Spring Awakening at New England Botanic Garden

Come and celebrate the return of spring at New England Botanic Garden with Spring Awakening, an enchanting exhibit showcasing artwork by the New England Society of Botanical Artists. On display in the Milton Gallery, these stunning pieces highlight the vibrant resurgence of nature through an exquisite array of spring flowers, luscious fruits, and fresh foliage, inviting you to experience the beauty and renewal of the season. Learn more at <a href="https://nebg.org/nesba/">https://nebg.org/nesba/</a>.

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

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/.

Trips & Tours: Berkshire Botanic Garden

Join New England Botanic Garden for a behind-the-scenes tour of historic Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge, MA. Established in 1934 and revered as one of the older public display gardens in the Northeast, Berkshire Botanical Garden is a not-for-profit, membership-supported educational organization encompassing 24 acres of land in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. A showcase of horticulture and garden design and a “museum of living things,” Berkshire Botanical Garden features dozens of display areas that are educational, functional, and highly ornamental, with plant collections emphasizing plants that are native to the Northeast or that thrive in Zone 5b. Among the oldest in the region, the gardens have evolved and expanded over the years in breadth and variety, with its newest, "Lucy's Garden" featuring topiary animals and other 'live' sculptures, opened in June, 2019.&nbsp; A gourmet lunch box and all travel is include in the ticket price. Please arrive at NEBG 20 minutes before departure at 9am. A NEBG staff member will be joining for the day to manage the tour logistics. You will receive an email with instructions prior to the tour.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill 

Spring Horticulture Walk & Talk

Join the Garden’s own horticulture experts for a seasonal walk and talk, focusing on the season. Learn about the some of the first plants in New England Botanic Garden’s collection as well as some of the new additions. Instructor: Hunter Blanchard Hunter Blanchard serves as Horticulturist 2 at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, MA. He has been with the organization since 2018, serving in roles that allow him to share his passion for making plants accessible to people and for nurturing growing things. Today, Hunter leads a three-person team responsible for 10 acres of naturalistic garden spaces that foster plant biodiversity and support pollinator populations through a focus on North American native plant species. He enjoys interpreting these garden spaces for visitors through tours and talks, hoping that these learning opportunities inspire people to engage more with plants at home or in other areas of their lives.

Watercolors in the Conservatory with Linda

Painting outdoors can be lovely and wonderful but that's not always possible when the weather gets cooler. Fortunately for us, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill has beautiful indoor conservatories with an array of plants to enjoy year-round! Walk together through the Orangery and sit with a watercolor journal, water brushes, and watercolor paints to create your own depiction of the amazing flora NEBG has to share.&nbsp; Learn the basics of watercolor painting by experimenting with different brushes and water amounts. Discover how watercolors mix with materials like salt and ink, and see how these techniques affect your artwork. Create your own piece in the subtropical conservatory while exploring how watercolors behave and how to control their flow.

Paws & Breathe: Forest Bathing with Your Dog

Join Nadine Mazzola, certified forest therapy guide, consultant and author of the award-winning book “Forest Bathing with Your Dog”, to learn how to do forest bathing invitations with your dog. Your dog will even be your guide! This outdoor experience called forest bathing is inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin yoku which means taking the atmosphere of the forest with your senses. Do you hate to leave your dog behind? With her years of experience, Nadine has developed her own way of bringing these two things together combining her experience as a certified forest therapy guide and a dog owner. Spending time in nature with her dog and forest bathing are two of Nadine’s favorite things to do. Using our senses to slow down and bring us to the present moment is the way of a Shinrin Yoku walk. So often our walks can be something we have to get done, rushed or full of conversation on our phones. Instead, learn how to make part of your walk a time to slow down, connect and release the stress in the Shinrin Yoku way. Even make it part of a mindfulness practice with your dog! Suggested equipment: Extra-long leash. My preference is to use a 20-foot training lead. I will have extras if you'd like to try one out.

Evening Flow: Yoga for Everyone

Experience an all-levels yoga flow in our lush subtropical conservatory, a serene and welcoming space for movement, mindfulness, and connection. This inclusive class is open to all, embracing diverse identities and experiences.&nbsp; Please bring your own yoga mat and any props you prefer; we do have a limited number of mats available to borrow. As temperatures may vary, we recommend dressing in layers and bringing a blanket for added comfort.

Experiments with Watercolors at New England Botanic Garden

Play and experiment with watercolors and see what they do! Participants will get to explore how watercolors work and feel using a variety of brushes and different quantities of water. They will also get to see how watercolors mix with other materials, such as salt and ink. At the end participants will try out painting their own picture either from life or imagination! All materials are included. Instructor: Victoria Chapman Victoria K. Chapman is a fine artist, illustrator, author, and teacher whose art shares joy in nature, wildlife, the Earth, mindfulness, and imagination. She grew up in New England and earned her BFA in illustration from the University of Connecticut. Victoria is a pre-published author and illustrator of children’s picture books. Through her art and stories, she wishes to share with children and grown-ups the joy and beauty of nature, the outdoors, and a care for all the diverse life on this planet.

Music In Bloom at New England Botanic Garden

Join New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill and Juventas New Music Ensemble for an unforgettable evening of music al fresco. Experience the gardens at golden hour and discover a series of musical performances along the way. From a grand piano, clarinet, and violin trio in the Orangerie, to a string quartet in the Lawn Garden, guests will be able to take a stroll and enjoy an artistic and meaningful musical experience performed by small ensembles of musicians interspersed throughout the gardens. This special event, designed as roving concert, showcases luminous music by emerging composers, performed by some of Boston’s foremost chamber musicians. Learn more and reserve tickets at: <a href="https://nebg.org/music-in-bloom/">https://nebg.org/music-in-bloom/</a>

Chinese Empresses by Xiang Li at New England Botanic Garden

Experience the inspiring work of internationally acclaimed artist Xiang Li in a captivating exhibition celebrating historical empresses of China. Exhibiting for the first time in full, this impressive collection features over 200 empresses intricately hand-painted on silk using traditional Chinese watercolor techniques. Informed by decades of research, study, and practice, Xiang Li’s portrayals of each empress incorporate elements of nature, in particular floral forms, conveying the rich sense of symbolism woven into traditional Chinese culture and honoring the unsung women who shaped dynasties. Chinese Empresses will be on display in the Milton and Fern Galleries at New England Botanic Garden. While the exhibition is on view, visitors can enjoy a number of exciting learning opportunities and engaging programs to further enrich the experience of Xiang Li’s artwork. The Garden Shop will also be featuring a new exhibition book by Xiang Li and co-author Fei Wu, as well as a variety of products that feature the beautiful and empowering images from the Chinese Empresses exhibition. Learn more at: https://nebg.org/chinese-empresses/

Seasonal Pruning Workshop: Late Spring

With a focus on spring-flowering shrubs and trees that bloom on last season's growth, learn the best techniques for pruning to promote healthy growing and stunning displays of flowers. Instructors: NEBG Staff Hunter Blanchard Hunter Blanchard serves as Horticulturist 2 at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, MA. He has been with the organization since 2018, serving in roles that allow him to share his passion for making plants accessible to people and for nurturing growing things. Today, Hunter leads a three-person team responsible for 10 acres of naturalistic garden spaces that foster plant biodiversity and support pollinator populations through a focus on North American native plant species. Alyson Prokop With over a decade of experience in botanical research, education, and garden management, Alyson brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to NEBG and the Education Team. In her role as Manager of Adult Education, Alyson is passionate about advancing plant sciences learning and biodiversity through inclusive initiatives at botanical gardens. Her dedication to promoting botanical education is evident in her previous work at Royal Botanical Gardens Canada, where she coordinated workshops, tours, and community programming with a strong focus on food security issues. Alyson's background includes formal training in plant sciences and economic botany, holding a BSc in Plant Biology and graduate studies for a MSc in Plant Pathology from the University of Guelph. Her career path has led her to managerial and curatorial roles, particularly in collections management and education.

Thursday Summer Evenings at New England Botanic Garden

June &amp; July | 5–9PM August | 5–8PM Unplug, recharge, and escape to New England Botanic Garden this summer. Enjoy live music from talented local musicians, sip refreshing craft beers and cocktails, play lawn games, and savor delicious dinner specials. Wander the Garden’s woodland trails, admire the vibrant summer blooms, and enjoy colorful sunsets over the Wachusett Reservoir. Plus, discover an exciting lineup of workshops and classes for all ages — perfect for sparking creativity and connecting with nature. Let the summer fun begin! Thursday evenings are perfect for an after-work social, a fun night with friends, or a memorable evening with your family. Your new favorite tradition awaits! More information at: <a href="https://nebg.org/thursday-summer-evenings/">https://nebg.org/thursday-summer-evenings/</a>

En Plein Air Painting: Watercolors with Nadine

Spring is the perfect time for painting with watercolors outdoors “en plein air". Using compact, travel-ready supplies, we will explore the gardens and paint together.&nbsp; All materials included. Instructor: Nadine Mazzola Nadine is an award winning author of the Certified Forest Therapy Guide and founder/director of New England Nature and Forest Therapy Consulting based in Massachusetts. She is also a trainer, mentor and advisor for the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT). Nadine's training includes special knowledge in guiding people of all ages in Shinrin-Yoku, "Forest Bathing," walks and the body of scientific knowledge demonstrating the benefits of spending time in nature as a wellness practice and an effective way to manage stress. She has come to know the healing and support that nature can offer us through her own personal wellness journey. Also an artist, she facilitates Expressive Arts classes at the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden, often incorporating elements of forest therapy throughout. She works with a wide variety of populations including the corporate business world, wellness professionals, people affected by cancer, students, special needs and seniors. Nadine is available for consulting, private or group forest bathing half-day and full-day workshops, and speaking engagements.

Midsummer Celebration: Floral Crowns for the Summer Solstice

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with a nod to Nordic traditions by crafting your own floral crown using fresh, seasonal blooms.&nbsp;Embrace the vibrant energy of summer as you explore ways to blend cultures and create new traditions.&nbsp; Enjoy a glass of honey mead wine as you honor the season’s spirit of creativity and connection. Samantha Paradis founded Sam's Stems in 2023, driven by a passion for using the art of flowers to foster a more interconnected community. Starting at local farmers markets, Samantha showcased her nature-inspired art in addition to offering unique experiences like fresh flower bars and custom dried flower crowns at New England festivals and events. As Sam's Stems blossomed, she expanded into private events and weddings, catering to diverse esthetics. Committed to supporting local flower farmers in Massachusetts and maximizing the life of each bloom through drying and preservation, Samantha blends sustainability with artistry in every creation.

Work in the Spring Garden at New England Botanic Garden

Join our hands-on workshop focused on summer gardening essentials. Discover best practices for pruning, natural pest management, water-wise irrigation, and seasonal care for your edible and native plants. Instructors: Lucy Smith &amp; Nathan Fournier, Reimagined Roots Lucy Smith, VP of Sales and Design, Reimagined Roots With a BA in Economics and Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Lucy’s passion for food sovereignty and ecological restoration led her to study permaculture across Thailand, Hawaii, and Costa Rica. Her work focuses on reconnecting people with indigenous agricultural wisdom and fostering resilient plant communities. After earning her Permaculture Design Certificate at Finca Tierra in Costa Rica, Lucy began designing landscapes along the East Coast, specializing in landscapes that blend biodiversity, beauty, and functionality. She later partnered with Nate to bring ecologically rich, immersive gardens to the Reimagined Roots community in Central MA. Nate Fournier, Founder and CEO, Reimagined Roots With a strong foundation in engineering, design, and construction, Nate discovered his calling in ecological landscape design after taking his first Permaculture Design Course (PDC) with Geoff Lawton in 2014. His passion lies in creating dynamic landscapes that serve as thriving ecosystems—providing food, habitat, and natural beauty while fostering harmony between people and the land. Nate has since completed three PDCs, earned his General Contractor’s license, and studied regenerative agriculture internationally. In 2020, he launched Reimagined Roots, a landscaping firm dedicated to building vibrant, sustainable landscapes that connect communities with the natural world.

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.