Things to do in Boston this weekend of May 12 | Image credit: Watch City Steampunk Festival
Our picks for fun things to do in Boston this weekend of May 12, 2023 include 2023 Watch City Steampunk Festival, New England Miles for Melanoma 5k, Seal 30th Anniversary Tour, and more!
There’s always lots going on in Boston in terms of events and activities. There are fun things to do in Boston for adults and also Things to do in Boston with family. Our weekly round-up brings you the best things to do in Boston this weekend.
Editor’s Note: Our staff at localite.com makes every effort to bring you the latest updates on activities, entertainment, food and drink specials in the Greater Boston area. However, all information is subject to change by the organizers. As always, please confirm before you make your plans!
For more on the latest in Boston, check out our Things to do in Boston this Week and our Things to do in Boston this Weekend with Family guides. These are also updated every week with the best on entertainment, food & drink and deals across Greater Boston!
Also, check out our articles on Thrift Stores in Boston, Things to do in Boston with Teens, Golf Courses Near Boston, and Instagrammable Places in Boston!
Get the lowest price on must-see attractions in Boston with Boston CityPASS
Experience Boston’s must-see tourist attractions — and enjoy considerable savings — on this exciting Boston CityPASS. Visit the popular New England Aquarium and the Museum of Science. Plus choose 2 admissions between the following 3 attractions Boston Harbor Cruises, Harvard Museum of Natural History or the Franklin Park Zoo to complete the experience.
This Boston CityPASS is valid for 9 consecutive days from date of first use. Convenient mobile tickets are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase. Transportation to and from the attractions is not included. Attractions may be required to verify proof of COVID-19 vaccination before allowing entry. Please review attraction requirements before visiting Boston.
Get all the details and book your Boston CityPASS TODAY!!!
Things to do in Boston this weekend of May 12, 2023 – Friday
Downtown Boston Arts Market
Things to do in Boston this week of May 8 | Image credit: Downtown Boston
Enjoy the outdoors and browse through the unique handcrafted products ranging from jewelry to sculptures and clothing at the Downtown Boston Arts Market. Check out what products will be there and also enjoy additional programming as live music and entertainment.
When: Friday, May 12, 2023, 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where: Summer Street Plaza, 10 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110
How Much: Free
West Roxbury Art Walk
Image credit: West Roxbury Main Streets
Enjoy the fresh air outdoors and get to explore the art scene of West Roxbury with their second annual Art Walk! The event will feature local artwork displayed along the windows of businesses in the center of the West Roxbury Main Streets district. And it will run until June 4th.
When: Friday, May 12, 2023, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: West Roxbury, Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132
How Much: Free
Seal 30th Anniversary Tour
Image credit: Seal
Grammy-Award winner and platinum-selling vocalist Seal is coming to Austin on his massive 30th-anniversary tour in celebration of the classic albums “Seal I” and “Seal II.” Seal will be working with his longtime producer and trusted collaborator Trevor Horn who’ll be taking on the role of musical director for the tour. Horn’s acclaimed new wave band The Buggles will also be special guests.
When: Friday, May 12, 2023, 7:25 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Where: Wang Theater at the Boch Center, 270 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
How Much: Starts at $49.50
The Color Purple Musical
Image credit: The Color Purple Musical
Marvel at the glorious musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel! The musical centers on Celie, a young woman whose personal awakening transpires over 40 years and forms an epic story.
The musical will be accompanied by a Tony Award-winning score featuring gospel, ragtime, jazz, African music, and blues.
The story is full of hope, and triumph, and is an intensely moving African classic that will surely inspire you as the curtains close.
When: Friday, May 12, 2023, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: The Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow St, Concord, MA 01742
How Much: $55
Get The Lowest Price On The Very Popular Boston Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour
Explore the best that Boston has to offer on this hop-on hop-off tour of the city. See Boston’s top attractions—like the USS ‘Constitution’ and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, to name a few—on the loop. Enjoy discounted admission to attractions like the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum with the purchase of your tour.
Board one of the orange-and-green trolleys at any of the stops and enjoy the view with live commentary from an expert guide who knows the city inside and out. Learn about the history and happenings of Boston, a city known as the Cradle of Liberty, as the trolley rolls along from one location to the next. For one, or two consecutive days, hop off at any of the attractions for a closer look, then hop back on when it’s convenient.
14 stops and 33 points of interest!
Get all the details and book your Boston Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour TODAY!!!
Things to do in Boston on Saturday, May 13, 2023
17th Annual NECC 5k Walk/ Run for Autism
Image credit: The New England Center for Children Inc.
Join the 17th Annual NECC 5k Walk/ Run for Autism and help support NECC’s mission to create a global network of researchers, educators, and programs so that those living with autism may live fuller lives. All proceeds from the event will benefit NECC’s programs including vocational opportunities, student outings, professional development, research, and specialized equipment and technology.
When: Saturday, May 13, 2023, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Margaret A. Neary School, 53 Parkerville Rd, Southborough, MA 01772
How Much: $25
Westford Apple Blossom Festival
The Westford Kiwanis Carnival is here! Get to ride unlimited rides during discount ride promotion days, enjoy the sights and sounds of the midway with more than 15 rides, and make new memories with your families and friends.
When: Saturday – Sunday, May 13 – 14, 2023, 11:30 a.m.
Where: Abbot Elementary School, 25 Depot St, Westford, MA 01886
How Much: Varies
New England Miles for Melanoma 5k
Image credit: Miles for Melanoma
Come and help support melanoma research, education, and advocacy through the Miles for Melanoma 5k this weekend! Invite your friends and your family and help out a great cause while getting a good workout in.
When: Saturday, May 13, 2023, 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston, MA 02121
How Much: $35
2023 Watch City Steampunk Festival
Image credit: Watch City Steampunk Festival
Enjoy all things steampunk this weekend at the Watch City Steampunk Festival! The outdoor festival will have costumed performers, musicians, kids’ activities, and over 60 vendors peddling all things steampunk. There will also be food trucks and more for when you get hungry. Please check the website for a full schedule of events.
When: Saturday, May 13, 2023, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Waltham Common, 610 Main St, Waltham, MA 02452
How Much: Free
“Mom and Me” Mother’s Day at Joe’s Waterfront
The pink carpet is rolling out for matriarchs of all kinds at Joe’s Waterfront this weekend! Spend a special day with your mom or partner and enjoy their signature brunch complemented by chef specials fit for a queen, specialty libations including a MOM-osa Flight and a Breakfast at Tiffany’s cocktail, a photo station, and a kid’s craft station where kids can make a Mother’s Day card. Please take note, reservations are required.
When: Saturday, May 13, 2023, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Joe’s Waterfront, 100 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110
The Gazillion Bubble Show
Image credit: Gazillion Bubble Show
Be a kid again and step into a magical world of bubbles at the Gazillion Bubble Show! The first and only interactive stage production of its kind, the show features fantastic lasers and never before seen bubble masterpieces. You got to experience it to bubblieve it!
When: Saturday, May 13, 2023, 10:55 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Emerson Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
How Much: Starts at $25
Dancing at Somerville Porchfest ’23
Image credit: Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band
Dance all your worries away this weekend at the Somerville Porchfest ’23! The day will be filled with a variety of music to dance to from funk rock and indie to jazz and flamenco. Bring your friends and have the time of your lives just dancing away to the music like no one’s watching.
When: Saturday, May 13, 2023, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Somerville, 213 Holland St, Somerville, MA 02144
Get the lowest price on the highly-rated Original Boston Guided Brewery Tour
Learn about Boston’s thriving craft beer scene and sample a variety of libations on this morning or evening brewery tour. Get an inside look at how beer is made and learn about their operations as you visit breweries, cider houses, and distilleries. Visit brewpubs that may include the well-known Samuel Adams or gastropub Meadhall. Round-trip transportation in downtown Boston by air-conditioned van is included.
Get to know Boston’s thriving beer scene on a morning or evening brew tour. Chat with brewery owners and learn about the equipment used to make beer, the brewing process and best of all, what the different kinds of beer taste like.
Get all the details and book your Original Boston Guided Brewery Tour TODAY!!!
Things to do in Boston this Weekend of May 12, 2023 – Sunday
Tulip Fest at Cider Hill Farm
Image credit: Cider Hill Farm
It’s tulip season at Cider Hill Farm! Get the chance to see over 100k tulip bulbs covering their fields this early May. The celebration will also feature multi-weekend festivals where you can enjoy live music, outdoor hard cider bars, food trucks, fitness and family activities, self-guided blooming orchard walks, and pick-your-tulips.
When: Sunday, May 14, 2023, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Cider Hill Farm, 45 Fern Ave, Amesbury, MA 01913
How Much: Free (Does not include pick-your-own tulips fee)
Mother’s Day Brunch at Boston Harbor Hotel
Treat your mom to a special and irresistible brunch spread at the Boston Harbor Hotel this weekend! The buffet features favorites like maple smoked bacon, French toast, pastries, lobster macaroni and cheese, dry-aged ribeye roast, and a magnificent dessert display by Boston Harbor’s distinguished pasty chefs. There will also be live musicians accompanying the brunch making it more memorable for you and that special woman in your life.
When: Sunday, May 14, 2023, 10:45 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
How Much: $210
Mother’s Day at Charmingfare Farm
Head out to Charmingfare Farm this weekend with your mom and the whole family for a memorable day. Get to see just how special mothers really are not just for humans but also for animals as you get an up-close experience of the incredible bonds between animal mothers and their young.
Enjoy the hands-on petting area, horse-drawn rides, tractor train rides, picnic areas, North American wildlife exhibits, and more!
When: Sunday, May 14, 2023, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Charmingfare Farm, 774 High St, Candia, NH 03034
How Much: $22
Mother’s Day Makers Market
Celebrate that very special woman in your life this Mother’s Day at the Mother’s Day Makers Market over the Charles River Speedway! Shop for gifts for your mom at over 30 local, women-founded small businesses, get crafty with House of Arts and Crafts during their Self-Care Mother’s Day Workshop, enjoy sake tasting at Boston’s only women-owned sake bar, or reserve your spot at the special Mother’s Day bracelet making workshop. There are plenty more events to enjoy so keep your eyes peeled.
When: Sunday, May 14, 2023, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: The Charles River Speedway, 525 Western Ave, Brighton, MA 02135
How Much: Free
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