North End

Summer Events Schedule

 

 

North End: The what

Year-round
North End Market Tours
Wednesdays & Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-5 p.m.
Fridays 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 3-6 p.m.
35+ year North End resident and professionally trained chef, Michele Topor, shares the secrets and delights of the area. Initially designed the tour to introduce cooking class participants to her beloved neighborhood and sources for authentic Italian ingredients.  Partake in a three-hour walking tour of the North End markets complete with tastings and tips on where and what ingredients to buy.
$48 plus 5% tax per person
www.northendmarkettours.com


July 31-August 28
Waterfront Performing Arts Series
Christopher Columbus Park, Atlantic Ave.
Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
The 4th annual arts series returns to this gorgeous North End oasis, courtesy of Mayor Menino’s Office of Arts, Tourism & Special Events.  Showcased is a diverse mix of artistic genres including ballet, modern dance, opera, soul and pop. 
July 31:           Joshua Tree, a tribute to classic U2 songs.
August 7:        Boston Lyric Opera, featuring arias from La Boheme and
                       L’elisir d’amore.
August 14:      Soul City Band, R&B dance and nightclub tunes
August 21:      The Boston Pops Ensemble, Boston Ballet, and Opera
                       Boston
August 28:      Boston Young Artists Showcase, special performances by
                       ZUMIX, Riverside Theatre Works and Boston City Singers
Free
www.cityofboston.gov/arts
 
August 1-6
North End Pride Week
Festivities, entertainment and of course, food, highlight the week.  Be proud of your neighborhood.
www.cityofboston.gov/arts/festivals or 617.821.6932

August 3-27
Annual North End Feasts
August in the North End wouldn’t be the same without their historic feasts. Celebrate in the heart of Boston’s Italian district and delight in savory Italian cuisine, parades, games, religious services, live music and entertainment. Don’t miss the 97th annual Fisherman’s Feast, the oldest feast in Boston.
August 3-5:            St. Agrippina, Battery & Hanover Streets
August 10-12:        Madonna Della Cava, Battery & Hanover Streets
August 16-19:        Fisherman’s Feast, Fleet & North Streets
August 24-26:        St. Anthony, Thatcher & Endicott Streets
August 27:             St. Lucy’s, Thatcher & Endicott Streets
Free
www.northendboston.com

September 8 & 9
(ähts): The Boston Arts Festival
Christopher Columbus Park, Atlantic Ave.
Noon-6 p.m.
With all the arts festivals and exhibits in Boston throughout the summer, this is heralded as one of, if not, the best. Browse paintings, ceramics, mixed media, photography, and jewelry by more than 70 juried visual artists. Hub mainstays such as the Boston Ballet and Boston Symphony Orchestra Ensemble will perform. Bring the kids; they can get their faces painted or join in the fun and help paint a temporary mural.
Free
www.cityofboston.gov/arts


North End: The where

Puopolo and Langone Parks, Mirabella Pool and Steriti Memorial Rink
Each of these marks a path along Boston’s Harborwalk. The parks date back to 1894 and were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the brains behind the City’s Emerald Necklace and New York’s Central Park. Langone has recently undergone a renovation and, among the standard recreational components like a softball diamond and basketball court, features regulation bocce courts. 
Commercial and Charter Streets
www.cityofboston.gov/parks

Hanover Street
The North End has more amazing restaurants than you have time to eat at. Ranging from traditional Italian-American family-style cooking to authentic food reminiscent of old-school Italy, there’s no shortage on this historic street. Check out Strega (379 Hanover), the “Sopranos” cast’s fave haunt, or relative newcomer Tresca (233 Hanover) and don’t leave without picking up a cannoli at world-renowned bakery Mike’s Pastry (300 Hanover). The entertainment ain’t bad either; the Improv Asylum’s performances (216 Hanover) are hilarious. Parking can be a pain and lines get long; take public transportation and arrive early.
www.northendboston.com

Paul Revere’s House and Old North Church
Remnants of the North End’s past remain on its densely populated streets. On April 18, 1775, silversmith Paul Revere left his home on an epic journey that would make him a legend. His house is downtown Boston’s oldest remaining building and can be toured year-round. The Old North Church, the City’s oldest standing church building, built in 1723, marked the beginning of Revere’s famous ride to Lexington when two lanterns were lit from the top of it’s steeple to warn that the British were coming. Both of these landmarks are prominently featured along Boston’s Freedom Trail.
Paul Revere’s House, 19 North Square, www.paulreverehouse.org
Old North Church, 193 Salem St., www.oldnorth.com

North End: The skinny

•  Recognized as the Italian center of Boston, the North End actually had a large Jewish community in the early 1900’s. Hebrew inscriptions can still be found on several buildings. Embark on the Jewish Friendship Trail throughout Boston to see them first hand.

•   One of the stranger U.S. disasters occurred in the North End at the Purity Distilling Company (529 Commercial St.): the Boston Molasses Disaster. In January of 1919, a molasses tank burst and a massive wave of molasses ran through the street at 35 mph, killing 21 and injuring 150 in its wake. The tale has become legend and many residents claim to still smell molasses on hot summer days.
  
• Two former Harvard University buddies living in and sharing an apartment in Boston are the focus of a 1997 movie aptly named “The North End.” Frank Vincent, or New York mob boss Phil Leotardo to “Sopranos” fans, stars.