Holiday Pops

‘Tis the season to warm your soul with the festive sounds of the&nbsp;Firebird Pops Orchestra in The Umbrella’s state-of-the-art Theater 144. Cozy up to&nbsp;two acts of beloved holiday classics&nbsp;— plus some new favorites! —&nbsp;performed by talented musicians from across New England. Let these rich, vibrant&nbsp;orchestrations provide the soundtrack to your December as you enjoy&nbsp;solos by&nbsp;Mara Bonde, Sandra Piques Eddy, and Stephen Markarian&nbsp;with your loved ones. Bringing the family? Pops is the perfect introduction to the magic of the&nbsp;symphony for listeners of all ages. During intermission, let little ones explore&nbsp;Educational Activities&nbsp;with an Umbrella instructor while you visit our&nbsp;Café&nbsp;and take in the contemporary abstract works in the&nbsp;Allie Kussin Gallery&nbsp;exhibition,&nbsp;Joy &amp; Peace. There’s nothing quite like experiencing the joy of a full orchestra together&nbsp;especially when everyone gets to sing along. Let your voice join in a rousing&nbsp;sing-along finale&nbsp;that fosters the warmth of community against the winter chill.

The Umbrella Arts Center

A New Year's Eve Pops Spectacular

Back by popular demand after last year’s sold-out shows, the Firebird Pops returns to the Greater Boston Stage Company for a&nbsp;New Year’s Eve Pops Spectacular, an evening of dazzling performances, laughter, and musical joy to ring in 2026. The orchestra will be joined by beloved vocalists Kathy St. George, Stephen Markarian, and Ceit Zweil for a program filled with seasonal classics and a few surprises that will send audiences into the new year smiling.

Greater Boston Stage Company

‘Tis the season to warm your soul with the festive sounds of the&nbsp;Firebird Pops Orchestra in The Umbrella’s state-of-the-art Theater 144. Cozy up to&nbsp;two acts of beloved holiday classics&nbsp;— plus some new favorites! —&nbsp;performed by talented musicians from across New England. Let these rich, vibrant&nbsp;orchestrations provide the soundtrack to your December as you enjoy&nbsp;solos by&nbsp;Mara Bonde, Sandra Piques Eddy, and Stephen Markarian&nbsp;with your loved ones. Bringing the family? Pops is the perfect introduction to the magic of the&nbsp;symphony for listeners of all ages. During intermission, let little ones explore&nbsp;Educational Activities&nbsp;with an Umbrella instructor while you visit our&nbsp;Café&nbsp;and take in the contemporary abstract works in the&nbsp;Allie Kussin Gallery&nbsp;exhibition,&nbsp;Joy &amp; Peace. There’s nothing quite like experiencing the joy of a full orchestra together&nbsp;especially when everyone gets to sing along. Let your voice join in a rousing&nbsp;sing-along finale&nbsp;that fosters the warmth of community against the winter chill.The U

Merry Moakley

Join us for a family-friendly evening of festive fun with pizza, music, hot cocoa, crafts, free books, photos, games, and more. Celebrate the 5th annual Merry Moakley on Thursday, December 11th from 3:30-5:30pm. It will be a family-friendly evening of festive fun with pizza, music, hot cocoa, crafts, free books, photos, games, and more.<ul><li>Thursday December 12 || Jueves 12 de diciembre || 3:30 – 5:30pm</li><li>The South Boston Neighborhood House Preschool Parking Lot – 1187 Columbia Road</li><li>Crafts, hot cocoa, music, dinner, photos &amp; more || Manualidades, cocoa, música, comida, fotos y más</li></ul>Boston Harbor Now is proud to cohost this event with the City of Boston Parks and Recreation, South Boston Neighborhood House, South Boston en Accion, Boston Family Engagement Network, the Volo Kids Foundation, and Volo.

South Boston Neighborhood Preschool

Veterans Cruise

Enjoy a cruise to Peddocks Island in honor of veterans and active service members. This year, we will commemorate the 250th anniversity of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with American Revolution themed music and historical guided tours of Fort Andrews, along with reflections on service, and fun self-guided activities for all ages. Light snacks and warm beverages will also be provided, but we encourage visitors to plan accordingly by either bringing lunch from home or purchasing food aboard the ferry. ****ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST ARRIVE EARLY FOR CHECK IN AND BOARDING**** Meeting Location: 10 Waterside Ave, Boston, MA 02210 (Fan Pier) Arrive for check in: 10:30AM Schedule:<ul><li>Depart from Fan Pier: 11:00AM</li><li>Arrive to Peddocks: 12:00PM</li><li>Depart from Peddocks: 2:00PM</li><li>Return to Fan Pier: 3:00PM</li></ul>Ticket Pricing:<ul><li>Veterans &amp; Active Military: Free</li><li>Friends, family &amp; general public: $5</li><li>Children 4-12 years: FREE</li><li>Children 3 years and under: FREE</li></ul>If cost is a barrier to your participation, please contact <a href="mailto:access@bostonharbornow.org">access@bostonharbornow.org</a> Important weather note: This program will be held rain or shine, unless weather is inclement or severe enough to threaten visitor safety. We encourage all visitors to watch the weather closely, plan ahead to come prepared for potentially rainy or windy conditions, and try to be available for both dates.

Fan Pier

“What’s Growing at Moakley Park” Opening Celebration

Celebrate the opening of What’s Growing at Moakley Park, the 30-foot-long sculpture co-created by Posey and over a hundred community members. This party in the park will include:<ul><li>A short speaking program with Mayor Wu</li><li>Hot Cocoa and snacks, including fresh fruit</li><li>Art activity with marine debris</li><li>Tabling with the Moakley Park Design Team about the current planning phase</li><li>Opportunity for photos with the artist and the sculpture</li></ul>More Info: This summer, we teamed up with artist Pamela Moulton aka Posey, to lead a collaborative public art project made from marine debris during 8 community events. What’s Growing at Moakley Park was created using salvaged fishing nets, ropes, and lightweight plastic debris, including plastic bottles &amp; caps from Moakley Park Cleanups (the last one of the season is at 9:30am, so come help us cleanup and then party).

Moakley Park

Video Games in Concert

Join the Firebird Pops as conductor Brendan J. Kenney leads you on an unforgettable symphonic journey through the worlds of your favorite video games! With breathtaking synchronized video and a full live orchestra and choir, this immersive multimedia performance will captivate gamers and music lovers of all ages. Featuring music from cherished games such as&nbsp;Halo, World of Warcraft, Kingdom Hearts, Metal Gear Solid, Castlevania, Skyrim,&nbsp;and more, this is where epic soundtracks meet cinematic visuals in a concert experience like no other.

Veterans Memorial Auditorium

Founder's Day Free Ferry Day

Join the National Park Service, Boston Harbor Now, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Boston Harbor City Cruises as we celebrate Founder's Day - the National Park Service's birthday, with a free ferry ride to Spectacle Island, a gem in Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park.  Ferry Departure Times from Long Wharf North:<ul><li>10:30 AM</li><li>12:30 PM</li><li>2:30 PM</li></ul>Ferry Departure Times from Spectacle Island:<ul><li>1:30 PM</li><li>3:30 PM</li><li>5:30 PM</li></ul>How To Get Tickets: Tickets are first-come, first-served, and can be picked up at the Boston Harbor City Cruises Ferry Center at Long Wharf North beginning at 8:00 AM. No advance reservations; arrive early, as the event will sell out fast! Note: This event cannot accommodate groups—5 tickets allowed per adult.  Know Before You Go: Just 30 minutes from downtown Boston, <a href="https://www.bostonharborislands.org/spectacle-island/">Spectacle Island</a> is the perfect escape for families, friends, and solo adventurers of all ages. With five miles of scenic hiking trails, an unguarded beach, shady picnic spots, and a visitor center staffed by friendly Park Rangers, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.  Breathe in the cooling sea breezes, soak up panoramic views of Boston Harbor, and enjoy wide-open space to run, explore, and unwind. Whether you’re looking for an easy nature getaway or a fun, low-key family day, Spectacle Island offers the kind of summer magic that’s hard to beat.  Come celebrate America’s best idea—its parks—with us!

Spectacle Island

Spectacle Summer Nights: Caribbean Night

Boston Harbor Now is excited for the return of our Spectacle Summer Nights series! Enjoy a rare after-hours experience with an evening of Carribean food, live music from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/disndatband/?hl=en">award-winning reggae band Dis-N-Dat Band</a>, island exploration, and fantastic sunset views! Your ticket includes:<ul><li>After-hours access!</li><li>Round trip ferry ride from Boston to Spectacle Island</li><li>Breathtaking sunset views of Boston</li><li>Live Caribbean music from Dis-N-Dat Band</li><li>S'mores on the beach</li><li>Carribean fusion food available for purchase</li></ul>FOOD: Food will be available for purchase from Zaz Restaurant, or bring your own picnic! DRINK: Drinks will be available for purchase from <a href="https://67degreesbrewing.com/">67 Degrees Brewing</a>! No outside alcohol is allowed on the Island. Directions: Guests should arrive at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/LXQU7BvgWYNjh95LA">Long Wharf North</a> by 4:00pm to check in and board the ferry to Spectacle Island. Participants must be board a minimum of10 minutes prior to departure, so please be on time! Return ferry begins boarding at 7:30pm. Guests must return to ferry *by 7:45pm* for departure from Spectacle Island. Ferry is scheduled to return to Boston at 8:30 pm. *Please note that the Harbor can be busy in the evening which can cause unforeseen delays.* Leave No Trace: The Boston Harbor Islands practice a carry in, carry out policy meaning visitors must take all of their garbage with them back to the mainland. We also ask that visitors leave behind any natural or cultural resources they find including, but not limited to sea glass, seashells, and ceramics.

Long Wharf North

Spectacle Summer Nights: Jazz Night

Boston Harbor Now is excited for the return of our Spectacle Summer Nights series with a night of food, beer, jazz music, and fantastic sunset views! What to expect:<ul><li>After-hours access!</li><li>Round trip ferry ride from Boston to Spectacle Island</li><li>Breathtaking sunset views of Boston</li><li>Live music</li><li>S'mores on the beach</li><li>Food &amp; drink available for purchase</li></ul>Directions: Guests should arrive at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/LXQU7BvgWYNjh95LA">Long Wharf North</a> by 4:00pm to check in and board the ferry to Spectacle Island. Participants must be board a minimum of10 minutes prior to departure, so please be on time! Return ferry begins boarding at 7:30pm. Guests must return to ferry *by 7:45pm* for departure from Spectacle Island. Ferry is scheduled to return to Boston at 8:30 pm. *Please note that the Harbor can be busy in the evening which can cause unforeseen delays.* Leave No Trace: The Boston Harbor Islands practice a carry in, carry out policy meaning visitors must take all of their garbage with them back to the mainland. We also ask that visitors leave behind any natural or cultural resources they find including, but not limited to sea glass, seashells, and ceramics. <img src="https://img.evbuc.com/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.evbuc.com%2Fimages%2F1085628883%2F35829116392%2F1%2Foriginal.20250731-184810?h=740&amp;w=1200&amp;auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;q=75&amp;sharp=10&amp;s=3d2453d5012c919620d7b6f6d61e8f17"> FOOD will be available for purchase from <a href="https://lukeslobster.com/pages/downtown-crossing?srsltid=AfmBOop-fp5qxWeGFw6m9HTqHyKuS2x4iJgiTAXI0rWbcP1ovXENAmb1">Lukes Lobster</a>, or bring your own picnic! DRINKS will be available for purchase from <a href="https://67degreesbrewing.com/">67 Degrees Brewing</a>! (No outside alcohol is allowed on the Island)

Free Ferry Weekend

Celebrate Boston Harbor Islands opening weekend with a FREE trip to Spectacle Island! Explore Spectacle Island’s beaches and winding trails. Catch the ferry to Spectacle right from Downtown Boston’s Long Wharf North… for free!<ul><li>Saturday, May 17</li><li>Sunday, May 18</li></ul>Getting Tickets:<ul><li>Tickets are first come, first served, and can be picked up at the Boston Harbor City Cruises Ferry Center at&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/PTgMWpH41SVNCb4N6">Long Wharf North</a>&nbsp;beginning at 8:00am. No advance reservations. Arrive early, as this event will sell out fast!</li><li>This event cannot accommodate groups – 5 tickets allowed per adult</li></ul>Ferry Schedule:&nbsp;Ferries depart from&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/7pjLsfoRdkbpsjF8A">Gate 5</a>&nbsp;. Ticketed passengers should plan to be in line at least 15 minutes before their ferry departure time. Boston to Spectacle Island: 10:30AM&nbsp;|&nbsp;12:30PM Ferries from Spectacle back to Boston depart the island at 1:30PM &amp; 3:30PM

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.host53736

Experiences

Holiday Pops

Holiday Pops

Holiday Pops

Holiday Pops

A New Year's Eve Pops Spectacular

A New Year's Eve Pops Spectacular

Merry Moakley

Veterans Cruise

“What’s Growing at Moakley Park” Opening Celebration

Video Games in Concert

Founder's Day Free Ferry Day

Spectacle Summer Nights: Caribbean Night

Spectacle Summer Nights: Jazz Night

Free Ferry Weekend