Parties in Boston

Boston might be known as an “early” city since most of the bars close around 1 or 2am, but that only makes the fratty college town residents party twice as hard. Parties in Boston often take place in the form of pub crawls and tours, although a number of galas and classier events take place each year at the museums and colleges.

Boston is a mid-size city, so renting a party trolley or bus allows rowdy bachelorettes and St. Patty’s Day partiers to really “do it all” in one night. The Bustonian is equipped with neon lights and stripper poles, and escorts riders to all ends of the city. Cover charges are built into the ticket price, so there’s no wait at the door. An assortment of party trolleys are also available to rent for a barhopping night, or to drop your crew off in style at an event.

Booze cruises are also a popular option, floating riders up and down the Charles River. The sea sister of the Bustonian, the Boatonian fleet features extra-large dance floors and booming sound systems. They also host pre- and post-cruise parties back on shore in case you need to regain your land legs, which might be a bit wobbly after several drinks.

DJs on the Harbor nights hosted by the Institute of Contemporary Art are a perennial hit with the indie set. Electronic and alternative DJs spin on the ICA’s outside deck overlooking the harbor, while fun-loving guests of all ages and decked out in everything from cocktail dresses to plaid shirts and sneakers dance it up with bottles of craft beer in hand.

While most Boston parties let up fairly early, they still pack in generous amounts of fun, booze, and dancing – and really, what else do you need?