JanuaryJan-Mar, multi-event seriesTicket needednorth-end
Daniel Bruce's Boston Wine and Food Festival has run an annual chef-and-wine series at the Boston Harbor Hotel since 1989. The country's longest-running.
Focus: Wine, chef-led tastings, master classes
Tip: Opening Reception in late January kicks off the multi-week programme. Book the Domaine de la Romanee-Conti tasting six months out.
AugustLate August, 4 daysnorth-end
The Feast of Saint Anthony fills Endicott and Hanover Streets in Boston's North End every August since 1919. New England's largest Italian festival.
Focus: Italian American street food
Tip: Saturday-night zeppole competition pulls the public crowd. Saturday tug-of-war at 20:00. The Sunday procession runs 10 hours; arrive by 11:30.
AugustEarly August, 4 daysnorth-end
The Feast of Saint Agrippina di Mineo runs on Hanover Street in Boston's North End every August since 1914. Sicilian American street food, the grand.
Focus: Sicilian American street food
Tip: Sunday afternoon procession at 12:30 is the centrepiece. Sunday tug-of-war at 20:00; arrive by 14:00 for the food stalls.
SeptemberMid-September, 1 dayseaport-fort-point
Boston Local Food Festival runs every September on the Rose Kennedy Greenway in downtown Boston since 2011. 100 local food vendors, chef demonstrations.
Focus: Local New England food vendors
Tip: 11:00-17:00. Free to attend; food sold individually. The Greenway runs from the North End to South Station; the festival fills the Wharf District section.
FebruaryLate Feb to early Mar, 2 weeksback-bay
Dine Out Boston runs the city's twice-yearly restaurant week in Boston since 2001. 140 restaurants offer multi-course prix fixe; winter edition February.
Focus: Boston-area restaurant prix fixe
Tip: Lunch $27-$36, Dinner $38-$55. Book three weeks ahead on Resy or OpenTable. The marquee restaurants book out fastest.
SeptemberMid-September, 1 dayTicket neededseaport-fort-point
Boston Seafood Festival runs at the Boston Fish Pier in Boston's Seaport since 2010. Day-long event of New England seafood vendors, oyster-shucking.
Focus: New England seafood vendors
Tip: Oyster-shucking competition starts at 14:00. Ticket included in general admission; food sold by individual vendors.
JulyLate July, 3 daysnorth-end
Lowell Folk Festival runs in Lowell, MA, 45 minutes from Boston, every July since 1987. Non-profit community food vendors serve Polish pierogi.
Focus: Global community food vendors
Tip: Free to attend; food sold by community non-profit vendors. The Armenian lamb burgers pull the longest line. Drive or commuter rail from North Station.