The best things to do in Boston this weekend: September 4-7

Step through the gates of King Richard's Faire and leave modern-day Massachusetts behind for a full day of medieval revelry. Set across 200 wooded acres in Carver, New England's largest Renaissance festival brings together armored jousting tournaments, live music, comedy, fire performers, artisan markets and costumed characters who roam the grounds in character. With more than 70 daily shows across 11 stages, it's easy to spend hours wandering between taverns, demonstrations and interactive performances, stopping for a turkey leg or a mug of mead along the way. Each weekend features a different theme, from pirate takeovers and wizard gatherings to Viking celebrations, giving returning visitors a fresh experience throughout the season. Whether you arrive in full costume or everyday clothes, King Richard's Faire offers an immersive escape that feels worlds away from the city.

If you’ve ever tried corralling kids through a museum on a regular weekend, you know the drill: lines, crowds, and the nagging sense that you’re paying for a field trip that might last 20 minutes. Boston Family Days flips that script. With a free Program Pass, families get access to nine of the city’s most beloved cultural spots—no wallet gymnastics required. The real win here is the chance to sample places you might not usually visit, all in a low-pressure, family-friendly setting. Maybe you’ll finally check out that gallery you’ve walked past a hundred times, or discover a new favorite spot for rainy Sundays. The event runs on select Sundays, so you can actually plan ahead (imagine that). It’s a rare excuse to play tourist in your own city, and a solid reminder that Boston’s best stuff isn’t just for out-of-towners.

The Museum of Ice Cream is the sort of Boston attraction you visit fully aware that subtlety is not on the menu. The interactive experience is built around colorful rooms, oversized installations, photo-ready setups and, naturally, plenty of ice cream. It is deliberately playful, with more emphasis on participation than quietly admiring an exhibit behind a rope. That makes it a better fit for a group of friends, a family outing or a date when you want something to do rather than somewhere to simply look around. The big selling point is the chance to move through an environment designed for interaction, with treats folded into the experience along the way. It is not trying to be a traditional museum, and that is exactly why it works for an afternoon when you want your plans to feel a little ridiculous in the best possible way.