The events posted on this website are free and/or sponsored by non-profit organizations and agencies. If you are interested in publishing an event, please contact our Public Relations department below:
Phone: 617-725-0878
Email: printern@whdh.com
April Events
Date: April 24th
Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Location: Play Union, 378 Somerville Avenue, Somerville
Link: http://www.punkrockaerobics.com/
PRA4K is a fitness program for youth aged 6-11 that is all about having a blast and gaining confidence with no pressure to conform to stereotypical body images. Each event builds on the original Punk Rock Aerobics classes for adults, popularized by PRA co-founder, Hilken Mancini. For each three-chord punk song Hilken demonstrates three punk “dance” moves, all to a “G-rated” soundtrack that parents will recognize and love – sung by Boston area youth. This high energy workout for kids comes with confidence building activities drawn from the ethos of punk music and its subculture, i.e. be yourself; no need to “fit in” or conform to popular ideals. No special clothes or gear needed!
Date: April 26th
Time: 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville
Every summer in Japan, people wearing Yukata (Japanese robes) gather to enjoy locally-rooted festivals in each town. These festivals are called En-nichi. Originally, these festivals served as ceremonies for warding off evil and praying for a good harvest. However, they have evolved into summer fun traditions cherished by people of all ages. At this event, we will recreate the atmosphere of an old-school Japanese festival with a special guest group from Japan, Dagashiya Rock This will be their first time coming to the US to share the Japanese culture of these festivals. Let us introduce you to the traditional food and games, and share with you the fun! Experience the atmosphere of the Japanese festival and explore Japanese culture!
World Tai Chi Day with bow Sim Mark Tai Chi
Date: April 27th
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Location: Boston’s Chinatown Gate, 185 Kneeland Street, Boston
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/418538540831445
Once again, the students and teachers of Bow Sim Mark Tai Chi celebrate the biggest Tai Chi event of the year. Join us at Boston’s Chinatown gate for demonstrations of Tai Chi, Pakua, and the many fist and weapon forms of internal Kung Fu. Grandmaster Bow Sim Mark is a recognized pioneer as one of the few women to reach an advanced level of mastery in Chinese internal martial arts. The ancient art of Tai Chi is renowned for its health benefits, especially for older people. Whether you are new to Tai Chi or a long-time practitioner, everyone is welcome to attend this free event. The rain date is April 28.
Date: April 27th
Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Sawyer Free Library, 21 Main Street, Gloucester
Link: https://www.sawyerfreelibrary.org/gloucester-zine-fest/\
The festival, in celebration of the Library’s new zine collection, zine- making, and zine culture, promises a day filled with artistic expression, community engagement, and fun for all ages. It is free and open to everyone to attend and enjoy with free giveaways for the first 200 attendees. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant and engaging lineup of hands-on activities and workshops for all ages, including inspiring speakers, live music, free ice cream, with the highlight being the Zine Marketplace at 20 Main Street.
The International Jazz Day Fundraiser
Date: April 30th
Time: 7:00pm – 9:30pm
Location: Warehouse Xi, 11 Sanborn Court, Somerville
Join us on International Jazz Day April 30th from 7pm-9:30pm as we raise funds for the 4th Annual Charles River Jazz Festival with an evening of live music, food, community, a raffle and more. Don’t miss this extraordinary evening of music, mingling, and philanthropy. Come together to celebrate the spirit of jazz and make a meaningful difference in our community.
May Events
Date: May 3rd
Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: 450 Harrison Avenue, Boston
Link: https://www.sowaartists.com/calendar/
First Friday is May 3rd, and this year it’s part of Design Week, with artist talks and demos from 5pm-9pm. That same weekend is our annual SoWa Art Walk, officially Sunday, May 5th, 11am-6pm, but you’ll find many artists in their studios Saturday, May 4th, too. And plan to visit us all other May Sundays, 11am-4pm, including Mother’s Day and the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. Our many talented artists are ready to experience the magic of May with you. You’ll love everything about this art shopping adventure, along with the outdoor markets just steps from our building.
A Bird’s Eye View: New England Birds, Four Perspectives
Date: On display until May 18th
Time: Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm
Location: Old Schwamb Mill, 17 Mill Lane, Arlington
Link: https://oldschwambmill.org/events/
The Old Schwamb Mill is pleased to present its newest art exhibition in the gallery. The show, A Bird’s Eye View New England Birds, Four Perspectives,features the work of artists Laurie Bogdan, Suzette Durso, Kim Starbuck and Joanna Finnegan-Topitzer. Each artist offers an interpretation of New England birds, using the media of collage, photography, pencil and gouache.
Music With Heart Annual Fundraiser
Date: May 4th
Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: Needham VFW Post, 20 Junction Street, Needham
Link: http://www.musicwithheartboston.org/
Music With Heart (MWH, aka the Boston Minstrels) has been providing a unique blend of musical entertainment, audience interaction and encouragement to Greater Boston homeless shelter guests, nursing home residents, and veterans hospital patients since 1991. Our venues include the Southampton Street Shelter, Pine Street Inns, Father Bill’s Place, CASPAR Shelter and Rosie’s Place. On Saturday, May 4, this non-profit volunteer group shares its talents with the public at its Annual Fundraiser. The event will feature performances of rock, pop, folk and R&B favorites by its singers and musicians – heavy on attendee participation and dancing. Dinner is provided – along with a cash bar, raffles and an auction. This year we also include a Beatles singalong segment. Tickets are $55 online or $65 at the door.
Project Bread’s 56th Walk for Hunger
Date: May 5th
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Boston Common, 139 Tremont Street
Link: https://projectbread.org/walk-for-hunger/about
The Walk for Hunger, Project Bread’s annual fundraising event and the Commonwealth’s largest and oldest day of community action against hunger, is seeking walkers for the celebration. The one-day event is set for May 5 and will feature family-friendly activities along the 3-mile loop. In its 56th year, Project Bread invities you to help raise more than $1.3 million to support the leading statewide food security organization’s approach to permanently solve hunger.
Date: May 11th
Time: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Location: The Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville
Link: http://www.ladiescon.com/
LadiesCon 2024 is a free one day celebration of women of all kinds and their work in comic books, science fiction, fantasy, cosplay, and many other realms of pop culture. The 2024 convention is in-person on Saturday May 11, 10am-4pm at the Somerville Armory. LadiesCon is for everyone, with a focus on creators who identify as women, non-binary, LGBTQ, and people of color, plus local artists. All welcome, All ages.
Watch City Steampunk Festival 2024
Date: May 11th
Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Location: Waltham Common, 610 Main Street, Waltham
Link: https://www.watchcityfestival.com/
2024’s Watch City Steampunk Festival will feature costumed performers, musicians, kids’ activities, and a large collection of unique vendors peddling all things Steampunk! Start practicing your best Cheshire Cat smile, because we are going to party like it’s 1889! That’s right, we are crazy about tea and we’re throwing a special garden party to prove it. We’re inviting all Steampunk enthusiasts, or those who are just Steampunk curious, to stop on by and partake in the madness. Attendees can listen to musical entertainment at the Gazebo and stroll a network of footpaths through our open-air vendors’ market (with over 60 vendors). Additionally attendees can experience exhibitions, kids’ activities, dine at various food trucks, and view multiple performance spaces.
Date: May 12th
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: The Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain
Link: https://arboretum.harvard.edu/events-2/lilacs-at-the-arnold-arboretum/
Lilac Sunday showcases Boston’s outdoor tree museum and learning landscape as the spring flowering season hits its stride, offering fun, free explorations for the entire family. The event features ongoing tours of the Arboretum’s lilacs and other plant collections, as well as children’s and Mother’s Day activities, a meditation station, dancers, chalk drawing artists, and picnicking on this day only.
Date: May 18th
Time: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: Roxbury Branch of the BPL, 149 Dudley Street, Roxbury
Link: https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/the-greater-roxbury-book-fair–2
The Greater Roxbury Book Fair connects books and readers in the Greater Roxbury community. Springing from the Roxbury community’s deep connections to books and reading, the fair features local and aspiring authors – and showcases the creativity of the residents of Greater Roxbury.
Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival 2024
Date: May 18th
Time: 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: Franklin Park Playstead, Pierpont Road, Roxbury
Link: https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/franklin-park-kite-bike-festival–2
Join us at the 2024 Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival! It’s opening day at the park so don’t miss out on this 50-year tradition! You can make a kite, buy one, or bring your own! There will be food trucks, bikes to try for younger kids, a bicycle repair station, and free helmets!
New England Hong Kong Festival
Date: May 18th
Time: 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: Union Square Plaza, 90 Union Square, Somerville
Link: https://newenglandhkfest.com/
Immerse yourself in Hong Kong culture with a wide array of Asian and Hong-Kong-inspired goods, including art, accessories, toys, snacks, books, and crafts, all provided by local, small businesses. Grab some quick bites from Asian and Hong Kong vendors while enjoying live cultural performances, including Lion Dance, Cantonese Opera, and Cantonese-pop by local bands.
Date: May 18th
Time: 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Location: Polish American Citizens Club, 82 Boston Street, Boston
Link: https://bostonpolishfest.com/
Polish Fest Boston is a celebration of the rich culture, traditions, and contributions of Boston’s Polish-American community. Guests will enjoy delicious food, lively music, cultural experience, and the warm hospitality of the Polish-American community and its neighbors.
Date: May 25th
Time: 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: Middlesex County 4H Fair Grounds, 55 South Chelmsford Road, Westford
Link: https://www.operationcamp.org/events/2024/5/25/7th-annual-memorial-day-bbq
Join Operation Camp for its 7th annual Memorial Day BBQ! There will be face painting, kids’ games, raffles and prizes, kid and parent fitness challenge, silent auction, food, crafts and vendors, and live music!
FREE Workshop: Dunder-Mifflin Paint Night
Date: May 29th
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Boston Landing, 123 Guest Street, Brighton
Paint an ink and watercolor portrait of your favorite Dunder-Mifflin employee! Each participant will be provided with an 8×8 sketch of their chosen character on 100% cotton watercolor paper. You will then be guided step-by-step on how to line the design with a brush pen and color it with water-based inks. All materials will be provided and no experience is necessary.