Art in Motion: 25 Years of Sculpture by George Sherwood

Art in Motion at New England Botanic Garden Explore an extraordinary collection of kinetic sculptures, masterfully crafted by artist and engineer George Sherwood. Art in Motion spans an impressive 25 years of Sherwood’s artistic journey, showcasing 17 intricate stainless-steel sculptures that move in the wind and reflect the sunlight. Drawing inspiration from patterns and perspectives in nature such as birds in flight, ripples and reflections on the surface of water, and floral forms, each sculpture captures the dynamic forces of nature and reflects the beauty of our living world. Art in Motion invites visitors to New England Botanic Garden to find moments of tranquility and joy while considering the subtle, ongoing changes taking place in the natural world around us. Each sculpture featured in Art in Motion varies in shape, size, and movement, ranging from smaller more intimate sculptures to large-scale works reaching up to 21 feet. A collection of Sherwood’s work, Wind, Waves and Light, was featured at New England Botanic Garden in 2019. A few favorites from this collection return as part of Art in Motion along with pieces not previously displayed at the Garden and one new, never-before-seen sculpture. Discover them all this spring, summer, and fall! Guided golf cart tours of the exhibition are available Thursdays from 11 – 11:45AM. Learn more at https://nebg.org/art-in-motion/.

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

Stranger Plants at New England Botanic Garden

Step into a world of botanical wonder with Stranger Plants at New England Botanic Garden. This exhibition brings to life imagined plant species with bizarre, otherworldly traits inspired by the remarkable adaptations of some of the most interesting plant species found right here on Earth. Celebrating the strange and the spectacular with bold colors and unusual shapes, this immersive experience unfolds in The Ramble, a garden designed to spark curiosity for visitors of all ages. This fall, prepare for extraordinary encounters with plants unlike any you’ve ever seen and get up close to species so unique they could only exist in your wildest dreams, and nowhere else on Earth. Experience this otherworldly exhibition during the Garden’s daytime general admission hours, through an educational program, or during Glowing Wild, a special event series taking place on select Fridays and Saturday evenings. Stranger Plants is included with general admission. Additional tickets are required for educational programs and Glowing Wild, and these must be purchased in advance. Learn more at <a href="https://nebg.org/stranger-plants/">https://nebg.org/stranger-plants/</a>

Flower Dialogues: Lavender Teatime & Floral Design

Flower Dialogues: Celebrating Identity Through Design Join us for a relaxed, peer-led gathering where creativity and conversation bloom. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore the rich symbolism of lavender—its historical ties to LGBTQ+ identity, empowerment, and healing—through storytelling, tea, and collaborative floral design. You'll craft with dried florals, curating a meaningful arrangement that reflects your personal journey and connection to community. Together, we’ll also contribute to a shared floral project that celebrates collective expression and seasonal beauty. This is a space for reflection, celebration, and gentle joy. No floral experience needed—just bring your curiosity and openness.

Nurturing Your Nature: ADHD, Nature, & Creativity

Explore the vibrant intersection of neurodivergence, creative expression, and the healing power of nature in this immersive, one-day workshop. Designed especially for adults with ADHD or those who identify as neurodivergent, this experience offers a supportive, judgment-free space to reconnect with your natural rhythms—both inside and out. Through guided indoor and outdoor mindfulness practices, creative exercises, and gentle self-reflection, participants will gain tools for emotional regulation, self-understanding, and personal growth. The workshop weaves together nature connection and expressive art-making to support attention, imagination, and well-being. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, clarity, or calm, this day is an invitation to slow down, explore freely, and nurture your own unique way of being. Lunch is included. Please dress for the weather and bring a journal or notebook, water, and any materials you enjoy using for creative expression (optional).

Cozy Creations: Pumpkins! Pumpkins! Pumpkins! 

Cozy Creations: Make Your Own Felted Pumpkin Get into the spirit of the season with this cozy, hands-on workshop where you'll create your own needle felted pumpkin—perfect for autumn décor or gifting. You'll learn the basics of needle felting, a relaxing and beginner-friendly craft that uses special barbed needles to sculpt wool into soft, three-dimensional forms.

Speaker Series: Journey of Botanical Photography

Botanical Photography from the 19th Century to Today&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Artist, writer, and curator Shelley Kirkwood presents a captivating talk tracing the evolution of botanical photography from its 19th-century origins to the early 21st century. Drawing from her own hybrid practice, Kirkwood sheds light on the techniques, stories, and images that have shaped our understanding of plants through the photographic lens. Join us for a visually rich journey exploring how artists have used the camera to interpret the natural world—from delicate anthotypes and collodion plates to striking large-format color works and modern digital composites. Perfect for photography lovers, plant enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the enduring connection between art and nature.&nbsp;

 Mushroom Identification Walk & Talk

Explore the Forest Floor: Mushroom ID in the Wild Take your fungal knowledge from lecture to forest floor in this guided mushroom walk—an ideal companion to our Fungal Foundations lecture. Explore the rich diversity of mushrooms found in New England’s woodlands while learning practical field techniques for identification. Led by mycology expert Jonathan Kranz, this outdoor session will teach you how to recognize key features like cap shape, gill structure, spore prints, and habitat associations. Along the way, we’ll discuss how these remarkable organisms fit into the larger forest ecosystem—supporting soil health, decomposing organic matter, and forming symbiotic relationships with plants. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike, this walk offers a chance to connect with fungi in their natural environment.

Glowing Wild at New England Botanic Garden

On select Friday and Saturday evenings, experience New England Botanic Garden’s fall exhibition, Stranger Plants, in a whole new light. Get lost in a night where nature gets weird and things aren’t quite as they seem. This immersive nighttime experience transforms The Ramble (NEBG’s garden for children and families) into an otherworldly dreamscape of unusual plants and other curiosities set among captivating light displays. This special after-hours event offers a unique opportunity to experience the Stranger Plants exhibition, along with additional entertainment tailored on select evenings for a 21+ or family audience. Family evenings feature fantastical crafts and activities, atmospheric music, and the chance to meet real-life friends from distant galaxies.&nbsp;On 21+ nights, dance the night away to your favorite beats, sip on cosmic cocktails, and prepare for extraterrestrial encounters with Big Nazo.Tickets must be reserved in advance. Learn more and secure your tickets today. <a href="https://nebg.org/glowing-wild/">https://nebg.org/glowing-wild/</a>

Restoration to Garden: Plants and Wildlife

In Partnership with the Place: Site-Specific Native Design, New England-Style Presented in partnership with New Directions in the American Landscape (NDAL) Explore New England’s native plants and wildlife through expert-led talks and field walks. Learn how to design and care for landscapes that support local ecosystems and wildlife, blending ecology with beautiful garden stewardship.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Autumn Equinox Late Summer Floral Abundance

Floral Design for Fall's Arrival Dahlias and cosmos and roses—oh my! Celebrate the Autumn Equinox by embracing the rich, overflowing beauty of late summer blooms in this creative floral design workshop. You’ll create a lush, seasonal bouquet using fresh-cut flowers, and explore the delicate art of dried floral design. With expert guidance, you’ll learn techniques for arranging and preserving flowers while reflecting on the transition from summer’s peak into autumn’s quiet shift. All materials are provided. Clippers will be available, but feel free to bring your favorite pair if you have them.

Fungal Foundations: Mushrooms in NE Ecosystems

The Mycological Blueprint of New England Forests Join us for an illuminating lecture that delves into the essential, and often unseen, role of fungi in our region’s natural systems. Beneath every forest lies a complex fungal network that supports biodiversity, regulates soil health, and underpins the health of entire ecosystems. Led by Jonathan Kranz—Mass Audubon–certified naturalist and Vice President of the Boston Mycological Club—this talk will explore how fungi contribute to decomposition, nutrient cycling, and plant communication, with a focus on native species and local habitats. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how mushrooms are more than curious forest dwellers—they are ecological powerhouses crucial to the sustainability of New England’s woodlands. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, gardeners, and anyone interested in the science behind our forests.

Autumn Colors, Landscapes & Foliage

Through the Lens of Autumn Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of autumn as you explore the art of seasonal landscape photography. This hands-on workshop invites you to capture the golden light, vibrant foliage, and shifting textures that define fall in New England. Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll learn practical techniques for composing striking images, using natural light to your advantage, and enhancing the depth and drama of your photos. Whether you're shooting with a DSLR or a smartphone, this session will help you translate the beauty of the season through your lens. All levels of experience and all types of photography equipment are welcome. Come ready to slow down, tune in to the landscape, and see autumn from a fresh perspective.

Weekend of Wonder

Join New England Botanic Garden for a weekend full of legends and lore this autumn as the Garden is transformed into a realm of imagination, wonder, and magic. Enjoy brews and local fare at a garden, browse a magical marketplace, and discover an otherworldly dreamscape of unusual plants along the way. This weekend will feature enchanting crafts, workshops, and entertainment for all ages. Come dressed up as your favorite fantasy being! This event is included with General Admission. Learn more: <a href="https://nebg.org/weekend-of-wonder/">https://nebg.org/weekend-of-wonder/</a>

Gourd-geous Creations: The Art of Pumpkin Carving

Sculpt, Shade &amp; Spook: Master the Art of Pumpkin Carving Unlock the secrets of 3D pumpkin sculpting with master carver and Halloween Wars champion Paul Dever in this hands-on workshop perfect for artists, creative and Hallowe'en lovers alike.&nbsp; Whether you are a beginner or have some carving experience, Paul will guide you step-by-step through the process of transforming an ordinary pumpkin into a dimensional work of art. Learn how to select the right gourd, use professional carving tools, and apply advanced techniques like layering, sculpting, shading, and detailing facial expressions.&nbsp; Throughout the session, Paul will demonstrate his award-winning approach to carving squasn, offer 1:1 guidance, and encourage you to unleash your creativity. You'll leave not only with a spectacular pumpkin, but also with foundational sculpting skills you can use in future projects.&nbsp; All tools and materials are provided - just bring your curiosity and creative spirit!

Seeds to Sustenance: Nut Tree Symposium

Discover the power of nut trees at NEBG's Seeds to Sustenance symposium. Join us for our inaugural full-day symposium to explore the ecological, cultural and culinary value of nut trees in the Northeast - centred around the return of the American chestnut and expanding into broader themes of restoration, food systems, and climate resilience.&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

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

newenglandbg

Experiences