10 Free Things to Do in Boston in September

Events

These concerts, workouts and museum events are free.

With summer coming to an end and fall just around the corner, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy everything the city has to offer. From outdoor workouts to salsa lessons, from art appreciation to miniature golf with a historical twist, there are plenty of activities you can experience without spending a dime. Here are 10 things to do in Boston for free this September.

While the beloved swings are sorely missed, South Boston’s hip spot The Lawn on D is still a popular spot. Stroll through the new Kaleidoscope Garden (a light garden with an immersive sky of glowing disks reminiscent of fireflies) or the Urban Grove (a canopy of reflective and mirrored leaves and color-changing lights), or play a quick game of first-come, first-served bocce or pickleball courts, cornhole, ping pong, or giant Jenga. (420 D. St., Boston)

Every day through the end of October, you can putt your way through history at the Navy Yard’s 9-hole miniature golf course, themed around the USS Constitution. Test your skills and knowledge of the ship and Boston trivia on each hole. The miniature golf course is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weather permitting. (USS Constitution Museum and Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown)

Art lovers of all ages receive free admission to the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) on Labor Day, September 2. Explore the museum’s extensive collection of contemporary gallery exhibitions and contribute your own drawing to a collaborative art project. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and free, advanced tickets are required. (25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston)

The Anchor, the Charlestown Navy Yard’s open-air destination, offers free outdoor salsa and bachata classes and dancing on the water every Monday night of the month, starting September 2. Sabor Latino Boston, Salsa y Control and DJ Hernan come together to host Saborcito at The Anchor, a mix of dance class and party on the beautiful courtyard patio with comfortable lounge seating, freestanding tables and views of Boston. Come between 6 and 9 p.m., but if you need a little guidance, the free salsa lessons start at 6 p.m. (1 Shipyard Park, Charlestown)

Explore the four floors of the Artist Studios Building during open studio hours on September 6th from 5-8pm and meet the artists currently in the BCA Studio Residency. See the space they work in and learn about their artistic practices from the artists themselves. That same evening, you can also stop by the opening reception of J. Rowen O’Dwyer’s “DEVOTIONS, to a dirty queer home” at the Mills Gallery.” and Kate Wildman’s “Prayers from the Earth” from 6 to 9 p.m. (Artist’s Studio Building at BCA, 551 Tremont St., Boston)

The Boston Arts Festival takes place on September 7 and 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., showcasing the visual and performing arts in Boston. Hosted by organizers of the Beacon Hill Art Walk and Artists Crossing Gallery, the event kicks off Boston’s Arts Open Studios season. More than 70 local visual artists, artisans and musicians will perform on the waterfront stage throughout the day, selected by a panel of judges. See (and purchase, if you like) a wide variety of art and high-quality crafts, including paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, sculptures and more. (Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, 100 Atlantic Ave., Boston)

Enjoy a relaxing morning of yoga and refreshments near Fort Point Channel on September 8th and 21st from 9am-10:30am. All experience levels are welcome as teacher Britney leads you through a 45-minute gentle, slow practice with the peaceful waterfront as a backdrop. After the session, enjoy hot or iced, hand-blended and sourced local teas presented by Alexis Jones of The Té Spa. (Martins Park, 64 Sleeper St., Boston)

Celebrate the end of summer with mother-daughter duo Candy O’Terry of Magic 106.7 and Colleen Esposito on Sept. 8 from 2-4 p.m. The co-authors of the illustrated children’s book “Nelson’s Garden” will guide you through a story about growing gardens and friendships. Book readings will be at 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. and include songs, a table-sized painting project for a garden mural and more. (Leventritt Pavilion, Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway, Boston)

Enjoy free admission to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston on September 14 thanks to Japanese casual wear brand UNIQLO. Enjoy a visit to the newly opened Arts of Japan galleries or take an MFA gallery tour from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can also participate in art-based activities such as creating a miniature subtraction sculpture inspired by Japanese artists. Netsuke from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (465 Huntington Avenue, Boston)

On September 25th at 6 p.m., author Daniel Dain and photographer Peter Vanderwarker will discuss their new book “A History of Boston.” As part of the Boston Public Library’s author talk series, They will guide you through the history of the city and discuss what lessons can be learned for the challenges facing a modern city today. (Boston Public Library Central Library at Copley Square, 700 Boylston St., Boston)