Boston Calling, Memorial Day, Art Walks, Red Sox, Theater, Concerts, & More
Check the Boston Event Calendar for May for fun things to do as spring arrives. Boston bursts into bloom, and you'll want to be outside soaking up the sun.
Top May events include the 3-day Boston Calling Festival, the start of whale watching cruises, and art walks,Memorial Day Weekend activities, Mother's Day events, and concerts.
Other big May events include Lilac Sunday, the Garden of Flags on the Common, Duckling Day Parade, special Harbor cruises, Beacon Hill's Hidden Gardens tour, and lots of Theatre District shows and performances.
See for yourself why May is the perfect month to be in Boston!
Top photo: Tulips blooming in mid-May in Boston's Public Garden, (c) Boston Discovery Guide
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Boston Calling Music Festival, the popular 3-day indie, pop, country, and rock music festival that takes place over Memorial Day Weekend), returns to the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston bigger and better than ever.
Headliners will take center stage with Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Megan Moroney, and T-Pain on May 23, Fall Out Boy, Avril Lavigne, and The Black Crowes on May 24, and Dave Matthews Band and Vampire Weekend on May 25.
Other top artists in this year's lineup include Sheryl Crow, The Black Crowes, Sublime, T-Pain, Kyle Dion, TLC, Public Enemy, Spin Doctors, Sam Austins, Sofia Isella, Battlemode, and many more.
Get Your Boston Calling Tickets Now
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May 23 tickets - Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Megan Moroney, and T-Pain
May 24 tickets - Fall Out Boy, Avril Lavigne, Cage the Elephant, The Black Crows
May 25 tickets - Dave Matthews Band, Vampire Weekend, Sublime, Public Enemy
Look for three music stages, a comedy stage, and more music than ever from over 50 groups, plus over 30 food vendors, a wide selection of beer and wine, sponsor exhibits, and surprise attractions.
Tickets typically go fast, and prices rise as the dates draw closer. In addition for single-day passes, you'll see options for 3-day passes plus a tiered array of VIP tickets; the most expensive tiers typically sell out the fastest.
Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets. Good for purchases made through 12/31/26.
Boston whale watching cruises start on May 15 (to be confirmed), a bit later than usual this year. As a result, the whale-watching season will be shorter than usual this year, so don't wait to get your tickets!
These exciting excursions last about 3.5-4 hours and take you through Boston Harbor and out to Stellwagen Bank, a protected marine area 25 miles east of the city.
Marine biologists or naturalists serve as guides to make sure you don't miss a thing.
What will you see?
On a typical day, you may spot various types of large whales, dolphins, sea birds, and plenty of other marine creatures.
Top concerts in Boston in May 2025 include AC/DC, Shakira, Warren Zeiders, the 3-day Boston Calling Music Festival over Memorial Day Weekend, Jason Aldean, and Candlelight Concerts - plus more:
Many Bostonians leave town and head to the Cape or the mountains on Memorial Day - so if you're visiting, you have the best of both worlds: plenty of fun things to do, less competition (and perhaps lower prices) for tickets, and somewhat smaller crowds.
Memorial Day Weekend events in Boston range from somber ceremonies of remembrance and the Garden of Flags on Boston Common to fun activities embracing summer weather such as the Boston Calling Music Festival(get your tickets now!), the city's waterfront location, and of course, the Red Sox, home again in time to play the Brewers at Fenway Park on May 23, 24, and 25.
Tour Boston by boat - the best way to see the city! Check out these fun sightseeing, sunset, and entertainment Boston Harbor cruises on the Yacht Northern Lights and Schooner Adirondack III:
Popular Cruises
Northern Lights Sunset Cruise - Grab a refreshments from the bar and then relax as you watch the sun set on this sail around the Harbor, just in time to catch the USS Constitution fire its cannons as the sun dips down past the horizon
Boston Harbor Cruise on Northern Lights - Soak up Boston's unique sites and rich history on this comfortable sightseeing cruise around the Harbor - perfect friends and family experience! Food and beverages available for purchase at the bar
Sailing Cruises on the Adirondack III & IV:
Adirondack Day Sail - Enjoy cool breezes and the afternoon sun on this relaxing sightseeing sail around Boston Harbor and the Inner Harbor Islands - Starts May 1
Adirondack Sunset Sail - Relax as the setting sun turns the sky brilliant colors - Starts May 1
Mothers Day Cruise
Mother's Brunch Day Cruise with Live Jazz - Celebrate your mom while you enjoy a delicious brunch and live jazz on this relaxing Harbor cruise - May 11 (don't wait to book - this always sells out!)
Fun Book Your July 4th Cruises Now (because they sell out far in advance!)
Tail of a humpback whale, seen on a whale watching cruise - Photo credit: iStock.com/stephenalien75
Join one of the exciting 3-hour Whale Watching Cruises departing from the Downtown Boston Waterfront, and experience the thrill of spotting whales off the coast of Boston.
You'll see magnificent creatures such as Humpback and Finback whales close-up from the deck of your ship, and spot White-Sided Dolphins frolicking in the waters.
These cruises sell out quickly, so don't wait to get your tickets now for this iconic Boston experience!
Boston Theater & Shows for May 2025
Top May Shows in Boston - Schedules & Tickets
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Check out the Boston theater schedule for May with its exciting mix of touring Broadway shows, musicals, ballet, kids shows, and comedy:
Mean Girls - Emerson Colonial Theatre - Through May 4
Where to stay and dine in Boston's Theatre District
Top Hotels near Boston's Theatre District
Enjoy your Boston performance or show experience to the fullest when you stay in one of the nearby Theatre District hotels, such as the hip and glamorous Revere Hotel:
MFA will offer family-oriented festivities this year with special exhibitions and free admission to Massachusetts residents (be prepared to show something with an MA zip code) on Memorial Day.
This fun family event takes place mostly in the Shapiro Family Courtyard where you can make art, see neon art in the Druker Family Pavilion, watch a taekwondo demonstration, dance, pose in a photo booth, and join tours and discussions in the art galleries. You'll also get free access to MFA's special exhibition, "Hallyu! The Korean Wave."
Want to come on another day? If you have a GoBoston card or CityPASS, you can get free admission at any time.
Fun Events & Activities on the Rose Kennedy Greenway
Splash fountain on the Greenway
The Rose Kennedy Greenway is offering so many fun things to do this summer (please note: these events are from last year - look for the 2025 schedule soon):
Night Shift Beer Garden at Dewey Square Plaza across from South Station. Beer, seltzer, wine plus bites from rotating food vendors. Open Wednesday - Friday from 3pm - 9pm, Saturday 12 noon - 9pm, and Sunday from 12 noon - 7pm
Trillium Beer Garden in the Wharf District Parks (High Street and Atlantic Ave) featuring draft beers by Trillium Brewing Company and a rotating selection of food trucks. Open Tuesday - Saturday from 3pm - 10pm, and Sunday from 12 noon - 6pm.
Greenway Food Truck Festival, May 5, 11am - 3pm (to be confirmed) at High Street and Atlantic Avenue - Savor everything from dumplings to ice cream, including local favorites such as The Dining Car, Gogi on The Block, Indulge India, and many more
Fountains - You'll find them in 7 different locations along the Greenway - so get ready to splash, wade, and cool off!
Carousel - Open daily, 11am-6pm. Tickets: $4 (buy online) (to be confirmed)
Boston Chinatown Lantern Festival with Gala Performances - 5:30pm-6:30pm, May 14 (to be confirmed) at Chin Park (near Chinatown's Gate) - Enjoy free music and dance performances in this celebration of Asian and new immigrant families
Massachusetts Youth Pride Celebration - May 18, 10am - 4pm - Youth-led festival with a march and live performances the India Street and Atlantic Ave
Greenway Food Trucks: A rotation of 20 trucks offer Korean, Jamaican, Indian, Caribbean, Italian, seafood, and other specialties along the Greenway at Night Shift on Dewey Square, the Carousel, Rings Fountain (Milk Street), State Street, the North End, Rowes Wharf Plaza, and Trillium Beer Garden. You'll find them at several locations each day, usually with a total of about 3 trucks per day. You can track the schedule and locations of your favorites here (to be confirmed)
Public Art - See new installations by top artists
Plants & Landscapes - Enjoy the sustainable organic gardens, including the Greenway's Meadow, Beehives, Pollinator Ribbon, Carolyn Lynch Garden with brightly colored flowers, and the Armenian Heritage Park with an abstract sculpture and maze
Fitness Program - Join any or all of the free fitness classes (many different types) - find the schedule here
When: April 25 - May 2 (to be confirmed) Where: Somerville Theatre, Brattle Theatre, and Coolidge Corner Theatre
Tickets: Buy season passes (partially tax deductible) or individual tickets - see IFF's website for pricing. More information: IFF Boston Website
The Independent Film Festival Boston spans eight days this year year, and promises to be bigger and better than ever, with familiar names plus many new ones.
IFF Boston showcases independent film makers from around the world working outside of the Hollywood system, and the lineup offers plenty of interesting features, shorts, and documentaries.
Lots of panels and parties let you can talk with the filmmakers and ask them questions. Boston film fanatics rate this festival as one of the best.
Harbor at Martha's Vineyard - Photo credit: andykazie/iStock
Spend the day exploring the beautiful beaches, art galleries, gingerbread houses, and seafood restaurants on this unforgettable Martha's Vineyard Day Trip fro Boston.
And don't forget to catch the brass ring at the country's oldest carousel!
Pickup and dropoff from selected Boston hotels plus ferry tickets are included.
Electricity in action at Boston's Museum of Science
Special Exhibits
All Aboard! Trains at Science Park - This seasonal exhibit for all ages returns, expanded and enhanced, ready to immerse you in a winter wonderland
Sustainable Farm - See a first-of-its-kind hydroponic indoor farm
Arctic Adventure: Exploring with Technology- Fly a virtual drone and become an Arctic explorer
Exploring AI Making the Invisible Visible: Discover how AI is already part of your life, and examine your choices about how and when you use it
With fascinating permanent exhibits for all ages, there's always something to see, do, and learn. Here are just a few of the most popular: Engineering Design Workshop, Colossal Fossil - Triceratops Cliff, The Light House, Dinosaurs, Hall of Human Life, Animal Sculptures, Live Animal Care Center, a Rock Garden, Mathematica, New England Habitats, Garden Walk & Insect Zoo, Electricity.
Where: Boston's Museum of Science When: Daily, 9am-5pm; open until 9pm on Fridays Admission: $31 general museum admission ($26 for kids; children under 3 free; seniors 60+ $27). Reserve your tickets, or get free museum admission when you have a GoBoston Discount card or CityPASS card.
New England Aquarium
Harbor seals and seal lions, a giant 4-story ocean tank with hundreds of Caribbean reef animals, an Amazon rain forest, sharks, Myrtle the green sea turtle, and frisky penguins are just a few of the thousands of aquatic animals you'll experience here.
Watch the famous tea party event come alive with live actors, immersive exhibits, and a visit to the full-scale replica 18th century sailing ships at this unique living history museum. Get advance tickets.
MFA Boston
- Current & Future Shows
Tha Sun Will Set: Contemporary Abstraction and the Body - Nine works by three generations of female artists from the Americas - Through April 6, 2025
Masterpieces of Egyptian Sculpture from the Pyramid Age - Ongoing
Van Gogh: The Roulin Family Portraits - March 30 - Sept 7, 2025
Museum of Fine Arts Boston admission: $27; some special exhibits require a timed-entry reservation and/or additional fee; free entrance with a GoBoston Discount card or Boston CityPASS). Free admission to U.S. military and veterans, Boston Public Schools students and up to 3 family members on certain days, and Massachusetts residents on several national holidays. Open every day except for Tuesday. More about MFA
Museum of African American History - Current Show
The Emancipation Proclamation: A Pragmatic Compromise - A close look at this important American document that changed the course of the Civil War, freed enslaved people in the Confederacy, and allowed men of African descent to join the fight for freedom
Joana Choumali: Languages of West African Marketplaces - Explore the multinational economy of second-hand t-shirts through the artist's mixed media photographs - Through May 11, 2025
Admission: Free to all visitors on all open days. Closed on Mondays and major holidays. Open 10am - 5pm. More about Harvard Art Museums
Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston - Current & Future Shows
Stanley Whitney: How High the Moon - Retrospective featuring Whitney's small paintings and other works - Through Sept 1, 2025
Charles Atlas - An immersive multimedia exhibit - Through March 16, 2025
Admission: $20 adults, 18 and under free; free entrance with a GoBoston Discount card and Boston CityPASS, and on Thursday evenings (tickets available at 10am on the day of your visit). Closed on Mondays. Free admission on several national holidays, and Thursdays from 5-9pm. More about ICA Boston
Dropping in on free summer yoga sessions near the carousel on Boston Common is part of what makes Boston fun in the summer. A variety of talented local instructors lead a vinyasa flow classes focused on releasing stress and expanding energy and welcome participants of all levels.
When: Every Monday, 6pm-7pm, May 8 - August 28 (to be confirmed) Where: Frog Pond at Boston Common Nearest T station: Green Line/Park
Cost: Free Bring: Your own mat, blocks, towels, and belt
Berklee Summer in the City: Free Summer Concerts in Boston
Jazz concert at Brewer Fountain Plaza on Boston Common
Berklee College of Music students, faculty, and alumni give hundreds of free outdoor concerts all over the city from May 1 and throughout the summer, usually going through September.
Music ranges from jazz to classical, Latin to funk, folk to world, and are free.
Most concerts for this year are still TBD but once they're announced, you can find the schedule here: Berklee events website
Locations typically include Atlantic Wharf, the Boston Public Library, Brewer Fountain Plaza on Boston Common, the Charlestown Navy Yard, Chin Park and City Winery on the Greenway, selected Boston Harbor Cruises, the Arnold Arboretum, Christopher Columbus Park on the waterfront, Downtown Boston, the Longwood Medical Campus, multiple locations in Cambridge, Dorchester Heights, Institute of Contemporary Art, Prudential Center, Fenway locations, and more.
Voices of Humanity Concert at Vilna Shul
Vilna Shul in Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood
Vilna Shul, a historic landmark on Beacon Hill and Boston's last remaining immigrant-era synagogue (now a Jewish cultural center), presents their annual Voices of Humanity concert on May 6 at 3pm. (to be confirmed)
In this community event, three Boston-based choirs will perform uplifting songs from Jewish, Muslim, and Christian traditions in an expression of unity and hope.
Location: 18 Phillips St, Beacon Hill, Boston Tickets & more information: Vilna Shul website
2 Easy Ways to Save BIG in Boston on Tours, Cruises, Admissions
Best way to save in Boston. Save up to 50% when you take a Boston Harbor cruise or Duck Boat tour, visit Plimouth Plantation, the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park Tour, and more.
Harpoon Brewery (306 Northern Ave, South Boston Waterfront) celebrates spring, local bands and DJs, and local brews with a 2-day beer festival at their brewery featuring a large selection of Harpoon beers, seltzers, and ciders, and food trucks.
Dates: May 18 and 19, rain or shine (to be confirmed)
Cost: Tickets (credit cards only) start at $35 - Includes festival entrance, souvenir cup, and first beer. (to be confirmed)
Nearest T station: Silver Line 2/Harbor Ave Age: 21+ More information and advance tickets:Harpoon Brewery website
Not Sure about Boston Neighborhood Locations?
This neighborhood map should help you get oriented. You can find a list of top attractions in each neighborhood here.
Lawn on D, a playground for adults (kids are welcome too but this is primarily an adult venue) located behind the Convention Center in the South Boston Waterfront, is where you'll find fun swings with LED lights and comfy seating, pickleball and other games, and music throughout the summer and early fall, along with casual food and wine, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Opening date: May 1 (to be confirmed)
Open daily from 7am-11pm from May to October, except when closed for private events (always check their website before going).
Food, drinks, and lawn games available Thursday 3-10:30pm, Friday & Saturday 12 noon-11pm, Sunday 12 noon-10:30pm, with live entertainment by local bands on the weekends.
Swings are open whenever Lawn on D is open.
Rules, in case you're wondering: No dogs, no outside alcohol, no outside food during concession hours.
Another option in this area is to sample one of the many restaurants in the Seaport and Fort Point areas of the South Boston Waterfront.
For Boston Harbor views while you dine, visit a Seaport restaurant. To try the creative cuisine of some of Boston's most innovative chefs, head to a Fort Point restaurant.
Featured New Hotel for May: Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton
Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street
One Dalton Street, Boston's Back Bay neighborhood
The opening this month of Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street in Boston's third tallest building brings another 5-star luxury hotel to chic Back Bay.
You'll enjoy the excellent location near renowned Newbury Street, top cultural attractions, and Fenway Park - plus the onsite spa, restaurant, and bar, and superb service.
Even though the Boston Theater Marathon, produced by the Boston Playwrights' Theatre, stretches across a weekend filled with full-length play reading, the heart of this part-festival, part-race takes place from noon until 10pm on one special day when 50 New England theater actors, directors, and technicians present 50 new 10-minute plays produced by 50 New England theaters.
To call this event "lively" is an understatement! In one short 10-hour period, you'll see the wide diversity of Boston theater in this showcase for the local and New England theater community
Inspired by the iconic Boston Marathon, the Theater Marathon is an endurance event designed to make connections between local playwrights and local theaters.
When: May 17, noon-10pm (ticket needed) (to be confirmed) Where: Boston Playwrights' Theatre, 949 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston
Tickets: $35 purchased online (to be confirmed); all net proceeds benefit the non-profit Theatre Community Benevolent Fund to provide financial help for actors in dire need More information: https://www.bu.edu/bpt/our-programs/boston-theatre-marathon/
Anime Boston 2025
Anime cosplayers dressed in 'Kigurumi' style - Photo credit: iStockphotos/ColobusYeti
Anime Boston - the largest anime convention in New England - returns to the Hynes Convention Center and Sheraton Boston Hotel (find rates & reviews) on March 23-25 with music, films, cosplay, and star guests plus lots of exhibits, artists, and special presentations. (dates to be confirmed)
The focus is on Japanese pop culture, including anime, manga, J-Pop, J-Rock, and live-action Japanese media, plus some aspects of Japanese history and traditional culture.
SoWa Open Market Opening Day & Sunday Markets 2025
SoWa Open Market in Boston's South End
A sea of white, blue, and even a few red tents await you at SoWa, Boston's biggest outdoor art and indie market showcasing over 100 local and regional artists, artisans, designers, and creators in Boston's South End.
Add in musicians, the SoWa Vintage Market (downstairs at 450 Harrison Ave) Sundays, 10am-4pm all year), and onsite food and beverage trucks, and you have the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Vendors are carefully chosen to avoid duplication - plus the mix of vendors is different every week, so you never know what you'll find.
When: Every Sunday from May 4 through October 26, 11am - 5pm Where: 530 Harrison Ave, Boston's South End neighborhood Closest T station: Orange Line/Back Bay, or Red Line/Broadway
Free Art and Architecture Tour at BPL
Lion sculpture near the entrance at BPL
Join one of the Boston Public Library's free tours offered once a day almost every day. You'll see highlights of the library's magnificent Renaissance Revival architecture by Charles Follen McKim and late 20th century building by Philip Johnson.
You'll also get to view some of the many works by famous artists throughout the building.
Tours last about an hour, and are conducted by trained volunteer guides.
When: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in May - and throughout the year; times vary Where: Meet at Dartmouth Entrance (McKim Building), 700 Boylston Street, Copley Square, Boston Cost: Free Closest T station: Green Line/Copley More information: 617-536-5400; BPL website - click on on Visit/Tours to get dates and times.
Boston Discount Cards for Attractions, Tours, Cruises
Best way to save in Boston. Save 50% or more when you take a Boston Harbor cruise or Duck Boat tour, visit Plimouth Plantation, the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park Tour, and more.
Greenway Open Market, sister market to SoWa Open Market (held Sundays in the South End), brings an eclectic mix of hand-made art, music, and locally produced products to Boston.
Look for the sea of white vendor tents - and get ready for some fun shopping, plus good eating at the gourmet food trucks.
With a different mix of vendors present each week, you never know what treasures you'll find! It's a quintessential Boston event.
When: Every Saturday from May 3 through October 31,
11am - 5pm (to be confirmed) Where: Rose Kennedy Greenway, near Rings Fountain along the Wharf District parks (look for the Carousel and the vendors' white tents)
Nearest T station: Blue Line/Aquarium, or Orange and Green Lines/Haymarket Cost: Free (but of course you'll probably be tempted to buy things
Opening Day for Boston Harbor Islands
Harbor Island Express ferry to Georges Island
Hop on a ferry at Boston's Long Wharf (near the Boston Marriott Long Wharf) for a 15 minute cruise to Georges or Spectacle Island. Join a free tour led by the Park Rangers, or enjoy a day of exploring historic sites, photographing birds, enjoying a picnic, hiking, swimming, wading in tidal pools, or simply enjoying the scenery.
When: Saturday, May 17 to Spectacle Island; service from Boston to both Spectacle and Georges Islands begins June 21 (to be confirmed) Where: Long Wharf - North (ferry location) Closest T station: Blue Line/Aquarium Cost: Check Boston Harbor Islands for current ticket costs. You can buy your tickets at Long Wharf ticket booth More information: Park Rangers: 617-223-8666; Harbor Island Express: 617-222-6999
Ancient Fishweir Project on Boston Common
Fish weir on Boston Common
When: May 4 (to be confirmed) through June, with dance and music performances by the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers on Monday, June 1 during school hours Where: Boston Common Cost: Free
Each year, members of the local Wampanoag and Massachusetts Nations collaborate with about 1,000 Boston public school students to build a 150 foot fishweir sculpture on the Common.
The fishweir commemorates those built by local Native people about 5,000 years ago to catch alewife, herring, smelt, and salmon in the tidal flats then covering the area.
Remnants of these still exist, buried in layers of clay 28-35 feet under the city's streets.
This ephemeral fishweir is Boston's only centrally-located historical monument focused exclusively on the Native people who lived here for 12,000 years before the arrival of the Puritans.
If you want to take a look at this temporary memorial, you'll easily find it close to the path running from Charles Street to the baseball field.
Once a year on the third Thursday in May, a dozen or so Beacon Hill Garden Club members open their gardens to the public for a special Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill self-guided tour.
Celebrate spring by spending a day exploring the secret gardens in this historic Boston neighborhood. But don't forget to break for a relaxing brunch or lunch in one of these wonderful neighborhood spots:
75 Chestnut Street - Brunch menu will be available in dining room or on the patio
Peregrine at the Whitney Hotel - (170 Charles Street) - Start your day with breakfast here, enjoy coastal Italian specialties for lunch, or relax with a glass of wine at the bar
The Paramount (44 Charles Street) - Classic diner food with a huge local fan base
The King & I (145 Charles Street) - Some of the best Thai food in Boston
The Grotto (37 Bowdoin Street) - Wonderful Mediterranean cuisine; nice wine list
When: Thursday, May 15, 9am - 5pm, rain or shine (to be confirmed) Where: Beacon Hill; hostess booths will be at the corners of Charles and Mt. Vernon Street Closest T stations: Green and Red Lines/Park If you drive: Park in the garage under Boston Common; if you plan to find on-the-street parking, read this first Cost: $60 advance reservations (see website for deadline), $80 day of the event (to be confirmed) More information: Beacon Hill Garden Club website
Cinco de Mayo Celebration & More in Downtown Crossing
The Stairs in Downtown Crossing
Enjoy free serenade of Mexican folk music and bilingual public performances by Zaira Meneses and Daniela Gomez to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at The Stairs in Downtown Crossing (1 Franklin Street) on Friday, May 5 from 12 noon - 2pm. (to be confirmed)
Also in DTX: The Downtown Boston Arts Market opens on pedestrian-only Summer Street Plaza on Thursday, May 4, and will be open every Thursday and Friday from 11am - 5:30pm going forward. (to be confirmed)
Stop by and check out handcrafted products including jewelry, sculptures, clothing and more offered by 20+ vendors, including local and minority-owned businesses.
Look for other live music and entertainment in this area as well!
More information on the DTX website (click on Explore/Events Calendar)
Treat her to a fun, relaxing cruise around Boston Harbor aboard the Northern Lights classic 1940s-style commuter yacht or Adirondack III, Boston's own "tall ship" schooner.
Enjoy the music, treat your mom to the beverage of her choice, and smile as you watch her relax and enjoy the best views of Boston.
Mothers Day Cruise
Mother's Brunch Day Cruise with Live Jazz - Celebrate your mom while you enjoy a delicious brunch and live jazz on this relaxing Harbor cruise - May 11 (don't wait to book - this always sells out!)
More Cruises on Mothers Day Weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Celebrate spring by heading to Revere Beach, America's oldest public beach, on Sunday, May 18 at 10am-1pm (to be confirmed) for the annual family-friendly kite festival with kite decorating, live music, and of course, kite flying.
Bring your own kite, and watch it soar. You'll see people of all ages flying kites, having a great time, and enjoying this lovely 2-mile long expanse of sun and water.
Don't forget that across the street from the pavilion, you can get fabulous fried clams or a lobster roll at Kelly's Roast Beef, just a short walk from the Blue Line's Wonderland Station.
On May 2 as well as on other SoWa First Fridays in Boston's art-filled South End, over 60 galleries south of Washington Street and at the Artist's Guild at 450 + 460 Harrison Ave, and nearby businesses and restaurants open their doors from 5pm to 9pm to give you a chance to experience the vibrant South End arts community.
Start at either 450 or 460 Harrison, and just follow the gallery lights and signs as you stroll around the neighborhood.
"Ducklings" lining up for Boston's Duckling Day Parade
For the perfect Mother's Day celebration, join Boston's annual Duckling Day Parade with your young children - and be sure to bring your camera!
You'll retrace the path taken by Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and their own flock of 8 young ducklings in Robert McCloskey's beloved children's book, Make Way for Ducklings.
To really get into the spirit, dress your offspring in yellow to resemble their favorite Ducklings characters, and decorate your stroller or even a wagon.
When: Mother's Day Sunday, May 11, with entertainment on the Common, including the Harvard University Band, starting at 10am (to be confirmed) until the parade kicks off at around noon
Where: Boston Common and the Public Garden - Starts at the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common and ends in the Public Garden near the Make Way for Ducklings statues.
Cost: $35 before May 5 ($40 on day of event) (to be confirmed) donation per family, which includes a special goodie bag for each child; proceeds benefit the nonprofit Friends of the Public Garden More info
Belgium waffles & crabcakes for Mother's Day Brunch in Boston
Your Mom: Loves to cook, and made a fantastic (or at least edible, most of the time) dinner every night when you were growing up.
But let's face it...that adds up to almost 10,000 dinners (not to speak of breakfasts, school lunches, and snacks for your entire soccer team) - So now, Mother's Day is her chance to enjoy a meal cooked by someone else.
Here are suggestions for where to treat her to a special Mother's Day brunch in Boston:
Miel Brasserie, at the InterContinental Boston - Treat your mom to a feast at Miel's Mother's Day brunch featuring an omelette station, lobster benedict, fruits, parfaits, French toast, a carving station, salads, and a sushi and seafood raw bar. Save room for the chef's dessert table!
Mamma Maria in Boston's North End - Northern Italian cuisine featuring local and New England products, with a seasonal menu that changes daily
Peregrine in the Whitney Hotel in Beacon Hill - Enjoy patio dining and Peregrine's Italian coastal specialties
Carmelina's in Boston's North End - Southern Italian cuisine at its finest, with one of the tastiest red sauces in the neighborhood. Go for the calamari fra diavolo, the pasta with Bolognese sauce, or the pesce al forno, and then head for one of the neighborhood bakeries for dessert
75 Liberty Wharf, Seaport neighborhood - So many great choices! Try the raspberry-stuffed French toast, the Seaport lobster toast, the Mediterranean platter, or the Nantucket Seafood Stew as you enjoy the views overlooking Boston Harbor
Q Restaurant in Boston's Chinatown/Theatre District) - Share Mongolian hot pot with your mom, or choose from the extensive Chinese entrees and sushi selections
Bistro du Midi in Back Bay - Start with a shellfish platter, and proceed to bavette steak and eggs or perhaps a croque madame, and you'll almost believe you're enjoying brunch in Paris - even though you're at this favorite Boston French restaurant overlooking the Public Garden
Stephanie's on Newbury in Back Bay - Relax with your mom on Stephanie's huge terrace overlooking Newbury Street, and treat yourselves to her favorite brunch classics: cinnamon monkey bread, a smoked salmon platter, New England clam chowder, and an ice cream sundae
Cafe Luna in Kendall Square, Cambridge - Take your mom to brunch (9am-4pm) and indulge her with steak and lobster eggs benedict, lemon ricotta pancakes, or the housemade corned beef hash with eggs; dine indoors or at a sidewalk table.
Forgot to make reservations? Take your mom for Dim Sum in Boston's Chinatown - but pretend that's what you were planning all along. You'll see other mom/child couples doing the same thing.
More fun possibilities (because who doesn't love pizza?):
Lilac Sunday - Mother's Day Event
Lilacs in bloom in May
- Photo credit: AdobeStock/a40757se
The Arnold Arboretum's large lilac collection bursts into glorious bloom in May, putting on an exuberant show of color and intoxicating fragrance just in time for Mother's Day.
Visit on Lilac Sunday to enjoy family-oriented activities in honor of Mother's Day - or come any time during early-to-mid-May to experience the unforgettable scent of these gorgeous lilacs.
Lilac Sunday is the only day of the year when the Arboretum allows picnics - so take advantage by bringing a tasty brunch or lunch and perhaps a blanket for sitting.
When: May 11; lilac tours and family activities from 10am - 3pm (times to be confirmed); Arboretum open from dawn to dusk Where: Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway, Jamaica Way, Boston Closest T station: Orange Line/Forest Hills; follow the signs to the Arboretum, about a 10 minute walk Parking: Street-side parking spaces are always quite limited so don't count on finding any available on Lilac Sunday - take public transportation! Cost: Free More information: 617-524-1718; Arnold Arboretum website
Use this handy map from Booking.com to find the perfect place to stay. Just enter your dates to find what's available, see the best rates, and make your reservations.
Museum of Fine Arts in Boston
