Featured Events in Boston in August, 2025 (May Updated)

Living in a time of civil and political turmoil, Qi Baishi (1864–1957) was renowned for his modernization of Chinese ink painting. Conveying rural sentiments with bold landscapes, lifelike animals and plants, and lively and amusing figures, Qi’s paintings of mundane objects and everyday life broke social and cultural barriers. His innovative experiments included the juxtaposition of vibrant colors against rich ink tones, a pronounced economy of form and composition, and vivid representations with revealing inscriptions. He also revitalized Chinese painting with expressive brushwork based on his calligraphic practice and seal carving. Qi is credited with transforming the traditional brush art of China’s educated elite into an expressionistic and abstract form that speaks clearly to the modern era.

Over half a century, American artist Minnie Evans (1892–1987) created thousands of radiant and kaleidoscopic works of art inspired by vivid dreams and local landscapes in her native Wilmington, North Carolina. These imaginative, intricately detailed drawings and paintings merged her own inner world—her religious beliefs, interest in mythology, and study of history—with the natural environment that surrounded her.

This exhibition brings together works from the MFA’s collection by María Magdalena Campos-Pons (b. 1959) and Ana Mendieta (1948–1985) in the first focused look at these influential artists side by side. Though the two never met, their practices share a reckoning with displacement and exile from their homes in Cuba, a deep reverence for the land, and a transformative use of natural elements like water, earth, and fire. For both artists, memory, ritual, and spirituality animate their artworks across photography, film, video, drawing, sculpture, installation, and performance.

The Boston Salsa Festival features workshops and performances by world class dancers and instructors, not to mention your favorite local salsa, bachata, and kizomba companies. Dance the night away to live music and Boston's best DJs. The event is organized by two of Boston's favorite salseros and DJs, Andres Giraldo and Hernan Choque. Event Highlights 3 Nights with 80+ performances from world renowned dancers and local favorites3 Nights of social dancing to live music, as well as top notch Salsa, Bachata DJs3 Days with 40+ workshops from beginner to advanced levels2 Days with performance challenges and special boot campsLive music with the best salsa bands Information Source: Andres Giraldo and Hernan Choque | eventbrite

Generations of artists have explored the beauties and terrors of the ocean, reflecting on the experiences of those who have lived and lost their lives among the waves. Weaving together artworks by four artists made over centuries and across the Atlantic, this exhibition follows a genealogical thread united by the sea. Echoes of John Singleton Copley’s Watson and the Shark (1778) reverberate in J. M. W Turner’s 1840 Slave Ship (Slavers Throwing Overboard the Dead and Dying, Typhoon Coming On), which itself has influenced art created in the 21st century.

Visitors embark on an interactive tour of the Titanic with incredible re-creations of the Ship’s interior and exterior. Visitors receive a replica boarding pass, assume the role of a passenger, and follow a chronological journey through life on Titanic. Walk the halls, explore the galleries, peer into cabins, and meet passengers and crew throughout the voyage. The 15,000-square-foot Exhibition features replica interior rooms and a full-scale re-creation of the Grand Staircase. Visitors will be able to view authentic artifacts, respectfully recovered from two and a half miles below the surface of the North Atlantic, which tell the real story behind Titanic’s journey from construction to eventual recovery. The genuine artifacts on display offer emotional connections to the forever-altered lives of those who were on board Titanic.

Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) once wrote, “What I’m most passionate about…is the portrait, the modern portrait.” This passion flourished between 1888 and ’89 when, during his stay in Arles, in the South of France, the artist created a number of portraits of a neighboring family—the postman Joseph Roulin; his wife, Augustine; and their three children: Armand, Camille, and Marcelle. Van Gogh’s tender relationship with the postman and his family, and his groundbreaking portrayals of them, are at the heart of this exhibition, which is the first dedicated to the Roulin portraits and the deep bonds of friendship between the artist and this family.

Chicago - The Band Boston is set to be an unforgettable event, taking place at the renowned LeaderBank Pavilion in Boston. Scheduled for August 2, 2025, at 7:30 PM, this concert promises to deliver an evening of timeless hits and musical excellence. With tickets priced at an accessible $40, fans of classic rock will have the opportunity to experience the legendary sounds of Chicago, a band known for their innovative fusion of rock and jazz, live in an iconic venue. The LeaderBank Pavilion, located in the heart of Boston, offers a perfect setting with its scenic waterfront views and state-of-the-art acoustics, ensuring an immersive experience for all attendees. This event is a must-see for music enthusiasts who appreciate the enduring legacy of Chicago's extensive catalog of chart-topping songs.

Since arriving in America from England 250 years ago, the Shakers — a Christian sect of pacifists — have occupied a unique place in the American national identity. Also known as the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, the Shakers ascribe to values of communal living, celibacy, shared property, and gender and racial equality, and they are widely recognized for their simple living, architecture, music, and furniture. The Shakers have captured the imagination of countless artists since at least the early twentieth century, when ideas about perfection, elegance, and practicality associated with Shaker life and material culture took hold. These ideas entered more strongly into the American consciousness following a string of influential exhibitions and books, many of them organized and authored by collectors of Shaker furniture.

From May to October 2025, the inaugural Boston Public Art Triennial will present 15 compelling commissions sprawled across the city. Each visionary local, national, and international artist will produce sculptures, interactive exhibits, or performance-based and community-led activities with an emphasis on East Boston, Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan, ensuring equitable representation and access. The Triennial 2025’s commissioned works will be joined by additional public art experiences across the city.

Katy Perry Boston is set to be an unforgettable event, taking place at the renowned TD Garden in Boston, MA, on August 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM. This highly anticipated concert promises to deliver an electrifying performance by the global pop sensation, Katy Perry. Known for her chart-topping hits and spectacular stage presence, Katy Perry's show is expected to captivate audiences with a blend of her classic anthems and latest releases. With ticket prices ranging from $60 to $172, fans have the opportunity to experience a night filled with vibrant energy and unforgettable music. TD Garden, a premier venue in Boston, offers an ideal setting for this monumental event, ensuring excellent acoustics and a comfortable atmosphere for all attendees. Don't miss the chance to witness Katy Perry Boston, an event that promises to be a highlight of the summer concert season.

Here you'll need brain and brawn to take on the mental and physical challenges! This is a team event with teams arranged ahead of time by your school. To see what's in store, take a look at the video on this page! NEXT STEPS : Parents/guardians - please complete the registration process for your child as the end will contain a waiver that you'll need to sign for your child to participate. When asked for first name, last name and email, please put your name and your email, EXCEPT for below the waiver when asked for Students Name, please put your child's name. Please note this is a private event for the students of Madison Park only. Information Source: Grit 'N Wit | eventbrite