15 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Massachusetts Summer Bucket List

Coachella not in the budget this summer? Boston Calling is seriously just as awesome and won’t cost you a few months’ rent. With an all-star lineup and killer location (you’re not in a field somewhere in the middle of nowhere…you’re right in the heart of Boston), this is one event that music lovers must not miss. Buy tickets now! The festival runs May 27 -28.

Thrill-seekers rejoice! This place is still as awesome as you remember. With more attractions and rides being added all the time, Six Flags offers something for every member of the family. Don’t like roller-coasters? Check out the massive water park, live music, or games of skill.

Dust off that kilt in the back of your closet and head down to the Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival on July 18. There will be tradition Scottish athletic games (things with names like "caber" and "braemer stone"), a traditional highland dance (including a sword dance and jigs), and plenty of piping and drumming. And for the kids, don’t miss the haggis toss, sack racing, face painting, rope pull…and yelling contest. For real.

Antique dealers and collectors travel from throughout the United States and abroad to attend the world famous Brimfield Antique Flea Markets. Dig for forgotten treasures or maybe just pick out a few doodads that make you smile. This event has been running for over running for over 50 years and the market opens its gates only three times each year. This year’s dates are May 10-15, July 12-17 and September 6-11.

As the heat starts to let up and the tourists start packing their bags, there’s still more summer fun to be had. Check out The Big E, Sept. 18-Oct. 4. The Big E, also known as The Eastern States Exposition, is the largest agricultural event on the eastern seaboard and the fifth-largest fair in the nation. That doesn’t really cover it though. This is the most EPIC fair you’ll find anywhere. It boasts the coolest rides, the most dazzling performances, and the most mouth-watering carnival food ever. For smaller local offerings, check out the Westfield Fair (August 21-23) or the Barnstable County Fair (July 18-24).

No, it’s not a gathering of jerks. It’s a huge celebration of spicy Caribbean cuisine running from June 24-25. Check out live music, chef demonstrations, a cocktail competition, as well as craft beer and rum tastings. Stroll down ‘Spice Lane’ to sample the delicious offerings of food vendors. In addition to jerk-spiced dishes, there will be plenty of curried goat, fried plantains, spicy nuts and hot sauces.

Don’t miss the biggest patriotic celebration in the country. Running from Sept. 18 - Oct. 4, this maritime festival includes over 200 events, including tours of tall ships, historical re-enactments, live music, walking tours, and dinner cruises. The festival opens with an incredible opening ceremony and concludes with Chowderfest, where you can sample clam chowder from local restaurants and vote for your favorite.

Wander about in an enclosed indoor garden filled with free-flying butterflies of all shapes, colors, and sizes. They even sell butterfly hatching kits that will let you raise your own butterflies at home! This is a great place to teach kids about nature and enjoy a relaxing summer afternoon.