Boston is a fun city with much to do and see, and that doesn’t end after sunset! This is an ultimate guide to the 27 best things to do in Boston at night right now, as told by a local. These activities range from free all year to ticketed seasonal events and hidden local gems.
Disclaimer: This website contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission if you make a booking using my links at no extra cost to you.
Fun Things To Do in Boston
Go to a Trivia Night
First on the list of fun things to do in Boston at night is testing your knowledge at one of the many trivia nights throughout the week. There are 40+ options of trivia games with different formats ranging from family-feud style at the Dubliner to classic trivia at The Burren. My go-to trivia spot is Sam Adams Brewery in Faneuil Hall every Tuesday, a free-to-play, broad-knowledge trivia hosted by Geeks Who Drink. And, possibly the best part of trivia, are the prizes for the winning team.
Stroll Along the Esplanade
One of my favorite sunset spots in Boston, especially in the summer, is the Charles River Esplanade. It’s a 3.3-mile-long park from the Museum of Science to the Boston University Bridge. It has a wide bike and walking path, an outdoor calisthenics gym, and a playground. My favorite spot to relax and enjoy the evening is at one of the docks littered across the bridge. (Particularly, the wood dock along the bridge to MIT is spacious and clean to sit on). It’s a fun, free thing to do in Boston!
Further Reading: 39 Best Free Things To Do in Boston
Stargaze at an Observatory
A unique activity for things to do in Boston at night is stargazing. Boston University’s Judson B. Coit Observatory along the BU campus is open to the public on most Wednesday nights throughout the year. They provide Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes and binoculars to look into the night sky — I’ve done it myself and it was so cool to see the moon’s craters “up close”.
The event each Wednesday is weather permitting and you must make a reservation online, so I recommend visiting their website for more information.
Recreational Sports Bar
While drinking is not necessarily required, recreational sports bars are across the city for all interests. I’ve found many in the Seaport neighborhood, including SPIN for ping pong, King’s for bowling, Putt Shack for mini golf, and Flight Club for darts. Each is “tech-infused”, with many modern elements that elevate it from its traditional form.
Attend MFA Late Nites
A unique way to see the Museum of Fine Arts after hours is to attend the MFA Late Nite events! The large events include performances and activities that combine art, dancing, and community. The events only happen a few times a year so buy your tickets ahead of time on the MFA website.
Laugh at a Comedy Show
If you want to laugh with your loved ones, see a comedy show in Boston. Laugh Boston is a popular venue. Wilbur Theater, Wang Theater, and other Theater District venues also host the most renowned stand-up comedian artists including Kevin Hart and Dave Chapelle.
Improv Asylum in Boston’s North End is a solid option for improv shows. Just know, they might pick you out of the crowd to be a part of the show!
Catch a Sports Game
It’s no secret that Boston is a huge sports city. Our championship-winning teams include the Celtics and Bruins that play at TD Garden, and the Red Sox at Fenway Park. Even if you don’t make it to a game, there are plenty of sports bars and viewing parties throughout the year – especially for the finals. One of my favorites is Banner’s Kitchen and Tap, directly connected to the TD Garden. Or, during a Red Sox Game, head down Lansdowne in Fenway for a street of sports bars!
Further Reading: One Day in Boston: The Ultimate Travel Guide & Itinerary
See a Concert
Another fun thing to do in Boston at night is to see a concert. TD Garden is the place for major artists like Travis Scott and Olivia Rodrigo. Some newer venues have popped up over the last few years including Road Runner with their amazing sound system and MGM in Fenway. There’s always something going on for whatever your interest is!
See a Musical or Ballet
I LOVE musicals and try to make it a point to see my favorite shows when they are in town. Boston’s Theater District has an ever-rotating selection of Broadway shows and ballets. The Citizens Bank Opera House (formerly the Boston Opera House) hosts many of the top musicals when they are in town. Furthermore, the two-story interior is absolutely beautiful. I recommend eating at one of the best Theater District Boston restaurants before or after!
Tip: I usually order obstructed view tickets on the ground floor for a MUCH discounted price. If you choose a seat closer to the middle of the theater that is still obstructed, you’ll only be obstructed from the very far left or right side. After countless shows, I’ve concluded that it’s never hindered my viewing experience.
Sing Some Karaoke
Sing your heart out or enjoy other people’s performances at one of the many karaoke bars in Boston. Stage Karaoke Downtown has private karaoke rooms and an open bar area with one large stage to perform. Viva Karaoke in Allston is another elevated karaoke spot with a large bar area to hang out. The private karaoke rooms also allow you to order food, drinks, and even bottle service!
Board a Sunset Cruise
Seeing the city light up at night from the sea is another great way to spend an evening in Boston. There are 2-3 hour sunset cruises online, some offering dinner in their pricing. Listed are some popular cruise options that take off from the Boston Harbor:
- Boston Harbor Sunset Yacht Cruise
- Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise
- Boston Sunset Skyline Cruise with Commentary
ViewBoston
In my opinion, Boston is the most beautiful at night! ViewBoston is a newly built observation deck in the Prudential Center building in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay. The 360-degree observation deck scales from the 50th to the 52nd floor and has indoor and outdoor viewing areas. They also have a bar, restaurant, and other activations worth checking out while you’re there. The Beacon is a perfect date night restaurant overlooking the city, and the outdoor bar is the ideal Boston summer activity.
Further Reading: 25 Unique Boston Summer Activities
Head to a Rooftop Bar
While the highest rooftop bars and views are located at ViewBoston, others are scattered around Boston. There is a concentration of excellent rooftop bars in Seaport – Lookout Rooftop and Six West are two with views of Boston’s downtown, drinks, and snacks.
Take a Haunted Tour
Boston is a city with hundreds of years of history, and plenty of haunted sites. The Ghosts and Graveyards Tour is particularly popular, with a trolley that stops through Downtown Boston and 17-century-dressed characters telling the stories of each site. You can take the tour at any time of day but it’s most fun at night! The Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns is a good choice for a walking tour.
Go to a Game Cafe
Another of the best things to do in Boston at night is to play against friends at a board game night! There are a few board game cafes around the city, including the Knight Moves in Brookline and Tavern of Tales in Mission Hill.
Rock Climb
I absolutely love rock climbing, and, surprisingly, many rock climbing gyms around Boston are open late. It’s the perfect opportunity to have the gym all to yourself. The Bouldering Project and Central Rock Gym in the North End are fantastic for bouldering, while Rock Spot Climbing in South Boston is a solid choice for toprope. These gyms close around 10 PM or 11 PM daily but check their website for any closures.
Social Dancing
Looking to pick up a new hobby? Across the Boston area are social dancing lessons and nights, from bachata, swing dancing, and salsa dancing for all skill levels. Havana Club has social dancing from Thursday nights to Tuesday nights. Bachata Room starts the nights off as an hour-long class before transforming into social dancing for the rest of the night.
Helicopter Tour
Especially for the daredevil, riding a helicopter tour over Boston should be at the top of your bucket list. Helicopter rides last 30 minutes to an hour and tours above the most iconic Boston neighborhoods. It’s also the perfect way to impress your date!
Further Reading: 27+ Fun and Unique Date Ideas in Boston
Watch a Movie
Watching a movie is an easy way to spend a few hours in Boston. AMC Theatres are centrally located in the city, including one conveniently located along Tremont Street in front of the Boston Common. Coolidge Corner Theater in Brookline has a selection of independent and indie films not easily found elsewhere.
Go Axe Throwing
A fun, physical activity for fun things to do in Boston at night is heading to an axe-throwing bar or venue. Located in Boston’s North End, Axe Throwing Club is open until 11 PM every day except Monday and Tuesday.
Just outside the city in Somerville, Urban Axes is another popular bar meant for axe-throwing. Note, though, that you need to be 21 to enter.
Outdoor Sports
If you want to do something active in the Boston summers, many parks are open late and serve tennis, pickleball, bocce, soccer, and more. I particularly like the North End for its bocce and tennis courts. Check out the Boston.com sports facilities map to see what’s open!
Go to the Club
A quite obvious option for things to do in Boston at night is to experience its nightlife. There are all sorts of clubs around the city including Big Night Live for major rap and EDM performances, Bijou for international DJs, and Caveau for a cool underground vibe. While I don’t think Boston’s nightlife is the best, these are some popular spots.
Further Reading: 25 Fun Things To Do in Boston for Adults Right Now
Escape Rooms
Next on the best things to do in Boston at night list is to gather your friends and try an escape room. An escape room is an in-person game where your group is locked within a confined space for a set time limit and given clues and “puzzle pieces” around the room to help them escape. Many escape rooms have certain themes, from escaping prison to a pyramid tomb. It’s a fun team-building or friend group activity to kill an hour or two!
Level99
A fun in-person gaming venue is Level99 – a playground and physical game board made for adults! The venue has over 50 physical and mental challenge options that can be completed from two to six players. You traverse through each room with a specific puzzle or theme and collect “stars” upon completion. Level99 is geared towards adults but children are more than welcome to join the fun.
A similar experience to Level99 is Boda Borg in Malden. You essentially pay a fee to complete “quests” within each room that are mental and physical challenges. Note: Boda Borg is more physically demanding than Level99.
Further Reading: 25 Best Indoor Activities in Boston
Stroll Along the Fan Pier
One of my favorite scenic Boston night walks is the Fan Pier Park in Seaport. The waterfront park is a landscaped green space with benches, tables with seating, and a fire pit. Restaurants and residential spaces are conveniently located along the walkway. One of my favorite things to do is grab takeout at Gre.Co, sit at a table and watch the boats go by.
Or, in Back Bay!
Newbury Street is one of Boston’s most iconic streets with boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. In the summer, the trees are decorated with fairy lights; in the winter, there’s festive holiday decor along the storefronts. One street from Newbury is Commonwealth Avenue, lined with trees and bench seating. I routinely bring takeout and people-watch here –it’s one of my favorite activities on this list of fun things to do in Boston at night.
Further Reading: The Ultimate 3 Day Itinerary for Boston 2024
Encore
Located just outside Boston in Everett, Encore is a luxury hotel and casino featuring shopping, spa treatments, and the nightclub Memoire. The game area spans two floors with a large section for slot machines, tables for blackjack and other card games, and a large sports-viewing screen.
Not into gambling? Encore also has casual meal options, fine dining, and shopping. You can grab a quick bite from their food court, hang out at one of the bars and lounges, or have a steak dinner at Rare Steakhouse.
Go to the Bar
This is another obvious nightlife option for things to do at night in Boston, but the city is filled with bars, lounges, and speakeasies. My favorites include Lolita Cocina in Back Bay and Seaport, and the Downtown speakeasy called The Wig Shop.
Seasonal Things To Do at Night in Boston
Ice Skating
A fun seasonal activity for things to do in Boston at night is to go ice skating! A scenic ice skating park is the Boston Common Frog Pond. It’s open from the end of November to the beginning of March and is conveniently located in the middle of the city, right off Park Street Station. There’s also a hot chocolate plus snack station and the ability to rent “Bobby the Seal” to hold onto for those who can’t skate well.
Other fantastic ice rinks include The Rink in Fenway and Warrior Ice Arena.
Note: As much as I love the Frog Pond, it can get VERY crowded on the weekends in the winter. I recommend going on a weekday.
Seasonal Markets
Another of my favorite seasonal nighttime activities in Boston (especially as a foodie) is checking out a night market. The Holiday Market by Snowport pops up every year between early November and the end of December. It includes over 120+ local vendors and food options, a cocktail bar, live music, events, and more. I particularly love grabbing a hot chocolate and finding knick-knacks to holiday shop for my friends and family!
Another great seasonal Boston night market is the SoWa Winter Festival in Boston’s South End neighborhood. The festive space has over 100 local vendors, holiday gifts, artwork, and festive foods and cocktails.
See the City Lit Up During the Holidays
Last on the fun things to do in Boston at night list is to see the decor during the holidays. On Halloween, it’s fun to check out the spooky decorations in Beacon Hill and Back Bay. On Christmas, the city goes all out with holiday decor — I especially love seeing the giant Christmas tree on the Boston Common.
Wrapping Up: Fun Things To Do in Boston at Night
That concludes my list of all the best fun things to do in Boston at night! Once you make your way through this list, check out my other Boston articles:
Leave a Reply