Arias Aloft on CommonStage: Free Circus and Opera Spectacle on Boston Common

As part of Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s CommonStage series, join Opera Untapped and Circus 617 for a one-of-a-kind pre-show performance before A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the Boston Common. Arias Aloft combines vocal acrobatics and physical virtuosity, featuring Boston’s leading circus artists and classical singers in a thrilling blend of opera, musical theater, cabaret, and breathtaking original circus acts. Created as a prelude to Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, Arias Aloft invites audiences into a world of whimsy, wonder, and enchantment, capturing the magic of a summer evening on the Boston Common. Featuring  Circus Artists: Rachel Barringer, Alex Jackson, Anna Soltys-Morse, Morgan Oldham Opera Artists: Erin Anderson, Kathryn McKellar, Omar Najmi, Brendon Shapiro (piano), and Julian Gau (cello) Creative Directors: Kathryn McKellar and Ellen Waylonis About the Artists: Circus 617 is a collective dedicated to highlighting Boston-area circus artists in new works of contemporary circus, created right here in the city we love. Circus 617 productions meld the spectacular, expressive physicality of circus with theatrical and musical methods of storytelling. Learn more about Circus 617's projects, including touring productions and recurring performance series, at <a href="http://www.circus617.com/">www.circus617.com</a>.  Opera Untapped Opera Untapped is a nonprofit opera company that creates imaginative performances and creative collaborations, bringing exceptional vocal artists to audiences in unexpected ways. Through partnerships with artists, cultural organizations, and communities, Opera Untapped creates distinctive experiences that celebrate the expressive power of the human voice, and invite new perspectives on opera. Learn more at<a href="http://www.operauntapped.com"> www.operauntapped.com</a>.

Boston Common

Arias Aloft: Chromatic

Join us for a magical evening of opera, musical theater, cabaret, and circus in the deCordova Sculpture Park! Spread a blanket on the ground, or bring your own chair for a wonderful, family-friendly evening. Circus 617 and Opera Untapped combine two thrilling art forms against a stunning backdrop of art in nature for a one-of-a-kind event. With vocal acrobatics and physical virtuosity featuring some of New England’s leading circus artists and classical singers, this performance showcases opera, musical theater, and cabaret classics paired with breathtaking original circus acts. Inspired by the unique natural surroundings of the Trustees of Reservation, Arias Aloft: Chromatic is shaped by the colors of the natural world—drawing audiences into a living landscape of music and movement, and capturing the beauty of a New England summer.&nbsp; Arias Aloft: Chromatic is supported in part by the Lincoln Cultural Council and by an Audeville Society Artists’ Grant. Featuring&nbsp; Circus Artists: Rachel Barringer, Mandy Hackman, Alexis Hedrick, Caroline Wright,&nbsp; Opera Artists: Allyson Bennett, Mary Kray, Kathryn McKellar, Erin Merceruio-Nelson, David Rivera Bozon, and Lindsay Albert Creative Directors: Kathryn McKellar and Ellen Waylonis About the Artists: Circus 617 is a collective dedicated to highlighting Boston-area circus artists in new works of contemporary circus, created right here in the city we love. Circus 617 productions meld the spectacular, expressive physicality of circus with theatrical and musical methods of storytelling. Learn more about Circus 617's projects, including touring productions and recurring performance series, at <a href="http://www.circus617.com/">www.circus617.com</a>.&nbsp; About Opera UntappedOpera UnTapped is a nonprofit organization that produces and presents accessible, relevant opera and vocal music performances in public and nontraditional spaces. With a strong track record of innovative programming and multidisciplinary collaboration, the organization activates opera as a community-centered storytelling art form. <a href="http://www.operaontapboston.com/">www.operauntapped.com</a>

deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum

Shellfish & Champagne

Opera Retreat at Little Dipper Farm: “Shellfish &amp; Champagne” Escape to Paris without leaving Connecticut. Featuring husband-and-wife performers Katrina Holden Buckley and Brendan Buckley, alongside pianist and accordionist Dan Rodriguez, this intimate cabaret weaves together the sophistication of French art song, the charm of cabaret, favorite musical theater selections, and timeless melodies that capture the spirit of Paris. The performance accompanies Little Dipper Farm's Shellfish &amp; Champagne dinner, a golden-hour feast of fresh shellfish and sparkling Champagne designed for savoring every moment. About Little Dipper Farm Little Dipper Farm is a welcoming retreat dedicated to sustainable agriculture, community engagement, and educational experiences. About Opera on Tap Boston Opera UnTapped brings the power of the classical voice to life in unexpected spaces, creating performances that are bold, intimate, and unforgettable.

Little Dipper Farm

Arias Aloft: Chromatic Join us for a magical evening of opera and circus at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill! Spread a blanket on the ground, or bring your own chair for a family-friendly evening in a stunning outdoor setting. Circus 617 and Opera Untapped combine two thrilling art forms against one of the Commonwealth's most breathtaking backdrops in Boylston, MA. With vocal acrobatics and physical virtuosity courtesy of some of New England’s leading circus artists and classical singers, this performance showcases opera, musical theater, and cabaret classics paired with breathtaking original circus acts. Inspired by the stunning natural surroundings of the Botanic Gardens, Arias Aloft: Chromatic is shaped by the colors of the natural world—drawing audiences into a living landscape of music and movement, capturing the beauty of a New England summer. Featuring&nbsp; Circus Artists: Rachel Barringer, Mandy Hackman, Alexis Hedrick, Caroline Wright Opera Artists: Allyson Bennett, Mary Kray, Kathryn McKellar, Erin Merceruio-Nelson, David Rivera Bozon, and Lindsay Albert (pianist) Creative Directors: Kathryn McKellar and Ellen Waylonis About the Artists: Circus 617 is a collective dedicated to highlighting Boston-area circus artists in new works of contemporary circus, created right here in the city we love. Circus 617 productions meld the spectacular, expressive physicality of circus with theatrical and musical methods of storytelling. Learn more about Circus 617's projects, including touring productions and recurring performance series, at <a href="http://www.circus617.com/">www.circus617.com</a>.&nbsp; About Opera Untapped Opera Untapped brings the power of the classical voice to life in unexpected spaces, creating performances that are bold, intimate, and unforgettable.<a href="http://www.operaontapboston.com/">www.operauntapped.com</a>

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

Arias Aloft: Chromatic Join us for a magical evening of opera and circus at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill! Spread a blanket on the ground, or bring your own chair for a family-friendly evening in a stunning outdoor setting. Circus 617 and Opera Untapped combine two thrilling art forms against one of the Commonwealth's most breathtaking backdrops in Boylston, MA. With vocal acrobatics and physical virtuosity courtesy of some of New England’s leading circus artists and classical singers, this performance showcases opera, musical theater, and cabaret classics paired with breathtaking original circus acts. Inspired by the stunning natural surroundings of the Botanic Gardens, Arias Aloft: Chromatic is shaped by the colors of the natural world—drawing audiences into a living landscape of music and movement, capturing the beauty of a New England summer. Featuring  Circus Artists: Rachel Barringer, Mandy Hackman, Alexis Hedrick, Caroline Wright Opera Artists: Allyson Bennett, Mary Kray, Kathryn McKellar, Erin Merceruio-Nelson, David Rivera Bozon, and Lindsay Albert (pianist) Creative Directors: Kathryn McKellar and Ellen Waylonis About the Artists: Circus 617 is a collective dedicated to highlighting Boston-area circus artists in new works of contemporary circus, created right here in the city we love. Circus 617 productions meld the spectacular, expressive physicality of circus with theatrical and musical methods of storytelling. Learn more about Circus 617's projects, including touring productions and recurring performance series, at <a href="http://www.circus617.com/">www.circus617.com</a>.  About Opera Untapped Opera Untapped brings the power of the classical voice to life in unexpected spaces, creating performances that are bold, intimate, and unforgettable.<a href="http://www.operaontapboston.com/">www.operauntapped.com</a>

Flowers and Opera - Opera, Flowers and a Food Drive

Flowers and Opera: Flowers, Opera, and a food drive Opera will ring out at the Allstonway this Spring!  Flowers and Opera is an outdoor event featuring a live opera concert by Opera Untapped, free flowers, and a food drive, all organized in the spirit of togetherness by local businesses. Come for the live opera and walk away with a fresh bouquet! Please bring something for the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry and share in this spring day of community with us!  Featuring: Leo Balkovetz, Laura Couch, Aurora Martin, David Rivera Bózon and Lindsay Albert (pianist) *Free and open to the public *Created by Matthew Kerstein of Simon’s Shoes and co-produced by Opera Untapped in collaboration with Tishman Speyer. Opera Untapped Opera Untapped produces accessible, relevant performances that bring the power of the classical voice to life through bold, intimate, and innovative programming. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and community engagement, Opera Untapped reimagines opera as a dynamic, contemporary storytelling art form. Learn more at<a href="http://www.operauntapped.com"> www.operauntapped.com</a>. Allston-Brighton Food Pantry The Allston Brighton Food Pantry believes that food access is a basic human right and works to build a community that is safe, sustainable, and just. Our approach is “human-first,” welcoming everyone to join in the mission of neighbors feeding neighbors in body, heart, and soul.  Their pantry wish list and direct donation links are below. Allston Brighton Food Pantry Wish List and Donation link: soy/oyster sauce, granola bars, cereal/instant oats, olive/sesame oil, shelf-stable tofu, seasonings, nori, nuts, sweet or savory snacks, broth  <a href="https://abfoodpantry.com/donate/">https://abfoodpantry.com/donate/</a>

Allstonway

Opera will ring out at the Allstonway this Spring!  Flowers and Opera is an outdoor event featuring live opera from the artists of Opera on Tap Boston, flowers, and a food drive, all organized in the spirit of togetherness by local businesses. Come for the live opera and walk away with a fresh bouquet!    Please bring something for the Brookline Food Pantry collection box and share in this spring day of community with us! Featuring: Leo Balkovetz, Laura Couch, Aurora Martin, David Rivera Bózon and Lindsay Albert (pianist) *Free and open to the public *Created by Matthew Kerstein of Simon’s Shoes and co-produced by Opera Untapped in collaboration with Tishman Speyer. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Brookline Commission for the Arts, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Opera Untapped Opera Untapped produces accessible, relevant performances that bring the power of the classical voice to life through bold, intimate, and innovative programming. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and community engagement, Opera Untapped reimagines opera as a dynamic, contemporary storytelling art form. Learn more at<a href="http://www.operauntapped.com/"> www.operauntapped.com</a>. About the Brookline Food Pantry From its inception in 1984 as an emergency food pantry with a single location at St. Paul’s Church, the Brookline Food Pantry has grown to meet the increasing need of those in our town who are food insecure.  We now serve over 600 households each week at our three locations, as well as an average of 400+ students through our Thrives weekend food program.  Our clients represent every age and background, including children and seniors, recent immigrants and longtime residents, the well and the disabled. The Food Pantry has become a key player in our town.

Allstonway 

Flowers, Opera and a Food Drive Opera will ring out in Coolidge Corner this Spring! Flowers and Opera Returns to the S.S. Pierce Walkway Saturday, June 6 at 2pm.&nbsp; Flowers and Opera is an outdoor event featuring live opera from the artists of Opera on Tap Boston, flowers, and a food drive, all organized in the spirit of togetherness by local businesses. Come for the live opera and walk away with a fresh bouquet!&nbsp;&nbsp;Please bring something for the Brookline Food Pantry collection box and share in this spring day of community with us! *Free and open to the public *Produced by Simon’s Shoes in collaboration with Brookline Commission for the Arts, Mass Cultural Council, and the<a href="https://brooklinefoodpantry.org/">&nbsp;Brookline Food Pantry</a> This program is supported in part by a grant from the Brookline Commission for the Arts, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Opera Untapped Opera Untapped produces accessible, relevant performances that bring the power of the classical voice to life through bold, intimate, and innovative programming. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and community engagement, Opera Untapped reimagines opera as a dynamic, contemporary storytelling art form. Learn more at<a href="http://www.operauntapped.com/">&nbsp;www.operauntapped.com</a>. About the Brookline Food Pantry From its inception in 1984 as an emergency food pantry with a single location at St. Paul’s Church, the Brookline Food Pantry has grown to meet the increasing need of those in our town who are food insecure.&nbsp;We now serve over 600 households each week at our three locations, as well as an average of 400+ students through our Thrives weekend food program.&nbsp;Our clients represent every age and background, including children and seniors, recent immigrants and longtime residents, the well and the disabled. The Food Pantry has become a key player in our town.

S.S. Pierce Walkway, Coolidge Corner

Sing into Spring!

Opera Untapped and the Somerville Community Growing Center presents: Sing into Spring! A family-friendly celebration of spring returns to the Somerville Community Growing Center. Join Opera UnTapped and the Friends of the Growing Center for a joyful afternoon of music, nature, and community. Pack a picnic, meet up with friends, and explore the garden as it comes alive for the season. The afternoon includes hands-on craft activities, a garden tour, and a chance to learn about pollinators and how to support them at home. Along the way, Opera UnTapped artists will share a program of music inspired by the natural world. Whether you’re a bumblebee, a moth, or a black digger wasp, there’s something here for curious minds of all ages. Come spend the afternoon with us — celebrating growth, connection, and the joy of live music in a truly special outdoor space. Featuring: Erin Merceruio Nelson, Laura Couch, Sol Kim Bentley, and (pianist) *Bring your butterfly or fairy wings and delight in an afternoon of arts and culture with no stuffy dress code. This event is presented with support from the Somerville Arts Council, the Mass Cultural Council, and the Somerville Garden Club. To learn more, check out the <a href="https://voice.somervillema.gov/somerville-pollinator-action-plan">Somerville Pollinator Action Plan</a>.

The Somerville Community Growing Center

Sing into Spring! A family-friendly celebration of spring returns to the Somerville Community Growing Center. Join Opera UnTapped and the Friends of the Growing Center for a joyful afternoon of music, nature, and community. Pack a picnic, meet up with friends, and explore the garden as it comes alive for the season. The afternoon includes hands-on craft activities, a garden tour, and a chance to learn about pollinators and how to support them at home. Along the way, Opera UnTapped artists will share a program of music inspired by the natural world. Whether you’re a bumblebee, a moth, or a black digger wasp, there’s something here for curious minds of all ages. Come spend the afternoon with us — celebrating growth, connection, and the joy of live music in a truly special outdoor space. Featuring: Erin Merceruio Nelson, Laura Couch, Sol Kim Bentley, and James Myers *Bring your butterfly or fairy wings and delight in an afternoon of arts and culture with no stuffy dress code. This event is presented with support from the Somerville Arts Council, the Mass Cultural Council, and the Somerville Garden Club. To learn more, check out the <a href="https://voice.somervillema.gov/somerville-pollinator-action-plan">Somerville Pollinator Action Plan</a>.

Somerville Community Growing Center

Shakespeare of Harlem

Shakespeare of Harlem: Exploring the Life and Legacy of Langston Hughes Join Opera on Tap Boston for Shakespeare of Harlem, a concert celebrating the life, work, and enduring influence of Langston Hughes. The program weaves Hughes’ poetry and prose with art songs by composers such as Margaret Bonds and Florence Price, alongside the voices of his contemporaries, including Georgia Douglas Johnson and Countee Cullen. An ensemble of celebrated local actor-singers brings the text and music to life, illuminating the ideas, experiences, and cultural moments that shaped Hughes as a writer. The performance will be followed by a talkback, offering audiences a chance to discuss with the artists and the material in conversation. Free and open to the public; registration is required. Featuring: Morgan Beckford, Soprano Melynda Davis, Soprano Todd McNeel, Baritone Fred C. VanNess Jr., Tenor Julian Gau, Pianist Producers: Nina Evelyn and Kathryn McKellar When: February 26, 6–7 PM (talkback to follow) Where: Cambridge Public Library Lecture Hall, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138 # Black History Month #BlackJoy

Cambridge Public Library

Drunk Opera History: Messiah Edition

Opera on Tap Boston Presents: Drunk Opera History Messiah Edition It’s a Messiah sing like you’ve never heard it before! Dust off your score, grab a beverage and join us for our annual holiday celebration where we’ll dish the dirt on Handel and his famous oratorio. Get into the holiday spirit with all your Messiah favorites including a rousing barroom Hallelujah chorus! Featuring: Sarah Callinan, soprano; Caitlin Felsman, mezzo-soprano; Wes Hunter, tenor; David Smyth, Bass; and Mike Pfitzer as our Drunk Historian! Accessible seating is available; please contact us at 413-200-0425 or <a href="mailto:accessibility@parlorroom.org">accessibility@parlorroom.org</a> for more information. *discounts available for groups of 10 or more! (email <a href="mailto:Boston@operaontap.com">Boston@operaontap.com</a> to check availability)

The Iron Horse

Opera on Tap Boston Presents: Drunk Opera History Messiah Edition It’s a Messiah sing like you’ve never heard it before! Dust off your score, grab a beverage and join us for our annual holiday celebration where we’ll dish the dirt on Handel and his famous oratorio. Get into the holiday spirit with all your Messiah favorites including a rousing barroom Hallelujah chorus! Featuring: Sarah Callinan, soprano; Caitlin Felsman, mezzo-soprano; Wes Hunter, tenor; David Smyth, Bass; and Mike Pfitzer as our Drunk Historian! "The Burren is one of Boston's truly unique places. It captures the mythical nature of its namesake with a rich old-world feel that takes hold &amp; slowly pulls you toward another time. " Ticket Prices: $25 in advance. $30 at the door. $12 Students (Children 10 and under free)&nbsp; *discounts available for groups of 10 or more! (email Boston@operaontap.com to check availability)&nbsp;

The Burren

Ghost Stores and Fairy Tales: Opera on Tap Halloween Brunch at the Burren

Opera on Tap Boston Presents: Ghost Stories and Fairy Tales Halloween Brunch Saturday October 25th 11:30pm-1:30pm Back by popular demand! Opera on Tap Boston is at the Burren this October with some scary tales… and fairy tales!  Celebrate the spookiest season on a journey through Opera’s best of the ghoulish and fantastical; proud witches, vengeful queens, fanciful fairies, and more.  Add us to your list of fall activities and order a festive brew as you catch some of the area’s best classical singers in an epic afternoon of haunting music over brunch.   Opera singers always love an excuse to wear a costume, so feel free to join in the fun!  Featuring: Allyson Bennett, Laura McHugh, Noah B. Rogers, Arielle Rogers-Wilkey and Brendon Shapiro Ticket Prices: $25 in advance. $30 at the door | Children 10 and under $5. (Children under 3 are free) Opera singers always love an excuse to wear a costume, so feel free to join in the fun!  "The Burren is one of Boston's truly unique places. It captures the mythical nature of its namesake with a rich old-world feel that takes hold &amp; slowly pulls you toward another time. " Learn more: <a href="https://www.operaontapboston.com/events/halloweenbrunch2025">https://www.operaontapboston.com/events/halloweenbrunch2025</a>

Arias Aloft: Midsummer Magic

Join us for a magical evening of opera and circus at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill! Spread a blanket on the ground, or bring your own chair for a family-friendly evening in a stunning outdoor setting. Circus 617 and Opera on Tap Boston combine two thrilling art forms against one of the Commonwealth's most breathtaking backdrops in Boylston, MA. Featuring vocal acrobatics and physical virtuosity courtesy of some of Boston's leading circus artists and classical singers, this performance showcases opera, musical theater, and cabaret classics paired with breathtaking original circus acts. Inspired by the stunning natural surroundings of the Botanic Gardens, Arias Aloft: Midsummer Magic invites audiences into a world of whimsy, wonder, and the mystical beauty of nature—capturing the true enchantment of a New England summer. About the Artists: Circus 617 is a collective dedicated to highlighting Boston-area circus artists in new works of contemporary circus, created right here in the city we love. Circus 617 productions meld the spectacular, expressive physicality of circus with theatrical and musical methods of storytelling. Learn more about Circus 617's projects, including touring productions and recurring performance series, at <a href="http://www.circus617.com/">www.circus617.com</a>.&nbsp; Opera on Tap Boston is a Boston based organization dedicated to bringing opera and classical music to diverse audiences in unconventional and accessible spaces. Through innovative programming and engaging performances, Opera on Tap Boston strives to make classical music an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all.&nbsp; Learn more at <a href="http://www.operaontapboston.com/">www.operaontapboston.com</a> Details:&nbsp; Arias Aloft: Midsummer Magic New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill Sunday, July 13, 2025 (Rain date: Sunday, July 27) 6–7:30PM (doors open at 5:15PM) Tickets: Member Adult: $26; Member Youth (age 4-12): $8 Adult: $36; Youth (age 4-12): $12 Children 3 and under: Free (must still register) Circus Artists: Alissa Feller, Rin Judith, Sophie Kaufman, Tori Markwalder, Reece Matthews Opera Artists:&nbsp; Erin Anderson, Jamie Korkos, Kathryn McKellar, Arielle Rogers-Wilkey Pianists: Sally Naredla and Julian Gau Creative Directors: Kathryn McKellar and Ellen Waylonis

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill 

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 📈

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.

operauntapped

Experiences

Arias Aloft on CommonStage: Free Circus and Opera Spectacle on Boston Common

Arias Aloft: Chromatic

Shellfish & Champagne

Arias Aloft: Chromatic

Arias Aloft: Chromatic

Flowers and Opera - Opera, Flowers and a Food Drive

Flowers and Opera - Opera, Flowers and a Food Drive

Flowers and Opera - Opera, Flowers and a Food Drive

Sing into Spring!

Sing into Spring!

Shakespeare of Harlem

Drunk Opera History: Messiah Edition

Drunk Opera History: Messiah Edition

Ghost Stores and Fairy Tales: Opera on Tap Halloween Brunch at the Burren

Arias Aloft: Midsummer Magic