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/.

Echoes of the Wild: An Evening of Solo Piano

Join pianist Julia Scott Carey at New England Botanic Garden for a special solo piano performance of music inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of the country’s national parks and wild spaces. Set in the Garden’s iconic Limonaia conservatory at golden hour, this one-of-a-kind program will take you on a musical journey through the American wilderness – from the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the tranquil seashores of Cape Cod. Featuring music by seven contemporary composers, each piece captures the unique spirit and beauty of nature’s diverse landscapes. A selection of beer, wine, and light snacks will be available for purchase during the event. This event is presented in partnership with Juventas New Music Ensemble. Learn more and reserve tickets at: https://nebg.org/echoes-of-the-wild/.

Spring Garden Emporium at New England Botanic Garden

The Spring Garden Emporium at New England Botanic Garden welcomes visitors to shop from the northeast’s most distinguished specialty nurseries, plant societies, and garden artisans. Find inspiration among hundreds of annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, and more. Garden Members are invited to shop during an exclusive member hour beginning at 9AM. There is no fee to attend the Spring Garden Emporium, located in NEBG’s parking lots, however, general admission is required to enter and explore the rest of the Garden before or after your time at the Emporium. Learn more at: https://nebg.org/spring-garden-emporium/

Growing GIANT Pumpkins

Learn the secrets to growing GIANT pumpkins, from soil prep to harvest tips. Discover expert techniques for success and take home a tried, tested, and true GIANT variety seedling to start your own record-breaking pumpkin journey! Meet Your Instructor: Scott Lehto Scott Lehto is a Senior Scientist at Comprehensive Environmental Inc. and a competitive grower from Fitchburg, Massachusetts. With a focus on giant pumpkins, squash, tomatoes, and sunflowers, Scott combines his passion for soil science with hands-on expertise in fertility management and microbiology to excel in competitive growing. His dedication to optimizing soil and growing practices has made him a leading figure in New England’s competitive gardening scene.

Garden and Harvest Basket Workshop

Learn the art of weaving and create a rattan and reed garden harvest basket.&nbsp;Step-by-step instructions will teach you how to create your base, shape your basket, and weave the sides and handle. All materials are included in this fun introduction to basket weaving class. Meet Your Instructor: Bayda Asbridge Bayda Asbridge is a multidisciplinary artist who works in a wide range of mediums. Bayda trained as an Asian brush painter who now teaches at Worcester Art Museum. She has vast knowledge of painting, drawing, printmaking, Japanese weaving (Saori), mixed media, sculpture, installation, and basketry. Her work has been recognized in several New England art institutions, giving her a well-rounded knowledge of all stages of artistic production, from conception through to presentation.&nbsp; In 2011, Bayda was awarded the Frances Kinnicutt Travel &amp; Study Award from Worcester Art Museum which she used to travel to England and study mixed media. In 2021, she was awarded Mass Cultural Traditional Arts Award in Arabic Calligraphy. In 2023, Bayda was awarded a grant from Mass Culture where she utilized it to learn traditional and modern basketry weaving.&nbsp;Bayda continues her ever-growing career as an artist and as a member of the New England art scene.

Speaker Series: Jane Austen's Garden

Join author Molly Williams and illustrator Jessica Roux, for a moderated Q&amp;A exploring Jane Austen’s Garden, and how the landscapes of Austen’s time shaped her classic novels. After the discussion, meet Molly and Jessica at a book signing. About Jane Austen’s Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels “An elegantly illustrated celebration of Jane Austen’s life and literature as told through the flowers, plants, and landscapes that inspired her. Through explorations of the botanical inspirations and symbolism in Austen’s work and personal life, as well as historical information about the gardens and landscapes of the Regency Era, Jane Austen’s Garden will transport readers back in time to the lush English landscape of the early 1800s. Woven throughout are DIY projects to help you create a home garden worthy of a surprise visit from Lady Catherine de Bourgh or maybe just give your dining table a bit of historical flair. Accessible, entertaining, and enhanced by the enchanted illustrations of celebrated artist Jessica Roux, Jane Austen’s Garden is a fun twist on a familiar subject that will delight plant lovers and Janeites alike.”

In Bloom with Jane Austen: Florals & Tea

Step back in time for an interactive floral design workshop and an afternoon Regency-style Bridgerton-inspired tea with the author and illustrator of Jane Austen’s Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels, Molly Williams and Jessica Roux. About Jane Austen’s Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels “An elegantly illustrated celebration of Jane Austen’s life and literature as told through the flowers, plants, and landscapes that inspired her. Through explorations of the botanical inspirations and symbolism in Austen’s work and personal life, as well as historical information about the gardens and landscapes of the Regency Era, Jane Austen’s Garden will transport readers back in time to the lush English landscape of the early 1800s. Woven throughout are DIY projects to help you create a home garden worthy of a surprise visit from Lady Catherine de Bourgh or maybe just give your dining table a bit of historical flair. Accessible, entertaining, and enhanced by the enchanted illustrations of celebrated artist Jessica Roux, Jane Austen’s Garden is a fun twist on a familiar subject that will delight plant lovers and Janeites alike.”

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.

Work in the Spring Garden

Discover the proper practices and timing for early-season tasks, including planting, soil preparations, and sustainable techniques to build healthy soil and support a thriving garden all season long. Instructor: 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.

En Plein Air Painting: Watercolors with Victoria

Spring is the perfect time for painting&nbsp;with watercolors outdoors “en plein air". Come enjoy the Gardens in their colorful spring glory! We’ll be using a travel-ready watercolor setup to move about the Gardens and paint the flora of spring. This “en plein air” (painting outdoors) experience is a great way to connect with nature while trying out watercolors using water brushes and a watercolor journal. No experience necessary. Come play with a more compact watercolor setup! This is intended to be a fun and relaxing workshop with no expectations. Journals, pencils/pens, brushes, and paints are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. The journal will be yours to keep. Pencils/pens, brushes, and paints to be returned. A supplies list will be provided should you choose to purchase your own after the workshop. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking around and sitting in the gardens. You may also bring your own portable chair, stool, small blanket, or cushion to sit on.

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.

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 ⭐️

S19: interest based

WBUR’s 75th birthday celebrations 💫

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.