Boston Trivia Night

Please note change of venue. Trivia Night will now take place at the Pennyweight Hotel (155 Portland St Boston). Get your pencils and pals ready for a trivia challenge! Join the West End Museum for a night of brain-bending questions, friendly competition, and great food and drinks at Pennyweight Hotel. Sign up with a team or join one on the spot. Whether you’re a Boston history-buff, a cocktail connoisseur, or just looking for a fun night out, this event has a place for you! The winning team will receive a prize from the West End Museum! Arrive as early as 5:30 PM for a drink and a meal before the trivia starts! This event is presented in partnership with the Pennyweight Hotel. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Pennyweight Hotel

Redcoats & Rebels: A Musical Duel Across the Atlantic

As America’s 250th approaches, prepare to close your eyes and listen to the soundtrack of the Revolutionary War. Step back into the 18th century for an evening where violins face off with fiddles in a thrilling soundscape of revolution and refinement! In&nbsp;“Redcoats &amp; Rebels,”&nbsp;we pit the earthy, spirited tunes of colonial America—full of rustic reels and fiery anthems—against the polished minuets and majestic airs reigning over Georgian Britain. From the lively dance tunes that echoed through taverns in Boston to the regal melodies performed in London’s grandest halls, this concert featuring a quartet of some of Boston’s highest-acclaimed musicians paints a vivid picture of two worlds on the brink of historic change. Which side will win your ear: the bold, rebellious rhythms of the colonies or the elegant, aristocratic strains of the British crown? Bring your tricorn hat or powdered wig (or both!) and prepare for an unforgettable night of music, mischief, and a playful clash of cultures. Long live the music of liberty—and loyalty! This event would not have been possible without the support of Boston Properties (BXP). This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The Hub on Causeway Community Room

Bridges as Structural Art in Boston

Boston’s bridges are iconic and architect Miguel Rosales worked on a lot of them. From the construction of the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge to the restoration of the Longfellow Bridge to the newly completed Russell Bridge, learn how the functional meets the aesthetic form in the book&nbsp;Bridges as Structural Art.&nbsp;Dig deep into the bridges built before and after the Big Dig, as Rosales takes you on a tour of the iconic, cost-effective, and technically innovative bridges designed by himself and his firm. Take a look at our pop-up mini exhibit featuring six Boston bridges and an in person model. Books will be available for purchase and the exhibit on view from August 27 to September 7, 2025. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The West End Museum

Zakim and Russell Bridges Walking Tour

In conjunction with our pop-up exhibit Bridges as Structural Art in Boston, join bridge architect Miguel Rosales as he takes you on a walking tour of two bridges designed by himself and his firm. Hear about the design and engineering behind the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge and the newly completed Bill Russell Bridge. Learn about how form meets function in the creation of these Boston landmark bridges. The walking tour will last approximately 1 hour. After the tour, visit the special exhibit to learn about four other bridges and enjoy the rest of the Museum. The tour begins at the West End Museum. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

At the Corner of Causeway and a Staniford Neat

Join the West End Museum at Causeway Restaurant and Bar for an evening of drink making with an educational garnish. Learn how to make West End-inspired cocktails with the two most important ingredients: spirits and history. Order snacks, enjoy a night out, and go home with a recipe card. This event is 21 and up.  This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Causeway Restaurant and Bar

Mystery Street (1950) Film Screening 

Visit the Boston streets of the 1950s in this classic noir. Illustrating the earliest years of forensics investigation, follow Barnstable detective Pete Morales as he attempts to solve the mystery of “the Skeleton Girl”, an unidentified young woman discovered on a Cape Cod beach. With the help of the Department of Legal Medicine at Harvard, Morales must find the killer, before it’s too late. Filmed on location across Greater Boston and with inspiration from a case that stumped forensic expert Frances Glessner Lee, this film will thrill and delight. The film will be preceded by a mini-lecture on Boston's impact on the development of forensic science and criminology.

West End Walking Tour

Explore Boston’s West End by tracing a circle around the neighborhood while discovering the people who made this ever-changing place their home over the past 400 years. This tour serves as an introduction to the story of the neighborhood and a means of understanding its place in Boston’s extensive history. For those who are already familiar with the story, this tour offers a chance to delve deep into the specifics of the West End story with the Museum’s Executive Director Sebastian Belfanti. Ask questions, travel along the West End’s streets, and peek into the past! Tours begin at the West End Museum. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Wild Women of Boston Author Talk with Dina Vargo

Learn about the sisters of the Sons of Liberty and the lives of reformers, socialites, criminals, and madames who shaped the city of Boston. From the West End to Beacon Hill to the Back Bay, women’s impact is felt but not always seen. One hundred years before Rosa Parks, African American abolitionist Sarah Parker Remond refused to give up her seat while attending a play. Fiery activists Harriet Hemenway and Minna Hall led a boycott against bird plumage in ladies’ dress and brought the fashion industry to its knees. And West Ender Annie “Londonderry” took a trip around the world on a bicycle! Hear from author Dina Vargo as she explores the stories of the Wild Women of the Hub. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Charlesbank Walking Tour Featuring the Work of Architect Guy Lowell

In conjunction with our special exhibit,&nbsp;Charlesbank, join former West End Museum curator Duane Lucia on a walking tour of the Charlesbank. Learn more about the work of architect Guy Lowell (1870-1927), his footprint in the development of the Charlesbank, and the Charles River basin, which are still evident today. His eight-acre park, built on the site of the first Charles River dam (1910), has been progressively covered by the expansion of the Museum of Science (1951). Lowell also designed five structures in the park which partially remain today: the stables and the boathouse on the Cambridge side, the upper and lower lock gate houses, and the pavilion on the Boston side. This walking tour will visit some of these structures and discuss the changes which took place over a 100-year period. Meet at the West End Museum and get ready to walk in the footsteps of architects of the past. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The West End Museum Ice Cream Social

Come celebrate summer in the West End! Meet your friends and neighbors and enjoy ice cream, board games, and good conversation in and around the museum. Visit our special exhibit on the Charlesbank, learn about upcoming programs, and meet volunteers and current and former West Enders. Bring your love of ice cream and our neighborhood! Free for members! This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Boston Sports and the Struggle for Racial and Gender Equity

Join us for a lecture on the exciting history of Boston sports. In this presentation, Dr. Mark Herlihy, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Communication, and Humanities at Endicott College, will recount the struggles of pioneers in Boston sports. He will share the stories of those who racially integrated the city's major sports teams and athletes whose careers signalled that sports in the city, including events like the Boston Marathon, were becoming more inclusive in other significant ways. From basketball to hockey to marathons, come learn more about the athletes who helped to make Boston the City of Champions. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

"Now is the Hour”: A Tribute to Buddy Clark

A live concert celebrating the life and music of Buddy Clark, one of the golden voices of the 1930s and '40s. On October 1, 1949, Buddy Clark hopped onto a chartered plane headed to Los Angeles after a Stanford/Michigan football game. Approaching its destination, the plane ran out of gas and crash-landed on Beverly Boulevard. Clark alone perished. He was just 37 years old and set to make his CBS TV network debut the following night. He remains one of the West End’s most famous residents, an eternally memorable crooning star alongside Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Perry Como. Join The West End Museum for a heartfelt musical tribute celebrating the life and legacy of Buddy Clark. This program features classic hits like “Linda,” “Now is the Hour,” and “I’ll Dance at Your Wedding,” performed live by talented vocalist Dan Gabel, accompanied by Josiah Reibstein and The Hubtones. Through music and storytelling, we honor the warmth, charm, and unforgettable voice that made Buddy Clark a beloved star of the big band era. This event would not have been possible without the support of Boston Properties (BXP). This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The Battle for Boston with Don Gillis

An author talk by Don Gillis on his book,&nbsp;The Battle for Boston: How Mayor Ray Flynn and Community Organizers Fought Racism and Downtown Power Brokers. The Battle for Boston captures the remarkable era under Mayor Ray Flynn, whose election in 1983 marked the beginning of a profound shift in the city's political and social landscape. Don Gillis, a Flynn senior advisor, chronicles the inspiring journey of a city that dared to challenge the entrenched power brokers--including developers, landlords, and banking industry leaders--through powerful grassroots campaigns. Gillis provides a vivid portrayal of the political dynamics and the coalition of community organizers, neighborhood leaders, and residents that played a pivotal role in rejecting the business-backed growth machine and the city's historically divisive racial politics. This book charts the strategic battles fought within the corridors of power and on the streets and highlights the substantial impact these movements had on the city's governance and power dynamics. In a historic turn, in 2021, Michelle Wu became the first woman, person of color, and Asian-American elected Mayor of Boston. Wu’s victory on a similarly progressive platform as Flynn underscores the enduring relevance of his legacy, signaling a hopeful future for more inclusive and effectively governed cities. The Battle for Boston poses a critical inquiry: Can cities truly embrace progressivism and govern effectively in the 21st century? This qualitative case study of Boston is a testament to the possibility of such governance in cities across America, driven by the indomitable spirit of those who strive for a fair and equitable society.

Charlesbank Exhibit Opening

Join us for an opening reception for the new "Charlesbank" exhibit at The West End Museum. The Museum's new special exhibit explores the Charlesbank, the first section of the Boston Esplanade to become parkland. Gradually filled in during the late-nineteenth century, in the 1880s landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. designed a trailblazing park here. The landscaped grounds became an integral site for Bostonians' active and passive recreation and an outlet for West Enders. Light refreshments will be served.

When and Where in Boston: A Boston History Database Kickoff

This event marks the kickoff of a free, public website that includes almost all that has ever happened, been built, made, said, or done in Boston – curated by historians and compiled by the entire community. When and Where in Boston.org is meant to be an ongoing public history project, staffed by volunteers and curated by local historians. It is meant for residents and visitors, teachers, students, and scholars alike, based initially on a greatly expanded version of the book&nbsp;When In Boston: A Timeline &amp; Almanac&nbsp;by Jim Vrabel. For further information, contact: whenandwhereinBoston@gmail.com

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

jaydiewem

Experiences