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Guilford Craft Expo 2026



Massachusetts 250 Events Calendar

Welcome to our Massachusetts 250 Events Calendar! Explore can’t-miss events, historic experiences, and celebrations across the state. Plus, visit our Celebrate Massachusetts 250 page for additional information and tips.


Massachusetts 250th Celebration Events

Find the dates you plan to travel or simply search the full events list below.

Arts & Crafts Shows Children & Families Fairs & Festivals Guided Tours Historic Museums Workshops & Classes
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Guilford Craft Expo 2026

Arts & Crafts Shows

Myth and Memory: Stories of the American Revolution

May 15, 2026 - Nov 16, 2026 1424 Canton Avenue, Milton, MA 02186

Explore the personal stories, memories, and myths behind the American Revolution in Myth and Memory: Stories of the American Revolution, a compelling exhibition from Historic New England.

Drawing from Historic New England’s extensive collection of artifacts and archival materials, the exhibit examines how the Revolution shaped the lives of everyday people across New England. Through objects connected to individuals, families, and communities, visitors gain an intimate look at the hopes, struggles, loyalties, and sacrifices experienced during the birth of a new nation.

Organized around the themes of Resistance, Loyalty, Liberty, and Memory, the exhibition invites audiences to reflect not only on the events of the Revolution itself, but also on how its stories have been remembered, interpreted, and woven into America’s collective identity over time.

By highlighting deeply personal experiences alongside broader historical narratives, Myth and Memory offers a thoughtful exploration of the Revolution’s enduring legacy and the many voices that helped shape the nation’s history.
Friday - May 15, 2026 - 11:00 am / Monday - November 16, 2026 - 5:00 pm

America at 250 at the MFA

Jun 24, 2026 - Jul 7, 2026 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence through a reimagined exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. America at 250 showcases significant works from the MFA’s Art of the Americas collection, exploring the people, events, and ideas that helped shape the nation’s history.

Featuring paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and contemporary works from across the Americas, the exhibition examines themes of identity, democracy, resistance, and nationhood. Highlights include iconic works connected to George Washington, Paul Revere, David Drake, and contemporary Indigenous artist Alan Michelson, offering diverse perspectives on America's past and present.

By bringing together Native and non-Native, North, South, Central American, and Caribbean art, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the interconnected histories and cultures that continue to shape the Americas today.
June 24, 2026 - 10:00 am / July 7, 2027 - 5:00 pm

Children & Families

Calling All Kids, Patriots And Sailors: Revolutionary Summer Saturdays

Apr 4, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026 Custom House Maritime Museum, Water Street 25 Newburyport, MA 01950

Enjoy free indoor and outdoor fun for kids every Saturday through the end of September! Families can explore 15 hands-on activity stations, including crafts, water and sand tables, printmaking with Rolling River Printmakers of New England, a bouncy castle, pirate boat with water guns, and even rideable dolphin and elephant sculptures by local artist Jeff Briggs.

The museum’s popular Discovery Center experience will also expand onto the lawn, creating an exciting day of learning and play for children of all ages. This free program is made possible through the generous support of the Institution for Savings and the Local Cultural Council.

In September, the museum will also partner with Imagine Studios, Darius Coombs of the Mashpee Wampanoag, and Jonathan Petty of the Aquinnah Wampanoag to create a traditional 20-foot mishoon (dugout canoe) over several weekends, with plans to launch it on Indigenous Peoples Day, October 11.
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
978-462-8681

Fairs & Festivals

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

Jul 4, 2026 - Jul 4, 2026 DCR Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston, MA 02108

Celebrate Independence Day at the iconic Boston Pops July 4th Spectacular on the Charles River Esplanade. Led by renowned conductor Keith Lockhart, this beloved annual tradition features a star-studded lineup including Grammy-winning artists Lainey Wilson, Chance The Rapper, and Trombone Shorty, alongside the world-famous Boston Pops.

As part of Massachusetts' America 250 celebration, the evening will showcase patriotic favorites, special guest performances, a spectacular drone show, and a breathtaking fireworks display over the Charles River. Join thousands of spectators for one of the nation's most celebrated Fourth of July events and experience an unforgettable night of music, community, and American pride.
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Free

Guided Tours

Yarmouth in Revolution Exhibit: the Captain Bangs Hallet House Museum

Jun 25, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026 Captain Bangs Hallet House & Museum Strawberry Lane 11, Yarmouth, MA 02675

Step back into Revolutionary-era Yarmouth and discover what daily life was like for local residents during one of the most transformative periods in American history. Presented in honor of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, Yarmouth in Revolution explores how townspeople experienced the political, social, and military events of the late 18th century while continuing their everyday lives.

Featuring artifacts from the collections of the Historical Society of Old Yarmouth and private lenders, the exhibit offers a unique glimpse into Yarmouth’s role and experiences during the Revolutionary War era.

Guided tours of the Captain Bangs Hallet House Museum are available Thursday through Saturday at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM.
June 25, 2026 - 11:00 am / October 30, 2026 - 3:00 pm
508-362-3021

Historic

Voices of Independence at The Old Whaling Church at Vineyard Preservation Trust

Jul 7, 2026 - Jul 7, 2026 Old Whaling Church, Main Street, Edgartown, MA 02539

The Old Whaling Church
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at Voices of Independence, a powerful evening of spoken word and music at Martha’s Vineyard’s historic Old Whaling Church. Featuring live readings of historic texts, personal reflections, original works, and musical performances, this special one-night event brings together Island leaders, artists, and community voices to explore the enduring ideals of liberty, democracy, and civic responsibility. Experience an inspiring tribute to the nation’s past while reflecting on the values that continue to shape its future.
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Admission Fee: Suggested $20 per ticket, pay what you can

Museums

Untold Stories: The Battle of Menotomy, Voices of the Overlooked, & Centennial Commemorations At Arlington Historical Society

Apr 19, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026 7 Jason Street, Arlington, MA 02476

Our new “Untold Stories” exhibition explores the perspectives of often-overlooked communities involved and examines how the people of the Commonwealth commemorated, memorialized, and celebrated the important anniversaries of the first battle of the American Revolutionary War.
See website for more details.

America 250 Outdoor Exhibit: 250 Years of the American Story

Jun 22, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026 Church of the Transfiguration 5 Bay View Drive, Orleans, MA 02653

Celebrate America's 250th anniversary with this free outdoor exhibit at the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans. Visitors are invited to take a self-guided walk around the church grounds and explore the people, events, and ideas that have shaped the nation over the past 250 years.

Through engaging displays, guests will discover stories from American history spanning culture, science, faith, politics, commerce, and constitutional rights, while meeting both famous and lesser-known individuals whose contributions helped build the nation.

The exhibit offers a unique opportunity to reflect on America's enduring legacy of liberty, innovation, and resilience in a beautiful outdoor setting.
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
508-240-2400

Lost Liberties – Broken Promises

Jun 25, 2026 - Dec 10, 2026 Golden Ball Tavern Museum Boston Post Road 662, Weston, MA 02493

Explore the lesser-known stories of those who experienced the American Revolution from a different perspective in Lost Liberties – Broken Promises. This yearlong exhibit examines the lives of enslaved individuals, Indigenous peoples, displaced Loyalists, and veterans from Weston whose experiences reveal the complexities and contradictions of the nation's founding era.

Through historical interpretation and storytelling, the exhibit sheds light on the promises of liberty that were often denied to many, encouraging visitors to reflect on the diverse perspectives and lasting impacts of the Revolutionary period.
June 25, 2026 - 10:00 am / December 10, 2026 - 4:00 pm
781-897-1751

Workshops & Classes

250 Years Later: Thoughts on the American Revolution with Nathaniel Philbrick at Martha's Vineyard Museum

Jul 14, 2026 - Jul 14, 2026 Old Whaling Church, Main Street, Edgartown, MA 02539

Nathaniel Philbrick
Join acclaimed historian and bestselling author Nathaniel Philbrick for an insightful evening exploring the legacy of the American Revolution 250 years later. Presented by the Martha’s Vineyard Museum and Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust, this special event at the historic Old Whaling Church will feature Philbrick’s reflections on the people, events, and ideas that shaped the nation. Drawing from his celebrated Revolutionary War works, Philbrick offers fresh perspectives on this pivotal chapter in American history and its connections to communities like Martha’s Vineyard.
5:00 PM
Admission Fee: Lecture only: $30 | Lecture + Reception: $50 | VIP Lecture Seating + Reception: $100