Lunar New Year Weekend 2026 - Dumpling Wrapping Party

Join us on February 14 for a Dumpling Wrapping Party! Lunar New Year Weekend 2026 at the Loring Greenough House - Celebrating the Year of the Horse! 🐎 Learn from a local Chinese chef how to make two types of dumplings from northern China- from mixing the dough, to rolling it out, constructing the filling, putting it altogether, cooking and eating it! Meat, vegetarian and vegan options available. Families are welcome - dumpling wrapping most suitable for ages twelve and up - there will also be some fun New Year games in our dining room to enjoy! Choose one of three time slots - 11am, 12:15pm, or 1:30pm - and join us for an 60min lesson! -- And if you have little ones, come by Sunday for our FREE drop-in story time!

Loring Greenough House

Lunar New Year Weekend 2026 - FREE Drop-In Story Time

Stop by for stories and other activities to celebrate the year of the horse! Join us for a free Lunar New Year storytime with books, crafts and snacks. Come celebrate the Year of the Horse! Drop in anytime from 10am-12pm. Storytime will run 10:30am-11am. Recommended for children age 2-8-years, but all welcome.&nbsp;FREE. No registration needed but RSVP on Eventbrite to receive an event reminder or any updates. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunar-new-year-weekend-2026-free-drop-in-story-time-tickets-1979280294642

Drinking in the 18th Century

Join the Loring Greenough House for a talk on Colonial drinks! Thursday, February 12, 7:00 - 8:30pm Step into the lively world of 18th century British America, where drinking was central to social life, politics, and pleasure.&nbsp;This talk explores what people drank—from ale, wine, punch, and spirits —and how these drinks shaped daily routines, class identity, and public sociability. Drawing on historical sources and material culture, the talk traces drinking spaces such as taverns, coffeehouses, and private homes. Throughout the talk, attendees will get the chance to try classic Georgian-era drinks like grog and cider! HUZZAH! This lecture and tasting is being presented by Dr Trent Taylor, a Boston-based historian of 18th century British America and the wider British world. He received his MA and PhD in American history from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, and his BA in history from University of Virginia. $20/general admission; $15/members - this event is 21+ <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1981806012131">Tickets on sale now!</a> -- The Jamaica Plain Tuesday Club is a community-based educational and social organization dedicated to improving the lives of our neighbors through historical, cultural and educational activities. The Club, founded in 1896, preserves the historic Loring-Greenough House (built in 1760) and its grounds for the people of Jamaica Plain. For more information please visit <a href="http://www.loring-greenough.org">www.loring-greenough.org</a> **Individual Membership holders are entitled to one ticket at members-only price, Family Memberships can purchase two tickets at members-only price. All additional Tickets must be purchased at General Admission price. Want to take advantage of Members-Only ticket prices and support an important community resource – the Loring Greenough House? JOIN TODAY!

The Darkest Night - A Bookish Solstice

Cozy up on one of the darkest nights of the year in the historic Loring Greenough House for readings by five authors. Spend the evening before winter solstice with a group of authors who know a thing or two about finding light in the darkness. Join us as we gather in the warmth of the historic Loring Greenough House as three talented authors share the tradition of telling ghost stories on the longest night of the year. Take in the beautiful setting as they read excerpts from their favorite haunting holiday tales. Stay for book signings and a complimentary hot cocoa bar! (We will have both boozy and non-alcoholic options!) Tickets on sale here: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-darkest-night-a-bookish-solstice-tickets-1975118836609">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-darkest-night-a-bookish-solstice-tickets-1975118836609</a> Authors Bram stoker award winning Christa Carmen, Cat Scully and Corey Farrencopf Books will be available for purchase from Rozzie Bound Co-op Bookstore (<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Frozziebound.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1_lw2NKKXXfJF6u6a9eClpY8p2BI8yfTx9XnihrVwLF8LL9W5aWDyYI6c_aem_L6zA1OtpsTZ8RiR5axHqUw&amp;h=AT1CqE_6poQj1etWY1DMmF-DOo1O_UMwuKBkqgtgQSzwV3xWGnZRfdsdS3-mwMw8FcHMZgdM7pQh9d0A9ITGfiFHsvYzSyOp-Bs7NtC1I1oa4YX4-XKLBwCpWwiMZmIZa5D6Wbs&amp;__tn__=q&amp;c[0]=AT2j4emtcToFlQY69XYSqgOQdwy2C6SEC2cFFvZbTaNiDXcFiGItActDDpAJVBMKb4xEQ61N4EBM-VOBlMSfA-PD_jnpJx-ABupJVQr3N05GjWknjLZSbviWf8KPh7keoM0EfbO7-BVc3a-VhJu3Ut4jt05uR2nH0KfeJg">rozziebound.com</a>)

Christmas Tree Arrangement Mixed Winter Greens Workshop

Design and create your own table-top tree. Join us in the historic Loring Greenough House on Saturday December 13 from 12-2 pm for a special holiday workshop! Create a 24" tall table top mixed greens arrangements personally designed by you! Choose from two styles. Eco-Friendly, reusable and recyclable All supplies provided. $45 per person Reserve your seats now and bring a friend! (Space is VERY limited.) Tickets on sale here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-tree-arrangement-mixed-winter-greens-workshop-tickets-1977102428586 Presented by Flower Forward

Holiday Open House

Come and enjoy festive holiday decor and happenings at the Loring Greenough House! Pop into our Holiday Open House on Saturday December 6th between 11am and 4pm. On this merry Saturday, stroll throughout the first floor and enjoy the spirit of the holiday season! 🎀 Help to trim the LGH tree. 🎨 Enjoy a free make-and-take craft. 🖼️ View and purchase the work of local artisans. 🩰 Visit from <a href="https://urbannutcracker.com/">Urban Nutcracker</a> dancers! ❄️ Enjoy the House decked in its festive best. 🎄 Ornament Sale! The Banic Family of Jamaica Plain will be selling part of their Hallmark ornament collection during the annual tree and wreath sale and will donate 100% of the proceeds to benefit the maintenance of Loring-Greenough House gardens. The ornaments have been collected over the past 30 years. All ornaments are in their original packaging and either gently used or new in the box. 🌲 St. Johns will be selling trees on the Lawn. 🍻 Hive will be on the Lawn with Winter Market from 11am – 5pm! Free and open to all!

A British Country House Alphabet: A Historical & Pictorial Journey

Join Curt DiCamillo for an exciting, illustration-rich romp through the first volume of his new book series, A British Country House Alphabet: A Historical &amp; Pictorial Journey. The first of three books that will enchant seasoned country house visitors and amaze those new to art and architecture, the first volume, which covers the letters “A” through “H,” contains fascinating content and beautiful pictures that presents famous historical events, cultural innovations, and interesting tidbits that are associated with British country houses. Volume 1 includes stories of the origins of afternoon tea, badminton, the bowler hat, the golden retriever, and much more! Admission is $27 per person and includes a copy of Curt's new book! Stay after the talk for a dessert reception and signing opportunity! Space is limited! Tickets online here: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-british-country-house-alphabet-a-book-event-with-curt-dicamillo-tickets-1769836712249">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-british-country-house-alphabet-a-book-event-with-curt-dicamillo-tickets-1769836712249</a> Curt is a historian and authority on the British country house who lectures and leads tours on the architectural and artistic heritage of Britain and its influence around the world. Currently Curator of Fine Art at American Ancestors, Curt formerly worked for the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the National Trust for Scotland.

Books & Boo(ze) at Thursdays on the Lawn

Books &amp; Boo(ze) Thursday October 9, 5pm -8pm during Thursdays on the Lawn Join the LGH, The Hive, and several of Boston’s best indie bookstores for Books &amp; Boo(ze) at Thursdays on the Lawn. A one night spooky book fair featuring several of our favorite indie bookstores and local authors &amp; artists! (Other than the drinks, appropriate for all ages.) Participating bookstores: Tres Gatos, Bookish, Rozzie Bound Books, and more! Participating authors: Lisa Stringfellow, Cat Scully, The New England Horror Writers, and more!

Jamaica Plain Film Festival - Sunday Night

You are cordially invited to the final night of the inaugural Jamaica Plain Film Festival! Bring your picnic blanket or (low) folding chairs and gather on the North Lawn of the historic Loring Greenough House. The LGH has partnered with I9 - Imag9ne Media - to bring you a locally and globally focused series of films and shorts. ---- Sunday Night Schedule: ---- Beer Garden reception with Hive and Streetcar Central Square By local filmmaker Daniel Rowe, this 4 minute abstract animation was inspired by Rowe's commute through Central Square in Cambridge, MA. It explores the sensory experience of moving through public spaces, the curiosity and anxiety that comes from being in the middle of a city, utilizing loops and cycles to experiment with the timeless quality of space that you returnn to each day and how they can start to feel stuck in time. Roxbury This film is the result of an education and outreach grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development designed to deliver fair housing information to the general public, renters and real estate professionals. With the grant, Suffolk University Law School’s Housing Discrimination Testing Program (HDTP) partnered with Suffolk University’s College of Arts &amp; Sciences Media Studies Department to develop a living media project that would focus on fair housing history and its impact on housing today. A cross-collaborative effort, the film is a result of HDTP’s extensive fair housing knowledge and the media studies department’s filmmaking expertise. Suffolk students and alumni also contributed to the film through on-camera interviews, working behind the camera and in the editing process, providing an experiential learning opportunity with a social justice focus. Wicked Misunderstood because of her green skin, a young woman named Elphaba forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda, a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths. Be sure to dress your best for our Wicked-themed COSTUME CONTEST! Huge thanks to our amazing JPFF sponsors - Ellen + Janis @ The Denman Group! Tickets on sale now! <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jamaica-plain-film-festival-sunday-night-tickets-1531494765069?aff=oddtdtcreator">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jamaica-plain-film-festival-sunday-night-tickets-1531494765069?aff=oddtdtcreator</a> DETAILED SCHEDULE: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Pre-film beer garden reception with The Hive and Streetcar 7:00 PM - 7:05 PM Short: Central Square 7:05 AM - 7:35 PM Short: Roxbury 7:35 PM - 10:00 PM Feature: Wicked Dress your best for our Wicked-themed costume contest and sing-along!

Jamaica Plain Film Festival - Saturday Night

You are cordially invited to the second night of the inaugural Jamaica Plain Film Festival! Bring your picnic blanket or (low) folding chairs and gather on the North Lawn of the historic Loring Greenough House. The LGH has partnered with I9 - Imag9ne Media - to bring you a locally and globally focused series of films and shorts. ---- Saturday Night Schedule: ---- Beer Garden reception with Hive and Streetcar Anyuka Maya Erdelyi is an award-winning animator and artist. Her works span experimental animation, installation, drawing, printmaking, and experiments in social practice. Screenings and shows include national and international film festivals, galleries, museums and artist-run venues including: Lincoln Center, the Ann Arbor Film Festival, the Museum of Modern Art, REDCAT Los Angeles, Harvard Film Archives, Animation Block Party, and Boston Center for the Arts, among others. Her work is in the collection of Google, Hotel Studio Allston, Isenberg Projects, and numerous private collections. Other highlights include recent acquisitions of her film Anyuka into the permanent collections of The Jewish Museum in NYC and The Block Museum of Contemporary Art at Northwestern University in Chicago. A recent Jury Award at the 2024 Woods Hole Film Festival; and a broadcast license with PBS and GBH is set to begin in December. A forthcoming exhibit in the fall of 2025 will happen at the Jewish Museum of NYC. Dawnland Screening of Dawnland, an Emmy-winning documentary by Jamaica Plain based director, Adam Mazo, on stolen native children in Maine and the Maine Wabanaki-State Welfare Truth &amp; Reconciliation Commission. The Upstander Project, which made the film with Mazo, will present a short film on their work and being an upstander, before the feature begins. Director Adam Mazo will join us for a Q&amp;A afterwards. Huge thanks to our amazing JPFF sponsors - Ellen + Janis @ The Denman Group! Tickets on sale now!  <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jamaica-plain-film-festival-saturday-night-tickets-1531492157269?aff=oddtdtcreator">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jamaica-plain-film-festival-saturday-night-tickets-1531492157269?aff=oddtdtcreator</a> DETAILED SCHEDULE: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Pre-film beer garden reception with The Hive and Streetcar 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM Animation: Anyuka Animator Maya Erdelyi will join us for a Q&amp;A afterwards. 7:45 PM - 9:30 PM Feature: Dawnland Director Adam Mazo will join us for a Q&amp;A afterwards.

Jamaica Plain Film Festival - Friday Night

You are cordially invited to the kick-off night of the inaugural Jamaica Plain Film Festival! Bring your picnic blanket or (low) folding chairs and gather on the North Lawn of the historic Loring Greenough House. The LGH has partnered with I9 - Imag9ne Media - to bring you a locally and globally focused series of films and shorts. ---- Friday Night Schedule: ---- Beer Garden reception with Hive and Streetcar Performance by Khmer Dancers with Indras Artistic Creations Mayor of Lowell Screening of short, The Mayor of Lowell, following the journey of Sokhary Chan Chau, who immigrated to the US at eight years old to escape the genocidal Khmer Rouge, and in 2022 became the first Cambodian American mayor elected in the United States. Shot in the city of Lowell, MA, it is directed by Kayla Dalton and produced by Hunter Berube, both alumni of Boston’s Suffolk University, a sponsor of the film. Dalton and Berube will join us for a Q&amp;A afterwards along with special guest, Sokhary Chan Chau, mayor of Lowell, 2022-2024. Salma's Home Screening of Salma’s Home, the feature debut of Hanadi Elyan, a Palestinian-Jordanian director based in Jamaica Plain. This Arab language film features the emotional but also sometimes hilarious trials of three women, Salma, Farah and Lamia, living in Amman, Jordan, who come together after the death of patriarch, Bakri, and must put their differences aside and work together. Director Elyan and producer Nathan Bennett, will join us for a Q&amp;A afterwards. Huge thanks to our amazing JPFF sponsors - Ellen + Janis @ The Denman Group! Tickets on sale now!&nbsp; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jamaica-plain-film-festival-friday-night-tickets-1515965205739?aff=oddtdtcreator DETAILED SCHEDULE: 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM Pre-film beer garden reception with The Hive and Streetcar 6:45 PM - 7:00 PM Special blessing performance by Khmer dancers from Indras Artistic Creations 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM Short: The Mayor of Lowell Director Kayla Dalton, producer Hunter Berube, and former Lowell Mayor Sokhary Chan Chau, will join us for a Q&amp;A afterwards. 7:45 PM - 10:00 PM Feature: Salma's Home Director Hanadi Elyan and producer Nathan Bennett, will join us for a Q&amp;A afterwards.

Jamaica Plain Literary Series - Timothy Crellin & Cristina Rathbone

We have teamed up with local bookshop Papercuts JP and our amazing sponsors Cervone and Deegan to bring you a series of reading and writing events! Join us for a talk by two local authors and priests, writing on immigration, belonging and faith. Timothy Crellin is an Italian-American, Episcopal priest raised in Boston and educated at Harvard Divinity School, as well as author of The Land of the Living, published in February. The historical novel explores the themes of immigration and assimilation, war and its impact on families, the role of race and class in forging identity, and what it means to find home. The story follows Italian immigrants Angela Amorelli and her husband Tommaso through Ellis Island and on to their new life in a New England fishing town. Published by Green Place Books in February this year. Cristina Rathbone is former award-winning reporter and Episcopal priest whose mother was a Cuban-refugee, and whose book The Asylum Seekers: A Chronicle of Life, Death and Community At The Border was published by Broadleaf Books in March. The narrative account of the US-Mexico border weaves intimate portraits of Mexican asylum seekers in a makeshift camp with broader reflections on the meaning of faith in a place of suffering. This event is part of our JP Literary Series in collaboration with Papercuts, JP. Series sponsored by Cervone &amp; Deegan!

Native Plant Celebration

The Loring-Greenough House will celebrate the completion of our Native Plant Border at an unveiling in May. Join us to tour the garden, support the project by 'sponsoring' a plant, and learn about the benefits of Native Plants! The bed along the south-facing border contains a robust variety of plants that are native to the eastern half of the US, bringing color, visual interest, and seasonal changes to an existing plant bed. Mostly shade-loving, this mix of perennials and shrubs, along with evergreen trees for screening, will help the public identify and become more familiar with native plants that play an important ecological role in our community. Native plants are beneficial because they are low-maintenance, require less water, and provide habitat for birds and beneficial insects. Bleeding Heart, Jacob's Ladder, and Goldenrod are just a few of the many perennials that will greet all creatures, great and small, throughout the seasons. Recently added to the border are a few trees - the beautiful Fringe tree and three Arborvitaes. Among the shrubs are Aronia, Clethra and Sweetspire. Join us on May 10th from 1:00 to 3:00 for our garden opening which includes a presentation by Shoma Haque in the parlor followed by refreshments and a tour of the native border. Attend this celebration by buying a ticket for $10 or by sponsoring a plant! $25* Sponsors a Perennial | $50* Sponsors a Shrub | $100* Sponsors a Tree *plus donation processing fee (Both options are accessible under the "select tickets" button on Eventbrite.)

History for Action Now

“History for Action Now” Sunday, March 23, 1-4 pm Join us at this informational/listening session on the history and current challenges of anti-Black racism and local reparations efforts. This free public gathering was made possible by the city of Boston’s Reparations Community Grassroots Partnerships Program. Topics include Slavery at the Loring Greenough House, Boston and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and Primary Sources and the Archives. Seating is limited, registration via Eventbrite required. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/history-for-action-now-tickets-1270793600869">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/history-for-action-now-tickets-1270793600869</a> Light refreshments/snacks will be provided. Moderated by Dorothy Clark and Andrew Hatcher, Co-Presidents, Loring Greenough House Christian Walkes, Ph.D. Candidate in Education, Harvard University For more information, contact <a href="mailto:dclark@loring-greenough.org">dclark@loring-greenough.org</a>

Taken Away: Urban Renewal and Boston's West End - film screening

We are pleased to present a showing of Christopher Brown's award-winning documentary about urban renewal and the destruction of Boston's historic West End. Chris will provide highlights of his journey in making this film and will engage the audience in a Q&amp;A session after the screening! "Taken Away" is the debut film by urban historian Christopher Brown. It tells the story of Boston's historic and culturally diverse West End neighborhood, destroyed during 1950s "urban renewal". “Taken Away” is currently on exhibit in a shortened form at Boston's West End Museum and it received the Best First Time Director award from the Berlin Indie Film Festival in 2024. Join us for this screening of local interest. Holding a BA in Film from Emerson College and an MA in History from UMASS Boston, Christopher’s work bridges the visual and historical. His passion for history has led to projects with Historic New England and guided tours at the Walter Gropius House in Lincoln, MA; an oral history project on Boston’s Fort Point Arts Community; and personal research on urban neighborhoods, architectural preservation, and 20th-century global history. As a photographer, focused on themes of urban exploration and architecture, his work has been exhibited in several galleries and recognized by the Boston Preservation Alliance. A lifelong musician, Christopher also performs across multiple genres and produces music under the name Following Footprints. Tickets online now: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/film-screening-taken-away-urban-renewal-and-bostons-west-end-tickets-1236539977359?aff=oddtdtcreator">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/film-screening-taken-away-urban-renewal-and-bostons-west-end-tickets-1236539977359?aff=oddtdtcreator</a>

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

joyraft.host7739

Experiences