From ethnic festivals to the Red Sox’ stretch drive in the baseball pennant race, August is annually a month filled with drama and anticipation in Boston, where the autumn months come on as quickly as the onrush of college students. Savor the final, full month of summer by checking out some of these events.
Patriots Training Camp

Tom Brady, coming back from knee surgery that ended his 2008 season prematurely, and the New England Patriots will hold training camp practice sessions in preparation for the 2009 NFL season at Gillette Stadium – a quick shot down Route 95.

For the first week of August they are open to the public. For the current practice schedule, click here.

WFNX New Music Poll Concert
Aug. 1, 2009
Alternative bands Bravery, Airborne Toxic Event, Metric, Passion Pit, Gaslight Anthem, and Ra Ra Riot will play a free event at Government Center beginning at 4 p.m.
Latino Family Festival
Aug. 2, 2009
Reggaeton star Daddy Yankee and Victor Manuel’s salsa beats highlight this musical showcase event at Fenway Park. For ticket information, click here.
Patriots Swimsuit Calendar Launch
Aug. 5, 2009
The Patriots cheerleaders help unveil their 2010 swimsuit calendar at a 21-plus event at Ned Devine’s in Fanueil Hall. All 29 Patriots cheerleaders will be on hand, signing autographs and posing for photos from 8 to 10 p.m.
Futures at Fenway Game
Aug. 8, 2009
You could catch the next Kevin Youkilis or Dustin Pedroia at the Futures at Fenway game. Much like those Red Sox stars, a few of the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs and Pawtucket Red Sox may be on the parent club within a season or two.

On this day, both Red Sox minor league franchises play in a doubleheader at Fenway Park. For tickets, click here.
Restaurant Week Boston
Aug. 9-14, 16-21, 2009
Over a two-week period, sample some of the best restaurants Boston has to offer with prix fixe menus. Two-course lunches will run just $15.09. Three-course dinners will be $33.09 at more than 200 participating restaurants.
Red Sox

The stretch drive in the pennant race is on, and the Red Sox face a difficult August schedule in their quest for the playoffs. Marquee matchups against Detroit (Aug. 10-13) and the Yankees (Aug. 21-23) highlight the home schedule, which also includes the White Sox (Aug. 24-27) and Blue Jays (Aug. 29-30). Click here for information on how to get tickets.
Fisherman’s Feast
Aug. 13-16, 2009
Boston’s oldest continuously running Italian festival (it began in 1911), the Fisherman’s Feast celebrates the “devotion of the fishermen from Sciacca to the Madonna del Soccorso (Our Lady of Help).” An Italian sausage, calamari, pizza, and pasta lover’s dream.
National Parks – Fee Free Park Day
Aug. 15, 2009
All National Parks, including the Longfellow National Historic Site in Cambridge, will be free to park at on this day. For a complete list of Massachusetts National Parks, click here.
August Moon Festival
Aug. 16, 2009
One of the largest gatherings held in Chinatown every year, this 3,000 year-old tradition is perhaps most defined by its brightly colored lantern procession, though the food, music, and dance also hold their own.
Boston GreenFest
Aug. 20-22, 2009

Organized by the Foundation for a Green Future, this three-day festival held at Government Center aims to educate and entertain by celebrating the many ways attendees can enjoy a more environmental lifestyle.

St. Anthony’s Feast
Aug. 28-30, 2009
The 90th North End festival kicks off with song, dance, and food. Don't miss the North End Iron Chef competition on Sunday night.