Sales tax holiday ends today in Massachusetts

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Massachusetts Sales Tax-Free Weekend Underway

Massachusetts is waiving its 6.25% sales tax on most eligible retail items priced under $2,500 through Sunday, August 9, the second and final day of the holiday. The exemption applies only to purchases for personal use by individuals; meals, motor vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, gas and electricity remain taxable, as does any single item over $2,500. Online orders qualify if they are placed and paid for during the holiday, even if delivery comes later, but layaway sales do not.

Mass.gov

Red Sox Host Athletics at Fenway Sunday Afternoon

The Red Sox play the Athletics at Fenway Park on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 1:35 p.m.

Meet Boston

Athletics Snap Red Sox's Nine-Game Win Streak at Fenway

The Red Sox fell 7-3 to the Oakland Athletics at Fenway Park on Saturday, August 8, 2026, ending their nine-game winning streak.

local10.com

56th Chinatown August Moon Festival Fills Streets Sunday

The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association hosts the 56th Chinatown August Moon Festival on Sunday, August 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with lion dances, Chinese opera, and folk dance; parking is restricted on Beach, Harrison, Hudson, and Tyler streets.

Meet Boston

Harvard Book Store to Open Second Location in Blackstone Block

The Boston Landmarks Commission approved exterior renovations on Friday, August 7, for a new Harvard Book Store location at 33 Union Street, set to open this fall.

City of Boston

Police Arrest Five in Downtown Shoplifting Crackdown

Boston Police arrested five people and issued summonses to three others on Friday, August 7, during a targeted operation against retail theft in Downtown Crossing and Boston Common.

Boston Police Department

Caribbean 'Champions Island' Day Party Hits Spectacle Island

The Caribbean-themed 'Champions Island' festival takes over Spectacle Island on Sunday, August 9, from 3 to 9 p.m., with live DJs, Caribbean food, and cultural showcases.

Black Soul Summer

UP Academy Holland to Exit State Receivership and Join BPS

The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted Saturday, August 8, to end state receivership of UP Academy Holland in Dorchester, returning control to Boston Public Schools after more than a decade.

CommonWealth Beacon

Chris Evans Headlines Final Days of FAN EXPO Boston

Boston-born actor Chris Evans makes his final FAN EXPO Boston appearances, including a live panel, on Sunday, August 9, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

WHDH

Council Backs Resolution for Retired Officers to Work Details

On Friday, August 7, the Boston City Council backed using state law to let qualified retired police officers work paid detail assignments, aiming to ease active-duty staffing shortages.

City of Boston

Police Warn Boston Renters About Apartment Scams

Boston Police warned Saturday, August 8, of rising apartment rental scams involving fake listings and upfront payment demands, urging renters to verify landlords before paying or sharing personal information.

Boston Police Department

North End Celebrates 106th Feast of Madonna Della Cava

The North End's 106th Feast of the Madonna Della Cava runs through Sunday, August 9, on Hanover and Battery streets, with live entertainment, dancing, and Italian food vendors.

Society of the Madonna Della Cava

Zoning Board of Appeal Schedules Virtual Hearing for Aug 11

The Boston Zoning Board of Appeal holds a virtual public hearing Tuesday, August 11, at 9:30 a.m. to address pending zoning relief cases and public comments.

City of Boston