Juneteenth Joy (w/ FREE kayaking)

Come out for an annual celebration of freedom and joy at the Martini Shell in Hyde Park! Free music and performances, games, tabling by local groups, and food vendors. The Neponset River Watershed Association will be offering FREE kayak rides from noon to 3 pm. Sponsored by the <a href="https://westfhcommunity.org/">West Fairmount Hill Community Group of Hyde Park</a>. Thanks to <a href="https://paddleboston.com/">Paddle Boston</a> for supplying the kayaks for this event.

Francis D. Martini Memorial Shell Park and Moynihan Recreation Area

Neponset River Spring Cleanup

Neponset River Spring Cleanup – Volunteers Needed! Join NepRWA staff and hundreds of volunteers for one of the biggest cleanups of the year! Help remove trash and debris from waterways and parklands across the Neponset Watershed, from Foxborough to Quincy. Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are welcome! For questions or more info., email NepRWA Environmental Science Fellow, Paul Hanbury, at <a href="http://hanbury@neponset.org">hanbury@neponset.org</a> Register at <a href="https://neponset.org/cleanup/">neponset.org/cleanup</a>

Neponset River

Annual Pumpkin Parade

The Annual Pumpkin Parade will be held on Thurs., Oct. 24 at 5:30 pm at Pope John Paul II Park, Hallett Street, Dorchester. This family-friendly event is FREE and open to all, with no registration required. Dress up in your favorite costume, bring along a decorated or carved pumpkin, and enjoy a fun-filled evening with your friends and family. There will be plenty of activities for all ages, including music, games, candy, and hot chocolate to keep you warm! In case of rain, the event will be held on Fri., Oct. 25 at 5:30 pm For more info., visit <a href="http://www.neponset.org/events">www.neponset.org/events</a>, email <a href="mailto:ripley@neponset.org">ripley@neponset.org</a>, or call 781-575-0354 x 301 This event is presented by the Neponset River Greenway Council, Neponset River Watershed Association, and MassDCR.

Pope John Paul II Park

Neponset Day

Neponset Day is an annual FREE, family-friendly, public celebration along the Neponset River and the Greenway Trail that celebrates our diverse communities — and the beautiful natural habitats and wildlife along the River. We encourage you to bring a blanket and a picnic, and spend the day! Activities include:<ul><li>free canoeing and kayaking</li><li>a spray deck – bring a bathing suit &amp; towels!</li><li>music</li><li>environmental exhibits</li><li>food trucks &amp; ice cream</li></ul>Stay tuned for more details!<ul><li>For more information and to volunteer, please email NepRWA Greenways Manager, Andres Ripley, <a href="mailto:ripley@neponset.org">ripley@neponset.org</a> </li></ul>.

DCR Neponset II Park

Flora, Fauna, and Friends

* EARLY RELEASE DAY PROGRAM FOR NORWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS* Flora, Fauna, and Friends is a program designed to introduce elementary school-aged children to the Neponset River ecosystem and all the living things that we can find in our backyard. We will do a short lesson about habitats and then use microscopes and other fun methods to creatively engage with different aspects of the environment. This program is presented in partnership with the Morrill Memorial Library. Ages 8 and up <a href="https://norwoodlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/flora-fauna-and-friends-kids-explore-the-neponset-river-2/">Registration Required.</a> Questions? Call the library at 781-769-0200 x3 or email the staff at <a href="mailto:norchild@minlib.net">norchild@minlib.net</a>

Morrill Memorial Library

Annual Neponset River Water Quality Presentation

How clean is the water in the Neponset? Join NepRWA River Restoration Director, Sean McCanty, and Environmental Science Fellow, Benni Marques, for a hybrid event as they present the water quality data and trends of the Neponset River, streams, and ponds. Register for either in-person or Zoom attendance at <a href="https://neponset.org/event/annual-water-quality-presentation/" target="_blank">https://neponset.org/event/annual-water-quality-presentation/</a>

Canton Public Library

King Tide Talk

Join NepRWA scientists at Tenean Beach in Dorchester on Sat. Feb. 10 to view a King Tide &amp; learn about the effects of extreme climate on our coastline, as well as projects aimed at remediating these impacts. Following the brief talk, and depending on the severity of flooding, attendees can join members of the Neponset Greenway Council on either a guided walk or guided bike ride along the Greenway Trail to Granite Ave. to view the Neponset Estuary at King Tide. (Bring a bike if you wish to ride! Driving to Granite Ave. is also an option. Rain date: Sun., Feb. 11 at 11:30 am

Tenean Beach

Meet the Neponset

Join NepRWA Greenway Manager, Andres Ripley, at the Thomas Crane Library in Quincy to learn about the Neponset River and NepRWA's ongoing projects and volunteer opportunities. No registration necessary. For more info. email Andres at <a href="mailto:ripley@neponset.org">ripley@neponset.org</a>

Thomas Crane Library

Spring Bunny Hop

Join us for a hopping good time along the Neponset River! Meet at Pope John Paul II Park (Hallet St. entrance), Dorchester Music by DJ Ed Regal, kids’ games, activities &amp; bunny hop dance, and exploring tractors (courtesy of the Vintage Tractor &amp; Machinery Association, Inc.) For more information or any questions, please email NepRWA Greenways Manager, Andres Ripley, at <a href="mailto:ripley@neponset.org">ripley@neponset.org</a> Sponsored by the <a href="https://www.neponsetgreenway.org/council/">Neponset River Greenway Council</a> &amp; <a href="www.neponset.org">the Neponset River Watershed Association</a>

Join NepRWA River Restoration Director, Sean McCanty, and Environmental Science Fellow, Len Yeomans, for an in-person/online event as they present the water quality data and trends of the Neponset River, streams, and ponds. Hear from Robert Smith the External Monitoring and Data Coordinator from the MassDEP Watershed Planning Program, who will speak about the role of watershed organizations in protecting local waterways. This is a FREE public event and light refreshments will be served. Masking is optional but encouraged. Registration is required for in-person and online participation. REGISTER for IN-PERSON OR ONLINE at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.neponset.org%2Fwater-quality%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0KyGTq39ARuZbTPY-zWkjB1km4JszX2jAsFsFkTZf9XibEI4j89oj6kiU&amp;h=AT0_EYoue2LgrL5zhSYEAPydO97HVo-PgbBbjzPD_hzE7KZx-DJ7PmRkY6YLLqWU5ZBwxmNGRel9rEWHyiQ-UJwCYvtnT-K66Qgej9gAr0OvSpRE0OQiilmSR5FwdeOj4QWp&amp;__tn__=q&amp;c%5B0%5D=AT2EYjhryaQSpK6vUCRELR5Uc18D6PLkTF73yHey7mk5HmPHL58ReQ--lvfQ0uD9e8GleJzydrpXg8Nl2f6ldnw7Gi1LBO5CC4LzD2r21W9DCjrnB1CbFEmxp9T8pgOmcQPuo5Z6sLPGt1YvIvyl_XZjZfan">www.neponset.org/water-quality</a> For any questions, please email NepRWA Environmental Science Fellow, Len Yeomans, at <a href="mailto:yeomans@neponset.org">yeomans@neponset.org</a>

Canton Public Library Community Room

Neponset Estuary Morning Paddle

Sat. Oct. 22 from 10 am-noon Morning Paddle in the Neponset Estuary <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Neponset+River+Reservation/@42.2785786,-71.0533874,18.08z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0xf6b23359f49d7929!2sPope+John+Paul+II+Park!8m2!3d42.282797!4d-71.0430827!3m4!1s0x89e37c7ea94cf8ef:0x49b1885f7467df29!8m2!3d42.2789212!4d-71.0521634">Meet at Neponset II Park, Hilltop St., Dorchester</a> Join NepRWA staff on a guided tour of the beautiful waters of the Neponset Estuary. We’ll launch from the dock at Neponset II Park in Dorchester and paddle upriver toward Milton and the Lower Mills area. If time permits, we’ll explore Gulliver’s Creek on the Quincy side of the River. Limited to 10 guests. This is a BYOB (bring your own boat) event, however, we may have boats available to loan. Please <a href="mailto:%20devine@neponset.org">email us</a> for more information. All paddle events are FREE for NepRWA members. $20 per boat for non-members. Pre-registration is required at <a href="https://www.neponset.org/happenings/neponset-river-paddle-events/">www.neponset.org/paddle</a>

Neponset II Park

Mother Brook Historical Walking Tour

Join Dedham historians and NepRWA board members to learn about Mother Brook, part of the oldest water power system in North America. When Dedham settlers in 1641 completed a canal linking Mother Brook and the Charles River, it provided water power for new gristmills. As we walk along Mother Brook, we’ll view historic markers for the first mill site, see the dam, look upstream across the mill pond to the second mill site, and view the Sawmill Lane bridge. This is a FREE event and is open to all ages. Get more details &amp; register at <a href="https://www.neponset.org/happenings/oct-8-mother-brook-historical-walking-tour-dedham/" target="_blank">https://www.neponset.org/happenings/oct-8-mother-brook-historical-walking-tour-dedham/</a>

Mother Brook Arts & Community Center

Family Nature Walk & Craft

Family Nature Walk &amp; Craft Sat. Oct. 1 from 10 am-noon <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Houghton's+Pond/@42.207271,-71.0956324,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89e37dff9311e1ff:0x1280c04eb36e2add!8m2!3d42.2074297!4d-71.0962028">Houghton’s Pond, Milton</a> Ages 4+ with an adult Join us outdoors for a storytime, a short walk in the woods, and a fun nature craft to take home. Meet in front of the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Houghton's+Pond/@42.207271,-71.0956324,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89e37dff9311e1ff:0x1280c04eb36e2add!8m2!3d42.2074297!4d-71.0962028">Houghton Pond Boathouse</a>. Parking can be found at 695-821 Hillside Street, Milton. Please bring a blanket to sit on, water, and a snack. Free for NepRWA members. $20 per family for non-members. Pre-registration is required at <a href="https://www.neponset.org/family-walk/">www.neponset.org/family-walk</a> Any questions? Email NepRWA Stormwater Outreach Coordinator, Suzanna Sullivan, at <a href="mailto:sullivan@neponset.org">sullivan@neponset.org</a>

Houghtons Pond

Neponset River Fall Cleanup

Seeking volunteers! Join Neponset River Watershed Association (NepRWA) staff and hundreds of fellow volunteers as we spread out across the Neponset River Watershed for our annual fall cleanup! Register at <a href="http://www.neponset.org/cleanup?fbclid=IwAR06o65I6oIHBJnRKB9KrU2r_rjG_p-UMIaq_rpZlCUepl-OLgnUgwnCHEU">www.neponset.org/cleanup</a> About the cleanup: - We will provide trash bags, trash tongs, rakes, shovels, gloves, hand sanitizer, and bug spray. - Please plan to bring hats, sunscreen, water, snacks — and any favorite work gloves (we will also have gloves on-site for you.) - Long pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended for terrain and poison ivy. - You can choose the site you wish to be at when you register. If you have any questions, please email NepRWA Environmental Fellow, Eleanor Yeomans, at <a href="mailto:yeomans@neponset.org">yeomans@neponset.org</a>

Neponset River Watershed

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.