Boston's Best Summer Art Festivals

With summer comes the emergence of the arts back onto the streets of Boston. Artists can bring out more than just their most weatherproof works to fill entire festivals with art. It is also a great time to bring people in out of the heat to enjoy everything from performing arts to clothing designs. Whatever your tastes may be, Boston has a festival that will cater to you in the summertime. Locals can sign up to present their own art or just show up to enjoy someone else's works.

Date: July 24 to July 26, 2015

Just a few minutes outside of Boston is the country's first public beach. Every year, it allows artists to come in and take advantage of the weather to create amazing sand sculptures. Guests can watch them work all weekend and see the final result of their efforts. This national event draws a multitude of talented people to the beach. Be sure to bring a camera, as the art will not last long by nature. Guests can walk the beach and enjoy the sites, but this sort of festival is different in that no one is taking any of the pieces home with them.

Related: Boston's Best Art Walks

Date: July 25 and 26, 2015

Boston Summer Arts Weekend is an annual event that caters mainly to the performing arts. In 2015, visitors will get to see such local favorites as the Handel and Haydn Society and Karen K & The Jitterbugs, a band for children. There will also be nationally and internationally esteemed artists like Emmylou Harris and Natalie MacMaster. More artists will be added as the big date approaches, so be ready for some pleasant surprises.

Date: TBA

The week before the Boston Summer Arts Weekend, Newbury Street will be home to an annual arts walk. This event will be more focused on the physical arts, rather than performing arts. Guests will be invited into multiple galleries on the famous street, as well as receive complimentary treats and access to demonstrations. The real treat will be learning about new artists in some of the city's most popular art galleries. With so many mediums and styles represented there, it is bound to be an interesting walk.

Date: Sept. 9 to Sept. 13, 2015

Just after Labor Day, Improv Boston is hosting a Comedy arts festival that will offer viewers improv, sketch, standup and more over the course of several days. While Improv Boston is providing the main stage, the festival will span multiple venues and so many comedians that fans will need days off if they want to attend the most shows possible. The festival is even taking submissions from talent, so locals who think they have the comedy chops can try to get on some of the most popular stages in the city.

Related: Best Bloggers Covering The Boston Arts Scene

Date: June 19 to June 21, 2015

Less than an hour south of Boston is one of the best art resources in eastern Massachusetts, and it puts on an annual art festival. The South Shore Art Center's art festival is in its 60th year and still going strong. In 2015, it will open with a jazz festival and continue for days of art that will include everything from jewelry to paintings. Craft artists are invited to apply for a place in the festival. Join in the fun and maybe come home with something special.