Arts & Culture

At the Dudley Jazz Festival, performers, engaged in the Boston community, bring to life the arts and spirituality of the neighborhood through the power of music. 

A new artist is sounding the visual alarm about the American state of affairs at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

As Boston blooms and the city’s green spaces flood with walkers, sports leagues and bird-watchers, “Ming Fay: Edge of the Garden” at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum asks what is a garden?

For its 29th season of Free Shakespeare on the Common, the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company will present the romantic comedy “As You Like It” at the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common from Wednesday, July 23 through Sunday, August 10. 

Never fear, Boston, we live to jam another year. The City of Boston has released “Dear Summer Vol. 3,” the latest edition of the city-curated mixtape featuring songs from 17 local musicians mixed by 6 local DJs.

Since fall 2024, theaters around Boston have been hosting the nine-play Ufot Family Cycle by playwright Mfoniso Udofia. The fifth installment, “Kufre n’ Quay,” is performed almost entirely by Black and brown Boston Arts Academy students, many appearing in a professional production for the first time.

Live, outdoor music is one of the sweet sounds of summer in Boston. And the Boston Landmarks Orchestra plays a big role in providing that warm-weather ambiance.

On June 22, the Lowell Summer Music Series presented multicultural jam band Los Lobos at Boarding House Park in Lowell.

Roxbury native hip-hop trio Bell Biv DeVoe and Tony- and Grammy-winning vocalist Leslie Odom Jr. of “Hamilton” fame are among the performers taking the stage at this year's Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on Charles River Esplanade.

On Saturday and Sunday, July 26-27, from noon to 6 p.m., the 10th annual Cambridge Jazz Festival celebrates the power of music. The free event at Danehy Park on Sherman Street features local and national performers whose art and energy are revitalizing.

To The People Like Us,” the newest production from activist opera company White Snake Projects, is a little different from its usual performances. This opera was written by teenagers.

This weekend launches the annual Boston Black Pride festival, a weeklong celebration of QTBIPOC culture and community. Organized by the Boston Lesbigay Urban Foundation, the programming includes events of all kinds, from a pride parade and a music and arts festival to an R&B brunch and a fitness class.