Don't Miss the Annual Boston Jazz Fest this August at the Boston Waterfront
Kick off your Labor Day celebrations in Boston with the soulful crooning of jazz artists around the world at the 9th Annual Boston Jazz Fest, happening August 30th and 31st. This free festival will take place at the South Boston Maritime Park. In the past, this festival has had a diverse lineup of artists such as Albino Mbie, Pat Braxton and Grammy-nominated The Groovalottos. Take a stroll along the waterfront and shop local vendors or bring a blanket and find a spot to kick back and listen to great tunes all day long. Music starts 5pm on Friday, August 30th and noon on Saturday, August 31st.
This jazz festival began nine year ago as a way to highlight local artists; however, Boston is certainly no stranger to jazz. Famous jazz musicians such as Miles Davis and Billie Holiday came to Beantown to record, and Duke Ellington and Count Basie were just some of the legends that played at Roseland State Ballroom in the late 1940s. Along with the Roseland State Ballroom, Massachusetts Avenue was home to the Savoy Café (nicknamed "Boston's Original Home of Jazz"), Wally's, Hi-Hat and other popular jazz clubs.
Today, the jazz scene is still alive and well in Boston, with live jazz found just about any time of the year; however, Boston Jazz Fest is the only jazz festival in the city. Last year the crowd was so large that this year music lovers can enjoy live music for two days (you'll want to get there early to get a good spot). Enjoy a little jazz music on a cool Friday night or bring a picnic and bask in the sun's rays while listening to live tunes Saturday afternoon. It's the perfect place to get your jazz fix.
Let Summer Last a Little Longer in Boston this Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day festivities are happening all weekend long, from Thursday through Monday. If you're in town for the holiday weekend head to the seaport and watch the spectacular fireworks show at 8:30 pm on Thursday, August 29th. If you want even better seats to watch the fireworks as they illuminate the waterfront then hop aboard the Adirondack III, the city's fireworks cruise boat. There are also a variety of other cruise options including whale watching, a day trip to Martha's Vineyard and a 2-hour dinner cruise. Whether you are planning a romantic evening or a day with the family, a cruise can show you amazing views of the city and a fun, relaxing time on the water.
Root for the Home Team at Fenway Park
With the beautiful summer weather it's the perfect time to take in a game. While the Red Sox will be away on Labor Day weekend, if you are still in town on Tuesday, September 3rd then you can watch the Red Sox play against the Minnesota Twins at 7:10pm. Even if you can't catch a game, you can still explore the most iconic sites of the famed baseball stadium with a 60-minute guided tour of Fenway Park, "America's Most Beloved Ballpark".
Cruise or Pedal Around the City's Hot Spots
If this is your first time visiting Boston one of the best ways to tour this city is with the hop-on hop-off trolley bus, which allows you to see all the sights on your list (and none of the ones you don't). The trolley goes to more than 100 points of interest including the Paul Revere House, Boston Children's Museum, the Cheers Bar and Prudential Center Skywalk. Trolley tickets are valid for two days, which gives you and the family time to explore the city without feeling rushed.
On a gorgeous day you may prefer to check out the city by bike. Rent bikes (and helmets) for the whole family and enjoy cruising through the Boston Commons and Public Gardens to the Harborwalk bike trail, or you can ride along the Charles River, a 22-mile paved path and a popular spot for runners and cyclists. If you have time, bike to Waltham to check out the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation.
Hop Aboard a Piece of History
History buffs traveling to Boston this Labor Day weekend are in for a real treat as the USS Constitution Museum is offering several interactive and hands-on activities for the whole family. Climb aboard "Old Ironsides", the oldest commissioned warship still afloat in the world, and learn to write with a quill pen, try your luck at a 19th-century board game or peruse the collection of historical artifacts.
How can you visit Boston and not see the Boston Tea Party Ships? These historic ships turned modern museum allow visitors of all ages to take guided and interactive tours, learning about the most important events that led up to the American Revolution. You can even throw tea overboard with the Sons of Liberty! It's a fun way to learn about our nation's rich history.
Dig the Jazz and Our Hotel Deals at Freepoint Hotel Cambridge
Plan your next jazz-filled weekend in Boston with our Freepoint Hotel Cambridge travel packages that offer several ways to save on overnight accommodations, as well as free breakfast, WiFi, parking and more. Park your cark and hop on the Red Lin at Alweife station, which makes it easy to visit Cambridge and explore other local attractions. Plan your Labor Day vacation in Boston and enjoy one last taste of summer.