak times. Public transit and ride services are recommended for large concerts and waterfront events.
What should attendees know about outdoor events?
Outdoor events are subject to weather and may change schedules or locations due to conditions. Attendees should confirm the event status on the day of the event and come prepared with weather-appropriate clothing.
Where can I find accessibility and safety information?
Accessibility, safety, and health guidance is provided by individual event organizers and venue operators. Check official event materials for accessible entry points, seating, medical services, and any special assistance options.
Event Quick Reference
| Date | Event | Location | Time / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, Sept. 15 | Alabama Shakes | MGM Music Hall, Boston | 8:00 p.m. |
| Tue, Sept. 16 | Small bites cooking class (Chef Vekonda Luangaphay) | Bow Market | 6:00–8:30 a.m. |
| Tue, Sept. 16 | Eric Clapton & The Wallflowers | TD Garden, Boston | 7:30 p.m. |
| Wed, Sept. 17 | Watch party: The Summer I Turned Pretty finale | Summer Shack | 7:30 p.m. (specialty cocktails) |
| Thu–Sun, Sept. 18–21 | 41st Boston Film Festival | Various venues | Festival schedule varies by screening |
| Thu, Sept. 18 | Author event: Peter Brennan | Harvard Square Bookstore | 7:00 p.m. |
| Fri, Sept. 19 | Red Bull Cliff Diving | ICA, Seaport | 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |
| Sat, Sept. 20 | Fluff Festival | Union Square, Somerville | 2:00–6:00 p.m. |
| Sat, Sept. 20 | Morrissey | MGM Music Hall, Boston | 8:00 p.m. |
| Fri–Sat, Sept. 19–20 | Grand Tasting (70+ vendors) | Mount Snow Resort, VT | Multi-day tasting event |
| Sat, Sept. 20 | Asian-inspired night market | Cambridge | Evening |
| Sat–Sun, Sept. 20–21 | Salem Food Truck Festival | Salem | Over 100 food trucks |
| Sun, Sept. 21 | Cambridge Science Carnival | Kendall Square, Cambridge | 12:00–4:00 p.m. (robot petting zoo, live music) |
| Oct. 16 | Boston Public Market Autumn & 10th birthday | Boston Public Market | Food vendors, silent auction |
| Oct. 18–19 | Meat-free festival (Roxbury); Oyster Festival (Wellfleet); Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival (Newport) | Roxbury; Wellfleet; Newport, RI | Regional fall festivals |
| Oct. 25 | Laconia festival (jack-o’-lanterns, costume parades) | Laconia, NH | Family-oriented fall festival |
| Oct. 31–Nov. 2 | Franklin County Apple Cider Festival | Franklin County | Seasonal harvest festival |
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Additional Resources
- Boston.com: Why does everyone in Boston move on September 1?
- Wikipedia: Boston
- Berkshire Eagle: BSO Tanglewood Learning Institute Events
- Google Search: Boston events September 2025
- Mommy Poppins: Things to do in Boston this weekend
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Massachusetts
- WCVB: September 11 Commemoration Events
- Google News: 9/11 memorials Massachusetts
- Time Out: September Events Calendar
- Google Scholar: Boston September events
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.
