Newly-reinstalled Modern & Contemporary Art Galleries to open with well-known & never-before-seen artworks 

The Davis Museum reopens its fifth-floor galleries on February 6 with modern and contemporary works by Willem de Kooning, Lee Krasner, Horace Pippin, and Judith Rothschild, plus never-before-seen pieces like Irving Norman's Labyrinth (1955). Curated by James Oles from over 900 works, the installation is organized thematically around six themes—Modern Fragments, The Label, An Eye for Materials, Plane and Grid, Dream and Gesture, and Contemporary Art—reflecting Wellesley's interdisciplinary approach. Student employees contributed object labels, and the Contemporary Art section features recent acquisitions representing global and diasporic voices.

Davis Museum at Wellesley College

Cape Ann Museum hosts free community events to celebrate Pride Month

To celebrate Pride Month, the Cape Ann Museum will host a Pride Family Picnic on the Cape Ann Museum Green (CAM Green) on Saturday, June 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will feature music, art activities, books, and lawn games in a welcoming outdoor setting for all ages. Families are encouraged to bring blankets and enjoy live music from Jammin’ With You, hands-on art activities, and games across the CAM Green campus, located at 13 Poplar Street in Gloucester, just off Grant Circle. Community partners participating in the event include the Cape Ann Pride Coalition, YOUnity, Dogtown Books, Gloucester Bookstore, and Sawyer Free Library. No registration is required. For more information, visit <a href="http://capeannmuseum.org/events">capeannmuseum.org/events</a>. Photo credit: Aram Boghosian

CAM Green

World Ocean Day at the New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is celebrating <a href="https://www.neaq.org/join-the-new-england-aquarium-for-world-ocean-day-2026/">World Ocean Day</a> with free activities for the public to learn about the ocean and take action to protect it. People of all ages are invited to Central Wharf on Sunday, June 7, for a day of special educational programming along Boston's waterfront. This year's celebration features opportunities to meet scientists face-to-face, encounter a 43-foot inflatable humpback whale, explore the connection between Indigenous fishing practices and Boston Harbor's ecosystem, and engage with a striking climate art installation. As part of its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity on Boston's downtown waterfront, the Aquarium is again partnering with the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Boston to provide free shuttles to Central Wharf from the Berkshire Partners Blue Hill Club in Dorchester and the Yawkey Club of Roxbury. Pre-registration is required; interested participants should <a href="https://www.bgcb.org/">contact</a> their local Boys &amp; Girls Club for timing and availability. Guests can participate in free activities between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside the Aquarium in the Harbor Terrace Tent and on the Aquarium’s front plaza. Educational opportunities will be available inside the Aquarium for guests who <a href="https://www.neaq.org/visit/tickets/">purchase tickets</a>. World Ocean Day is also a <a href="https://www.boston.gov/departments/arts-and-culture/boston-family-days">Boston Family Days</a> Sunday, so students who live in Boston and their families can utilize this program for free entry to the Aquarium. Free programming will include: Aquarium’s front plaza<ul><li>NOAA Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary – Meet representatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary alongside “Salt,” a 43-foot inflatable humpback whale, and learn about whale anatomy and ocean conservation (weather permitting).</li><li>Fish weir building with the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag – Members of the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag will lead a hands-on fish weir building activity, offering an immersive experience of traditional fishing practices and the cultural and historical significance of these sustainable methods to the Indigenous peoples of the Boston Harbor area.</li><li>Harborside Water Quality Testing – Learn how the Aquarium monitors water quality with live demonstrations.</li><li>Artists For Humanity – From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., join local youth artists to help complete a mural, designed uniquely for this event. Participants will also receive a postcard of the same design as a keepsake of the day’s festivities.</li></ul>Harbor View Terrace and Tent<ul><li>"Ask a Scientist" booth – Scientists from the Aquarium's <a href="https://www.neaq.org/conservation-and-research/anderson-cabot-center-for-ocean-life/">Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life</a>, Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation team, Animal Care department, and BalanceBlue Lab will meet visitors and answer questions about their work protecting the ocean and marine animals. </li><li>Community partner tables – Representatives from the Hispanic Access Foundation, the American City Coalition, the Stone Living Lab, the Neponset River Watershed Association, Surfrider Foundation, Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Boston, Boston Sea Rovers, Bow Seat: Creative Action for Conservation, the New England Aquarium Dive Club, and Rajji Desai will be onsite with activities and information about ocean and environmental stewardship.</li><li>Glitter Dolls Face Painting – The locally-based Glitter Dolls team will be onsite for ocean-themed face painting.</li><li>Book signing – From 2 to 4 p.m., book author Liza Ketchum will sign copies of Turtles Heading Home! at the New England Aquarium Membership table.</li><li>Art exhibition and activity – At an interactive, family-friendly table, guests can create unique pins using youth artwork created as part of Bow Seat's annual Ocean Awareness Contest.</li><li>KultureCity Sensory Activation Vehicle – This <a href="https://www.kulturecity.org/save/">mobile sensory experience</a> provides a quick sensory refuge for those with sensory needs. </li><li>Temperature Tapestry: A Climate Stripes Art Installation – With locations just outside the tent, this <a href="https://martinsparkboston.org/climate-stripes">colorful installation</a> displays 174 years of global average temperature data, with each stripe representing a year and illustrating the dramatic impact of carbon pollution on Earth over the past decades.</li></ul>Simons Theatre<ul><li>Film premiere – The Aquarium’s Simons Theatre will be offering free screenings of the new film Ocean Dreams at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The new documentary, narrated by actress Shailene Woodley, is an epic adventure from the deep fjords of Norway where orcas teach their young to hunt, to Raja Ampat in Indonesia, home to the richest biodiversity on Earth and where a groundbreaking project is saving endangered sharks with help from aquariums in America. Admission to the free screenings will be on a first-come, first-served basis on June 7.</li><li><a href="https://www.neaq.org/join-the-new-england-aquarium-for-world-ocean-day-2026/">Full programming details can be found on the Aquarium’s website</a></li></ul>Programming for guests who purchase Aquarium tickets:<ul><li>Remarks by Robert Lewis – At 11 a.m., Robert Lewis, President and CEO of the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Boston, will speak at the top of the Giant Ocean Tank about his extensive work empowering youth and strengthening community.</li><li>Remarks by Commander Crystal Schaefer – Hear from 78th Commanding Officer, USS Constitution, Commander Crystal Schaefer at the top of the Giant Ocean Tank at 2 p.m., where she will discuss maritime culture, naval service, and the upcoming Sail Boston 2026.</li><li>Conservation Learning and Animal Care presentations – Staff from the Aquarium's Interpretation &amp; Engagement, Marine Mammals, and Penguins teams will deliver short presentations throughout the day explaining how they care for animal communities and how visitors can take action in their own communities.</li></ul>World Ocean Day programming is, in part, thanks to event sponsors: the <a href="https://lowellinstitute.org/">Lowell Institute</a>, the <a href="https://www.barrfoundation.org/">Barr Foundation</a>, and <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/">WBZ-TV CBS Boston</a>. The Aquarium’s summer hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Tickets for Aquarium admission can be purchased in advance at <a href="http://neaq.org">neaq.org</a>.

New England Aquarium

Cape Ann Museum holds 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Gloucester City Hall

Juneteenth, the oldest nationally recognized commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, offers a powerful opportunity for reflection, education, and collective remembrance. This year, the Cape Ann Museum, in close partnership with the City of Gloucester, presents a program honoring the legacy of freedom and the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice—both on Cape Ann and across the nation. The program features a morning of civic observance and community dialogue, beginning at Gloucester City Hall and continuing with a participatory reading and discussion. The community conversation will be facilitated by Michea McCaffrey, Co-Chair of the Gloucester Racial Justice Team, who will guide participants in reflecting on the enduring themes of freedom, justice, and civic responsibility. Event Schedule 9:00–9:30 a.m. | Flag Raising Ceremony Outside Gloucester City Hall The morning begins with the raising of the Juneteenth flag, accompanied by remarks from city officials and representatives of the Cape Ann Museum. 9:30–11:00 a.m. | Community Reading &amp; Discussion Kyrouz Auditorium, Gloucester City Hall Participants are invited to take part in a community reading of What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?, Frederick Douglass’ landmark address. The reading will be followed by a facilitated discussion session for those interested in engaging in a group reflection, to engage more deeply with the themes of the reading, share perspectives, and reflect collectively on its contemporary relevance.&nbsp;

Gloucester City Hall

The Immortal Magu: A Sixteenth-Century Chinese Painting Up Close

The Davis Museum presents "The Immortal Magu: A Sixteenth-Century Chinese Painting Up Close" beginning February 6, showcasing a rare Ming dynasty silk scroll painting of the Taoist deity Magu following extensive conservation work. Once hidden due to severe damage, the large-scale work has been meticulously restored by world-renowned conservator Jing Gao using traditional and innovative techniques. The exhibition invites visitors to appreciate this preserved immortal deity associated with longevity and beauty, now saved for future generations.

Only To Be There: Student Traditions at Wellesley

Celebrating Wellesley College's 150th anniversary, "Only To Be There: Student Traditions at Wellesley" showcases beloved rituals through photographs and memorabilia from the College Archives. Discover time-honored traditions like hooprolling, stepsinging, and Tree Day, alongside forgotten customs such as "forensic burning" and "Float Night" pageants on Lake Waban. Co-curated by Lisa Scanlon Mogolov '99, Professor Jacqueline Marie Musacchio '89, Dr. Amanda Gilvin, and Sara Ludovissy, the exhibition reveals how these community rituals connect generations of alumni and reflect the playful, rebellious spirit that makes Wellesley unique. On view February 6 through May 24 at the Davis Museum.

In Focus: Wellesley College Faculty Artists

Celebrate Wellesley College's 150th anniversary with an extraordinary exhibition showcasing nine nationally and internationally acclaimed artists who also serve as faculty members. "In Focus" presents a stunning array of works spanning photography, painting, collage, sculpture, book arts, printmaking, video, sound, and other interdisciplinary media. Featured artists include Kathryn Abarbanel, Genevieve Cohn, Claudia Joskowicz, Kathya Maria Landeros, Phyllis McGibbon, Andrew Mowbray, Daniela Rivera, Katherine Ruffin, and David Teng-Olsen—renowned creators whose work is exhibited around the world. From an energetic 20-foot mural to intimate Arizona landscape photographs and a video installation capturing everyday life in El Alto, Bolivia, the exhibition explores the extraordinary range of media, perspectives, and talents of these accomplished artist-educators.

The Worlds of Ilse Bing

Discover the remarkable career of pioneering photographer Ilse Bing (1899-1998), who distinguished herself in the male-dominated world of early 20th-century photography. Known as the "Queen of the Leica," Bing's innovative work spanned Frankfurt, Paris, and New York City, pushing the boundaries of modern art and photographic expression. This exhibition features a recent gift of vintage photographs from acclaimed musician and Wellesley College alumna Suzanne Ciani '68, exploring Bing's work in conversation with her creative contemporaries. From fashion and portraiture to street photography, Bing's total commitment to the Leica camera proved its power to capture enigmatic moments from everyday life. Experience Bing's groundbreaking contributions to photography on the 100th anniversary of the Leica camera's 1925 launch, celebrating a visionary artist who helped define the visual language of the modern world. Supported with funds given through the generosity of Linda Wyatt Gruber '66.

Suzanne Ciani: Sound Lounge

Step inside the sonic world of five-time Grammy Award nominee and Wellesley College alumna Suzanne Ciani '68, an electronic music pioneer whose innovative compositions have shaped the soundscape of modern culture. From her iconic Coca-Cola pop-and-pour to groundbreaking albums like Seven Waves and The Velocity of Love, Ciani has carved out a remarkable career as one of the world's most creatively successful composers. This immersive sound experience celebrates Ciani's illustrious career, featuring her dreamy, contemplative compositions created on the Buchla synthesizer. Inducted into Keyboard Magazine's Hall of Fame and recipient of the Moog Innovation Award, Ciani's work spans film, games, commercials, and more than 20 solo albums that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Part of Wellesley College's 150th anniversary celebration, Sound Lounge honors an extraordinary alumna whose groundbreaking musical and technological innovations inspire the next generation of electronic music creators. Presented in collaboration with the Wellesley College Music Department Concert Series and generously supported by the Mellon Academic Programs Fund.

Climate Action in Coastal Cities: A Conversation with Civic Leaders

The Lowell Lecture Series at the New England Aquarium presents an in-depth conversation about the impacts of a changing environment on coastal cities with civic officials from across the US. From sea level rise and flooding to infrastructure vulnerability, the need for physical and social resilience is urgent. How can decision-makers in coastal cities work to safeguard and build vibrant public realms for all? Hear what municipal leaders from major cities on the East and West Coasts are doing to better prepare their communities for extreme weather, rising seas, changing air quality, and more. This New England Aquarium Lowell Lecture Series event is presented through the generosity of the Lowell Institute. This event is free, but advance registration is required. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the program starts at 6:30 p.m. Panelists: <ul><li>Moderator: Luz Arregoces, Director of Community Engagement, New England Aquarium</li><li>Sara Cubillos, Climate Justice Director, Office of Sustainability and Environment, City of Seattle</li><li>Loren Parra, Director and Chief Resilience Officer, Department of Environmental Resources Management, Miami-Dade County</li><li>Brian Swett, Chief Climate Officer; Environment, Energy and Open Space Cabinet; City of Boston</li></ul>

Project Bread’s 58th Annual Walk for Hunger Opens Registration Community Fundraiser Returns to the Boston Common  Sunday, May 3

BOSTON – Registration is now open for Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger, the organization’s signature community fundraiser and one of Massachusetts’ most enduring anti-hunger events, turning compassion into action. Set for Sunday, May 3 on the Boston Common, the one-day celebration will bring together thousands of walkers for a family-friendly 3-mile loop featuring food, entertainment, and activities for all ages. Now in its 58th year, the Walk for Hunger remains a beacon of hope for local families, raising $1 million to support Project Bread’s proven, statewide approach to advancing food security and ensuring access to nutritious food for children and families across Massachusetts. Like-minded anti-hunger organizations are also invited to participate through Project Bread’s co-fundraising program, The Commonwealth. Participating nonprofits can form teams to raise funds for their own missions while contributing to Project Bread’s broader statewide impact. Ready to get involved? Register to walk in-person or virtually,&nbsp; start a personal or team fundraising page, or make a donation at <a href="http://projectbread.org/walk">projectbread.org/walk</a>. For more information, email <a href="mailto:walk@projectbread.org">walk@projectbread.org</a>.

Boston Common

Honoring 36 Years of The Writer’s Block with John Ronan

The public is warmly invited to a special program on Saturday May 2, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., celebrating 36 seasons of <a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/event/cam-talk-honoring-36-years-of-the-writers-block-with-john-ronan/">The Writer’s Block</a>, hosted by John Ronan, and the gift of the program’s archives to the Cape Ann Museum. Organized by the Cape Ann Museum, the event will take place at the Janet and William Ellery James Center at CAM Green, 13 Poplar Street, Gloucester. Admission is $5 for CAM Members and $10 for non-members. Advance reservations are required and may be made at <a href="http://capeannmuseum.org">capeannmuseum.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; The program will feature a panel of five past guests of The Writer’s Block, who will join Ronan in reflecting on the show’s legacy and its enduring connection to the Cape Ann literary community. Since its debut in 1990, The Writer’s Block has welcomed more than 500 guest speakers, including poets, novelists, journalists, and writers of all genres, and occasionally other artists, with ties to greater Cape Ann. Widely recognized as one of the longest-running and most successful public access programs in the country, the series has played a vital role in documenting and celebrating the region’s literary voices.&nbsp; In 2025, John Ronan, producer and host of The Writer’s Block, gifted the program’s archives to the Cape Ann Museum. This significant donation ensures the preservation and public accessibility of the series, furthering and advancing the Museum’s commitment to collecting and sharing stories of contemporary Cape Ann.

Reimagining the Climate Movement: From Black Girl Environmentalist to Beyond

The Lowell Lecture Series at the New England Aquarium welcomes Rhodes Scholar, climate activist, and entrepreneur Wawa Gatheru for a talk about climate activism. Gatheru will explore the intersection of climate change and environmental justice, why inclusive leadership matters in building climate solutions, and how we can reimagine the climate movement in our collective image. Gatheru is the founder and executive director of Black Girl Environmentalist—the only national organization dedicated to empowering Black girls, women, and gender-expansive people across the climate sector. Drawing on lessons learned building Black Girl Environmentalist—and her own personal climate advocacy journey—she will share what it takes to create a more accessible, representative, and impactful environmental movement. This New England Aquarium Lowell Lecture Series event is presented through the generosity of the Lowell Institute. This event is free, but advance registration is required. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and starts at 6:30 p.m. Live stream option also available.

The Lowell Lecture Series at the New England Aquarium welcomes Rhodes Scholar, climate activist, and entrepreneur Wawa Gatheru for a talk about climate activism. Gatheru will explore the intersection of climate change and environmental justice, why inclusive leadership matters in building climate solutions, and how we can reimagine the climate movement in our collective image. Gatheru is the founder and executive director of Black Girl Environmentalist—the only national organization dedicated to empowering Black girls, women, and gender-expansive people across the climate sector. Drawing on lessons learned building Black Girl Environmentalist—and her own personal climate advocacy journey—she will share what it takes to create a more accessible, representative, and impactful environmental movement. This New England Aquarium Lowell Lecture Series event is made possible through the generosity of the Lowell Institute. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the program starts at 6:30 p.m. Virtual registration closes at 2:00 p.m. on April 29.

Imagining Museums: The Next 150 Years of Stewarding Art at Wellesley

In this hybrid, bilingual symposium hosted by the Davis Museum at Wellesley College in English and French, students, scholars, and alumni around the world will extend Wellesley's legacy of learning directly from works of art. Held in Tishman Commons and live-streamed, the symposium will propose new strategies for the ethical stewardship of artworks collected by the College since 1875. In collaboration with the Wellesley Club of France, Centre International de Recherches André Malraux, Pluralism Initiative, French House, and French, Francophone, and Italian Studies Department, the symposium pays special attention to the influence of novelist, politician, and cultural critic André Malraux on Wellesley's museum in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. This symposium is supported by the Mary Hammond Norton '54 Endowed Fund for the Davis Museum and co-sponsored by the Pluralism Initiative, French House, Art Department, Religion Department, Suzy Newhouse Center for the Humanities, and Africana Studies.

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

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 🚨

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

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

joyraft.host1278

Experiences

Newly-reinstalled Modern & Contemporary Art Galleries to open with well-known & never-before-seen artworks

Cape Ann Museum hosts free community events to celebrate Pride Month

World Ocean Day at the New England Aquarium

Cape Ann Museum holds 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Gloucester City Hall

The Immortal Magu: A Sixteenth-Century Chinese Painting Up Close

Only To Be There: Student Traditions at Wellesley

In Focus: Wellesley College Faculty Artists

The Worlds of Ilse Bing

Suzanne Ciani: Sound Lounge

Climate Action in Coastal Cities: A Conversation with Civic Leaders

Project Bread’s 58th Annual Walk for Hunger Opens Registration Community Fundraiser Returns to the Boston Common Sunday, May 3

Honoring 36 Years of The Writer’s Block with John Ronan

Reimagining the Climate Movement: From Black Girl Environmentalist to Beyond

Reimagining the Climate Movement: From Black Girl Environmentalist to Beyond

Imagining Museums: The Next 150 Years of Stewarding Art at Wellesley