
Watch as fireworks “Illuminate the Harbor,” Aug. 28 at dusk.Monday is Labor Day, an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. Boston has celebrations, block parties, and free museum admission around the city to commemorate the special occasion.
Illuminate the Harbor Fireworks Celebration
When: Thursday, Aug. 28, 8:30 p.m.
Where:
Public viewing is available along the Boston Harborwalk in East Boston, Charlestown, the North End and the Seaport District.
Cost: Free
Info: Hosted by Boston Harbor Now and Meet Boston, there will be a colorful fireworks show and other outdoor fun for the whole family. instagram.com/p/DNV7PktO9mv
Southern Comfort Day Party #SoCoBoston
When: Friday, Aug. 29, 10:00 p.m. to 2 a.m. Where: Big Night Live, 110 Causeway St., Boston
Cost: $22.09
Info: Back in its eighth installment, #SoCoBoston is “the original Southern-themed party bringing together Boston’s urban young professionals” for a premiere nightclub experience. In collaboration with the Greater Boston Morehouse College Alumni Association, Liteworks Events are “paying tribute to the South with everything from Southern hip hop and R&B to your favorite anthems and throwback classics.” This is a 21-plus event; ID must be shown at the door. instagram.com/p/DNYYr1MN4iw
15th Annual Boston Jazz Festival
When: Friday Aug. 29, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 30, noon to 10 p.m.
Where: Maritime Park in the Seaport District
Cost: Free
Info: Be
ready for some great live performances by some of the best jazz
musicians in the world. Since 2010, the festival has “brought together
thousands of attendees and have presented almost 100 recording and
international performing artists.” bostonjazzfest.org
The Essence HBCU Classic
When: Saturday, Aug. 30, 4 p.m.
Where: Harvard Stadium
Cost: $30
Info: Presented
by Visa and Cash App, Morehouse College and Johnson C. Smith University
will be facing off in an epic football game. This is your chance to
witness the city’s “vibrant celebration of HBCU legacy, community and
excellence.” essencekickoff.com
For The Culture Week
When: Monday, Aug. 25 to Sunday, Aug. 31
Where: Various Places in the City
Cost: Varies; check city website to confirm.
Info: The
City of Boston will be hosting a multiday experience that will bring
Boston residents and families together for a series of events to honor
the legacy and excellence of Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs) and celebrate R&B legends and Roxbury natives
New Edition. boston.gov/news/mayor-michelle-wu-declares-august-25-31-2025-culture-week
Black Outside Block Party
When: Saturday, Aug. 30, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Downtown Crossing, 10 Summer St., Boston
Cost: $33.99
Info: Black
Outside Block Party is “all about creating a stressfree space for the
culture to freely come together to party to great music and eat good
food in a celebratory outdoor setting.”
Food and drinks will be provided by vendors in the city. instagram.com/blackoutsideblockparty/?hl=en
All The Feels R&B — Homecoming
When: Sunday, Aug. 31, 4 p.m.
Where: City Hall Plaza
Cost: $22 to $27.50
Info: Kicking
off their fall tour, the city’s biggest R&B party is coming home.
There will DJ’s playing all the songs from the 1980s and 1990s to the
present. Food trucks, four bars, and VIP seating will be available. https://www.DNqjbfpO84W/
Thirty Plus Tribe — All Black Party
When: Sunday, Aug. 31, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Where: The Great American Beer Hall, 142 Mystic Ave., Medford
Cost: $39.49
Info: Hosted
by 2eucefam and Tribe, this is a party for the 30 and up crowd, where
DJs will be playing throwback music up to the present day.
A perfect way
to close the summer season with a night of dancing. ID is required;
attire must be all black. instagram.com/p/DNYci77u-dbw
Free admission to the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston on Labor Day
When: Monday, Sept. 1
Where: 25 Harbor Shore Drive
Cost: Free
Info: The
ICA is offering free admission on Monday, Sept. 1.
Tickets are required
and will be available to reserve beginning Sunday, Aug. 31, at 10 a.m. icaboston.org/events/labor-day-free-admission
5th Annual Labor Day Weekend Block Party
When: Monday, Sept. 1, noon to 5 p.m.
Where: 525 Western Avenue, Brighton
Cost: Free, registration encouraged
Info: Party
that includes a golf simulator, archery, food specials from Pizza
Project Boston, Salsa Shack Boston and Third Time Ice Cream Co., a book
pop-up, face painting, games and more. charlesriverspeedway.com/event/5th-annual-ldw-block-party