Spring Is Here! 17 Things to Do in April
Spring is here, and with it comes many events throughout Boston and surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking for an evening of music or to sample local cuisine, the list of April events below presents a bounty of opportunity to engage citizens of any age.
Big Apple Circus - Grand Tour: March 24 - April 24, 2016: The latest tour from the Big Apple Circus takes its audience back to the 1920s! Ships, trains, automobiles, and airplanes serve as the backdrop and only enhance the already impressive feats performed by clowns, jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, and animal performance artists. With a live band and performers hailing from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America, this 1 hour and 50 minute show is sure to please and amaze. The show’s run can be seen at Boston’s City Hall Plaza with discount tickets available from Goldstar starting at $10.
World of Wheels Car Show: April 1 - 3, 2016: Do you love cars? If so, this exhibition is the place for you. This family friendly event features competitions for over 300 car, bike, and truck classes for all to see. In addition, attendees can watch live demonstrations of Chop Shop where customizers work on display vehicles for all to see or attend autograph signings with celebrity guests. To top it off, guests will be able to see race cars from NASCAR, CART, and more. General admission is $18 for adults, $6 for children aged 6-12, and children 5 and under get in free.
The Sound of Music: April 1 - 10, 2016: Playing at the Boston Opera House comes the classic musical The Sound of Music. With a Tony, Grammy, and Academy Award winning score, this Rodgers and Hammerstein production continues to thrill new generations and gain popularity. Having celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015, this new production comes to Boston under the direction of Jack O’Brien that is sure to be a performance for all to enjoy. A great family event, the show is recommended for those aged 4 and up. Tickets begin at $40 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Back Bay Chocolate Walking Tour: Saturdays, April 2 - 30, 2016: Who says chocolate can’t be a breakfast food? Join the Back Bay Chocolate Walking Tour to experience some of the finest chocolate Boston has to offer. Stops include a cupcake shop, a Swiss chocolatier famous for the Dom Perignon Champagne Truffle, a famous New England Ice Cream maker focused on fair trade chocolate, and more! Sightsee iconic Boston landmarks along the way for a truly unique experience. The tour meets every Saturday morning at 10:15 am at Flour Bakery. The 2.5 hour walk itself is less than a mile ending nearby the starting location. Discount tickets can be purchased for $24 through Goldstar.
29th Beyond Shelter Celebration: April 7, 2016: From 7-10pm on April 7th, Boston’s House of Blues will host the 29th Beyond Shelter Celebration: the Biggest and Best Housewarming Party to End Homelessness. With ticket purchase of $125, enjoy an evening of live music, silent and live auction, raffle, and amazing food from Boston’s top restaurants. Gourmet tastings will be provided by Flour Bakery & Cafe, Legal Sea Foods, Sweet Basil, Ashmont Grill, City Table, and more. House of Blues Boston will provide passed hor d'oeuvres and the Berklee Bob Marley Ensemble Band will play live music. The benefit seeks to raise money for the Housing First organization, an initiative to provide long term housing for homeless individuals.
Super MegaFest Comic-Con: April 8 - 10, 2016: Super MegaFest Comic-Con is any comic and pop culture lover’s dream. Stop by this inclusive event to see movie celebrities like Burt Reynolds and Peter Mayhew or shop for movie memorabilia from local vendors. Pick up handmade art work or take pictures in the a fully electronic prop of Star Wars’ Millenium Falcon cockpit. Guests can attend concerts, costume contests, and an evening dance party. Tickets are multifaceted with many options to choose from, starting at $28 for adults and $6 for children. This event happens in both Spring and Fall every year with its location changing periodically. This Spring’s event will be held in Marlborough.
The Wizard of Oz: April 12 - 24, 2016: Skip down the yellow brick road at Boston’s Wang Theatre this April! The ever popular classic tale has been reimagined for the stage and includes new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber in addition to the Oscar-winning score from the 1939 film. Tickets are available for purchase on the CitiCenter website through Ticketmaster once the desired performance date and time are selected. Bring a friend or bring the whole family - this show is one you won’t want to miss!
Boston Beer Summit: April 15 - 16, 2016: Come taste the best craft beers from over 50 different breweries. Since 1999, The Boston Beer Summit gets bigger and better every year introducing more local, regional, national, and international brewers. Each guest’s entrance ticket includes admission, entertainment, tasting mug, and beer samples. Food will also be available to compliment the event’s beverages. Some of this year’s attendees include Clown Shoes Beer, Samuel Adams, Oskar Blues Brewery, D.G. Yuengling & Son, and Harpoon, to name a few. Tickets are available for purchase through Eventbrite, and of course, the event is only open to those 21 and older.
Cambridge Science Festival: April 15 - 24, 2016: This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Cambridge Science Festival, an annual 10 day celebration of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Founding collaborators MIT, Harvard University, the City of Cambridge, and the Museum of Science seek to make science accessible, engaging, and fun for everyone through a smattering of events. Some of this year’s signature events include a Science Carnival and Robot Zoo, Stories Under the Stars at the Charles Hayden Planetarium, Cook’s Science by America’s Test Kitchen, and more. Each event is individually priced and many are offered at no cost. For a full list of events, visit the festival’s website.
The Boston Marathon: April 18, 2016: One of Boston’s most well known events, the Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon stretching an impressive 26 miles. This year marks the 120th race. Those interested in attending the race are welcome to spectate from viewing areas along the course. For security purposes, certain restrictions are placed on what can be brought to the race to ensure safety for racers and attendees. Whether you’re cheering on a family member, a friend, or a stranger, the Boston Marathon is something everyone should experience.
Patriot’s Day in Lexington: April 18, 2016: The marathon not your thing? Take a drive out to Lexington to witness the annual reenactment of the Battle of Lexington, originally fought on April 19,1775. This year’s battle will begin at 5:30am (the time of the original battle) on Monday, April 18, 2016. Later in the day, visitors can witness the Patriot’s Day Parade starting at 2pm. You can also experience other historical aspects of the holiday through tours of the Buckman Tavern, Hancock-Clarke House, and Munroe Tavern. 1 house or 3 house tickets are available for $15 for adults/$8 for children and $8 for adults/$5 for children, respectively.
Wine Riot: April 22 - 23, 2016: Wine Riot is a unique event taking place in the Castle at Park Plaza, Boston where attendees experience a reinvention of wine tasting. Samplings include 250 international wines under one roof while interactive booths, crash courses, DJ, photo booth, and temporary tattoos abound. There is even a free app so you can track what wines you like so you can buy them later. With your $65 ticket purchase, you’re given a glass and all access to the floor. Whether you’re looking to sample Chardonnay or wines specifically from Spain, all aspects are covered. In addition, knowledgeable professionals are around to talk about and answer any questions you may have on wine. The three sessions take place on Friday, April 22nd from 7-11pm and Saturday, April 23rd from 1-5pm and 7-11pm.
9th Annual Bookish Ball & Shakespeare’s 452nd Birthday: April 23, 2016: This family friendly, free annual festival seeks to celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday and local literary shops. The event features live music, poetry, a scavenger hunt, birthday cake, and even a parade led by Curious George himself in the heart of Harvard Square. The event is free and you can bring as many guests as you choose!
Run of the Charles: April 24, 2016: This year marks the 34th year that the Run of the Charles will be taking place. Starting at points from Dedham to Brighton, paddlers help mark the beginning of paddling season with the largest flat bottomed boat race in New England. This major Boston event draws an average of 1,500 racers and thousands of spectators each year. There are many ways to participate, whether it’s standing on the sidelines and cheering or volunteering to help. More information can be found on the Charles River Watershed Association website.
CraftBoston Spring Show: April 29 - May 1, 2016: During this unique shopping experience, 90 artists gather to share their creations in The Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts. Showcases include remarkably handmade jewelry, clothing, furniture, and home decor. Once purchased, admission tickets are valid for readmission throughout the event’s length. General admission costs $15, but discounts are available for students, seniors, and SAC members. Children 12 and under are able to enter without charge. Discount tickets are also available through Goldstar.
Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup: April 30, 2016: Each year, over 3,000 volunteers gather to pick up litter, remove invasive species, and assist with park maintenance having to do with the Charles River. While helping restore a Massachusetts natural treasure, volunteers are able to enjoy the beauty and wildlife along the Charles. This event is part of a national effort to clean up the environment through the American Rivers’ National River Cleanup, which has helped to remove over 20.7 million pounds of trash from America’s waterways. Those interested in participating in this year’s program can register through the Charles River Watershed Association website.
Sheepshearing Festival: April 30, 2016: Since 1987, this outdoor farm festival has earned its place as a family favorite event and tradition throughout the region. From 10am - 5pm, guests have the pleasure of watching sheep-shearing demonstrations, herding dogs, spinning, weaving, and gardening on the 50 acre Gore Place estate in Waltham. Food vendors and free parking are available. For an additional charge, wagon rides and museum tours can be purchased. Attendees should note that no dogs or other pets are allowed into the event. Tickets are available through Brown Paper Tickets.
No matter your taste or budget, there is plenty to do for Massachusetts residents of all ages this April.
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Sources:
Events12. Best events for 12 months. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/nakqy7.
Big Apple Circus. The Show. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/uJ8pjS.
Autorama. 42nd Annual World of Wheels. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/T7OjLo.
Broadway.com. Broadway in Boston: The Sound of Music Tickets. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/yhSjHf.
Boston Chocolate Tours. Back Bay Chocolate Walking Tour. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/pRLN3Z.
Friends of Boston's Homeless. Events. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/yckIKj.
Super Megafest Comic Con. Super Megafest Comic Con Spring Spectacular. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/p0G0ln.
Citi Performing Arts Center. Wizard of Oz. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/If5Xlg.
Eventbrite. Boston Beer Summit. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/ifEG7o.
Cambridge Science Festival. Cambridge Science Festival. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/inlv1p.
Boston Athletic Association. 120th Boston Marathon on April 18, 2016. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/8cK5.
The Lexington Minute Men. Schedule of Upcoming Events. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/FySJL.
Second Glass. Wine Riot. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/IfbdRo.
Harvard Square Business Association. 2016 Calendar of Events in Harvard Square. Retrieved from
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Charles River Watershed Association. Run of the Charles. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/B5zzXk.
The Society of Arts and Crafts. CraftBoston Spring Show Information. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/pChF7M.
Charles River Watershed Association. Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup. Retrieved from
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