The Boston area is so full of rich cultural events that take place outdoors during the summer months that even new graduates with limited funds do not need to worry about finding affordable things to do. There are plenty of free activities and most of them do not start until sunset, which means you can spend the day indoors with the air conditioner.
One of the old standbys of summer used to be going to drive-in movies, but they are scarce these days. There's still a hold-out on Storrow Drive.
Starting on June 18, WBZ and the Department of Conservation and Recreation will present Free Friday Flicks every week until September. Every Friday night beginning at sunset, movies are shown at the DCR Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade. The movies are free and suitable for the whole family - the first film being screened is "Finding Nemo." There are no seats at the Hatch Shell, so bring blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the open-air film experience.
For those who prefer live entertainment, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's (CSC) Free Shakespeare on the Common is presenting "Much Ado About Nothing," directed by Steven Maler. "Much Ado About Nothing," a light-hearted love story, is sure to be just as bewitching and will run Thursdays through Sundays from July 10 through August 1.
In its nine years of summer Shakespeare, CSC has brought high culture to the masses in exciting performances on Boston Common; last year's "Macbeth" incorporated modern sets, costuming, and pyrotechnics to engage even those who had never read a word of the Bard's work.
Although being outdoors in the sun has its merits, it is always nice to retreat to the nice, cool halls of a local art exhibit to beat the heat of New England's infamous summers. There are plenty of exhibits that do not charge for admission.
When it comes to fine art, Newbury Street is Boston's crown jewel. The avenue boasts a multitude of impressive art galleries, tucked into nooks and crannies among the other storefronts and fancy display windows. As all are free, it's easy to waste an afternoon exploring blown glass from Sienna and paintings brought in from the African savannah.
The Boston Historical Society invites re-enactors to play the parts of various historical figures along the famous Freedom Trail during the summer, interacting with tourists and those brave enough to follow the solid red line along the streets of Beantown in the summer heat. Boston also boasts the charm of its Commons, complete with the picturesque swan boats and bridges made famous in so many movies.
If you are itching to get away from Boston, Barnstable Village, located in Eastern Massachusetts, is hosting its second annual Art in the Village festival on June 26. The event, which includes a silent auction, will feature artists from New England along with sidewalk painters, art demonstrations, and plenty of on-call entertainment.
Also outside of Boston is the annual WaterFire Providence, in Providence, R.I. Self-described as a "fire sculpture installation," WaterFire is eerily beautiful. As the sun sets in Providence, black-clad people in boats silently glide down the three rivers that run through downtown Providence while haunting classical music plays out of hidden loudspeakers. Torches are used to start 100 bonfires on islands through the rivers, which in turn light up the parks and walkways that line the rivers. For the full WaterFire schedule, visit http://www.waterfire.com.
Whether it's movies, Shakespeare, or pyromania that you're seeking this summer, the Boston area has plenty to offer, and all for free! It might be easy to avoid the allure of the city during a hectic school year filled with papers and finals, but there's no excuse not to experience all that Boston has to offer during its summer months. Just try to stay in the shade.
