One Last Hurrah! Things to Do in Boston for Graduation Weekends

Explore Boston Over Graduation Weekend

It’s May in Boston, which means that diplomas are being printed and handed out to the many robed graduates that will cross stages in the city all month long. Boston is already a lively city and it grows even bigger and more energetic during graduation season. Families and friends flock here to celebrate with their graduates but the ceremony only lasts a few hours (if you’re lucky that is), so that means there’s lots of time to explore and enjoy Boston! We’ve made a list of awesome activities for you and your group to check out in the city.

Explore A Local Neighborhood with A Bites of Boston Walking Food Tour

Bites of Boston offers four local walking food tours with friendly and knowledgeable tour guides who will take you through unique neighborhoods. While there you’ll learn about their history and taste some of their best sips and bites!

Sweet & Savory South End Tour

Photo Credit: Bites of Boston

Get a taste of some of the neighborhood’s best sweet and savory offerings from a salted caramel chocolate cupcake named after a local dog to bacon wrapped dates and more. As you stroll through this neighborhood you’ll also learn about its rich history and see some beautiful architecture.

Chinatown’s Culture & Cuisine Tour

Photo Credit: Bites of Boston

This neighborhood is packed with incredible culture and flavor. You’ll weave through the tiny but bustling streets learning about the neighborhood’s past, present, and future while making stops to taste Chinese food, both modern and traditional.

Allston Arts & Eats Tour

Photo Credit: Bites of Boston

Adventure through one of Boston’s most underrated neighborhoods where you’ll visit its various murals and taste a bunch of different bites along the way. This colorful tour is a great way to explore Boston’s arts & eats!

Classic Bites of Boston Tour

This tour is the newest tour in the portfolio and will take you through some of Boston’s most classic sites while trying some of its most classic bites. Not only will you taste some of the most traditional “bah-ston” food, you’ll learn how and why they became so famous here in the first place.

Stock Up On Boston Essentials at Boston Public Market

Photo Credit: @rarosariorivera via Instagram

Walk around this artisanal market and stock up on some Boston provisions while you’re at it. Boston Public Market is home to tons of purveyors selling local products. Your senses will be overwhelmed in the best way when you walk in, from the smell of fresh apple cider doughnuts being made and coffee being brewed to the pastrami and smoked salmon being sliced.

Shop/Browse Local Art at SoWa Open Market

Photo Credit: SoWa

Spend an afternoon walking through the tents of SoWa Open Market where you’ll see some of the best local art and goods for sale. Go home with a huge painting, a pair of earrings, or a bunch of fresh veggies; it’s all there. It’s hard to be reasonable with what you buy because everything looks so tempting!

Drink Beer at Trillium Brewing Company

Photo Credit: Trillium

While the first brewery on everyone’s list when they come to Boston is usually Sam Adams, there are actually tons of other local breweries making unique and tasty beers of their own. Stop by Trillium Brewing Company, a family owned brewery and restaurant right in the Fort Point neighborhood, and taste their delicious brews. Go simple with one of their IPAs or go for something a little different like their blueberry sour wheat ale.

Explore the North End and Decide Which Cannolis Are Best (by trying them all…)

Photo Credit: Modern Pastry

Home to Boston’s best Italian food, and LOTS of it, this famous neighborhood is a must when it comes to exploring Beantown. Between the pasta and pizza you must have a cannoli and there are several places to choose from. The heated debate over who reigns as cannoli king in the North End is between Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry, we’d also like to throw Bova’s Bakery in the mix, a little less flashy but our top pick. You decide for yourself which cannolis you think are best (by trying them all, of course)!

Catch a Game at Fenway Park and Eat Oysters at Island Creek Oyster Bar

Photo Credit: Island Creek Oyster Bar

This goes without saying but GO VISIT FENWAY PARK! Whether for a game or just a walk around it, this stadium is filled with history and an institution in Boston. While you’re over there, stop into Island Creek Oyster Bar right in Kenmore Square and slurp down some fresh oysters. It’s owned by Jeremy Sewall, one of Boston’s main seafood authorities, and it will leave you feeling sweet even though the oysters are salty!

Have a New England Seafood Dinner at The Barking Crab

Photo Credit: @nicolegozum via Instagram

If you want to stay classic with a New England seafood dinner head to The Barking Crab for the whole sha-bang! Right at the edge of the Seaport, this summer seafood shack operates all year round serving traditional clambakes, lobster all-the-ways, chowder, and anything else you could possibly want when it comes to New England seafood. Bib required.