Black Heritage Trail 

The Black Heritage Trail® showcases residences and community buildings associated with a Black community that thrived on, and near, the north slope of Beacon Hill before, during, and after the American Civil War. Throughout that time, this community struggled and organized for equal rights and access to equal education. Community members championed the movement to abolish slavery and even housed freedom seekers on their journey along the Underground Railroad. This tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. It begins at the Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial, across the street from the Massachusetts State House and ends at the Museum of African American History, covering about 1.4 miles. We offer tours at 10:00am and 1:00pm Wednesday-Sunday. The tour is free, but registration is required. Please register <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-heritage-trail-tour-tickets-153151587521?aff=oddtdtcreator">at this link</a>.

Robert Gould Shaw Massachusetts 54th Memorial

Rocking the Cradle

In May of 1854 Federal Marshals arrested Anthony Burns under the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law. Immediately following Burns’ arrest, Bostonians gathered at Faneuil Hall to discuss their response. The eyes of the nation were firmly fixed upon Boston. Join Revolutionary Spaces and the National Parks of Boston at Old South Meeting House as we recreate this historic meeting on the anniversary of Burns' arrest. Rocking the Cradle is free and open to the public for all ages. Doors open at 5:20pm and the program begins at 5:30 PM, running for approximately 30 minutes. Pre-registration is highly encouraged.

Old South Meeting House

Vengeance or Justice? A 1770 Boston Massacre Town Meeting

Two hundred and fifty-five years ago, on March 5, 1770, British soldiers opened fire on a crowd at King Street in Boston. Three men lay dead and many more were wounded. Was it a plot to commit murder or self-defense? Should the people of Boston extract vengeance against the soldiers or call for law and order above all else? Have your voice be heard in a Town Meeting debate and help decide: vengeance or justice?  Join Revolutionary Spaces and National Parks of Boston at Old South Meeting House on March 5th, as we recreate this historic meeting. Doors open at 5:15 PM and the program begins at 5:30 PM, running for approximately 30 minutes to 45 minutes. Pre-register now for this free event and join us in commemorating the event that sparked a revolution.

Old South Meeting House 

WBCN and the "American Revolution" 

The mid 1960's and 1970's musical revolution found its Boston voice in radio station WBCN and the famed Boston Tea Party venue. WBCN, an independent FM radio station, was a leader in promoting political discussion and rock and soul acts of this transitional era in music. It’s counterpart the Boston Tea Party became a legendary venue host to the performers of the era. This program will discuss the influence and legacy of these organizations in the context of the era’s revolutionary change. The program is free but registration is required. Please register here: <a href="https://boston-public-library.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__JW0_3YDSVuSAa9z5j8N1A?fbclid=IwAR0xtxv9djZnq-I32Ex5MD-1kKVrUurKSaxhYzSzn2L10CbnVe9mBhs1X6o#/registration" target="_blank">https://boston-public-library.zoom.us/.../WN__JW0...</a> This is one of several programs presented this winter/spring by the National Park Service and the Boston Public Library.

Online

The Great Bengal Famine and the Boston Tea Party

The Great Bengal Famine, which was manufactured by the East India Company through coerced monocropping of tea, led to the death of an estimated 2 million Bengalese. News of this famine traveled across the Atlantic World, from Bengal to Boston, fostering distrust, outrage, and disgust towards to East India amongst Bostonians. This program will examine colonial Boston's reaction to the Bengal famine of 1769-1773, and the role that this reaction played in the escalating tensions between Bostonians, the British Parliament, and the East India Company, culminating in the Boston Tea Party in December 1773. The program is free but registration is required. Please register here: <a href="https://boston-public-library.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uDmbrbhmT3OkR131PsbfLg?fbclid=IwAR19HqnUYOX1_PKbTTIMIUAeyRTxjO7YOzG7p_mAba8p0XrWzjW0YGu6nDg#/registration" target="_blank">https://boston-public-library.zoom.us/.../WN...</a> This is one of several programs presented this winter/spring by the National Park Service and the Boston Public Library.

Thinking Outside the Ballot Box

As generations of Boston women fought for the right to vote, they also thought of creative ways to spread the word and garner support. From cookbooks and songs to suffrage bluebirds, suffragists used every medium and method available to them. Their ingenuity and perseverance not only helped them build a movement, but it also won them the ballot in 1920. The program is free, but registration is required. Please register here: <a href="https://boston-public-library.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2Ya3NCZxQ0-vgQPYJOGdxQ?fbclid=IwAR1v_h66_NT1v3xDT7lclE5iaz6hpbtvWMo-wnI68ZkRChVrRVRJ62QXY2M#/registration" target="_blank">https://boston-public-library.zoom.us/.../WN_2Ya3NCZxQ0...</a> This is one of several programs presented this winter/spring by the National Park Service and the Boston Public Library.

Boston's Black Musical History

From flautist Barzallai Lew to jazz artist Johnny Hodges, Boston’s Black musical culture uplifts the city’s iconic historical influence across the nation. Often overlooked in comparison to influential cities such as New York City and New Orleans, Boston is home to generations of musical identity. Exploring various time periods, we will connect with Black musical figures within the Greater Boston area. The program is free but registration is required. Please register here: <a href="https://boston-public-library.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zDaVOuVORY-GHxEOP1NH6A?fbclid=IwAR0tqOPuroY2j-MOeGhrUwMYA5waP0kI7r3EIs6LMmP4sjjTfPORacVzb5g#/registration" target="_blank">https://boston-public-library.zoom.us/.../WN_zDaVOuVORY...</a> This is one of several programs presented this winter/spring by the National Park Service and the Boston Public Library.

John Brown's Boston

In October of 1859 John Brown and 23 followers led a raid of the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Largely funded by a group of wealthy abolitionists known as the “Secret Six”, Brown hoped to use the arsenal's weapons to arm enslaved individuals and start a war to crush slavery. Though the raid failed, Brown became a martyr for the abolitionist cause and brought the nation to the brink of the Civil War. Join us as we explore Brown’s deep connections to Boston. The program is free but registration is required. Please register here: <a href="https://boston-public-library.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8xworxE4Rg-6oHX7u6U3yQ?fbclid=IwAR0Xj9znXH-L0w4mTGkepxb-UaNKdjA3QRmawdmHqcx24uMrZqhP8EJOIY0#/registration">https://boston-public-library.zoom.us/.../WN_8xworxE4Rg...</a> This is one of several programs presented this winter/spring by the National Park Service and the Boston Public Library.

Henry Knox and the Siege of Boston

Generals Washington and Lee reviewed the defenses surrounding Boston built by the militia units of New England. While surveying the works on the heights of Roxbury, Gen. Washington was impressed with both the works and knowledge of his guide, Henry Knox. This program will explore the siege lines of Boston and the role Henry Knox played in fortifying these siege lines. The program is free, but registration is required. Please register here: <a href="https://boston-public-library.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KOrYsjnLRcWteOuicu_pYA?fbclid=IwAR2l7HhmqiEGfSmBcdorKd5JVdEs_0pKMWd7M-F-4JR15niG07p8oYs4H8o#/registration">https://boston-public-library.zoom.us/.../WN...</a> This is one of several programs presented this winter/spring by the National Park Service and the Boston Public Library

Their Dreams, Their Rights, Their Love: A LGBTQ+ History Tour

Join us to explore the LGBTQ+ History of Beacon Hill. “Their Dreams, Their Rights, and Their Love:” A LGBTQ+ Tour of Beacon Hill and Downtown Boston. This tour will highlight the different ways the LGBTQ+ community in Beacon Hill and greater Boston area have lived, thrived, and fought for their rights. This tour begins at the Massachusetts State House, at the corner of Beacon and Park Street, and ends at Faneuil Hall, lasting approximately 90 minutes. Covering about 1.5 miles the LGBTQ+ History tour covers some of the oldest streets and neighborhoods in the city. Sidewalks can often be narrow and uneven, and cover a variety of surfaces (cement, cobblestone, and pavement).

Massachusetts State House 

Up In Smoke: Prescott Townsend's Beacon Hill

How do we leave a legacy behind? What makes a person worthy of being remembered? Join a National Park Service Ranger for a free 90-minute walk to learn about the life and legacy of Prescott Townsend, one of Boston’s earliest LGBTQ activists. Tour begins in front of the Robert Gould Shaw Massachusetts 54th Memorial. The program is free, but registration is required.

Robert Gould Shaw Massachusetts 54th Memorial 

BLACK in the cradle of liberty

BLACK in the cradle of liberty is a declaration featuring: DJ WhySham, Nnenna Loveth, Ryan-Rei Fielder, Crystal Valentine, Cakeswagg, Tim Hall, Ifé Franklin, Danny Rivera, Porsha Olayiwola, Anastasia Wade, Javonna Corbin, and Kenard Williams. The performance explores agency, voice, and the power of place. The program, taking place in the Great Hall at Faneuil Hall, is a part of Revolutionary Spaces Raising Voices Festival: A Celebration of Music, Art, and the Power of Protest. Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, Raising Voices is a multi-disciplinary arts festival in the heart of downtown Boston that celebrates the power of protest throughout history. For more than 250 years, Faneuil Hall has opened its doors to dialogue and debate centered on the founding questions of this country — What does liberty mean? Who is included— or excluded— in our visions of liberty? Using the "Cradle of Liberty" as a platform, generations have grappled with these questions and responded with their own answers. BLACK in the cradle of liberty continues this tradition by sparking thoughtful, compelling conversations about the complexities of our past and our hopes for the future during the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. This program is made possible through a partnership among the National Parks of Boston, the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture and the Museum of African American History, with generous funding from the Mayor's Office and the National Park Service Civil Rights Interpretation &amp; Education Fund.

Great Hall at Faneuil Hall

Boston Marriages to Marriage Equality: A LGBTQ+ History Tour

Join us to explore the LGBTQ+ History of Beacon Hill. The Boston Marriage to Marriage Equality tour will highlight the different ways the LGBTQ+ community in Beacon Hill and greater Boston area have lived, thrived, and fought for their rights. This tour begins on the Boston Common, at the corner of Charles and Beacon Street, and ends at Faneuil Hall, lasting approximately 90 minutes. Covering about 1.5 miles the LGBTQ+ History tour covers some of the oldest streets and neighborhoods in the city. Sidewalks can often be narrow and uneven, and cover a variety of surfaces (cement, cobblestone, and pavement). The event is free, but registration is required. Please register at <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boston-marriages-to-marriage-equality-a-lgbtq-history-tour-tickets-417081811927">this link</a> *If you have a group larger than six people please reach out at <a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cm&amp;fs=1&amp;tf=1&amp;to=boaf_mail@nps.gov">boaf_mail@nps.gov</a> or 617-742-5415.

Boston Common (Corner of Charles and Beacon Street) 

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

joyraft.host32053

Experiences