Top Festivals in Massachusetts 2025: Date, Location, Significance, and Activities

Overview of Festivals in Massachusetts 2025

Massachusetts, the Bay State, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its colonial heritage, maritime traditions, and vibrant arts scene, Massachusetts offers an incredible array of festivals throughout the year.

Massachusetts’ festivals highlight its diverse cultural heritage, world-class art, and deep historical roots. From the bustling streets of Boston to the scenic coasts of Cape Cod and the picturesque Berkshires, each region of the state has unique events. Whether you’re indulging in fresh seafood, exploring historical reenactments, or enjoying outdoor music, Massachusetts offers festivals for every interest in 2025.

Learn more: Full List of Festivals in the US for 2025: Music, Food, Art, Film, Street and More

Massachusetts Festival Collage with Iconic Landmarks

List of Festivals in Massachusetts - Calendar 2025

Note: Festival dates and similar events in this state are updated frequently, and times may change. Please report any date errors in the article in the comments below.

January

Boston Wine & Food Festival

• Date: January 10–February 14, 2025
• Location: Boston Harbor Hotel, Boston, MA
• Significance: A premier culinary event showcasing the best in wine and food pairings.
• Activities:
  • Wine tastings with renowned sommeliers.
  • Multi-course dinners prepared by top chefs.
  • Educational seminars and cooking demonstrations.
• Tickets: Individual event tickets available online; packages offered.
• Transportation: Accessible via Boston’s public transit; valet parking available at the hotel.

Salem So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival

• Date: January 27–February 4, 2025
• Location: Downtown Salem, MA
• Significance: A winter festival celebrating love, chocolate, and art.
• Activities:
  • Ice sculpture displays throughout downtown Salem.
  • Chocolate tasting events at local businesses.
  • Guided walking tours highlighting Salem’s history.
• Tickets: Free admission; chocolate tastings require separate tickets.
• Transportation: Parking available downtown; public transit options include the Salem commuter rail line.

February

Lowell Winterfest

• Date: February 9–11, 2025
• Location: Lowell, MA
• Significance: A lively celebration of winter in the historic city of Lowell.
• Activities:
  • Ice skating, sledding, and other winter sports.
  • A chili cook-off featuring local chefs.
  • Fireworks display and live music performances.
• Tickets: Free general admission; some activities may require tickets.
• Transportation: Ample parking available; public transit via Lowell commuter rail.

Cape Cod Maritime Festival

• Date: February 23–25, 2025
• Location: Hyannis, MA
• Significance: Celebrating Cape Cod’s rich maritime heritage.
• Activities:
  • Exhibits on shipbuilding and nautical history.
  • Seafood tastings featuring Cape Cod specialties.
  • Interactive activities for families, including knot-tying workshops.
• Tickets: Available online and at the gate.
• Transportation: Parking available near the venue; rideshare services encouraged.

March

Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade

• Date: March 17, 2025
• Location: South Boston, MA
• Significance: One of the nation’s oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
• Activities:
  • Parade featuring floats, bagpipers, and Irish dancers.
  • Traditional Irish food and drink at local pubs.
  • Family-friendly events, including face painting and crafts.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Public transit strongly encouraged due to large crowds; parking is limited.

Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival

• Date: March 21–24, 2025
• Location: Chilmark, MA
• Significance: A celebration of storytelling through independent films.
• Activities:
  • Screenings of independent films and documentaries.
  • Q&A sessions with filmmakers and actors.
  • Workshops on film production and storytelling.
• Tickets: Individual screening tickets and festival passes available online.
• Transportation: Accessible via ferry to Martha’s Vineyard; shuttle services provided on the island.

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April

Boston Marathon Weekend

• Date: April 13–15, 2025
• Location: Boston and surrounding towns, MA
• Significance: A world-renowned event celebrating athleticism and community spirit.
• Activities:
  • The iconic Boston Marathon race.
  • Pre-race expos and community events.
  • Spectator zones with live entertainment and food vendors.
• Tickets: Free to watch; expo entry may require tickets.
• Transportation: Public transit recommended; road closures affect driving routes.

Salem Arts Festival

• Date: April 26–28, 2025
• Location: Downtown Salem, MA
• Significance: A community-focused festival celebrating local artists and performers.
• Activities:
  • Art installations and gallery exhibitions.
  • Live music and dance performances.
  • Interactive art workshops for all ages.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Parking available downtown; public transit accessible via commuter rail.

Historical Massachusetts Festival Map

May

Nantucket Wine & Food Festival

• Date: May 15–19, 2025
• Location: Nantucket, MA
• Significance: A luxurious celebration of wine, food, and the island’s charm.
• Activities:
  • Wine tastings and pairing events.
  • Chef-led cooking demonstrations and gourmet dinners.
  • Scenic tours of Nantucket’s vineyards and landmarks.
• Tickets: General admission and VIP packages available online.
• Transportation: Accessible via ferry; shuttle services provided on the island.

Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival

• Date: May 25–27, 2025
• Location: Court Square, Springfield, MA
• Significance: A vibrant celebration of jazz and world music.
• Activities:
  • Performances by world-class jazz musicians.
  • Cultural exhibits and storytelling sessions.
  • Food trucks and artisan vendors.
• Tickets: Free admission; donations encouraged.
• Transportation: Parking available near Court Square; public transit accessible.

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June

Boston Harborfest

• Date: June 30–July 4, 2025
• Location: Boston, MA
• Significance: One of the nation’s largest Independence Day celebrations, highlighting Boston’s revolutionary history.
• Activities:
  • Historical reenactments and guided Freedom Trail tours.
  • Live music and dance performances on the harbor.
  • Fireworks display over Boston Harbor on July 4th.
• Tickets: Free admission; specific events may require tickets.
• Transportation: Public transit strongly encouraged; parking is limited in downtown Boston.

Green River Festival

• Date: June 21–23, 2025
• Location: Greenfield, MA
• Significance: A vibrant mix of music, art, and family-friendly fun in the scenic Pioneer Valley.
• Activities:
  • Performances by folk, indie, and Americana artists.
  • Hot air balloon launches and rides.
  • Food trucks and artisan markets.
• Tickets: General admission and VIP passes available online.
• Transportation: Ample parking near the festival grounds; shuttles available from nearby towns.

July

Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival

• Date: July 12–21, 2025
• Location: Various gardens across Cape Cod, MA
• Significance: A celebration of the region’s iconic hydrangeas and horticultural beauty.
• Activities:
  • Guided tours of private and public gardens.
  • Gardening workshops and floral design demonstrations.
  • Local art exhibitions and plant sales.
• Tickets: Individual garden tours require tickets; available online and at participating locations.
• Transportation: Parking available near gardens; carpooling recommended.

Tanglewood Music Festival

• Date: July 4–August 24, 2025
• Location: Lenox, MA
• Significance: A world-renowned classical music festival in the scenic Berkshires.
• Activities:
  • Performances by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and guest artists.
  • Outdoor concerts under the stars.
  • Pre-concert talks and workshops for music enthusiasts.
• Tickets: Available online; lawn seating and reserved options offered.
• Transportation: Parking available on-site; shuttles provided for larger events.

August

Salem Heritage Days

• Date: August 10–18, 2025
• Location: Salem, MA
• Significance: A community-wide celebration of Salem’s history and culture.
• Activities:
  • Street fairs with local crafts and food vendors.
  • Historic walking tours and maritime exhibits.
  • Free outdoor movie screenings and live music performances.
• Tickets: Free admission; some events may require tickets.
• Transportation: Accessible via commuter rail and public transit; parking limited in downtown Salem.

Boston Seafood Festival

• Date: August 18, 2025
• Location: Boston Fish Pier, Boston, MA
• Significance: A culinary event celebrating New England’s seafood heritage.
• Activities:
  • Fresh seafood tastings, including lobster, oysters, and chowder.
  • Cooking demonstrations by top chefs.
  • Live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
• Tickets: General admission and VIP passes available online.
• Transportation: Public transit to the Boston Fish Pier recommended; parking limited.

September

The Big E (Eastern States Exposition)

• Date: September 13–29, 2025
• Location: West Springfield, MA
• Significance: New England’s largest fair, showcasing the region’s culture, agriculture, and entertainment.
• Activities:
  • Carnival rides, games, and parades.
  • Agricultural exhibits and livestock competitions.
  • Food stalls featuring unique fair treats like The Big E Cream Puff.
• Tickets: Available online and at the gate; discounts for children and seniors.
• Transportation: Ample parking near the fairgrounds; rideshare services available.

Boston Arts Festival

• Date: September 20–21, 2025
• Location: Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, Boston, MA
• Significance: A celebration of Boston’s vibrant arts scene.
• Activities:
  • Art exhibitions and live painting demonstrations.
  • Performances by local musicians and theater groups.
  • Interactive workshops for attendees.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Accessible via public transit; parking nearby is limited.

October

Salem Haunted Happenings

• Date: October 1–31, 2025
• Location: Salem, MA
• Significance: One of the nation’s most famous Halloween festivals, celebrating Salem’s witch trials history.
• Activities:
  • Ghost tours, costume parades, and psychic readings.
  • Haunted houses and immersive theater experiences.
  • Street fairs with food vendors and crafts.
• Tickets: Event-specific tickets available online.
• Transportation: Public transit strongly encouraged; parking in Salem is extremely limited.

Wellfleet OysterFest

• Date: October 19–20, 2025
• Location: Wellfleet, MA
• Significance: A coastal celebration of Cape Cod’s famous oysters and seafood culture.
• Activities:
  • Oyster shucking competitions and tastings.
  • Live music and art exhibits.
  • Family-friendly activities, including educational workshops about marine life.
• Tickets: Available online and at the gate.
• Transportation: Parking available at designated lots; shuttle services provided.

Massachusetts Seasonal Celebration Montage

November

Plymouth Thanksgiving Festival

• Date: November 22–24, 2025
• Location: Plymouth, MA
• Significance: A historical reenactment of the first Thanksgiving.
• Activities:
  • Interactive exhibits on Pilgrim and Native American history.
  • Traditional feasts with historically accurate menus.
  • Parades and storytelling sessions.
• Tickets: Available online; discounts for children.
• Transportation: Parking available near the venue; public transit options limited.

December

Boston Holiday Pops

• Date: December 1–24, 2025
• Location: Symphony Hall, Boston, MA
• Significance: A festive musical tradition featuring the Boston Pops Orchestra.
• Activities:
  • Performances of holiday classics and sing-alongs.
  • Special appearances by Santa Claus.
  • Family-friendly matinees.
• Tickets: Available online; early booking recommended.
• Transportation: Public transit to Symphony Hall encouraged; limited parking nearby.

Conclusion

Massachusetts’ 2025 festival calendar offers an unparalleled mix of history, culture, and seasonal celebrations. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Boston, indulging in Cape Cod seafood, or enjoying the scenic beauty of the Berkshires, there’s a festival for everyone.

FAQs About Massachusetts Festivals 2025

1. What are Massachusetts’ most iconic festivals?

• Events like Boston Harborfest, The Big E, and Salem Haunted Happenings are must-see celebrations.

2. Are there family-friendly festivals in Massachusetts?

• Yes, events such as Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival, Boston Seafood Festival, and Wellfleet OysterFest offer activities for all ages.

3. How can I get to Massachusetts festivals?

• Public transit is the best option for festivals in cities like Boston and Salem. Ferries are available for island events like the Nantucket Wine & Food Festival.

4. Do Massachusetts festivals require advance tickets?

• Many events, such as the Nantucket Wine & Food Festival and Boston Holiday Pops, recommend early ticket purchases.

5. Are Massachusetts festivals pet-friendly?

• Some outdoor events allow pets, but it’s best to check specific festival policies.

6. What’s unique about Massachusetts festivals?

• They celebrate the state’s history, art, and seafood, blending modern attractions with traditional New England charm.

7. Are there free festivals in Massachusetts?

• Yes, many festivals, like The Boston Arts Festival and Green River Festival, offer free admission or donation-based entry.

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