With that crisp and sunny autumn weather, October is perfect for the last few outdoor events of the year. Get outside to one of these fall-themed activities around town!

These activities are all budget-friendly and accessible by public transportation. From book festivals to lantern parades to Halloween events, we’ve got you covered:

1. Columbus Park Fall Festival

Date: October 5, 2019
Location: Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
About: Join the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park for a day of puppet shows, magicians, and pumpkin painting. This year’s festival includes dancing with Baby Shark!
Transportation: Accessible via the Orange, Blue, and Green lines. Parking may be limited.
Website: https://www.foccp.org/events/2019-fall-festival

2. Jamaica Pond 5K Park Run

Date: October 5, 2019
Location: Jamaica Pond park run, starting point at the Arnold Arboretum, Arborway, Boston, MA 02130
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
About: Every October weekend join people of all ages and abilities on a timed 5k. It’s a great way to soak in the last few warm and sunny days of the year.
Transportation: The Arnold Arboretum is closest to the Orange line.
Website: https://www.parkrun.us/register/

3. Memorial Drive Recreation Sundays

Date: October 6, 2019
Location: Riverbend Park, Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
About: Every Sunday in October, Memorial Drive is closed off to traffic from 11am to 7pm. Walk, bike, or skate along this beautiful road overlooking the Charles River.
Transportation: You can use the Orange line to get to Memorial Drive; it’s also accessible by bus. Parking may be limited nearby.
Website: https://www.cambridgema.gov/traffic/engineeringplanning/memorialdriveclosing

4. Opening Our Doors – Fenway

Date: October 14, 2019
Location: Fenway-Kenmore area, starting off at the Christian Science Plaza at 10am
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
About: Hop around some of Boston’s best museums, with free entrance to exhibits in the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Massachusetts Historical Society, among 10 other locations. You definitely won’t run out of exhibits, performances, and activities to attend!
Transportation: Located along the Green E line/Huntington Avenue. Limited parking available onsite. Sponsor Bluebikes offers a special $5 All Day Adventure Pass.
Website: http://fenwayculture.org/opening-our-doors-2019/

5. Frog Pond Pumpkin Float

Date: October 18, 2019
Location: Frog Pond in the Boston Common, 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111.
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
About: Wear your Halloween costume and bring a small carved pumpkin to show off your carving skills! Kids will be able to float their pumpkins on the Frog Pond.
Transportation: Accessible via the Orange, Green C, and Green D lines. Parking available at the Boston Common Parking garage.
Website: https://www.bostoncentral.com/events/fall-pumpkin-float-festival-frog-pond-boston/p33139.php

6. Boston Book Festival

Date: October 19 & 20, 2019
Location: Copley Square Plaza (10/19) and Roxbury – Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building (10/20)
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
About: Come to Copley Square for a street fair celebrating Boston’s Book Festival! Kids (and teens) can enjoy costumed characters, scheduled story times, and their favorite authors.
Transportation: Copley Square is accessible via the Green E and Orange lines; limited parking nearby. The Bolling Building is accessible via bus and walking distance from the Orange line; limited parking nearby.
Website: https://bostonbookfest.org/

7. Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade

Date: October 19 & 20, 2019
Location: Jamaica Pond, 507 Jamaicaway, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
About: Come to the pond at sunset with your lanterns for a glowing parade. Kids can come in their Halloween costumes!
Transportation: Accessible via bus, Green E and Orange lines. Onsite parking available.
Website: https://tinyurl.com/jplantern2019