Liz Hughes

20 Things to Do This Weekend in Boston

The weekend is finally here and we pulled together a list of events and happenings everyone in the family can enjoy, all weekend long.

From free sailing to a junior ranger program on Boston’s Spectacle Island, the Taste of the North End, and more, we’ve pulled together events just for you. Plus with the spring weather finally here, it’s the perfect weekend to get out and about!

Here’s a look at some of the fun happening in and around Boston this weekend:

Friday, April 27 

Fairy Garden Days at Roger Williams Park

Take a ride today and explore greenhouses and grounds where you’ll find fairy houses and villages abound at Fairy Garden Days at Roger Williams Park Botanical Center. There’s also a Gnome Trail, scavenger hunt, fairy house crafting and more. General admission is $10 ($5 for children 3-12, seniors and military). Free for children under 3. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI.

PJ Masks Live!

Disney’s favorite superheroes are live on stage at PJ Masks Time to Be a Hero Live! At Lowell Memorial Auditorium. Tickets start at $19. 6 p.m., Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 E Merrimack St., Lowell. 

The Taste of the North End

Don’t miss the 25th Annual Taste of the North End. Enjoy food from 35 popular North End restaurant and bakeries, as well as libations from area wine vendors. This fundraiser benefits several local non-profit organizations, schools and senior programs. Tickets are $99. 7 p.m., DCR’s Steriti Memorial Rink, 561 Commercial St., Boston.

Tavern Night at Boston Tea Party Ships

Enjoy a night of colonial merrymaking at Tavern Night at Boston Tea Party Ships. Join the Sons and Daughters of Library for some hospitality in 18th Century Boston. Grab a drink with prominent Bostonians of the day, while saving rustic fare, playing authentic games and more. Tickets are $49.50. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. performance starts at 8 p.m., Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, 306 Congress St., Boston.

Arlington Jazz Festival

This year’s Arlington Jazz Festival includes and expanded lineup of nearly two dozen artists performing April 26-29. Tonight catch MOrningside Music Studio Jazz Combo from 7-7:30 p.m. and the Peter Cicco Group from 7:30-9 p.m. at Kickstand Cafe, 594 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington. Later it’s the Jesse Williams Group from 10 p.m. to midnight at Menotomy Grill, 25 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington.

John Craigie at The Red Room at Cafe 939

Catch singer-songwriter John Craigie perform tonight at Berklee’s all-ages venue The Red Room at Cafe 939. Tickets start at $15. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. The Red Room at Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St., Boston.

They Might Be Giants at House of Blues Boston

They Might Be Giants perform at House of Blues Boston tonight for an ages 14-plus show. Tickets are $27.50 to $39.50. Doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m., House of Blues Boston, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston. 

“On Your Feet” at the Boston Opera House

Catch “On Your Feet” – the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan through April 29 at the Boston Opera House. Tickets start at $40. 8 p.m., Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston.

Saturday, April 28

Earthwatch at Fresh Pond

Join Earthwatch scientists at this kickoff event as you’re guided through an exploration of the urban wildlife of Fresh Pond Reservation’s Black’s Nook and Lusitania Meadow. This event is free. 250 Fresh Pond, Cambridge.

Spring Grand Opening of Prince Street Dog Park

Grab the pup and join RUFF and the city of Boston for the spring grand opening of the Prince Street Dog Park. Vendors will also be on hand for all the fun, and there’s also going to be a doggy photo booth. Dogs must be on-leash for this event. 10 a.m., Prince Street Park, Prince Street, Boston.

Junior Ranger Day

As part of National Park Week, spend the day exploring Spectacle Island with park rangers to learn all about the Boston Harbor Islands, while learning about the plants and animals who live there and more. As a Junior Ranger you can become “citizen scientists” for the day and even earn an official park badge. This event is open to all ages, but guided activities are geared toward ages 5 to 12. Tickets for adults and children 11 and older are $11.53, children ages 4-11 are $6.27 and children 3 and under are free. 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Spectacle Island, Boston.

Harpoon Brewery Tour

Never been to Harpoon Brewery? Then take an up close and personal view of the brewing process. As part of the tour, visitors 21 and over will enjoy a range of freshly-brewed Harpoon and UFO beers. Tours last approximately one hour. Tickets are $5 and only available the day of the tour and can only be purchased in person. 11:20 a.m. to 6 p.m., Harpoon Brewery, 306 Northern Ave., Boston.

17th Annual Boston Tattoo Convention

The Boston Tattoo Convention returns for its 17th year this weekend. The event features the best in local and international artists, along with vendors and unique stage acts. $25-60. Noon to midnight, Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St., Boston.

Annual Free Sailing Open House

Join the Boston Sailing Center and set sail arounD the Harbor for an afternoon of free sailing and discounts as part of its annual open house celebration. Sailor of all ages and abilities are welcome. 1-5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, Boston Sailing Center, 54 Lewis Wharf, Boston.

Power Beer Fest

The Power Beer Fest returns to the SoWa Power Station for a second year this afternoon and tonight. Sponsored by the Mass Brewers Guild, the event will include more than 60 local breweries. Tickets are $55 each for general admission, $25 for designated drivers/non-drinkers. Entrance also includes unlimited two ounce beer samples. There are two sessions 1-4:30 p.m. and 6-9:30 p.m., SoWa Power Station, 540 Harrison Ave., Boston.

Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse

Combining music, technology and comedy, Blue Man Group creates a form of entertainment that can’t be defined, but appeals to people of all ages. Described as “innovative,” “energetic” and “wildly entertaining,” the best way to truly understand what Blue Man Group is, is to see the show yourself. Tickets start at $66. Performances today at 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston.

Sunday, April 29 

Sensory Friendly Event at LEGOLAND Discovery Center

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston is hosting a sensory friendly family event this morning in honor of Autism Awareness month. Special modifications will be made, as well as designated quiet areas, turned down music and light adjustments throughout. Tickets are $20. 8:30-10 a.m., LEGOLAND DIscovery Center, 598 Assembly Row, Somerville. 

Boston’s Swan Boats

Nothing says spring like the Swan Boats. Enjoy a ride around the Public Garden lagoon. Tickets are $4 for adults, seniors are $3.50, $2.50 for children ages 2 to 15 and free for children under 2. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 4 Charles St. S, Boston.

A Conversation with John Lithgow

Tony and Emmy award-winning actor, author and musician John Lithgow sits down with Robin Young today at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum to discuss his career and the importance of the arts. This is a free event, but registration is required. 2-3:30 p.m., John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston.

George Orwell's “1984”

Don’t miss the Boston Children’s Theatre production of George Orwell's “1984.” This is a 90-minute show with one intermission. Tickets start at $20. 2 p.m., The Stanford Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St., Boston.

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