Boston's Five Best Annual Events

Wine Expo, Spring Flower Show, Marathon, Harborfest and First Night

Jul 18, 2007

Historic Boston, Massachusetts, hosts a number of longstanding annual traditions for wine lovers, gardeners, elite runners, families and interested spectators.

More than 450 wineries offer samples of more than 1800 varieties of wine at America’s “original” wine expo, held every winter in Beantown for the past 17 years. Grand tastings, celebrity chefs, multi-course dinners, lectures and other events draw wine aficionados from all over the world. February 9-10, 2008

This annual gardening and growing event sponsored by the Massachusetts Horticultural society is the third largest indoor garden show in the world. Professionals and amateurs come together to share tips, admire more than 50 indoor gardens, and check out new gardening products from hundreds of vendors. This event is held at the giant Bayside Expo Center. March 8-16, 2008

The illustrious Boston Marathon dates back more than 100 years. Since its inception, it has been held on Patriot’s Day, a Monday holiday commemorating the start of the Revolutionary War that is celebrated only in Massachusetts and Maine. The race is second only to the Super Bowl in terms of media coverage of a single-day sporting event. More than 1,100 media are credentialed; and hundreds of thousands of spectators take to the streets to cheer on the 18,000 runners who start the race each year. April 21, 2008

Celebrate Independence Day in a town steeped in Revolutionary War history. A week’s worth of activities—from children’s performances, Revolutionary War re-enactments, musical performances and the world-famous Chowderfest (best seafood chowder competition)—all lead up to the Boston Pops symphony concert and an outstanding fireworks display on the Esplanade along the Charles River. June 28-July 4, 2008

Boston is home to the oldest and largest New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts in North America; 2007 marks its 31st year in operation. Alcohol-free First Night festivities have been replicated by over 200 cities and towns. Events in Boston include hundreds of music, dance and theatre performances in more than 200 outdoor and indoor venues throughout Boston. Ice sculptures are on display throughout the city, there’s a Grand Procession (parade), and an amazing display of fireworks takes place at midnight from Boston Harbor. All outdoor events are free; costs are covered by the sale of First Night buttons. December 31, 2007.

Want more entertaining annual events? Read about the five best fests in New Hampshire, Colorado's capital of Denver and the Rocky Mountain town of Telluride.

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