Winter Celebration at William James College

The Charles River Regional Chamber's annual Winter Celebration is always a can’t miss event. Connect with business, nonprofit, and civic leaders, celebrate our community, and support the chamber's work in a lively and festive atmosphere. This year, we’ll gather at William James College, a renowned Newton-based institution dedicated to mental health education and leadership development. Explore this modern, space, mingle with old friends, and make new connections while enjoying delicious food and drink provided by chamber-member&nbsp;<a href="https://betterlifefood.com/">Better Life Food</a>. Register early and save! Additional discounts are available for group ticket purchases – this is the perfect event to bring your friends, colleagues, and clients to celebrate our business community and kick off 2025! TICKETS Individual Tickets: Members: Early Bird: $65 through Jan 15, then $85 Nonmembers: $100 or<a href="https://crrc.charlesriverchamber.com/enroll">&nbsp;join</a>&nbsp;and attend for free Ticket Bundles (Members Only) Buy 4 tickets, get one free $260 early bird, $340 after Jan 15 Snow date Feb. 12. Tickets are nonrefundable but may be transferred to another person.&nbsp; The Charles River Regional Chamber serves business professionals who work/live in Needham, Newton, Watertown, Wellesley, and the surrounding areas.

William James College

Coffee Connect at Papa Razzi Wellesley

Start your morning off with coffee, conversation, and connections! The Charles River Regional Chamber's popular Coffee Connect series kicks off 2025 at Papa Razzi in Wellesley Hills. Our hosts are opening early exclusively for this event. Join us to expand your network, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships with fellow Chamber members and local business professionals. Our coffee connects often draw 75+ and are open to members and those interested in learning more about chamber membership. The Charles River Regional Chamber serves business professionals who either work/live in Needham. Newton, Watertown, Wellesley, or the surrounding areas.

Papa Razzi Wellesley

First-Annual Watertown Night at Donohue's: A Community Gathering

Connect with local business owners, professionals, civic leaders, and community members at our first-annual Watertown Night at Donohue's Bar &amp; Grill (note new location). Enjoy delicious food, network with fellow attendees, and celebrate our Watertown Business Awards honorees for their outstanding contributions to the community. Whether you live, work, shop, dine, do business, or simply love Watertown, this is a night you won’t want to miss!&nbsp; All ticket proceeds will benefit Watertown Boys &amp; Girls Club. The Charles River Regional Chamber serves business professionals who either work/live in Newton, Needham, Watertown, Wellesley, or the surrounding communities.

Donohue's Bar and Grill

Young Professionals Group Happy Hour at District 118

Join the Charles River Regional Chamber at District 118 Kitchen + Bar in Newton, a lively spot renowned for its creative cocktails and tasty bites. This event is a fantastic opportunity for young professionals (ages 21-40) who work/live in Newton, Needham, Watertown, and Wellesley to unwind after work, meet new people, and kick off the new year by expanding your network. Enjoy complimentary appetizers while you mingle (drinks are pay-as-you-go) and connect with fellow professionals at our first event of 2025. Don't miss out on this chance to make new connections, share ideas, and start the year with fresh opportunities!

District 118 Kitchen + Bar

LGBTQIA+ Holiday Happy Hour

Celebrate the holiday season with an LGBTQIA+ professionals Happy Hour at Ritcey East in Watertown! This is a great opportunity to connect with the local community, expand your professional network, and enjoy complimentary appetizers courtesy of our host. Whether you're a current member or interested in joining, all are welcome! Feel free to bring friends and colleagues along for the fun. Space is limited, so please RSVP in advance to help us plan accordingly.

Ritcey East

Regional Real Estate Forum

Our annual Regional Real Estate Forum is back, focusing this year on the competitiveness of our region and what steps we can take to boost economic vitality. Doug Howgate, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, will present the newly released <a href="https://www.masstaxpayers.org/massachusetts-competitiveness-index-report">Massachusetts Competitiveness Index</a>, which compares the state to others across 26 key metrics. After his presentation, a group of young professionals will share their challenges with housing in the region and what steps our cities and towns can take to be more competitive and welcoming for future generations. The discussion will continue with planning directors from Wellesley, Newton, Watertown, and Needham as they explore ways to work together to enhance the competitiveness of our communities. Event Details:<ul><li>Registration &amp; Networking: 8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.</li><li>Program: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.</li></ul>Pricing Members $30, Nonmembers $40 Space is limited. The event will be recorded for those who cannot attend.

UMass Amherst Mount Ida Campus

Annual Networking After Hours & Holiday Gift Drive

Join the Charles River Regional Chamber to kick off the holiday season at a special networking event at Showcase SuperLux at The Street in Chestnut Hill. This year-end gathering is a great opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with others, and enjoy a festive atmosphere with delicious food and drinks (pay-as-you-go). In the spirit of the season, we’re asking attendees to bring an unwrapped gift for children ages newborn to 10 or make a $20 donation. All donations will go towards <a href="https://www.village-bank.com/holiday-gift-drive-2023/">Newton’s Holiday Gift Drive</a>, a community initiative to provide gifts for families in need. Gifts will be purchased at local shops, including Henry Bear's Park. If you can't attend but would like to help, <a href="https://charlesriverchamber.com/toy-drive">you can still donate</a> or find a drop-off box to support local families. Every little bit makes a difference! The Charles River Regional Chamber serves business professionals who work or live in Needham, Newton, Watertown, Wellesley, or the surrounding areas.

Showcase Superlux

Fall Business Breakfast 

Join us for the 109th Fall Business Breakfast, a signature event that brings together over 400 local residents, business professionals, and community leaders. This annual gathering is not only our largest fundraiser—supporting the Chamber’s year-round programs, operations, and advocacy—but also a valuable opportunity for networking, inspiration, and community connection. The event kicks off with a buffet breakfast and networking at 7:15 a.m., followed by an engaging program from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker: Steve Gross Steve Gross, a renowned advocate for the power of optimism, will be our keynote speaker. With over 30 years of experience, Steve’s journey began in 1989 when he founded Project Joy, a nonprofit that used joyful play to support homeless and impoverished children in Greater Boston. Now leading the Life is Good Playmaker Project, his work has gone global, impacting millions and training over 20,000 professionals. Steve will share insights on how optimistic leadership can drive success, especially in challenging times. Honoring Darryl Settles We are excited to present the R.L. Tennant Award, the Chamber’s highest honor, to Darryl Settles, founder of Catalyst Ventures Development. This award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to our communities. Whether you’re a local resident interested in community initiatives or a business professional looking to network, this event offers something for everyone. We hope to see you there! The Charles River Regional Chamber serves business professionals in Needham, Newton, Watertown, Wellesley, and the surrounding areas.

Marriott Newton

First-annual Wellesley Night

Announcing the Charles River Regional Chamber's inaugural Wellesley Night! Whether you live, work, shop, dine, do business, or simply love Wellesley, this event is for you. Join us at the brand-new Dryft Restaurant in Linden Square to celebrate outstanding individuals and businesses in the Wellesley community. Enjoy the stylish surroundings, make new connections, and savor the coastal-inspired menu.  Don’t miss this celebration of everything that makes Wellesley such a special place! Pricing Register now for a $35 Early Bird rate (thru 9/4) Afterward, pricing will increase to:<ul><li>$45 for chamber members</li><li>$50 for nonmembers/general public </li></ul><a href="https://crrc.charlesriverchamber.com/events/Details/first-annual-wellesley-night-1187164?sourceTypeId=Website">View multiple sponsorship opportunities</a> starting at $150 or contact Lise Elcock at <a href="mailto:lqelcock@charlesriverchamber.com">lqelcock@charlesriverchamber.com</a>.  The Charles River Regional Chamber serves business professionals who live/work in Needham, Newton, Watertown, Wellesley, and the surrounding areas.

Dryft Wellesley

YPG Networking Crawl in Newton Centre

Sneak out of the office early and join the Charles River Regional Chamber for a Young Professional Networking Crawl through Newton Centre, featuring local favorites like Cafe Sol Azteca and Baramor. All proceeds from this event will benefit Newton at Home, a dedicated nonprofit supporting older adults in Newton with resources and services for healthy, independent living. Start your culinary adventure at Cafe Sol Azteca with authentic Mexican bites, then experience the great atmosphere at Baramor. Food is included with your registration, and drinks are available for purchase at each location. The chamber's Young Professionals Group offers networking opportunities and other events&nbsp;geared toward professionals between the ages of 21-40. Pricing $15 for chamber members, $25 for nonmembers/general public The Charles River Regional Chamber serves business professionals who live/work in Needham, Newton, Watertown, Wellesley, and the surrounding areas.&nbsp;

Newton Centre 

Coffee Connect at Linden Square

Meet the Charles River Regional Chamber in Wellesley’s Linden Square for our next coffee connect. Typically drawing upwards of 75 local professionals, our morning networking events are THE place to make tons of new connections and grow your networking while enjoying the summer weather. Open to members and those interested in learning more about becoming a member, coffee connects is a great way to network and get to know the chamber, our members, and our programs. The event is free and preregistration is requested (plus as an exclusive member benefit, chamber members can preview the RSVP list before the event) Pricing Free, open to members and those interested in learning more about the chamber

Linden Square 

Summer Celebration on the Charles

Join the Charles River Regional Chamber along the banks of the Charles for an evening to support the work of the chamber and celebrate our members and our communities.&nbsp; Our twice annual signature celebrations feature iconic venues and a fantastic cross-section of business, nonprofit and civic leaders.&nbsp;Mingle alongside our namesake river&nbsp;while noshing on expertly prepared hors d'oeuvres from member&nbsp;<a href="https://www.naisleecatering.com/" target="_blank">Naislee Catering</a>.&nbsp; All proceeds from the event underwrite the chamber's operations, programs and advocacy in service of our local businesses and nonprofits. Showcase your support with a friend or supporter level sponsorship - or take advantage of our bulk ticket discount to treat your board, clients, or staff.&nbsp; Single Ticket: Members: $85 Member Group Ticket: $350 (includes 5 tickets) Non-members: $95 (<a href="https://www.charlesriverchamber.com/join/" target="_blank">join now</a>&nbsp;and attend for free) Friend Sponsorship: $500 (includes 2 tickets and recognition at event) Supporter Sponsorship: $1500 (includes 5 tickets and larger recognition at event)&nbsp; Title Sponsorship: $3000 (includes logo on all event promotions, recognition at event, and 10 tickets) *For more info on sponsorship, contact Lise Elcock at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lqelcock@charlesriverchamber.com" target="_blank">lqelcock@charlesriverchamber.com</a>&nbsp;or call 617-244-1864

Community Rowing 

Young Professionals Group Barre & Networking

Strengthen your core and build your network at this brand-new young professionals group event, hosted by Liz Hay and her team at Barre3 in Needham. Attendees will participate in a 45-minute Barre class (all levels welcome) followed by networking and light refreshments in the location’s retail shop. Open to members &amp; nonmembers. Space is limited, please RSVP.

Barre3 Nedham 

Real Estate Networking Night at The Gallery

Join the Charles River Regional Chamber for an evening of networking at&nbsp;THE GALLERY,&nbsp;Worldwide Cabinets INC., a brand-new, high-end modern kitchen showroom on Needham Street. This event is for anyone who does business in the real estate sphere. Come meet local investors, residential realtors, commercial brokers, property managers, architects, designers, mortgage brokers, and legal and financial services professionals. We’ll enjoy light refreshments, drinks, and the opportunity to mingle with old friends and make lots of new connections.&nbsp;

The Gallery, Worldwide Cabinets

A conversation with Colette Phillips

Colette Phillips is an iconic cultural change catalyst, DE&amp;I pioneer, thought leader, innovator, practical visionary, influencer, PR and marketing maven, social commentator, philanthropist, serial entrepreneur, and uber connector. She is the President and CEO of Colette&nbsp;Phillips Communications, Inc. and the founder of&nbsp;Get Konnected! Join the Charles River Regional Chamber&nbsp;for a&nbsp;fireside chat&nbsp;with Colette Phillips, author of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/710919/the-includers-by-colette-am-phillips/" target="_blank">The Includers: The 7 Traits of Culturally Savvy, Anti-Racist Leaders</a>.&nbsp;Learn to be a leader who is not simply “against racism,” but who actively advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion as an anti-racist ally. $25 for everyone (tickets include the book) We'll be serving light refreshments, beer, and wine provided by Waterstone At The Circle. All registered guests who are present will receive an autographed copy of her book, in partnership with Wellesley Books. 5:30 PM: Networking 6:00 PM: A Conversation with Colette Phillips The Charles River Regional Chamber serves business professionals who work/live in Needham, Newton, Watertown, Wellesley, and the surrounding communities. Tickets are nonrefundable but may be transferred to another guest.

Waterstone at the Circle 

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S19: interest based

WBUR’s 75th birthday celebrations 💫

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.