50 things to do this summer

Catch a free Sox game

Getting a ticket to a Red Sox game may be too expensive or too difficult for many of us. It’s summer, and there are beers to be purchased and kiddie pools to be filled, we get it. Thankfully, the Bleacher Bar comes to our rescue with its giant floor to ceiling window, conveniently located in center field, Fenway Park. Grab a burger, a beer and a seat at the window and feel like you’re a paying customer at the game, while your wallet feels like you’re definitely not. Understandably, seats fill up fast, so make sure to get there early. Bleacher Bar, 82A Lansdowne Street, Fenway, Boston (617-262-2424, bleacherbarboston.com)

Go on a historical landmark walking tour

Boston is filled to the brim with hidden pieces of history, both recent and ancient.  The Battle of Bunker Hill, the Boston Tea Party, and the pub they go to in Good Will Hunting are all landmarks that Bostonians pass by every day, but never really see. Walking tours are a great way to remember (or see for the first time) all of the history that surrounds us in this town. The Freedom Trail, Boston’s “Movie Mile” (bostonmovietours.net), and Haunted Boston (hauntedboston.com) are just a few of the options available.

Shop local at the farmers’ markets

One of the best parts about summer is the ease with which you can eat healthily, cheaply and locally. Farmers’ markets are the way to go, both for shopping and for outdoor fun. If you’re looking for cheap produce, locally caught fish, and lots of noise, then Haymarket (open Saturday) is your best bet. The Union Square market in Somerville has a more subdued atmosphere, and more specialty products, along with the ubiquitous bunches of carrots and bags of tomatoes. Medford’s market, located in the Whole Foods parking lot, falls somewhere between the two. Whichever you choose, a day spent wandering the markets is a perfect summertime activity.

See Shakespeare for free on the Common

Enjoy one of Shakespeare’s less tragic and downtrodden plays this summer by checking out the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s production of All’s Well That Ends Well, running July 27–August 30. The company sets up its stage on Boston Common, and you can see costumed players running around and stage hands working their magic by the glow of the State House’s dome. Performances are all free, and are all on the Common, and are perfect for a summertime date night, or for just a relaxing literary night.