in the summertime there are numerous block parties. can't do that in boston: it would shut down "business."

theres a big huge Pride week in june..... theres weekends where they shut down a couple streets and have world music/hip hop/ etc on multiple stages....theres a punk rock/metal festival.... theres food festivals...

look up this thing called Water Fire ... they light campfires in little fire pits that are installed all along the canal that runs through downtown... you can pay to ride in a boat along it like in Venice..... Along the canal people sit.... drink and eat from street vendors... and the city blasts music (a wild variety of classical/world music) throughout the area.... its every other weekend for a few months...

the venues the previous commenter mentioned....

you'll find your place. have fun :)