The 5 Best Things to Do in Boston Over Labor Day Weekend

Fireworks over Boston Harbor
Fireworks over Boston Harbor Photo credit Jessica Rinaldi / Getty Images

Labor Day is the last hurrah of summer, the bang at the end of many great weekends before fall sweeps into Boston with its orange leaves, hearty meals and harvest holidays. The long weekend’s very raison d’etre is relaxation, a break from work and worry, so do your country proud by taking full advantage of the extra 24 hours of freedom. Find yourself some fireworks, a free art exhibit, or a magical boat parade. Here are the best things to do in Boston for Labor Day.

Ooh and Ahh at Fireworks

Dueling barges anchored between the North End and Seaport launch Boston’s requisite fireworks show, called Illuminate the Harbor, over Boston Harbor on Thursday. You’ll have to come early, well ahead of the 8:30 p.m. showtime, if you want to find a primo spot along the water, so we suggest booking passage on a Harbor cruise boat, which will give you an even better view right beneath the spectacular light show.

Illuminate the Harbor

Head Back in Time at a Renaissance Faire

Labor Day marks the end of summer, but it also initiates one of our favorite times of year, when we can visit King Richard’s Renaissance Faire. The Medieval production sets up in Carver, outside Plymouth, starting Labor Day weekend through most of October, but the showrunners pack in a lot of action in those few weeks. There are acrobatics, wild animals, jousts, fire eaters, music, and other odd performances, as well as special themed weekends.

King Richard’s Renaissance Faire

235 Main St, Carver, Massachusetts

Get Cultured for Free at the ICA

Just because Labor Day is a holiday to celebrate not working, doesn’t mean you need to shut off your brain completely. Engage your inner art critic and head to the Institute of Contemporary Art, where admission is free. Current exhibitions include a collection of Maximilist art, as well as shows by Vivian Suter and Nina Chanel Abney.

ICA

25 Harbor Shore Dr, Boston, MA 02210

Admire a Boat Parade

Most Labor Day parades take place on solid land, but in Massachusetts the action happens out on the water. Head to Gloucester for the annual Parade of Lights Boat Parade, in which local boat owners elaborately decorate their ships with all sorts of light up costumes, then parade them by the shore for onlookers’ amusement. TBD whether anyone can beat this light-up shark boat, a favorite from last year.

Gloucester Parade of Lights Boat Parade

Get in One Last Clambake

As summer winds down, you have fewer and fewer chances to squeeze in quintessential summer experiences, including a good ol’ clambake. If you don’t feel like setting up a seafood buffet at home, head to City Tap House in Fort Point on Monday for their annual Labor Day clambake, including lobster, clam and a heap of other fixins, along with tunes and brews to go along with.

City Tap House

10 Boston Wharf Rd, Boston, MA 02210