Events Calendar - 2020

Find a multitude of fun events and great things to do, including weekend events, throughout the year, like music; festivals; comedy; outdoor fun; boat cruises; excursions for families and kids; food, wine and beer tastings. Weather is no problem; lots of things to do happen indoors.
Be sure to check out the listings of year-round Fairs & Festivals throughout New England. See also, Great Things to Do.

COVID-19 and social distancing have required the temporary shut-down of many of our favorite entertainment venues and live events and festivals in New England. We are watching all calendars closely, and as soon a live, public events return, we will post the information on this page.

Car Shows Children & Families Comedy Festivals Food trucks Food, Wine, Beer Gardens Historic Music Outdoor Activities Parties, Dances, Balls Shopping & Sales Shows & Exhibits Visual Arts

We welcome the events that are open to the public. Click here to Submit your Event for FREE

Car Shows

Cruise the Mountains Weekend With NH Muscle Cars -- Littleton NH

Apr 24, 2021 - Apr 25, 2021 See description below Littleton, NH

NH Muscle Cars's Cruise the Mountains weekend cruise and car show come to Littleton. Rain date is May 1 if needed. This event will feature a cruise to Littleton on Saturday; a car show at the Littleton Elks Club; a cruise-in at the Elks Lodge Saturday evening; continental breakfast Sunday morning; cruise returning South on Sunday

See website for details
Free for spectators

Children & Families

Asian Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo – Providence RI

Apr 15, 2021 - Jul 4, 2021 Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI

Journey through a wonderland of illuminated larger-than-life lanterns evoked by image from the natural world. From dazzling displays to Asian food, this enchanting experience presents 51 glowing lantern displays, a kids interactive lantern area, Asian-inspired cuisine and drinks, and keepsakes. Tickets are sold online only.The Asian Lantern Spectacular is held rain or shine and all tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable (unless there is a Zoo closure).

Wednesday – Sunday, 5:30-10 p.m. Last admission is at 9 p.m.
Adults, $25; children age 2-12, $23; children age 1 and younger admitted free

Mother's Day Tours at Strawbery Banke Museum -- Portsmouth NH

May 9, 2021 - May 9, 2021 Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth, NH

Join Strawbery Banke for a Mother’s Day tour celebrating Puddle Dock families and their matriarchs. During these one-hour guided tours you will visit three historic houses and costumed role players. Meet Mary Rider, a savvy 19th-century business woman; enjoy the Victorian house of Sarah Goodwin, and explore the home of Sarah Shapiro, an early 20th-century Ukrainian immigrant.
One-hour, guided tours departing every 30-minutes. The last self-guided tour departs at 3 PM. Limited tickets are available for each guided tour. Advanced ticket purchase strongly encouraged. ;

10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Adults, $15; children ages 5-17) $10; children under age 5 free; ticket required.

Comedy

Dave Chappelle at Foxwoods – Mashantucket CT

Jun 25, 2021 - Jun 26, 2021 Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket, CT

Dave Chappelle is a stand-up comedian and actor known for his trademark wit and sharp, irreverent social commentary. In 2019, he joined the coveted class of recipients of the Mark Twain Prize for “American Humor,”

Friday at 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.; Saturday at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
$100 to $350

Juston McKinney & Carolyn Plummer with Great Waters – Moultonborough NH

Aug 6, 2021 - Aug 6, 2021 Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Road / Route 171, Moultonborough, NH

Juston and Carolyn are probably the funniest people in New Hampshire. McKinney was born in Portsmouth and Plummer is a Wolfeboro native. NH Magazine wrote that no one really ‘gets’ New England humor like Juston McKinney.” Plummer pulls material from the monotony of the life of every man; and she does it well. To Plummer the big moments are easy; it’s existence that’s so hard and so ridiculous. Tickets.

7:30-10 p.m.

Festivals

NBFestival Winter Places -- New Bedford MA

Mar 2, 2021 - Apr 29, 2021 Downtown New Bedford, MA

Each Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.through April, UMass Dartmouth will showcase performances at Star Store gallery, Union Street and Purchase Street corner, viewable from street-level windows.
Wings Court will host fire pits and curling games on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m. all winter long.
Also, on Fridays and Saturdays , a snow-making machine will add some snow for sledding on the rolling landscape at over in Custom House Square
The New Bedford Art Museum/Artworks! famous purple artMOBILE van will be parked between Custom House Square and Wings Court for kids to make art with high-quality art supplies. Noon to 2 p.m. on March 6, March 13, and March 20.
At all times throughout the winter months of #NBfestive Winter Places, enjoy lights installed in Wings Court and Custom House Square, and public art like a five-foot snowflake, a six-foot lantern, and an 18-foot selfie-ready scallop boat. Read More: Transformed for ‘Winter Places’ Events | https://wbsm.com/downtown-new-bedford-transformed-for-winter-places-events/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral&fbclid=IwAR1ehFTjgBzihR3yIR1Y04YVgl443RyBRjWDwpS7DL0bOJk0bJA4kSZUk-Y

Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.

Daffodil and Tulip Festival 2021 at Naumkeag – Stockbridge MA

Apr 22, 2021 - May 16, 2021 Naumkeag, 5 Prospect Hill Road, Stockbridge, MA

Stroll through eight acres of gardens covered with over 130,000 daffodils and tulips to celebrate spring in the Berkshires. The festival will bring we will have a variety of programs including horticultural tours and workshops, art classes, and fun activities for kids. Food and refreshments will be for sale on-site at our outdoor snack shack. Restrooms will be available. The festival will sell out quickly! Buy tickets online and in advance for one-hour times slots. Parking on site.

Daily except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Adults, $15 of weekdays and $20 on weekends; children age 2-12, $5
413-298-3239

Food trucks

Food Truck Fridays at Roger Williams Park 2021 -- Providence RI

Apr 16, 2021 - Sep 24, 2021 Roger Williams Park Zooand Carousel Village, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI

Enjoy over 15 locally owned food trucks and beer from Trinity Brewhouse, while listening to live music. Take a carousel ride, hop aboard the train, or explore Hasbro’s Boundless Playgrounds. Attractions are separate pricing. Bring a chair or blanket, and sit on the lawn. Food trucks accept cash, credit, and debit. Live music each week by Bob Tomassone aka Fatfreebob, SidyMaigaMusic, Grow Your Own Band, The Beardogz, Third Wheel, Rob Davis, Charlie Marie and more. See the full list of food trucks.

Fridays, 5-8 p.m.
This event series is free to attend. Just pay for what you eat and drink. Tickets are not necessary.

Food, Wine, Beer

Art on Tap: TroopTop Deck at the WaterFire Arts Center -- Providence RI

Apr 1, 2021 - Jun 24, 2021 WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley Street, Providence, RI

Each Thursday night the WaterFire Arts Center is open until 9 p.m. Experience the current exhibit and enjoy the rooftop deck. Beer and wine served by Troop PVD. We'll move inside if it rains. Please make a reservation for each member of your party. Reserved seating is for one hour beginning at the time indicated on the ticket. WaterFire Providence is an independent, non-profit arts organization

5-9 p.m.
$5

Gardens

Butler-McCook 101: From the Ground Up Garden Tour -- Hartford CT

May 2, 2021 - May 2, 2021 Butler-McCook Garden, 59 South Prospect Street, Hartford, CT

This fun and informative program will survey the gardens and landscape surrounding the butler-McCook house. Travel back in time to hear the history of Hartford’s settlement, and learn how the Butler-McCook landscape and Main Street, Hartford have changed over the last five centuries. All visitors must wear masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Same-day registration will be allowed only if the program has not reached capacity.

1-2 p.m.
$5

Historic District Garden Tour – Bath ME

Jun 19, 2021 - Jun 19, 2021 TBA Bath, ME

Ten Bath gardens will be open to the public. Tickets are available with advance purchase on-line for $30 per person or at the door on June 19 for $35 per person.

Consult event website
$30-$35

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden Open Garden Days – Seal Harbor ME

Jul 14, 2021 - Sep 12, 2021 Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, Route 3 near Steam Boat Wharf Road, Seal Harbor, ME

The artistry and imagination of garden designer Beatrix Farrand and Abby and John D. Rockefeller Jr., gave life to one of the most impressive gardens in the United States. Self-guided tours of the Walled Garden and The Eyrie Terrace, the former Rockefeller home, are offered by advance reservations. Reservations open May 14.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, by advance reervation

Camden Garden Tour 2021 – Camden ME

Jul 15, 2021 - Jul 15, 2021 various locations Camden, ME

The 73rd annual tour is presented by the Camden Garden Club. Keep updated on times and locations and fees at the club website.

Consult event website
Consult event website

Cape Elizabeth Garden Tour 2021 -- Cape Elizabeth ME

Jul 17, 2021 - Jul 17, 2021 TBA Cape Elizabeth, ME

Self-guided tour of 8-10 Maine gardens: ocean views, backyard wildlife habitat, native plants, woodlands, raised beds, and more. Keep checking back for more details as the event gets closer.

9 a.m.-4 p.m.
$30 in advance; tickets may be limited

Bar Harbor Garden Tour 2021 -- Bar Harbor ME

Jul 17, 2021 - Jul 17, 2021 TBA Bar Harbor, ME

Tour of fine gardens on Mount Desert Island.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Consult event website

Historic

Salem Ancestry Days 2021 – Salem MA

Apr 30, 2021 - May 3, 2021 various locations Salem, MA

The first Salem Ancestry Days weekend will begin with a land blessing by members of the Massachusett tribe and include live chats with genealogists, walking tours, and online talks. See event website for location and scheduling details
April 30
10:30 a.m. -- Land Blessing by members of the Massachusett tribe
9 a.m.-5 p.m. -- Ask a Genealogist Live Chat (repeats May 1, 3,
6 p.m. -- Ancestral Bingo
6 p.m. -- Discovering Your Salem Ancestry-- How to Access Genealogical Records
May 1
9 a.m. and 1 p.m. -- Salem with the Daniels Family Walking Tour
2 p.m. -- The Life and Death of John Proctor
2 p.m .-- Annawon Weeden Virtual Talk
May 2
9 a.m. and 1 p.m. -- Salem with the Silsbee Family Walking Tour
12 p.m. -- “Dawnland” virtual screening and discussion
May 3
10 a.m. -- Salem Indigenous Genealogy Project
Additional programming
Famous Descendants of the Infamous 1692 Salem Witch Trials (pre-recorded lecture by Danvers Historical Society)
Salem’s Black Heritage Audio Tour (a self-guided in person tour via mobile app)

See event website for location and scheduling details
See event website for location and scheduling details

Music

Porch Sessions At Hale Farm -- Beverly MA - Beverly, MA

Jun 12, 2021 - Jun 19, 2021 Hale Farm,39 Hale Street, Beverly, MA

Livingston Taylor on June 12. Livingston Taylor picked up his first guitar at the age of 13, which began a 50-year career that has encompassed performance, songwriting, and teaching. Matt Cusson will open the performances. 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. $55-$65
John McLaughlin on June 19. The artist, raised in Indiana and based in Nashville, brings all of his experiences and beliefs into each song he creates. 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. $45-$55

See description above
See description above

Peter Cincotti with Great Waters – Moultonborough NH

Jul 17, 2021 - Jul 17, 2021 Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Road / Route 171, Moultonborough, NH

Peter Cincotti’s debut album reached #1 on the Billboard jazz charts, making 18-year old Cincotti the youngest artist ever to do so. Since then, he has performed in some of the world’s greatest theaters from Carnegie Hall to L’Olympia in Paris, and collaborated with artists from Andrea Bocelli to David Guetta. Tickets.

7:30-10 p.m.

Australian Bee Gees with Great Waters – Moultonborough NH

Jul 24, 2021 - Jul 24, 2021 Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Road / Route 171, Moultonborough, NH

It is Saturday Night Fever every night with The Australian Bee Gees Show – A Tribute to the Bee Gees. The Australian Bee Gees Show has performed to more than one million people in sold-out theaters and concert halls in more than 40 countries. Tickets.

7:30-10 p.m.

Classic Albums Live performs: The Eagles - Hotel California with Great Waters – Moultonborough NH

Jul 31, 2021 - Jul 31, 2021 Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Road / Route 171, Moultonborough, NH

The Eagles Hotel California note for note, cut for cut. This hit performance will have you dancing in the aisle and begging for more. Tickets.

7:30-10 p.m.

50 Years of Rock N Roll with Neil Berg with Great Waters – Moultonborough NH

Aug 14, 2021 - Aug 14, 2021 Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Road / Route 171, Moultonborough, NH

With a cast of expert rock & roll singers, Neil Berg tells the rarely heard stories from the 50-year history of the music that changed the world forever. From the 1940s through the glory years of the ’50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, up until MTV, Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock & Roll uses fascinating stories and groundbreaking music, with tributes to important stars, groups, and genres. Tickets.

7:30-10 p.m.

Kate Baldwin with Great Waters – Moultonborough NH

Aug 21, 2021 - Aug 21, 2021 Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Road / Route 171, Moultonborough, NH

Kate Baldwin was nominated for the 2017 Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards for her performance as Irene Molloy in the 2017 Broadway revival of “Hello Dolly!” Baldwin’s new show, “How Did You Get This Number?,” features signature songs from her acclaimed career. Tickets.

7:30-10 p.m.

Folk Festival 2021 with Great Waters – Moultonborough NH

Aug 28, 2021 - Aug 28, 2021 Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Road / Route 171, Moultonborough, NH

This event is a nod back to Great Waters’s three-day folk festival of the past. This one-day free music festival includes The Ballroom Thieves, Susie Burke & David Surette, Co-Pilot, and the Carolyn Ramsay Band.
The Ballroom Thieves creates a unique brand of compelling and harmonious music. The group has sold out shows and played at festivals at Boston Calling, Newport Folk, Moon River, Mountain Jam, and Calgary Folk. The Carolyn Ramsay Band is a collaboration of musical talent. The CRB style of music mimics the beautiful environment, with roots in rock and folk music. Copilot is a retro pop group from Boston. The group describes its sound as Lake Street Dive, Bahamas, & The Head & The Heart getting together for a play date.Susie Burke and David Surette have made a name for themselves as one of the finest acts on the lively New England folk scene.
Tickets.

3-9 p.m.
Free

Outdoor Activities

Fire Pit Gatherings Historic Estates and Farms – Canton, Southborough, Ipswich MA

Mar 3, 2021 - May 30, 2021 See description below Canton, Southborough, Ipswich, MA

Get outdoors this spring at your own private fire pit at various properties operated by the Trustees of Reservations. Reserve a fire pit for groups up to six people. The fire will be lit and ready when you arrive and you can explore the grounds and trails during your visit. Price usually includes firewood, benches, s’mores makings, hot apple cider and hot chocolate. Various times and dates available through May. Fire pits are offered at these properties:
Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate, 2468B Washington Street (Route 138), Canton, MA
Chestnut Hill Farm, Chestnut Hill Road,Southborough, MA
Appleton Farms, 219 County Road, Hamilton & Ipswich, MA

Consult event website
Consult event website

Earth Day and Earth Month Hikes With Westerly Land Trust -- Westerly RI

Apr 15, 2021 - Apr 29, 2021 various locations near Westerly, RI

Join the Westerly Land Trust for free Thursday Hikes, All Ages Hikes and Twilight Hikes. Thursday Hikes are at 10 a.m. unless otherwise noted. Visit website for time, location and hike details. Wear hiking boots or good walking shoes or appropriate footwear for icy or snowy conditions.

Consult event website
401-315-2610

Take a Hike at Round Pond -- Duxbury MA

Apr 22, 2021 - Apr 22, 2021 Round Pond, 480 Mayflower Street, Duxbury, MA

This Earth Day join members of the Duxbury Rural & Historical Society for a hike at Round Pond. This beloved recreation area offers extensive hiking trails though diverse landscapes. Society staff will be on hand to greet you, offer refreshment, and answer your questions. Free and open to the public. Parking and trail head access for Duxbury.

1-4 p.m.

Parties, Dances, Balls

Farm to Table Tea - Kentucky Derby Celebration

May 1, 2021 - May 1, 2021 The Farm at SummitWynds, 69 Summit Street, Holden, MA

In the early 1900s a 45-room hotel stood at the top of Summit Street. Celebrate this time gone by with a Farm to Table Tea overlooking the horse pastures, lavender fields and the stunning view of Mount Wachusett. It is Kentucky Derby Day, so wear your best hat. Note: This is an adults only/BYOB event. No one under the age of 18 will be admitted. If over 21, you may bring a bottle of wine/champagne to enjoy.

10:30 a.m.
508-944-3718

ArtsWorcester Biennial Block Party -- Worcester MA

Jun 12, 2021 - Jun 12, 2021 Portland and Myrtle Street Worcester, MA

Come to the block party and enjoy gallery tours of The Nineteenth ArtsWorcester Biennial and They Travel Together, music from Crocodile River Music & WICN Jazz+ New England, food trucks. Open and free to all; tickets will be available on Eventbrite closer to the date.

11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Free

Shopping & Sales

Providence Flea -- Providence RI

Mar 23, 2021 - May 23, 2021 Farm Fresh RI's Market Hall, 10 Sims Avenue, Providence, RI

Based on the pattern of a famous flea market in Booklym NY, the Providence Flea hosts vendors of all kinds of vintage goods, creative artists, artisans and makers, food trucks and carts, and live musicians. Extensive Covid protections include wide halls, high fans, filtered ventilation system. Held on Sundays.

Sundays through May 23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Shows & Exhibits

Newport Flower Show 2021: Back in Bloom -- Newport RI

Jun 18, 2021 - Jun 20, 2021 Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI

Back in Bloom: A Ballroom Floral Fantasy will be an indoor, self-guided tour of floral design exhibits and garden vignettes on the first floor at Rosecliff. The Salon and Ballroom of Rosecliff will be transformed into a magical experience of botanical arts. The Terrace will be transformed into a conservatory garden. This year's show wil not include the oceanside boutiques or food concessions , but the Newport Mansions Store will be open.
Parking will be available onsite at Rosecliff. The show will take place rain or shine. Tour path will be one-way direction only. Social distancing and face coverings are required. Tickets are available by advance online purchase only and are non-refundable. Ticket availability will be limited due to social distancing regulations. Ticket purchasers must reserve a date and time for their visit. The most popular arrival times will be 9 a.m. and noon; please consider a later arrival to avoid crowds and lines. Strollers and carriages are not permitted inside. Only certified service animals are permitted.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.
$20; VIP early entry, $40

Visual Arts

Art in Bloom -- Fitchburg MA

May 14, 2021 - May 16, 2021 Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm Streete, Fitchburg, MA

Art in Bloom returns to Fitchburg Art Museum and see flower arrangements and table scapes crafted by local florists, garden clubs, and FAM staff interpreting the art in the collection.

11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Adults $10; seniors and students, $10