Things to Do in Boston at Night
Photo: 4300streetcar (CC BY 4.0)
Boston goes later than its reputation. Here’s what to do after dark, from free to a big night out, with links to what’s on tonight.
Laugh
There’s stand-up or improv almost every night: Laugh Boston in the Seaport, Nick’s in the Theater District, Improv Asylum in the North End and the Comedy Studio in Harvard Square. Tonight’s shows are on the comedy page.
See a show
From arena tours at TD Garden to folk at Club Passim, see concerts this week. For Broadway, the theater page; for films, movies.
Do it for free
- The ICA and the Gardner are free every Thursday from 5 to 9 PM, and the MFA stays open until 10 on Thursdays and Fridays. See free museum nights.
- Berklee puts on free concerts almost every night of the school year.
- Club Café in the South End has free trivia on Tuesdays and karaoke on Wednesdays. Everything else is on the free events page.
Trivia and karaoke
Most nights, somewhere: trivia by night and karaoke by night.
Have a drink
From Bell in Hand, pouring since 1795, to a bar under Fenway’s bleachers and a speakeasy in Fort Point: the best bars in Boston, by neighborhood.
Dance
The Grand in the Seaport and Bijou in the Theater District are the nightclubs; Royale and the Sinclair turn into dance parties late on weekends. All in our dance clubs guide.
Eat late
South Street Diner and Bova’s Bakery in the North End are open 24/7, and several kitchens serve until 1:30 or 2 AM. See the late-night food guide.
Planning ahead? This weekend, date night ideas and cheap nights out.
From our history: the Cocoanut Grove fire, the Rat, the Combat Zone and Scollay Square.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Boston at night for free?
The ICA and the Gardner are free on Thursdays from 5 to 9 PM, Berklee has free concerts almost every night of the school year, and Club Café has free trivia and karaoke.
What’s open late in Boston?
Nightclubs like The Grand run until 2 AM on weekends, and South Street Diner and Bova’s Bakery are open 24/7.
Where can I see comedy in Boston tonight?
Laugh Boston, Nick’s Comedy Stop, Improv Asylum and the Comedy Studio all run shows most weekends; tonight’s are on our comedy page.