2020 Calendar of Events, Things to Do in CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, and ME

Mayflower Sails 2020 -- Charlestown MA -- Postponed. New dates TBA

May 14, 2020 - May 19, 2020 Charlestown Navy Yard, 114 16th Street, Charlestown, MA

After a three-year restoration at Mystic Seaport, Mayflower II will enter Boston Harbor on May 14, escorted by the USS Constitution. Mayflower Sails 2020 festival will allow the public to board and tour Mayflower II. There is no fee to board, but everyone over age 3 must have a ticket.
The festival will include educational experiences about 17th-century life aboard the ship, Native American and Colonial life. A Passport Through Time program will connect the stories of all of the ships in the Navy Yard. The festival also offers food and drink from vendors, entertainment and music. Visit Old Ironsides and the USS Cassin Young for a living maritime history lesson.
Please note that the Mayflower is not fully accessible. Ramps can be steep. Strollers and wheelchairs are not permitted on board. Tickets

Consult event website
Free

Mayflower Homecoming Weekend 2020 – Plymouth MA

May 23, 2020 - May 25, 2020 State Pier Plymouth, MA

After a 3-year restoration, Mayflower returns to her berth at State Pier in Plymouth on May 21, as part of the celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the 1620 landing of the Pilgrims in Plymouth. Mayflower opens to the public on May 23, for a homecoming weekend celebration through May 25.
The Mayflower will be open to visitors starting May 23. Tickets are $25, and guests chose a time slot to visit. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Visits take place rain or shine. In addition to tours of Mayflower, there will be free daily educational programming for all. https://www.seeplymouth.com/events/mayflower-homecoming-weekend-2020-may-232425 Tickets.

Consult event website

Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End -- Lowell MA

Jun 17, 2020 - Jul 12, 2020 Merrimack Repertory Theatre, 50 E. Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA

A celebration of humorist Erma Bombeck, "At Wit’s End" shares the wisdom of a woman and wtier who championed the everyday lives of housewives with a daring truth. Dates: June 17-28 and July 7-12.

Curtain times vary; consult event website
$26-$43
978-654-4678

Worcester County Dance Festival -- Worcester MA

Apr 18, 2020 - Apr 18, 2020 Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge Street, Worcester, MA

Recent festivals have hosted more than a dozen groups performing more than 30 different pieces with a wide range of dance that included Bharatanatyam, Latin, jazz, flamenco, Greek, contemporary and ballet.

7-10 p.m.
$20
877-571-7469

Earth Float, Parade Making, and Puppet Refurbishing Workshops at The Umbrella (All Ages!)

Apr 5, 2020 - Apr 23, 2020 The Umbrella, 40 Stow Street, Concord, MA

In preparation for Earth Day festivities, people of all ages are welcome to come in and create costumes, headdresses, banners, puppets and Earth floats to carry in the Earth Day Parade. Dates: Sundays, April 5, 12, and 19, 2-5 p.m.; Thursday, April 23, 5-8 p.m.

Sundays, April 5, 12, and 19, 2-5 p.m.; Thursday, April 23, 5-8 p.m.
Free
978-371-0820

Earth Day 2020 New Bedford -- Cancelled in 2020

Apr 22, 2020 - Apr 22, 2020 Pier 3 on the New Bedford Harbor New Bedford, MA

Join more than 30 organizations from the South Coast and the city of New Bedford to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. You will find musical performances, climate action speakers, interactive art installations, climate science and energy displays, food vendors, and earth-friendly shopping. At 5:30 p.m., everyone will assemble on the pier for a symbolic march of unity and take 2020 steps through the streets of the city demanding climate action now. Sign up for free tickets at the Earth Day 2020 New Bedford website. Tickets are not essential to enter; registration for tickets help planners distribute information.

3:30-8 p.m.
Free admission

Musketaquid Earth Day 2020 -- Concord

Apr 25, 2020 - Apr 25, 2020 The Old North Bridge of Minute Man National Historic Park to Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow Street, Concord, MA

A River Ceremony with a vocalist and a percussionist will be followed by the launch of Earth Floats at the water’s edge. The Earth Day Parade will move from The Old Manse to Umbrella Arts Center on Stow Street, starting at 11 a.m. The parade will travel down Monument and Main streets with giant puppets, costumes, banners, community groups, and performing artists including aNova Brazil, Dirty Water Brass Band, and bagpipers. From noon to 2 p.m. the arts center will host exhibitors and arts activities, entertainment, music, and performances from: Drumlin Farm's Birds of Prey, Diabolis in Musica, Vera Meyer's Glass Harmonica,Mary Puppets: Tubs, Tubes, and Toilets, and Rosalita's Puppets

11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Free
978-371-0820

Rocky Woods Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch -- Medfield MA

Apr 11, 2020 - Apr 11, 2020 Rocky Woods, Hartford Street, Medfield, MA

Children will participate in an Easter egg hHunt while parents enjoy Bloody Marys and mimosas. Children should bring a small basket for collecting eggs. Easter Egg Hunt will take place before brunch; please arrive at start time to participate in the egg hunt. Brunch will be served at 11 a.m. Seating is community style. Reservations are accepted for parties of eight or more. Pre-registration is required. Walk-ins not accepted.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.; hunt at 10 a.m.; bruch at 11 a.m.
Adults, $52; kids, $24
508-785-0339

Exhibit: “Beyond Midnight: Paul Revere” – Worcester and Concord MA - Concord and Worcester, MA

Feb 15, 2020 - Jun 7, 2020 Concord Museum and Worcester Art Museum Concord and Worcester, MA

The Concord Museum and the Worcester Art Museum present "Beyond Midnight: Paul Revere." Paul Revere artworks and collectors’ objects will show the entrepreneurial spirit of Paul Revere and his impact on the political life of the United States. Revolutionary Revere at Concord Museum examines Paul Revere’s work during the Revolutionary War. Revere the Maker at Worcester Art Museum presents objects that show Revere’s skill as an artisan. On view through June 7, 2020.
Concord Museum , 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

See description above
See description above

Four Exhibits Commemorating Mayflower and Wampanoag History – Boston MA

Feb 26, 2020 - May 31, 2020 New England Historic Genealogical Society, 99-101 Newbury Street Boston, MA

The four unique displays speak to the origins of and continued impact of the Mayflower story, with special emphasis on Wampanoag traditions and culture. Exhibits on display through December 2020.
The Origins and Legacy of the Mayflower: Who were the Pilgrims, what motivated their departure from England, and why has their story been so ensconced in our nation’s history?
History of Wampum Belts: about the meaning behind wampum belts and their place in Wampanoag culture.
The Mayflower Scene: An intricately crafted, scaled model of the Mayflower created by artisan Terry Geaghan. Outdoor exhibit.
The Wampanoag Scene: A sculpture of a Wampanoag mother and child recording their family history. Outdoor exhibit.

Tuesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free

The Art of Wooden Boatbuilding – Salem MA

Feb 29, 2020 - May 23, 2020 Essex National Heritage Area, 10 Federal Street, Suite 12, Salem, MA

The Art of Wooden Boatbuilding Series is a five-part series explores the principles behind the design and construction of traditional wooden boats. Participants will work at several traditional boatyards within the Essex National Heritage Area. Workshops are limited to 30 participants. Call Ryan Conary at 978-740-0444.
March 28 -- Building the Schooner at Essex Shipbuilding Museum. 9 a.m.
April 25 -- The Fit-Out at Maritime Gloucester. 9 a.m.
May 9 -- Rigging a Tall Ship at Salem Maritime Historic Site. 9 a.m.
May 23 -- Building the Dory at Lowell's Boat Shop. 9 a.m.

See description above
All five sessions, 250; individual sessions, $75.

Exhibit: “Fire! Voices From the Boston Massacre – Boston MA

Mar 5, 2020 - Apr 30, 2020 Massachusetts Historical Society, 1154 Boylston Street, Boston, MA

To recognize the 250th anniversary of the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770, the Massachusetts Historical Society presents this exhibition of “voices” – including handwritten and published sources – that describe the event, which happened in the dark in a city bristling with militant tension. Many contradictions have muddied the story over the centuries. This exhibit is being described as surprising and enlightening, presented in the historical society’s handsome property. Exhibit open through June 30, 2020.

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; open until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and open until 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
617-536-1608

Tank Demo Days at American Heritage Museum – Hudson MA

May 9, 2020 - May 10, 2020 American Heritage Museum, 568 Main Street, Hudson, MA

The American Heritage Museum will showcase several tanks and armored vehicles through unique demonstrations on the museum grounds. Tanks such as the M24 Chaffee, M4A3 Sherman and M10 Tank Destroyer will operate through a course of obstacles and challenges. Veterans and armor experts will describe the history of each tank. Rides will be available in the M5 high speed tractor and M10 Wolverine tank. This event repeats on July 18- 19 and August 15-16.

10 a.m.-5 p.m.
978-562-9182

Opening of Plymouth 400 Commemoration of 400th Anniversary Year -- Plymouth MA

Jun 26, 2020 - Jun 26, 2020 Memorial Hall, 83 Court Street, and Pilgrim Memorial State Park, Plymouth, MA

The day will begin with a procession at 10:30 a.m. from the Lincoln and Sandwich streets through downtown Plymouth to Memorial Hall. The procession will be led by the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and will include military drum corps and reenactment groups.
The indoor Memorial Hall program will feature stories of the Pilgrims, music by the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra , visual narratives, stories from Wampanoag leaders. The Plymouth 400 Legacy Time Capsule will be introduced and filled. This is a ticketed event and seats will be available for advanced purchase. Consult Plymouth400inc.org for tickets.
A lunch and watch party will be hosted by Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor. At the Plymouth Waterfront, guests can enjoy re-enactors, live music, the Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the UMASS Minutemen Marching Band, the Colum Cille Pipe Band, and more. Performances will take place at Pilgrim Memorial State Park, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Indoor program requires tickets; all others are free admission

Moonlight Tours of Gore Place -- Waltham MA

Apr 3, 2020 - Apr 17, 2020 Gore Place, 52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA

Explore the 1793 Carriage House and the 1806 mansion, one of the few early homes designed by a woman. Tours start in the 1793 Carriage House with its restored carriages and then move to the mansion. See the graceful curve of the great stairs, the lovely oval withdrawing room, Gore’s office and library, the peacock parlor and the great hall. Dates: April 3 and April 17.

7:30 p.m.
$20; students, $15

Nantucket Book Festival 2020 -- Nantucket MA

Jun 18, 2020 - Jun 21, 2020 Many locations Nantucket, MA

Book lovers can enjoy author presentations Thursday through Sunday, including a Celebration of Writers at the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House. Most events are free and open to the public. Ticketed events include breakfasts and lunches with select authors, Friday dinner at the White Elephant, and a gathering at Cisco Brewers for authors and fans. The Festival spotlights local authors in the Atheneum Garden Tent, along with story times for children.

Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. after-hour events are fundraisers
Most events are free to the public
508-563-2144

Straight No Chaser: The Open Bar Tour -- Worcester MA

Apr 11, 2020 - Apr 11, 2020 Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge Street, Worcester, MA

If the phrase “male a cappella group” conjures up an image of students in blue blazers, ties, and khakis singing traditional college songs ... think again. Straight No Chaser is neither strait-laced nor straight-faced, and it has amassed a fan based from many national TV appearances and CD releases.

3 p.m.
$40-$70
877-571- 7469

Sweet Honey in the Rock -- Provincetown MA

Apr 18, 2020 - Apr 18, 2020 Provincetown Town Hall, Provincetown, MA

Female a cappella vocal quartet. "Sweet Honey in the Rock delivers messages with luminous, virtuosic singing..." – The New York Times.

7:30 p.m.
$30-$70

Symphony on Tap 2020 -- New Bedford MA

Aug 28, 2020 - Aug 28, 2020 Kilburn Mill at Clarks Cove, 127 West Rodney French Blvd., New Bedford, MA

New Bedford Symphony Orchestra hosts is annual Symphony on Tap concert. This is a different way to experience live music by a full orchestra. Enjoy favorite classical music and fun interactions with our charismatic conductor. This is 60 minutes of music by 61 professional musicians.No stage, no seats, no rules - just fun! Cash bar open all night with craft beer, signature cocktails and wine. Desserts also available for purchase.
If you have already purchased tickets for the original date of April 4, we advise you to hold on to your confirmation for admittance on August 28. If you are unable to attend on August 28, you may call the NBSO office at 508-999-6276 for a refund.

Doors open 7 p.m.; music, 8-9 p.m.
$15; tickets must be purchased in advance at www.newbedfordsymphony.org

Celebratory Supermoon Hike – North Andover MA

Apr 7, 2020 - Apr 7, 2020 Ward Reservation, 34 Prospect Road, Andover and North Andover, MA

Hike Holt Hill when the moon appears closer than usual throughout the year. Super moons are full moons close to earth and appear they look bigger than regular full moons. Watch the moon rise through the pines while you listen to stories, myths and legends from around the world. Wear warm clothing with multiple layers and sturdy boots. The trail is at an incline in places. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

7-8:30 p.m.
Adults, $15; kids, $5

Family Full Moon Hike – Hingham MA

Apr 7, 2020 - Apr 7, 2020 World's End, Martin's Lane Hingham, MA

World’s End opens after hours for a full moon hike on century-old cart paths. Wildlife sightings may include white tailed deer, red fox, raccoons, and barred owls. Bring a flash light and your warmest winter gear and see World's End like never before. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Parking for World’s End is in the lot at the end of Martin’s Lane.

8-9 p.m.
$10
781-740-7233

Western Mass.

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Central Mass.

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Events Calendar - 2020

All Ages