Mother’s Day weekend is finally here and we’ve gathered a bunch of great events everyone in the family will enjoy. From a boat cruise to a zoo celebration, the Arnold Arboretum’s Lilac Festival and more, we made it easy for you to head out and have some fun!
Friday, May 11
Copley Square Farmers Market Opening
The Copley Square Farmers Market opens for the season today. Tuesdays and Fridays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The market is located along 139 St. James Ave., Dartmouth Street and Boylston Street, Boston.
Food Truck Fridays Featuring Chez Rafiki’s
Enjoy Food Truck Fridays today at Nashoba Valley Winery. Each week Nashoba Valley Winery invites one Food Truck to showcase their cuisine. Tonight it’s Chez Rafiki’s. Free admission, bring cash. 4-7 p.m., Nashoba Valley Winery, 100 Wattaquadock Hill Rd (23.60 mi), Bolton.
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Enjoy live music from the Wolfpack Band tonight on The Lawn on D. 6-10 p.m., The Lawn on D. 420 D St., Boston.
Samuel Adams 4th Annual ACBW Pig Roast
If you’re serious about BBQ and Samuel Adams beer, you don’t want to miss the 4th Annual ACBW Pig Roast at the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery. The event kicks off American Craft Beer Week and your ticket includes a full BBQ dinner (there is a vegetarian option available), two different bluegrass bands and six, 7 oz beer samples. Tickets are $30-$55. 6-9 p.m., Samuel Adams Boston Brewery, 30 Germania St., Boston.
Head out on Boston Harbor tonight for a 90’s themed boat cruise. Wear you’re most creative outfit from that decade and enjoy a night of dancing and more on the open water. This is a 21+ event. Tickets are $20-$25. Boarding is at 6 p.m. sharp, boat leaves dock at 7 p.m. and returns at 10 p.m.. 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston.
Celebration its 40th year, the Big Apple Circus is at Assembly Row in Somerville throughout school vacation week. Tickets start at $19. 7 p.m., Assembly Row, 355 Artisan Way, Somerville.
A brand new production of the “The Sound of Music” arrives at the Boch Center Wang Theatre May 1-13. The beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family features the Tony, Grammy and Award-Winning Best Score. Tickets start at $35. 7 p.m., Boch Center Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St., Boston.
Grab the family for a performance of “Stuart Little” tonight at the Wheelock Family Theatre. E.B. White’s classic tale follows Stuart, a mouse born into a New York family, and his many "larger than life" adventures. Tickets are $20-$38. 7:30 p.m., Wheelock Family Theatre, 180 Riverway, 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. 7:30 p.m., Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston.
Saturday, May 12
Southie Saturday on The Lawn on D
Enjoy the outdoors today while enjoying great food, drinks and lawn games on The Lawn on D. 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., The Lawn on D. 420 D St., Boston.
Back Bay and South End Chocolate Walking Tours
Chocolate lovers, you are going to love this. Join Cocoa Beantown for a Saturday morning chocolate tour through Back Bay or an afternoon tour in the South End. Learn about the history of chocolate as it pertains to the city, while trying some yummy treats along the way. Tickets start at $50. Back Bay tour starts at 10:15 a.m. The South End tour starts at 2 p.m.
Celebrate Azize’s Third Birthday
The youngest Franklin Park Zoo gorilla, Azize, turns 3 this month and everyone is invited to the party. Enjoy zookeeper chats, a visit with Curious George and more. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston.
Grab the family, hit the road and check out this enchanted recreation of a 16th-century spring festival with continuous themed entertainment including jousting, armored combat, archery, games, comedy and more. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 7 to 15. Children ages 6 and under are free. 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., 318 Seven Bridge Road, Lancaster.
Greenway Play Session: Build a Fairyhouse Village
The Greenway and Boston Ballet are coming together to build a village of fairy houses near the Greenway Carousel. Join in the fun as they use natural materials to place houses on the lawn nearby. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Rose Kennedy Greenway, 185 Kneeland St., Boston.
Celebration its 40th year, the Big Apple Circus is at Assembly Row in Somerville throughout school vacation week. Tickets start at $19. Performances today at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Assembly Row, 355 Artisan Way, Somerville.
Boston Chocolate School Truffle Making Workshop
This hands-on chocolate workshop teaches you everything you need to know to to make show-stopping truffles filled with anything from champagne cream to chocolate peanut butter. $85. Noon, Elephant & Castle Restaurant at 161 Devonshire St., 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.
Join a pub crawl today that takes you along the historic streets of Boston. Boston Crawling’s Freedom Trail Pub Crawl takes place at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $34.99 or $59.99 depending on whether you choose the “dry run” or “happy hour” package. Meet at the Samuel Adams statues in front of Faneuil Hall.
Grab the family for a performance of “Stuart Little” tonight at the Wheelock Family Theatre. E.B. White’s classic tale follows Stuart, a mouse born into a New York family, and his many "larger than life" adventures. Tickets are $20-$38. 2 p.m., Wheelock Family Theatre, 180 Riverway, Boston.
A brand new production of the “The Sound of Music” arrives at the Boch Center Wang Theatre May 1-13. The beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family features the Tony, Grammy and Award-Winning Best Score. Tickets start at $35. Performances today at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Boch Center Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St., Boston.
Volleyball Tournament, Live Music and More
Kick off summer on The Lawn on D with a volleyball tournament. Teams of four will compete and the winning team gets four VIP tix to the Boston Calling Music Festival. While you’re there enjoy live music from Redline followed by DJ So & So after the tournament (7-10 p.m.). 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., The Lawn on D. 420 D St., Boston.
Sunday, May 13
For more than three decades Duckling Day celebrates Robert McCloskey’s classic children’s book “Make Way for Ducklings.” Join more than 1,000 people who annually meet up and parade through Boston dressed like characters from the story. Registration fee is $35 per family in advance or $40 per family at the event. The parade begins on the Boston Common at the Parkman Bandstand and ends in the Public Garden near the famous Make Way for Ducklings sculpture. Registration starts at 10 a.m., parade starts at Noon.
Lilac Sunday at Arnold Arboretum
Enjoy this annual daylong celebration of the lilac. The lilac collection at the Arnol Arboretum is among the premier collection of the plants in the U.S. Enjoy tours, family activities, picnicking and more. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway, Boston.
The SoWa Open Market is back for its 15th season. Enjoy this weekly celebration of local artisans, farmers, food trucks, brewers, musicians and more. While you’re there enjoy a selection of local brews, stay for a lawn game and enjoy live music. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 530 Harrison Ave., Boston.
Grab the family, hit the road and check out this enchanted recreation of a 16th-century spring festival with continuous themed entertainment including jousting, armored combat, archery, games, comedy and more. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 7 to 15. Children ages 6 and under are free. 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., 318 Seven Bridge Road, Lancaster.
Celebration its 40th year, the Big Apple Circus is at Assembly Row in Somerville throughout school vacation week. Tickets start at $19. Performances today at Noon and 4 p.m., Assembly Row, 355 Artisan Way, Somerville.
Music hits the streets of Somerville this weekend as Porchfest returns. Wander and enjoy bands all day long. Bands will be performing in three sections of the city: West of Willow Avenue from Noon to 2 p.m., Willow Avenue to Central Street from 2-4 p.m. and east of Central Street from 4-6 p.m.
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 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston.
Grab the family for a performance of “Stuart Little” tonight at the Wheelock Family Theatre. E.B. White’s classic tale follows Stuart, a mouse born into a New York family, and his many "larger than life" adventures. Tickets are $20-$38. 2 p.m., Wheelock Family Theatre, 180 Riverway, Boston.
A brand new production of the “The Sound of Music” arrives at the Boch Center Wang Theatre May 1-13. The beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family features the Tony, Grammy and Award-Winning Best Score. Tickets start at $35. Performances today at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Boch Center Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St., Boston.