This Weekend In Boston: Food Festivals & Cinco De Mayo Parties 🐼🌮🎉(May 1-4, 2025)
Spring is showing off this week with massive Asian street food festivals, blooming rose gardens, and pop-up block parties taking over the city. In this edition, we’re diving into two epic Asian street food festivals and the ultimate Cinco De Mayo game plan. (May 1st to May 4th, 2025)
What's Poppin': Boston's Biggest Weekend For Asian Street Food & Festivities! 🥘🍱🍲
😍 What's New In Boston This Week
If you’ve been craving spicy noodles, soup dumplings, and a valid reason to take a food coma nap this weekend, then this is your moment. Two massive Asian street food festivals are taking over Boston and Cambridge this weekend, and we’re already drooling. From bubble tea to Tanghulu fruit candy, get ready to snack your way through the city. Grab your foodie friends and check out these festivals!
🌦️ Boston Weekend Weather Check
Here's your Spring weekend forecast:
- Thursday, May 1: Expect increasing cloudiness throughout the day, with a high around 61°F (16°C) and a low near 52°F (11°C). A calm day to ease into the weekend.
- Friday, May 2: A warm day with highs reaching 76°F (24°C). However, be prepared for cloudy skies and a chance of rain, especially in the afternoon and evening.
- Saturday, May 3: Cloudy and warm, with a high of 75°F (24°C) and a low around 57°F (14°C). There's a possibility of a couple of light showers, so keep an umbrella handy just in case.
- Sunday, May 4: Cooler temperatures with a high near 63°F (17°C) and a low around 47°F (8°C). Expect cloudy skies and a chance of a couple of showers.
Dress for rain and keep an umbrella handy this weekend!
🔥 2 Asian Street Food Festivals in Boston
🐼 Panda Festival 2025
This one’s the main course. With 60+ Asian food vendors serving up over 200 different street eats, your taste buds are in for a wild ride. Expect live DJs, Asian cultural performances, and even a ramen-eating contest (if you’re feeling bold and ready to break out your stretchy pants)! Also, every ticket comes with 2 free gifts: a custom Boston Panda pin and a panda headband. There’ll also be 15+ merch vendors selling Panda-themed merchandise, and even a giant inflatable panda perfect for selfies.
- When: Friday to Sunday, May 2nd to 4th, Time Varies
- Where: Boston City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square, Boston
- Admission: General Admission $13 | VIP $25
- Details: Panda Food Festival
🎶 3rd Asian Street Food & Music Festival
A slightly more low-key vibe, but just as tasty! This Cambridge festival blends street eats with live entertainment, like cultural dances, karaoke, and an Asian cultural fashion show.
- When: Sunday, May 3rd, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Where: Church Street Parking Lot, Harvard Square, Cambridge
- Admission: Free
- Details: Asian Street Food & Music Festival
Hidden Gem In Boston: Kelleher Rose Garden In Back Bay Fens 🌹
🌿 What Is Kelleher Rose Garden?
Tucked away in Boston's Back Bay Fens, the James P. Kelleher Rose Garden is a serene oasis with over 1,500 rose bushes spanning more than 200 varieties. Established in 1931 by landscape architect Arthur Shurcliff, this garden was part of the transformation of former wetlands into the current Emerald Necklace park system. Designed as a formal circular rose garden, it has quickly become a cherished spot for both rose enthusiasts and casual visitors.
🌸 What Makes Kelleher Rose Garden A Hidden Gem?
Despite its central location, the Kelleher Rose Garden remains one of Boston's best-kept secrets. Enclosed by tall green hedges, it exudes a "secret garden" ambiance. Visitors are greeted by arched trellises adorned with climbing roses, a tranquil fountain, and charming statues, creating a beautiful setting that's perfect for relaxation or a quiet stroll. The garden's meticulous maintenance and seasonal blooms make it a delightful spot for photography, picnics, or simply soaking in the beauty of nature.
📍 Why Kelleher Rose Garden Is Worth A Visit
Located at 73 Park Drive, just a short walk from landmarks like Fenway Park and the Museum of Fine Arts, the Kelleher Rose Garden offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Open daily from May to October, it's an ideal destination for a leisurely afternoon or a romantic date.
- Open Times: Weekdays, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Weekends, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Where: 73 Park Drive, Back Bay Fens, Boston
- Admission: Free
- Details: Kelleher Rose Garden
This Weekend: Free and Cool Things To Do in Boston 😍
🛍️ The Elks Lodge Thrift Bazaar
Check out over 100 small local businesses that are popping up at the Brighton Elks Lodge in Boston to sell art, vinyl, vintage, & more!
- When: Saturday to Sunday, May 3rd to 4th, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Where: Brighton Elks Lodge, 326 Washington St, Brighton
- Admission: Free
- Details: The Elks Lodge Bazaar
🎉 Viva Central Block Party
Enjoy a vibrant day of food, music, art, and community! This free block party at Central Square includes interactive experiences and a live DJ.
- When: Saturday, May 3rd, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Where: Naco Taco, 19 State Street, Cambridge
- Admission: Free
- Details: Viva Central Block Party
🧑🍳 40th Annual Mayfair At Harvard Square
Experience food inspired by cultures from all over the world, unique one-of-a-kind gifts and crafts, Al Fresco beer gardens, music, entertainment, and dance!
- When: Sunday, May 4th, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Where: Harvard Square, Two Brattle Square, Cambridge
- Admission: Free
- Details: Harvard Square
🍹 The Overlook Rooftop Cinco De Mayo Party (21+)
Hosted by Legal Sea Foods, this rooftop Cinco de Mayo party includes stunning harbor views, live DJ entertainment, festive foods and drinks, and $2 oysters.
- When: Sunday, May 4th, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Where: Boston Common, 16 Charles Street, Boston
- Admission: Free (No Cover)
- Details: Legal Sea Foods Cinco de Mayo
🍻 Cinco De Mayo At Bow Market
A full day of festivities, including live DJs, face painting, food and beverages, and artisan crafts. Also, look forward to Tequila & Mezcal tasting workshops and a make-your-own Margarita bar.
- When: Sunday, May 4th, 1:00 PM – 8:30PM
- Where: Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville
- Admission: Free
- Details: Bow Market Cinco de Mayo
