Drum Tao: The Best

With explosive taiko drumming and innovative, acrobatic choreography, Drum Tao offers a breathtaking, vibrantly modern twist on an ancient traditional art form. The thunderous rhythms of the traditional Wadaiko drums merge with mesmerizing melodies of Japanese flutes and harps—resulting in an unparalleled full-body theatrical experience. Tickets start at $45

Berklee Performance Center

Saha Gnawa

Founders of the Grammy-nominated Innov Gnawa unite with leading figures from NYC's jazz and contemporary music scenes to create modern Gnawa music, often referred to as “Sufi blues.” Saha Gnawa’s North African futurism explores trancelike states through intuitive interplay, allowing ancestral rhythms and melodies of Morocco to drift into unknown territories—where traditional song forms dissolve into ecstatic dance tracks laced with subtle electronics.&nbsp;

Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre

Tango After Dark

Tango After Dark offers an electrifying dive into the soul of Argentine dancing—capturing the seductive pulse of Buenos Aires and unveiling the dance in its purest form: bold, sensual, and unforgettable. The latest show from World Tango Champion German Cornejo blends tradition with contemporary sophistication and features a company of powerful dancers joined by a sensational cast of singers and musicians performing revolutionary composer Astor Piazzolla’s nuevo tango, lending "the dancing an extra drive and sizzle.” (The Times)

Les Ballets Africains

Les Ballets Africains, the national dance company of the Republic of Guinea, was formed in Paris in 1952 by distinguished Guinean choreographer Keita Fodeba. The company quickly established itself as a global phenomenon—hailed as cultural ambassadors that proudly uphold Africa’s vast cultural heritage. Bridging the gap between nations through the universal language of dance and music, the 35-member company presents an inimitable blend of traditional dance, music, and storytelling featuring striking demonstrations of spectacle, acrobatics, comedy, and drama.

Ndlovu Youth Choir

Since its inception in 2009, the inspiring Ndlovu Youth Choir has become one of South Africa’s most treasured choral groups. From their home base in the Moutse Valley in rural Limpopo to the finals of America’s Got Talent (season 14), the choir's performances thrill audiences around the world, sharing profound messages of hope, love, and togetherness.

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy and the Celtic All Stars

Cape Breton’s beloved Natalie MacMaster, fiddle virtuoso Donnell Leahy, and their daughter Mary Frances perform with all-stars of the Celtic world including Capercaillie vocalist Karen Matheson and Ross Ainslie from Scotland, Lúnasa’s Tim Edey of England, and We Banjo 3’s banjoist Enda Scahill from Ireland. Through dancing, singing, and merry music-making, the group will trace the enduring threads of Celtic musical traditions across borders—from ancient origins to contemporary expressions.&nbsp;

Somerville Theatre

Tribute To Sabicas Featuring Gerardo Núñez, Antonio Rey, Álvaro Martinete & Olga Pericet

Tribute to Maestro Sabicas is a celebration of the legendary Agustín Castellón Campos, better known simply as Sabicas. For 40 years, Sabicas’s home was the welcoming stop for flamenco artists arriving in the United States—establishing New York as an unlikely epicenter of the art. Guitarists Gerardo Núñez, Latin Grammy–winner Antonio Rey, and Álvaro Martinete are accompanied by renowned flamenco dancer Olga Pericet to honor the incomparable man who brought flamenco guitar to the world stage.

Gibney Company

With exciting choreography and stellar dancers, New York City–based Gibney Company presents a breadth of works by emerging and renowned choreographers who are committed to exploring connections between the rigorous, often superhuman, physicality of contemporary dance alongside responsive, humanistic storytelling. The company will perform William Forsythe’s Trio (of six), Roy Assaf's A Couple, and Lucinda Childs’s Three Dances (for prepared piano) John Cage.&nbsp;

ICA/Boston

Tigran Hamasyan: Manifeste

Touring in support of his latest album, Manifeste, jazz-meets-rock piano virtuoso Tigran Hamasyan fuses potent jazz improvisation with the vibrant folkloric music of his native land, Armenia. A piano virtuoso with groove power, he’s one of the most remarkable and distinctive jazz-meets-rock pianists of his generation.&nbsp; “He’s the hottest pianist in jazz, and he likes to mix things up, whether it’s bebop, thrash metal, or dubstep. But his heart is in the folk music of his native land, Armenia.”—The Guardian&nbsp;

Dobet Gnahoré

Combining tradition with contemporary influences, Grammy winner Dobet Gnahoré is redefining Afropop. The renowned singer, dancer, songwriter, and percussionist from Côte d'Ivoire is known for her dynamic performances and ability to blend various musical styles from across the African continent—creating danceable grooves with electronic beats, nimble electric guitar lines, and catchy melodic hooks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Angélique Kidjo

With pulsating rhythms, a captivating voice, and dazzling stage presence, Beninese star Angélique Kidjo is a riveting Afropop tour de force. Her blend of West African traditions with elements of American R&amp;B, funk, and jazz has led to five Grammy wins and the title of “Africa’s greatest living diva” (NPR).&nbsp;

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Honored as “South Africa’s Cultural Ambassadors to the World” by Nelson Mandela, legendary a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo has thrilled audiences with its strong, proud melodies harmonized in layers of call and response for over 65 years. The 5-time Grammy-winning group, now led by founder Joseph Shabala’s three sons, shares a path of peaceful protest through songs of hope and love.&nbsp;

Sanders Theatre

Habib Koité, Aly Keïta, Lamine Cissokho: Mandé Sila

Three standard-bearers of West African musical traditions unite to celebrate Mandé Sila: the way of the Mandingo empire—symbolizing languages, cultures, music, and the entire organology of West Africa. Malian guitar player Habib Koité, kora player Lamine Cissokho, and balafon master Aly Keïta are linked by the same cultural heritage, a melting pot that inspires their compositions. They’ll be joined by percussionist Mama Koné.&nbsp;

Patrick Watson

Montreal-based singer, songwriter, film composer, and pianist Patrick Watson and his band create dreamy musical landscapes that harmoniously mix organic elements and electronic textures, cacophonic rock songs, and pristine ballads, all held together by Watson's omnipresent voice. His lush, melodic indie music has been featured widely in films and on TV, including Grey's Anatomy  and The Good Doctor. After being covered by Billie Eilish and working with the late Leonard Cohen on one of his last songs, 2007 Polaris prize winner Watson went viral with the decade-old single "Je te laisserai des mots."&nbsp;

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

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

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

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.

Where

globalartslive

Experiences

Drum Tao: The Best

Saha Gnawa

Tango After Dark

Les Ballets Africains

Ndlovu Youth Choir

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy and the Celtic All Stars

Tribute To Sabicas Featuring Gerardo Núñez, Antonio Rey, Álvaro Martinete & Olga Pericet

Gibney Company

Gibney Company

Tigran Hamasyan: Manifeste

Dobet Gnahoré

Angélique Kidjo

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Habib Koité, Aly Keïta, Lamine Cissokho: Mandé Sila

Patrick Watson