Here, Now exhibition at Smith College Museum of Art

For his first-ever North American exhibition, Moroccan contemporary artist Younes Rahmoun created <a href="https://scma.smith.edu/art/exhibitions/younes-rahmoun-here-now">Here, Now,</a> a multi-disciplinary, sensory experience at <a href="https://scma.smith.edu/visit">Smith College Museum of Art (SCMA)</a> with two outdoor art installations on the college grounds, one in the Botanic Garden conservatory gallery, and more sculptures, drawings, and other artworks inside the museum’s galleries and windows. Fifteen works, created over the last 25 years, are on view through July 13, 2025 at the museum – which is open and free to the public year-round. Younes Rahmoun: Here, Now encourages visitors to walk – and drive – between the site-specific installations. Ghorfa #13 (Al-Ana/Huna) is a small, unusually shaped room, a remote place to offer stillness and reflection after walking through the forest at the college’s Ada and Archibald MacLeish Field Station in West Whately, Mass, a short drive from the museum. Rahmoun created Chajara-Tupelo along the banks of Paradise Pond and near the college’s Japanese Garden on its campus in Northampton. There, he planted a swamp-growing tupelo tree during a performance in September 2019. A video installation called Habba is located in the college’s Lyman Plant House, reminding visitors of the regeneration of seeds from trees to seeds again. The main exhibition of Here, Now features the other works inside the museum at 20 Elm Street in Northampton. Several events are planned in response to Younes Rahmoun: Here, Now: The Miller Lecture in Art History with Dr. Hannah Feldman on Friday, March 28 at 4:30 p.m., and an online program and conversation between Emma Chubb and Sarah Loomis, Associate Director of Education and Interpretation at the Botanic Garden, on Friday, April 4.

Smith College Museum of Art

A Lifetime of Water Advocacy: A Conversation with Sarah Kauss

The New England Aquarium’s Lowell Lecture Series presents entrepreneur Sarah Kauss, who will discuss her journey as an advocate, innovator, and ocean steward. Kauss is the Founder of S’well, a reusable water bottle and insulated products company. As a lifelong conservationist, Kauss launched a new product category and a well-loved brand with S’well. In the process, she helped make the sustainability movement more mainstream and replaced more than four billion single-use plastic bottles. Learn how this environmental champion became a purposeful entrepreneur and what elements she finds critical to creating an enduring impact. This New England Aquarium Lowell Lecture Series event is free to the public and presented through the generosity of the Lowell Institute. Advance registration is required. Doors open and cash bar available at 6:00 p.m. The lecture begins promptly at 6:30 p.m.

Simons Theatre

Project Bread’s 57th Walk for Hunger

The Walk for Hunger, Project Bread’s flagship community fundraiser, is seeking walkers to mobilize their neighbors and join the celebration. The one-day event is set for Sunday, May 4 on the Boston Common, and will feature family-friendly activities, food and entertainment along the 3-mile loop. In its 57th year, Project Bread invites you to help raise more than $1 million to support the leading statewide food security organization’s approach to ensure food access for all children and families in Massachusetts. Likeminded anti-hunger organizations can enroll in the nonprofit’s co-fundraising program, The Commonwealth, forming teams to raise money to support their own work, while also furthering Project Bread’s statewide effort. Ready to walk? To register for the event and create a personal or team fundraising page for the Walk for Hunger or to make a donation, visit <a href="https://projectbread.org/walk-for-hunger/about">projectbread.org/walk</a> or email <a href="mailto:walk@projectbread.org">walk@projectbread.org</a>.

Boston Common

Lanterns & Luminaries Kicks Off Patriots’ Day Weekend 

BOSTON – To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the iconic “two if by sea” lantern signals that heralded the American Revolution, Old North Illuminated will kick off Patriots’ Day weekend with a special event, Lanterns and Luminaries. Set for Wednesday, April 16 at Old North Church &amp; Historic Site, the annual event will honor award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns with the prestigious Third Lantern Award. This recognition celebrates individuals who exemplify the values symbolized by Old North Church’s legendary lanterns—leadership, courage, hope, tenacity, and active citizenship. The award ceremony precedes a preview event for Burns’s eagerly awaited film, The American Revolution, that evening in Boston. The event will feature a seated program from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. including a dramatic reading of “Paul Revere’s Ride” in celebration of the anniversary, along with inspiring remarks from Burns, a short clip from his new documentary, festive music, and a look ahead at the Patriots’ Day festivities in the North End. Tickets to the program are available for purchase in advance for $40. For more details and to register, visit <a href="http://www.oldnorth.com/250th">www.oldnorth.com/250th</a>.

Old North Church & Historic Site

Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center 30th Anniversary Road Race

Help Roxbury Community College (RCC) celebrate and raise money for the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center (the Reggie) at the <a href="https://www.rcc.mass.edu/reggie-lewis/30th-anniversary-road-race.html">30th Anniversary Road Race</a> April 5! The event at Franklin Park features a 4.2-mile run, or 2.1-mile walk, along with other family-friendly activities, to bring the community together in support of health, wellness, and athletic excellence. Just like the Reggie, Franklin Park is in the heart of Roxbury and is a beloved location for the greater Roxbury community, making it the perfect place to host this 30th Anniversary kickoff event. Parking is available nearby and the Park is easily accessible by public transit. Thanks to the generosity of Abbott, the top two male and female finishers will receive bibs to the BAA 5K. One additional donated bib will be raffled off on race day. &nbsp;The Road Race is also made possible through donations from State Street and the Lewis Family Foundation, and in-kind sponsorships from New Balance and AK’s. &nbsp; Every step you take will help raise essential funds for facility enhancements and programming at the Reggie. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, there's a place for you at the starting line. Lace up your sneakers, invite your friends, and be part of a movement that strengthens our community. Learn more about the route and register <a href="https://raceroster.com/events/2025/100516/the-reggie-lewis-track-and-athletic-center-30th-anniversary-walk-and-run">here</a>.

Shattuck Picnic Grove

Curatorial Tour with Dr. Jessica Orzulak: Sovereign Memory: Photography, Remembrance, and Displaced Histories

Free and open to the public Join Dr. Jessica Orzulak, Associate Curator and Curatorial Affairs Manager at the Asheville Art Museum, to learn how contemporary artists are using photography to challenge the colonial gaze that cameras helped to form. Limited to 20 people, sign up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/curatorial-tour-sovereign-memory-with-dr-jessica-orzulak-tickets-1138467951289">here.</a>

Davis Museum at Wellesley College

Sharks and Communities: Insights from Honduras and Indonesia with marine scientists Gabriela Ochoa and Rafid Shidqi

The New England Aquarium’s <a href="https://www.neaq.org/engage/events-and-programs/">Lowell Lecture series presents marine scientists Gabriela Ochoa and Rafid Shidqi</a> to discuss their work protecting sharks in Honduras and Indonesia. Their work is supported in part by the Aquarium’s <a href="https://www.neaq.org/conservation-and-research/marine-conservation-action-fund/">Marine Conservation Action Fund (MCAF),</a> a small grants and fellowship program that provides support for community-based projects spearheaded by local conservation leaders in low- and middle-income countries around the world. Ochoa and Shidqi run nonprofit conservation organizations dedicated to safeguarding sharks in their communities. Ochoa is founder of <a href="https://www.ilili.org/">Ilili</a>, a nonprofit based in Honduras that focuses on marine conservation of large marine wildlife. Shidqi is the co-founder of <a href="https://threshershark.id/en/people-and-partners/">Thresher Shark Indonesia</a> where he is also working to protect the species while respecting community livelihoods. Ochoa and Shidqi partner with a wide range of stakeholders including fishers, policymakers, and citizen scientists in their respective countries to help balance the need to preserve food sources and livelihoods with conserving ocean habitats. In their lecture, they will discuss how they are working with local communities to combine scientific research with regional knowledge, protecting marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them. WHEN: Thursday, March 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with a cash bar available. WHERE: In person at the New England Aquarium’s Simons Theatre, 1 Central Wharf, Boston. The lecture will also be livestreamed via Zoom. HOW: <a href="https://support.neaq.org/site/Ticketing?view=Tickets&amp;id=109507">Register here</a> for in-person and virtual attendance to the lecture event. Advance registration is required. Virtual registration closes on March 20 at 2:00 p.m. The Lowell Lecture Series at the New England Aquarium is presented free to the public through the generosity of the <a href="http://www.lowellinstitute.org/">Lowell Institute</a>.

New England Aquarium’s Simons Theatre

Empowering the Next Generation of Ocean Leaders: A Conversation with Dr. Nevada Winrow

The New England Aquarium’s Lowell Lecture Series presents&nbsp;<a href="https://blackgirlsdivefoundation.org/">Black Girls Dive Foundation</a>&nbsp;Co-Founder Dr. Nevada Winrow, a pediatric neuropsychologist, educator, and certified master scuba diver. Dr. Winrow co-founded the Black Girls Dive Foundation to help overcome the racial and socioeconomic achievement gap and cultivate the next generation of social conscious divers, scientists, conservationists, and planetary stewards. Black Girls Dive offers young girls and women aquatic-based programs that integrate a STREAMS-based curriculum (science,&nbsp;technology,&nbsp;robotics,&nbsp;engineering,&nbsp;arts,&nbsp;mathematics, and&nbsp;scuba diving) through five chapters located in Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, and Georgia. Participants become PADI-certified scuba divers and engage in shark research and conservation, coral restoration, collaborative oyster restoration and education, and national parks preservation projects.&nbsp; In her talk, Dr. Winrow will share the genesis of this nonprofit organization, its progress over the past eight years, its impact on participants and partnering organizations, and what’s next. Join us for a fascinating look at this all-volunteer program that is helping to advance the next generation of ocean leaders. &nbsp; This New England Aquarium Lowell Lecture Series event is free to the public and presented in partnership with the Lowell Institute. Advance registration is required. &nbsp; Virtual registration closes at 2:00 p.m. on February 13.

New England Aquarium Simons Theatre

“Gloucester’s So Salty” Fourth Annual Festival 

To celebrate the fish city’s recognizably salty character, the <a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/event/4th-annual-gloucesters-so-salty/">Gloucester’s So Salty</a> festival is back on Jan. 25 and Jan. 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Cape Ann Museum is partnering with Discover Gloucester and other area cultural institutions and businesses for the fourth annual event. The celebration will feature two days of family-friendly and free programming around downtown Gloucester, including ice sculptures, live music, salty treats, free kids’ art activities and more.  The 2024 celebration brought together over 1,800 people to share their Gloucester pride while enjoying free ice sculptures and cultural activities around the city. The 2025 ice sculptures, which are created by Donald Chapelle from Brilliant Ice in North Andover, are sponsored by the Cape Ann Museum, Cape Ann Accommodations, Cape Ann Savings Bank, Machaca Mexican Restaurant &amp; Cantina, The Sargent House Museum, and the Sawyer Free Library, Oak to Ember and Lockwood Studios.   A featured ice sculpture on view outside the Museum’s Downtown campus will be inspired by the Museum’s recently inaugurated <a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/exhibition/portrait-of-a-sculptor/">Portrait of a Sculptor: Walker Hancock &amp; Michael Lafferty</a> exhibition. The show, which is free and open to the public, features photographs inside the Gloucester studio of renowned sculptor Walker Hancock (1901-1998) and will be open both days of the festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Cape Ann Museum Green campus, 13 Poplar Street, Gloucester.   For more information about the Cape Ann Museum, visit <a href="https://home.capeannmuseum.org/">capeannmuseum.org</a>.

Cape Ann Museum

Works by Umberto Romano on view at CAM Green

While Cape Ann’s art colony of the mid-20th century was best known for the traditional seascapes and landscapes created by artists such as Emile Gruppé, Frederick Mulhaupt, and W. Lester Stevens, there was a group of more progressive men and women working in the area at the time. Foremost among them was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/exhibition/umberto-romano/">Umberto Romano (1905-1982)</a>. Romano’s work is now on view at CAM Green, 13 Poplar Street in Gloucester through December 29.&nbsp;The 4-acre campus, including the Janet &amp; William Ellery James Center, was designed to dramatically expand the Museum’s community, contemporary art, and educational offerings. This month, CAM Green’s hours were expanded to&nbsp;Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Umberto Romano, a painter, printmaker and sculptor first came to Gloucester in 1932. He was soon conducting classes on Rocky Neck and in 1938 opened the Romano School of Art on Ledge Road in East Gloucester. Romano’s style shifted continuously throughout his career but his passion for exploring the human condition is a thread that runs throughout his work. The Cape Ann Museum is fortunate to have an extensive collection of his works on canvas and on paper, as well as archival materials, all of which will be the focus of this special exhibition. Romano’s skill as a teacher was renowned so there is a robust offering of studio classes for all ages in painting and drawing during the course of the exhibition at the Janet &amp; William Ellery James Center at CAM Green. The “CAMTalks” are all free and open to the public. Registering in advance for tickets and parking is recommended via the Museum’s website.:<ul><li>On Saturday, November 9 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., <a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/event/camtalk-exhibition-series-umberto-romano-painting/">painter Amy Sudarsky of Manchester-by-the-Sea</a> will lead a discussion called “<a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/event/camtalk-exhibition-series-umberto-romano-painting/">Examining Paintings by Umberto Romano</a>.”</li><li>On Saturday, November 16 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Rebecca Reynolds will discuss “<a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/event/camtalk-exhibition-series-umberto-romano-sculpture/">Cape Ann Context: The Sculpture of Umberto Romano</a>” and explore Romano’s large circle of nationally-recognized artists who gathered on Cape Ann to create a vibrant artist community that continues today.</li><li>On Saturday, December 7 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Susan Arony, a Gloucester artist, will discuss Romano’s work for the Federal Arts Program in a talk called, “<a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/event/camtalk-exhibition-series-umberto-romano-and-the-new-deal/">Umberto Romano and the New Deal</a>.” Romano was commissioned to create works by the New Deal program, and his works were larger than life.&nbsp;</li></ul>Photo Credit: Umberto Romano (1905-1982), Untitled (Bird of Paradise), c. 1936, oil on panel. Gift of The Umberto Romano and Clorinda Romano Foundation, 2016 [#2016.087.025]

CAM Green

Exploring the Deep Sea with Susan Casey

The New England Aquarium’s Lowell Lecture Series presents a conversation with award-winning writer Susan Casey and acclaimed journalist and <a href="https://www.loe.org/">Living on Earth</a> Host Steve Curwood about Casey’s latest bestseller, The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean. Join us for a discussion that will illuminate the hidden depths of our blue planet—home to an array of marine life, soaring mountains, smoldering volcanoes, and valleys 7,000 feet deeper than Everest is high—and learn about the vital role the deep sea plays in our world. Hear also about Casey’s experiences traversing the globe and diving with the scientists and explorers who are searching for knowledge in this vast unseen realm, and the new technologies that are opening up the ocean’s deepest and most mysterious regions. Copies of The Underworld will be available for purchase during this event and a book signing will follow the lecture. Doors open and cash bar available at 6:00 p.m. The lecture begins promptly at 6:30 p.m.   This New England Aquarium Lowell Lecture Series event is free to the public through the generosity of the Lowell Institute and presented in partnership with Living on Earth. Advance registration is required.   Virtual registration closes at 2:00 p.m. on December 5.

New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium Presents: Scaling Business Startups to Restore the Ocean in our Lifetime with Daniela V. Fernandez

The New England Aquarium’s Lowell Lecture Series presents Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Founder and CEO Daniela Fernandez, a pioneering ocean advocate and social entrepreneur. SOA is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to activating young people, developing and implementing innovative solutions, and mobilizing an ocean workforce to restore the health of the ocean in our lifetime. Last year, SOA welcomed its Ecopreneur Network Class of 2023 with 11 startups committed to advancing sustainable ocean and climate solutions. To date, Ecopreneur Network members and their startups have raised some $460 million in total estimated investment capital and employ more than 700 individuals. In her talk, Fernandez will examine how these innovative entrepreneurs are driving systemic change across five impact areas: blue carbon, ecosystem preservation, ocean pollution, sustainable fisheries, and ocean data and literacy, and why it matters. &nbsp; This New England Aquarium Lowell Lecture Series event is free to the public through the generosity of the Lowell Institute. Advance registration is required. &nbsp; Virtual registration closes at 2:00 p.m. on November 13.

Indigenous Women's Healing Empowerment

The <a href="http://www.naicob.org/">North American Indian Center of Boston</a>, in collaboration with the New England Aquarium, invites you to the inaugural Indigenous Women’s Healing Empowerment event, featuring Sara Melcher. Mi'kmaq nurse, empowerment coach, Reiki master, and entrepreneur <a href="https://www.saramelcher.com/">Sara Melcher</a> is dedicated to empowering Indigenous women, women of color, and all women seeking healing from the limitations and traumas that hold them back. Her mission is to help women live as their most empowered and authentic selves by reclaiming their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Sara’s teachings will provide essential skills for self-care and healing, offering transformative techniques to incorporate into your daily life. You’ll also experience a sound bathing session—feel free to bring a blanket or anything else that will enhance your comfort if needed. This event is free, but seating is limited.

Food For Free to Host Annual Party Under The Harvest Moon

On Friday, October 18, hundreds of supporters, donors, and community members will unite at Party Under The Harvest Moon – an annual celebration hosted by Food For Free to celebrate community spirit and raise awareness and funds to fight food insecurity across Eastern Massachusetts. The event goal is to raise $115,000.   Party Under The Harvest Moon raises critical funds to support the nonprofit’s innovative programs that serve more than 132,000 Massachusetts residents facing food insecurity and distributes 6.2 million pounds of nutritious fresh and prepared foods annually. This year, guests will hear from community partners and enjoy live music by <a href="https://www.gigroster.com/listings/bubble-wave">Bubble Wave</a>. There will be appetizers and refreshments, a raffle, wine toss, and more. During the event, the nonprofit will present its inaugural Community Partner Award to Harvard University, celebrating the organization’s 10-year investment in Food For Free’s Heat-n-Eats program and commitment to reducing food waste and feeding those in need.   Party Under The Harvest Moon will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at MIT’s Walker Memorial Morss Hall, located at 142 Memorial Drive in Cambridge. Ticket prices range from $75 for individuals to $1,000 for groups. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit: <a href="http://www.foodforfree.org/harvest-moon">www.foodforfree.org/harvest-moon</a>.

MIT Walker Memorial Morss Hall

Step Out for Look. Foundation’s Inaugural Look. Walk

<a href="https://www.lookfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Look. Foundation</a>, which works to advance funding, support, awareness, diagnosis and treatment of infection-triggered neuropsychiatric disorders, is seeking walkers for the inaugural Look. Walk. The one-day event is set for Saturday, Oct. 5 on the Boston Common and will feature an opening ceremony with local performers and a brief speaking program, family-friendly activities along the 3K loop, and a celebration at the Parkman Bandstand with music and food trucks to follow. In its first year, Look. Foundation hopes to raise $100,000 to support children and young adults battling PANS/PANDAS, autoimmune disorders that occur when an infectious trigger creates a misdirected immune response resulting in inflammation of the brain. To register for the event and create a personal or team fundraising page for the Look. Walk or to become a sponsor or make a donation, visit: <a href="https://givebutter.com/lookwalk" target="_blank">https://givebutter.com/lookwalk</a>.&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

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.