Wallace_and_Gromit

This year I visited Boston at the end of May. Next year I decided on the dates June 13-28 because I thought there would be more going on. I mean, I always considered June part of Summer and when I heard about all the fun (and free) stuff to do in Boston during the Summer, I thought this would be a great time.

Now it appears that Summer really means July. (The free concerts, Shakespeare, etc. all look like they don't start until after I will be leaving!!) Also, I will be in Rockport June 11-13 and the TopDog Hot dog place (which I assumes is a Summer time tradition) doesn't even open until the end of June. (but that is ok! I'm mainly going for the lobster)

Did I pick the wrong time? ... Of course, I had a wonderful time in May, so I am SURE I will still have fun. I just wanted to have some different experiences this time.

Anonymous

If you're looking for summertime activities, then mid- to late June is definitely early. The kids don't get out of school until June 20 or 25, and the July 4 weekend is generally recognized as the beginning of summer.

However, in late June the weather is nicer than in July and August, and the crowds will be smaller. So it depends on what you're looking for.

Last year's season for Shakespeare in the park (on the Common, actually) ran mid-July to August 7. Free movies at the Hatch shell on the Espalanade ran mid-June to early Sept., and oldies concerts started on June 11.

Wallace_and_Gromit

Thanks Mr.Anonymous (Ms.?) - I guess there are pros and cons to either time. I think for me personally though, the pros outweigh the cons for the time I chose. (I will take better weather and less crowds, thank you very much!!) As long as I get to see some street performers, I will be happy. (Reminds me of Europe)

Oldies concerts sounds like fun What kinds of bands do they get?

cigalechanta

Street performers are in Harvard Square and at Faneuil Hall. The banks of the Charles River in the Back Bay area, in good weather, may have some playing instruments like guitars and an elderly Chineese man who plays a strange chineese zither-like thing.

gail

Another Boston opinion - summer really does mean 7/4 - Labor Day. An amazing amount of ree stuff to do during that time, and an equally amazing absence of the same earlier and later in year.

Towards the end of your stay, things should be livening up a bit (we also define July 4th as a week rather than a day).

Wallace_and_Gromit

It's ok I thought about it a lot and decided June really is the best time for me. Sure, I am a little disappointed - but at least I will have more advantages than I did in May. (i.e. the Cambridge bus tour will be operating) I had such a great time in May. I KNOW I will have an equally good time.

Besides, I kind of like the idea of it being peaceful. Also, I hear the weather gets pretty hot and humid in July-Aug. -another reason I picked June.

kybourbon

Early June will be college graduations so hotel rates will be high but usually they are they are earlier than your dates.

Wallace_and_Gromit

Actually, I already booked my accommodations over a month ago - it is the same place I stayed at in May (Morrison House B&B) - when I saw they were already booked solid for June 4-10 (I was just looking at their website for the fun of it) I decided I better make my reservations.

I am glad though that I am going AFTER graduation. I used to not mind crowds, but I don't like them so much anymore.

cw

W & G:

I think you'll find lots of free things to do.

The Cambridge Charles River festival is on June 18. It's like a fair/festival on the banks of the River near Harvard Square.

I think, as someone mentioned earlier, that the free Friday movies at the Hatch Shell will have begun by mid-June.

As the dates of your trip get closer, check out the Thursday Calendar edition of the Boston Globe for up-to-date listings and times.

If you happen to be near City Hall Plaza or Copley Square on the days of the farmer's markets, it's fun to wander and maybe pick up some food for a snack or picnic.

It is one of the nicest times of the year in Boston, and I know from your earlier trip report, that you'll do enough exploring to have another wonderful time.

CW

cigalechanta

Be sure to Dine At Dali's in Somerville on the Cambridge line the corner of Beacon and Washington. It's fun. Tapas with great Sangria.

Wallace_and_Gromit

cigalechanta,
I'll be traveling solo again. I Googled this restaurant and it emphasis that it is great for groups

Maybe you would like to join me? (Maybe we can get some other Fodorites involved? That might be fun ... LOL! If you don't recall, I am female. So don't get all scared that some weird guy is asking you on a date ;-) )

CW,
That festival sounds great! I will get to combine something really fun like a festival with my passion for being by the water WOOHOO!!