This post covers the top things to do in Boston in February.

We include free, nighttime, as well as family-friendly events and activities, all updated for 2023.


TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN FEBRUARY

The following section will cover the most popular and interesting activities available in Boston during this time of year.

In addition to our top 10, you may also want to consider one of the following attractions or tours:

The best way to save money in Beantown is by purchasing a Boston tourist pass.

These services include discounts of up to 55% or more on some of the most popular attractions in the city.


1. Go to a Concert

The city of Boston tends to attract some of the best musical performers in the world throughout the year.

This February, you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the most famous musicians and artists in concert. 

Here are a few of the more notable concerts available during this month:

Check this full list of concerts for even more great musical acts that will be performing in Boston this February.


2. Attend a Sporting Event

Some of Boston’s most popular teams will be playing home games throughout the month of February.

If you’re a sports fan, you're sure to find a game you'll want to attend.

Basketball

Hockey

Football

This might also be a good time to take a tour of historic Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox!

For more games, check this list of Boston sporting events in February.


3. See a Popular Musical

There will be some good musicals and theatrical performances to see in Boston during the month of February.

A few notable shows are:

There are also a number of good shows further out from Boston, if you're willing to drive.

Check here for a complete list of shows.


4. Enjoy Live Stand-up Comedy

In need of a good laugh? Good news! Some of the most hilarious comedians in the business will be performing in Boston this February!

If you're looking for improv, you can find it at Improv Aslym. They have shows throughout February.

For a complete list of shows in Boston and the surrounding area, visit here.

TIP: Open mic comedy nights are hosted at several clubs. Check out our free things to do in Boston post for more details.


5. Take a Walking Tour

Although it can be a bit cold in Boston during the month of February, you may still want to consider taking one of our pay-what-you-wish walking tours:

With no price tag upfront, these tours are a great way to discover the city without spending a lot of money. 

We also offer several self-guided Boston tours which cover a lot of notable and historic locations in the city.

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6. Attend a Family Friendly Show

If the cold is too much and you're looking for something to do indoors, there are a few family-friendly shows you might like to take the kids to.

Disney on Ice brings Frozen & Ecanto to TD Garden February 22nd - 26th.

PAW Patrol Live: Heroes Unite is at the Boch Center February 11th, 12th, 18th, and 19th.

And Debbie and Friends is at the Cabot Performing Arts Center February 18th.

For more family friendly things to do, read our posts below.


7. Save Money With a Tourist Pass

If you’re planning to visit multiple popular attractions in Boston, a tourist pass can save you 50% off general admission prices – or more!

There are currently four different types of pass in Boston: All-inclusive, flex pass, prepackaged and build your own pass.

The easiest option is to build your own pass, because you only need to purchase 2 or more tickets in order to save 20% off each attraction/activity.

This is also the best choice for any activity that is already affordable because it ensures that you’ll save at least 20% off those tickets.

An all-inclusive pass includes admission to dozens of attractions and tours for a specific amount of time (1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days).

The more you use it, the more money you’ll save!

Alternatively, you can also use a flex pass which allows you to pay one flat price for a set number of activities (3, 4, or 5).

While you can save a lot with this pass, it will be important to use it for the most expensive attractions.

Finally the prepackaged pass includes a very specific set of activities for one flat price.

The amount you save will be set in stone, but it’s a great option if you know exactly what you want to do while visiting Boston.

Here are some of the best attractions included with these passes:

  • Hop on Hop off Trolley
  • New England Aquarium
  • Museum of Fine Arts
  • Museum of Science
  • Boston Duck Tour
  • Skywalk Observatory
  • Six Flags New England
  • Sunset Harbor Cruise
  • Franklin Park Zoo
  • LEGOLAND

Depending on which pass you choose, you should be able to save anywhere from 20% - 50% off these activities.

For more details, please read our post covering Boston tourist passes.

If you already know which discount pass would work best for you, you can purchase it here: All Inclusive - Boston Go City | Explorer - Boston Go City | Boston CityPass


8. Attend Harvard University

Well at least for the day! To visit this historic and prestigious campus, take our self-guided Harvard University tour for free. 

Alternatively, you can also join our pay-what-you-wish Cambridge & Harvard Guided Walking Tour which goes into even more detail about the area.

If you’re looking for another option, it’s worth noting that Harvard University offers their own free walking tour which you can take at various times throughout the year. 

These tours are provided by students, so they’re usually only available when classes are in session.


9. Attend the Cupid’s Undie Run

If you’re looking for a different kind of Valentine’s Day celebration, this charity run is anything but typical. 

Despite the fact that it’s still winter, hundreds of people participate in this race which tasks them with running half-naked through the streets of Boston.

To keep everything safe and fun, the main event only lasts for 15 minutes and begins at 2 pm.

At the end of Cupid’s Undie Run, there will be a party at Lansdowne Pub. 

Proceeds from this race and the after-party will go towards a charity to find the cure for Neurofibromatosis.

This race is scheduled for February 18th, 2023. For more information or to register for this race, visit the Cupid’s Undie Run website.


10. Attend the Boston Sci-fi Film Festival

If you’re a science fiction fan, this is one event you won’t want to miss. 

For 48 years now, the Boston Sci-fi Film Festival has honored some of the finest movies in the genre.

And it has become known as the longest-running genre fest in the United States.

On the last day, they hold a 24/hour marathon called The Original Binge View.

In 2023, Somerville Theatre will be the home of the Boston Sci-fi Film Festival from February 15th–20th, 2023.

Tickets will range from $90 for early birds to $185 for a VIP pass. 

Since some of the movies will be shown after dark, this could be a great activity to enjoy at night.

For more details or to purchase tickets, visit the Boston Sci-fi Film Festival website.


THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT IN FEBRUARY

This section will provide a few additional activities you can enjoy at night in Boston during the month of February. 

Make sure to check our other sections for ideas such as concerts, musicals, sporting events, the Boston Sci-fi Film Festival and more.

If you’re looking to save money on some of the most popular nighttime activities in this city, think about getting a Boston tourist pass.


NORM! Grab a drink at the Cheers Bar

Go where everybody knows your name and have a pint at Cheers.

If you choose to visit this historic location, don’t expect it to look quite like Sam Malone’s bar. 

This isn’t just some tourist trap made to look like a bar – they do actually serve a variety of drinks and food on-site, including several menu options named after characters in the show.

For more details on this opportunity, make sure to read our post about visiting the Cheers Bar.


Get Some Lobst’ah

Seriously, make sure you have some lobster while you’re visiting Boston.

Being so close to the ocean, local restaurants tend to have a lot of fresh seafood each day. 

If you’re going to be in town for Valentine’s Day, you may want to think about taking your significant other out to a nice dinner at one of these locations.

We have a list of the Best Places for Lobster in Boston which should help you find a great place to eat.


Catch a film at the Historic Coolidge Corner Theatre

Boston in February

This art deco movie theatre has been open to the public since 1933. 

Here you can find international, documentary, animated, and independent film selections and series and watch them in a lavish setting that makes you feel as if you’ve stepped back into time.

If you’re looking for a historic location to enjoy a film or two, this is one of the most notable theatres in all of Boston.

Do yourself a favor and take the family to the Coolidge Corner Theatre while you’re in town.

For directions and show listings, visit their website.

TIP: If you’re interested in seeing a movie, don’t forget that the Boston Sci-fi Film Festival is taking place this month.

Make sure to read our post about free things to do at night in Boston.


FREE THINGS TO DO IN FEBRUARY

This section will include some fun and interesting activities you can enjoy for free in Boston during the month of February. 

Don’t forget to read the other sections in this post for even more ideas such as Cupid’s Undie Run, open mic comedy, taking a self-guided walking tour and more.

If you’re looking for even more free activities, check our full post of free things to do in Boston.


Explore the Museums

A great way to stay warm in Boston in February is to go to a museum or art gallery!

Thankfully, there are a lot of great museums you can visit for free in Boston. Here are a few of the more popular options:

If you want to save some money on other museums in the area, consider getting a Boston tourist pass.

They can be purchased here: All Inclusive - Boston Go City | Exporer - Boston Go City | Boston CityPass


Free Tours of Symphony Hall

During the orchestral season (October-May), Boston Symphony Hall offers free tours of the hall.

If you want to learn more about this location, their tour is a great way to discover some of the traditions held by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. 

Your guide will also provide a lot of information about the history being one of the most popular symphony halls in America.

This landmark building is one of the premiere concert halls in the nation.

With a history that dates back to 1881, this is one of the most historic sites in all of Boston. 


Visit Boston Public Library

If you’re looking to avoid the cold, consider visiting the Boston Public Library.

Not only is this location free to visit, but they also provide free tours throughout the week. 

In addition to the architecture of the building itself, there is also a lot of great artwork on display here.

Even if you just want to find a good book to read, this is a great place to visit while you’re in the city. 

It’s also worth noting that residents of Boston can get a library card and take advantage of their Museum Pass to get into several popular attractions for free.


FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN FEBRUARY

In this section, we will provide some excellent activities that you can enjoy with your family in Boston throughout the month of February. 

Take a look at our other sections for ideas like going to a free museum, catching a movie at Coolidge Corner Theatre and more.

For more ideas, check our post about what to do with kids in Boston.


Groundhog Day at Drumlin Farms

Is winter over yet? Meet Mrs. G, the hopeful official groundhog, and forecaster of Spring for Massachusetts. 

On February 2nd, she looks for her shadow in order to determine whether or not there will be 6 more weeks of winter.

Afterward, stick around for hot chocolate and a visit to the farms.

This location is actually a wildlife sanctuary, so there are a lot of interesting things to see and do here. 

You can expect to see animals like pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, cows and more! Learn more about visiting Drumlin Farms.


Go on a Harvard Square Chocolate Tour

Harvard Square is a great place to take the kids for a variety of reasons, but one of the main factors is that there are a lot of great places to get chocolate treats.

If your children are chocoholics, consider taking them on a chocolate tour which includes locally made ice cream, tea, a trip to a traditional candy shop and much more.


Go for a Spin on the Ice

There are many ice skating options in Boston that are available even in February.

Our favorite is in Boston Commons at the Frog Pond, but chances are that you’ll find one that fits well into your itinerary no matter where you are in the city. 

Ice Skating is fun for all ages and some of the rinks have lessons or skating buddies to help younger skaters.

If you’re not directly in the city center, here are a few ice skating rinks you might want to consider:

Tickets range from $5-$15 depending on how long you stay and which services you choose to purchase.


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About The Author

Brian Burgess

Brian was born in Cambridge and has been living in the Boston area all his life. He is a graduate of Boston's Emerson College with a degree in communications with a journalism/history focus. He has been leading tours for Free Tours By Foot Boston since it was started in the city of Boston in 2012, and enjoys sharing his knowledge of Boston's rich history with not only the guests on his tours, but with everyone he meets.
Updated: Dezember 5th, 2022
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