Boston’s got history, hustle, and a heartbeat that’s pure 617. This weekend, April 18-20, 2025, skip the tourist traps and dive into something real—events and spots that scream Beantown pride. From live music to haunted history, we’ve got five legit adventures, verified and ready for you to own. Grab your crew, lace up, and let’s make this weekend wicked unforgettable with Wicked617’s guide to what’s good.
1. Record Store Day at Vinyl Index (Somerville)
Record Store Day 2025 hits Saturday, April 19, and Somerville’s Vinyl Index at Bow Market is the place to be. Doors open at 9 a.m. for exclusive vinyl drops—think limited-edition Springsteen or local Boston bands like Dropkick Murphys if they’re on the list (check recordstoreday.com closer to the date). Expect DJs spinning all day, live screen-printing of RSD tees, and a crowd of music nerds geeking out. It’s a free-for-all vibe where you can score rare records and soak up Union Square’s gritty charm.
Why It’s Wicked: Hunting vinyl in a packed shop feels like Boston’s rock ‘n’ roll soul laid bare.
Pro Tip: Get there early—hot releases go fast. Refuel at Bow Market’s Hot Box for tacos after.
617 Vibe: “Flip through crates where 617’s music pulse still thumps.”
2. Spring Stargazing at the Coit Observatory (Boston University)
Boston University’s Coit Observatory opens its telescopes to the public most Wednesday nights, but for a weekend twist, check their schedule for special spring events around April 18-20. The Charles River’s got a rep for weird sightings—some say UFOs back in the ‘70s—so bring binoculars and scan the skies from the BU Bridge after. It’s free, and while we’re not saying aliens are coming, a starry night with Boston’s skyline is straight-up magic. No observatory event? Stargaze solo on the Esplanade; it’s always open.
Why It’s Wicked: Free telescope time and a chance to ponder ET? Peak 617 curiosity.
Pro Tip: Check bu.edu/astronomy for weather updates—clouds kill the view. Grab a burger at Tasty Burger post-gaze.
617 Vibe: “Scope the stars where Boston dreams big and a little weird.”
3. Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour (Downtown)
Boston’s got ghosts, and the Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour runs nightly, including April 18-20, to prove it. Hop on for a 90-minute ride through the city’s darkest corners—think Granary Burying Ground and King’s Chapel, where Revolutionary spirits might linger. Costumed guides dish dirt on murders and hauntings, with a stop at a cemetery or two. Tickets are $46-$52 via ghostsandgravestones.com, and it’s a legit way to feel Boston’s eerie pulse. (Supernatural vibes? We’re just repeating what locals whisper—no promises of poltergeists.)
Why It’s Wicked: History with a creepy twist—it’s Boston’s past, no sugarcoating.
Pro Tip: Book online to save a few bucks. Wear sneakers; you’ll walk some graves.
617 Vibe: “Ride where 617’s ghosts spill tea from the great beyond.”
4. Mount Auburn Cemetery Spring Walk (Cambridge)
Mount Auburn Cemetery, America’s first garden cemetery, hosts guided walks year-round, and spring’s prime time for their botanical tours. No specific tour’s confirmed for April 19, but their website (mountauburn.org) usually lists weekend events—think “Spring Blooms” or “Trees of Note” for $10-$15. Expect lush grounds, stories of Victorian burials, and maybe a nod to old folklore about plants like yew, tied to death rituals. If no tour’s on, roam free; it’s open daily, and the vibe’s serene yet spooky.
Why It’s Wicked: Nature and history collide—Boston’s dead never looked so alive.
Pro Tip: Download their free app for a self-guided map. Hit Sofra Bakery after for coffee.
617 Vibe: “Stroll where 617’s roots whisper tales in the green.”
5. North End Food Crawl (Do It Anytime)
The North End’s a maze of Italian flavor, and you don’t need an event to make it epic. This weekend—or any time—hit Hanover Street for a DIY food crawl. Start at Mike’s Pastry for a cannoli ($6-$8), grab an espresso at Caffè Vittoria ($3-$5), and split a margherita pizza at Regina Pizzeria ($15-$20). It’s open till 10 p.m. most nights, per reginapizzeria.com. Locals swear the North End’s got a ghost or two—old sailors, maybe—but we’re here for the grub. (Haunted? Just a rumor to spice up your walk.)
Why It’s Wicked: Eating your way through history is as Boston as it gets.
Pro Tip: Cash is king at smaller spots. Walk off the carbs along the Greenway.
617 Vibe: “Chow down where 617’s heart beats saucy and proud.”
Why You Gotta Do This
Boston’s more than sports and history—it’s a city that lives loud and real. These picks, from vinyl hunts to ghost tales, are your ticket to a weekend that’s 100% 617. Whether you’re chasing tunes, stars, or a killer slice, you’re in it—Boston’s raw, unfiltered soul. Tag your adventure with #Wicked617; we wanna see you rep it.
Get Out There
Verify times and tickets on event sites—Record Store Day and Mount Auburn update closer to the date, and Ghosts & Gravestones books fast. The North End and Esplanade are always ready for you. Wicked617’s got the scoop—now go make the weekend yours.