Arthur's 30th Birthday Bash at the BPL

Hey, what a wonderful kind of day! Join us at the GBH Boston Public Library Studio on November 14 at 11 AM to celebrate 30 years of everyone’s favorite aardvark, Arthur! Little ones and Arthur fans of all ages are invited to join the fun with Arthur-themed coloring activities, face painting, episode screenings, and a very special visit from Arthur himself. Come celebrate three decades of friendship, fun, and learning with us. We can’t wait to see you there!

GBH Studio at the Boston Public Library

Can MA Make History in Healthcare Again - A Debate

Join Ian Coss, host of The Big Dig podcast from GBH News, for a special live taping about the future of American healthcare. In the podcast’s latest season, “<a href="https://www.wgbh.org/podcasts/mitt-ted-a-healthcare-story">Mitt &amp; Ted, a healthcare story</a>,” Coss explores how Massachusetts made history with the law we know as ‘Romneycare’, paving the way for nearly every resident of the state to get health insurance. Now he wants to know if MA can make history again by creating the nation’s first ‘single-payer’ health system – the kind that Canada, the UK and much of the world have; the kind where everyone gets their insurance straight from the government.&nbsp; So how would that kind of system work here? Would people like it? Could we afford to pay for it? Or is Medicare-for-All just a nice sounding slogan that can never actually happen? On November 18th – we debate.&nbsp; For the live taping, Coss will be joined on stage by State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa, MIT Professor Jonathan Gruber, and other special guests.

GBH Studios

Disability ReFramed: Celebrating Our Childhood on TV

Please join us for this year’s Disability ReFramed panel discussion, Celebrating Our Childhood on TV, during which we’ll spotlight the recently launched <a href="https://americanarchive.org/special_collections/children-and-disabilities">AAPB Special Collection: Representing Children with Disabilities on Public Television</a>, which illustrates how public media has consistently led the way in improving accessibility, representation, and inclusive storytelling. Our panelists, disability rights activist and author <a href="https://emilyladau.com/">Emily Ladau</a> and violinist <a href="https://www.adriananantawan.com/">Adrian Anantawan</a>, will share how their lives were impacted by seeing themselves represented onscreen during their formative years. The conversation will be moderated by <a href="https://www.wgbh.org/people/claire-houston">Claire Houston</a> of the <a href="https://www.wgbh.org/foundation/services/ncam">National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM)</a> at GBH, whose research into disability-focused public programs led to the creation of the AAPB Special Collection. Public media has always told the stories that speak to all viewers in the most accessible way. The GBH show “ZOOM” was the first open-captioned children’s television show and — funded by the Department of Education — featured disabled “ZOOMguests” to support the transition of disabled students into mainstream schools. Other shows like “Feeling Free” created a place just for disabled children, while still others — including “Sesame Street,” “Mister Rogers Neighborhood,” and “Arthur” — featured disabled actors, guests, or characters. For an entire generation, these were memorable television firsts. Plus, view behind-the-scenes items from the Special Collection . . . Before the discussion, join us in the GBH Atrium for a light reception and view select items from the <a href="https://americanarchive.org/special_collections/children-and-disabilities">new special collection</a>, highlighting public media’s long‑standing work to amplify the experiences of children with disabilities — many in shows produced right here at GBH! A joint project of the AAPB, MLA, NCAM, and the Media Access Group, this collection reflects a shared commitment to accessibility across GBH.

Kick Off Summer: A Celebration of Our Nation’s 250th Birthday with America's Awesome Kids!

Kick off summer with GBH at the GBH studio at the Boston Public Library on June 20 at 11 AM for a free community celebration! GBH is marking our nation’s upcoming 250th birthday with the launch of America’s Awesome Kids, a new series of mini‑docs featuring real kids from across the country—highlighting their diverse geographies, talents, traditions, and experiences. Enjoy hands‑on activities, face painting, photo ops with your favorite PBS KIDS characters, and plenty of awesome kids in the spotlight. As we look ahead to America’s 250th anniversary, GBH is excited to celebrate the next generation of leaders—kids who are helping their communities, sharing their stories, and flexing their civic skills. Come celebrate summer, our community, and the awesome kids shaping tomorrow!

The Legacy of the Battle of Bunker Hill

On the eve of the 251st anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, the City of Boston, the Charlestown Historical Society and public media leader GBH will host a special screening and conversation with selections from Ken Burns’ award-winning PBS documentary The American Revolution, featuring the battle of Bunker Hill. The event will take place on Tuesday, June 16, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Bunker Hill Museum Community Room, 43 Monument Square, street level, Charlestown. Residents from Charlestown, Boston and beyond are invited to gather in the shadow of the Bunker Hill Monument for the screening, followed by conversation with Battle of Bunker Hill historians, archaeologists, researchers and descendants of those who fought on June 17, 1775. As part of the event, the Charlestown Historical Society will feature participants from its annual Brothers of the Battle of Bunker Hill descendant program and launch its newest public history initiative, Revolutionary Roadshow, which showcases family artifacts, heirlooms, documents, journals and ephemera preserved by descendants of Battle of Bunker Hill soldiers.

Bunker Hill Museum Community room

Stories from the Stage: What A Gift!

Stories from the Stage invites you to our Brighton studio for an evening inspired by gift giving! Some gifts come wrapped joyfully in ribbon - exactly what you need! While others arrive packaged with disappointment, anger, or shock - and nothing you wanted! Whether the perfect or the worst present – come listen to true, empowering stories about the gifts that changed, challenged, or caught individuals completely off-guard. You will find yourself saying, “Wow—what a gift!” At Stories from the Stage, produced by GBH WORLD, ordinary people share extraordinary experiences that you will not soon forget. In each taping, we get up-close and personal with storytellers about what inspires them and the craft of storytelling. Join us! 6:30pm Doors open to GBH's Atrium 7:00pm Doors open to GBH's Calderwood Studio for seating Event registration is required. Seating is general admission. This event is presented with support from our sponsor, <a href="https://www.libertymutual.com/">Liberty Mutual</a>.

GBH Presents Behind-the-Scenes of FRONTLINE’s 2000 Meters to Andriivka

You are invited to join FRONTLINE and filmmakers for an inside look behind FRONTLINE’s new film, 2000 Meters to Andriivka. See an exclusive extended clip from the film, followed by a panel conversation and Q&amp;A featuring:<ul><li>Mstyslav Chernov, Oscar®-winning Filmmaker </li><li>Raney Aronson-Rath, FRONTLINE Editor-in-Chief &amp; Executive Producer, Oscar®-winning Producer</li><li>Michelle Mizner, Oscar®-winning Producer &amp; Editor</li></ul>From the Oscar®-winning team behind 20 Days in Mariupol, 2000 Meters to Andriivka documents the toll of the Russia-Ukraine war from a personal and devastating vantage point. Following his historic account of the civilian toll in Mariupol, Mstyslav Chernov turns his lens toward Ukrainian soldiers — who they are, where they came from, and the impossible decisions they face in the trenches as they fight for every inch of their land.

Disability Reframed: A Growing Community

More than 70 million adults in the U.S.—that’s 1 in 4 people—live with a disability; some since birth, some developed over time, and some lives changed unexpectedly. The disabilities community is growing, and no matter how it arrives in your life, a disability is a natural aspect of the human experience. People with disabilities deserve our recognition and support. Join us in person or virtually on June 26, when disability advocate Nicole Agois Hurel, Managing Director of <a href="https://opendoorartsma.org/">Open Door Arts</a>, will moderate a conversation on ways to be more welcoming and provide resources for people of differing abilities, how to navigate life’s changes with resilience and adaptation, and how together we will build a stronger, more supportive and connected community. Joining Nicole on stage are Keisha Greaves, a motivational speaker, former Muscular Dystrophy Association National Spokesperson, and founder of the company <a href="https://girlschronicallyrock.com/">Girls Chronically Rock</a>; Carl Richardson, the long time Coordinator for implementation of the the Americans with Disability Act, 504, and Diversity Officer for the <a href="https://www.mass.gov/state-house-accessibility">Massachusetts State House</a>; and Tina Zhu Xi Caruso, a visually impaired photographer, disability advocate and participant in the Netflix series <a href="https://youtu.be/kX-QbcXyZug?si=hJZpjgAwqoAy9LYe">Love on the Spectrum</a>. Disability ReFramed is a GBH annual conversation that imagines what the future could be. Come and network prior to the event and learn more from local partner organizations presenting in the GBH Atrium. Please send us your great questions for our panelists! Event registration is FREE but required for the in-person and virtual experience. In-person seating is general admission. This event will be recorded and shared after the event. GBH’s Yawkey theater and public spaces are fully accessible, and there will be Covid-conscious seating available in the Atrium (where the livestream will air) for anyone who would prefer a less-crowded space; masks will be available. This event will be captioned using CART, and will have American Sign Language interpreters (ASL). Both will be available for live and virtual audiences. If you would like to request an additional accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please email <a href="mailto:Accessibility@WGBH.org">Accessibility@WGBH.org</a> or call Audience and Member Services at 617-300-3300 (M-F, 9am-5pm) in advance of your visit. Please note that we will make every effort to secure services, but that services are subject to availability and requests are appreciated by June 16. This event is presented with support from our sponsors: the <a href="https://www.mos.org/being-human">Museum of Science</a>, <a href="https://vinfen.org/">Vinfen, </a><a href="https://www.bentley.edu/">and Bentley University</a> ﻿Image description: In the colors of the disability pride flag, line-drawn people form a circle. They represent people with disabilities including a person in a wheelchair, using a prosthetic leg, holding a white cane, and standing with a service dog. // Title - Disability Reframed a growing community. June 26, 2025 from 6 to 9 pm at GBH. Moderated by Nicole Agois.

GBH 

Stories from the Stage Celebrates Motherhood

Honor the mother figure in your life with this evening of stories celebrating motherhood in all of its forms. More than just a night out, this storytelling event is a heartfelt tribute to moms, mentors, and caregivers—the ones who lift us up, hold us steady, and shape our lives with love. Whether you are a mother yourself or someone who has been touched by one, these powerful stories will honor the strength, sacrifice, and joy of nurturing loved ones. Through moments of resilience, laughter, and deep connection, our storytellers will remind us why motherhood—however it unfolds—is one of life’s most profound journeys. This evening is a tribute to the mothers in our lives. At Stories from the Stage, produced by GBH WORLD, ordinary people share extraordinary experiences that you will not soon forget. You’ll hear stories of love and loss, amazing adventures, incredible surprises, and unexpected triumphs. In each taping, we get up-close and personal with storytellers about what inspires them and the craft of storytelling. Join us! Each ticket includes:  · A seat on the set of Stories from the Stage: Maternal Instinct · A drink token for a refreshing glass or wine or beer (additional beverages can be purchased on site) · Light nibbles from our partners SamosaMan and The Ancient Bakers · Complimentary parking 6:30pm Doors open to GBH's Atrium where light refreshments are available 7:00pm Doors open to GBH's Calderwood Studio for seating Complimentary treats will be provided by <a href="https://www.samosaman.com/">SamosaMan</a> and <a href="https://the-ancient-bakers.myshopify.com/">The Ancient Bakers</a> .

Accessing Reliable Information

In this fireside chat, legal scholar&nbsp;Martha Minow, 300th Anniversary University Professor at Harvard University and GBH Board Chair, sits down with Librarian of Congress&nbsp;Carla Hayden&nbsp;to talk about accessing reliable information in a world riddled with misinformation. Opening remarks for this conversation will be provided by&nbsp;David Leonard, President, Boston Public Library and&nbsp;Susan Goldberg, President &amp; CEO, GBH. Please join us for community talks at the Boston Public Library. All are free and open to the public; limited seating is available on a first come, first serve basis. Please RSVP in advance for this free event.

Boston Public Library 

Misinformation and Civil Discourse 

What happens when false or misleading information runs up against the need for open civil discourse? In this lively conversation, a leading expert on AI and social networks and a champion of civil discourse will explore where their work overlaps, where it clashes, and how the media should be covering it all. This session will feature:<ul><li>Deb Roy, Director &amp; Principal Investigator, MIT Center for Constructive Communication&nbsp;</li><li>Rajiv Vinnakota, President, The Institute for Students &amp; Scholars&nbsp;</li><li>Lee Hill, Executive Editor, GBH News&nbsp;(moderator)</li></ul>Please join us for community talks at the GBH Studio at the Boston Public Library. This is free and open to the public; limited seating is available on a first come, first serve basis. If you require a seat, we encourage you to arrive before the start time of each event. Registration is encouraged for this free event.

GBH Studio at the Boston Public Library 

Planting Seeds: Educating and Empowering our Youngest Generation

Educating children about how they can be engaged citizens and better humans starts long before they cast their first vote. Hear from interdisciplinary education leaders who are leveraging public media as a platform to reach young audiences in transformative ways. This session will feature: Moderator: Seeta Pai, Vice President, Children’s Education &amp; Media Panelists: Lisa Guernsey, Senior Director of Education Policy, New America Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President &amp; General Manager, PBS KIDS Neema Avashia, Educator &amp; Author Merve Lapus, Vice President, Education Outreach &amp; Engagement, Common Sense Media Opening remarks will be provided by&nbsp;Alberto Vasallo III, President/CEO, El Mundo Boston and&nbsp;Sandra Lopez Burke, Managing Director of Community &amp; Government Relations, GBH. Please join us for community talks at the GBH Studio at the Boston Public Library. This talk is free and open to the public; limited seating is available on a first come, first serve basis. If you require a seat, we encourage you to arrive before the start time of each event. Registration is encouraged for this free event.

Scratch & Win: An inside look at the Massachusetts state lottery

Did you know the scratch ticket was pioneered right here in Massachusetts? Did you know our lottery brings in more dollars per capita than any other state in the country? Join Ian Coss and the creative team behind “Scratch &amp; Win” – plus surprise guests from the podcast – for an inside look at what makes MA the lottery capital of America. “Scratch &amp; Win” from GBH News is the true story of how the government got into the gambling business. It begins in 1970s Boston, with state bureaucrats going toe to toe with mafia bookmakers, but reaches all the way to the present moment, when legal gambling is more ubiquitous than ever. This event will feature behind the scenes insights from the team, stories from the cutting room floor, and a discussion of how state lotteries shaped the gambling industry of today. “Scratch &amp; Win” is made by the Peabody Award-winning team behind “The Big Dig,” and distributed by PRX. You can find the 8-part series wherever you get your podcasts. Event registration is required. Seating is general admission.

March 2025 Outspoken Saturdays

The GBH BPL studio will host Outspoken Saturdays, a spoken word poetry event for emerging artists. Every first Saturday of the month, the series will be created in collaboration with spoken word artist <a href="https://www.instagram.com/amandasheaallday/?hl=en">Amanda Shea </a>. Join us! Registration is encouraged for this free event.

Boston Public Library

GBH Music Presents JazzNOW with TRIAD

GBH Music and JazzBoston kick off the 2025 JazzNOW series with a celebration of Hermeto Pascoal, one of Brazil's most iconic and genre-defying composers. This mesmerizing Latin jazz performance features TRIAD, a powerhouse trio that brings together three world-class musicians: multi-Grammy award-winning Peruvian bassist Oscar Stagnaro, acclaimed pianist Maxim Lubarsky, and multi-Grammy and Latin Grammy award-winning drummer Mark Walker. Renowned for their mastery of Latin jazz and improvisational brilliance, the trio will explore Pascoal's rich repertoire and adventurous spirit, blending his lush harmonies, dazzling rhythms, and intricate melodies with fresh interpretations. For this special performance, TRIAD is joined by renowned Puerto Rican saxophonist Edmar Colón. Event timeline: 7:15-7:50pm Pre-event reception (in-person only) 7:50-7:58pm Guest are seated in Fraser (in-person only) 8-9pm Live performance in Fraser Performance Studio (Hybrid audience) Photo credit of Oscar Stagnaro: Provided by the artist

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

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything to do around Boston.

Things to do in Boston and beyond

Things to do in Boston

Fun happenings at Museum of Science, Boston 💫 

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.

Where

gbhevents

Experiences