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Boston Arts & Cultural Events for Kids and Families

Calendar of family and kids events that involve cultural arts activities, happening near Boston.


Free First Thursdays at The Gardner MuseumBoston, $
Thu, February 2, 2023  -  Thu, December 7, 2023   
The Museum invites visitors to enjoy the Gardner with free admission on the first Thursday evening of every month from 3 pm through 9 pm.
Of Many MindsBoston, Free
Thu, February 23, 2023  -  Fri, December 15, 2023   
This free exhibit brings museum quality art to the public realm and offers a welcome outdoor activity while walking, biking and enjoying views of the City of Boston skyline.
Marine Heatwaves 3D Art InstallationNew Bedford, $
Tue, May 23, 2023  -  Sun, December 31, 2023   
Marine Heatwaves, an installation of 3D kinetic sculptures, will be on view from May 23, 2023 - December 31, 2023 infusing the museum’s Jacobs Family Gallery with color and data drawn from the marine world
ica watershed small photo
ICA WatershedBoston, Free
Wed, May 24, 2023  -  Fri, October 6, 2023   
Located in the Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina in East Boston, the ICA Watershed transforms a 15,000-square-foot, formerly condemned space into a new civic and cultural asset. This exciting new cross-harbor...
Art Exhibition — Whale Stranding: Daniel RanalliNew Bedford, $
Thu, May 25, 2023  -  Sun, November 5, 2023   
Whale Stranding features works by Massachusetts artist Daniel Ranalli that visually interpret historical whale strandings. On view from May 25, 2023 - November 5, 2023 in the museum’s Upper Level Gallery
free thursday nights at ica boston small photo
Free Thursday Nights at ICA BostonBoston, Free
Fri, May 26, 2023  -  Fri, December 29, 2023   
ICA, Boston is free for all visitors every Thursday from 5 - 9 pm during ICA Free Thursday Nights. And is always free for youth 17 and under.
CHIAOZZA a sculpture exhibitionBoylston, $
Fri, June 9, 2023  -  Sun, October 15, 2023   
Experience CHIAOZZA, an exhibit of imaginative, colorful sculptures and wall works displayed across New England Botanic Garden. Discover the creative parallels between growing plants and making art.
Art Exhibition — Now and Soon and Somehow ForeverNew Bedford, $
Thu, June 15, 2023  -  Sun, November 26, 2023   
Now and Soon and Somehow Forever features artworks by artists and romantic partners William Pettit and Candice Smith Corby who were separated by oceans during the pandemic
A Singularly Marine & Fabulous Produce: the Cultures of Seaweed — Art ExhibitionNew Bedford, $
Fri, June 16, 2023  -  Sun, December 3, 2023   
Drawing together a wide-range of media, and spanning European, American, and British examples, this major exhibition probes humankind’s fascination with seaweed across the nineteenth century and into today.
SHELTER 2023: 'Threshold' by sculptor Mark ReigelmanNew Bedford, Free
Thu, June 22, 2023  -  Mon, October 23, 2023   
Massachusetts Design Art and Technology Institute (DATMA), the non-collecting contemporary art institute celebrating its 5th year, will once again bring free public art to New Bedford, MA.
SHELTER 2023: “Our Woven Story” by mixed media multidisciplinary artist MaxwellNew Bedford, Free
Thu, June 22, 2023  -  Mon, October 23, 2023   
Massachusetts Design Art and Technology Institute (DATMA), the non-collecting contemporary art institute celebrating its 5th year, will once again bring free public art to New Bedford, MA.
SHELTER 2023: “Community Tides” by Silvia Lopez ChavezNew Bedford, Free
Thu, June 22, 2023  -  Mon, October 23, 2023   
Massachusetts Design Art and Technology Institute (DATMA), the non-collecting contemporary art institute celebrating its 5th year, will once again bring free public art to New Bedford, MA.
Art of Penobscot Bay Exhibit at Thos. MoserMaine, Free
Sun, July 2, 2023  -  Wed, January 31, 2024   
Works of more than 60 of the 100 artists featured in Carl and David Little’s upcoming book, Art of Penobscot Bay, are on display at the Thos. Moser Freeport showroom from July 1, 2023 through January 31, 2024.
Earth & Planetary Sciences GalleryCambridge, $
Mon, July 3, 2023  -  Sun, December 31, 2023   
Dazzling minerals and gemstones await you at the Harvard Museum of Natural History’s newly renovated Earth & Planetary Sciences gallery, including a display of Maine’s most famous mineral, tourmaline!
Prayer for the French RepublicBoston, $$
Thu, September 7, 2023  -  Sun, October 8, 2023   
Join us for the 2023-2024 season - The Huntington is Boston's leading professional theatre, with two venues (Huntington Theatre and the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA). Your seat is waiting! Discounts available.
Fiesta in the Plaza Celebrating Latinx Heritage MonthBoston, Free
Sat, September 16, 2023  -  Thu, October 14, 2032   
The City of Boston announced the celebration of Latino Heritage Month with Fiesta en la Plaza, a diverse program of cultural activities that will take place over four weekends in the renovated City Hall Plaza
Fat HamBoston, $$
Fri, September 22, 2023  -  Sun, October 22, 2023   
Join us for the 2023-2024 season - The Huntington is Boston's leading professional theatre, with two venues (Huntington Theatre and the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA). Your seat is waiting! Discounts available.
SoWa SundaysSouth End, Free
Sun, October 1, 2023  -  Sun, October 29, 2023   
You already know we’re open every Sunday of the year, 11am-4pm. And in October, there are five SoWa Sundays filled with art, color, and life.
Arts Wayland Presents: 'Transformations'Wayland
Mon, October 2, 2023  -  Fri, October 27, 2023   
View the spectacular collection of art in Arts Wayland’s in person exhibit, “Transformations,” now hanging in the Raytheon Room of the Wayland Library. This exhibit will be available for viewing through October 27th.
SoWa First FridaySouth End, Free
Fri, October 6, 2023  -  Fri, October 6, 2023   
First Friday is October 6th, and a great way to experience year-round color in the world of art. Friday, October 6, 2023, 5pm-9pm. Save the date!
opening our doors celebrating the fenway cultural district small photo
Opening Our Doors: Celebrating the Fenway Cultural DistrictBoston, Free
Mon, October 9, 2023  -  Mon, October 9, 2023   
Join us for the Annual FREE art + cultural festival Opening Our Doors! Visit locations throughout the Fenway for art exhibitions and activities, cultural experiences, musical and dance performances, and more!
Opening Our DoorsBoston, Free
Mon, October 9, 2023  -  Mon, October 9, 2023   
Monday, October 9th from 10AM-4PM is the 22nd Annual FREE art + cultural festival Opening Our Doors day! Visit the Fenway for art exhibitions and activities, cultural experiences, musical and dance performances, and more!
Opening Our DoorsBoston, Free
Mon, October 9, 2023  -  Mon, October 9, 2023   
Boston’s longest running & largest day of free cultural experiences in Boston’s art + cultural hub, the Fenway Cultural District! Performances, art, music, dance, crafts, historic walking tours, nature walks, garden tours, and more!
indigenous peoples day at the mfa small photo
Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the MFABoston, Free
Mon, October 9, 2023  -  Mon, October 9, 2023   
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), hosts its second annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day community celebration with free virtual programs recognizing and honoring the heritage of all Indigenous peoples and the histories...
Death and the MaidenRhode Island, $$
Fri, October 13, 2023  -  Sun, October 15, 2023   
A pair of powerful works casts light into darkness. From Jose Limon’s The Moor’s Pavane, exploring the central drama of Shakespeare’s Othello exploring the central drama of Shakespeare’s Othello, to a world premiere set.
2023 Boston Arts Academy HonorsBoston, $$$$
Sat, October 14, 2023  -  Sun, October 15, 2023   
Boston Arts Academy Foundation will host its annual BAA Honors event on Saturday, October 14th at the Intercontinental Hotel. This year’s event will be the capstone to Boston Arts Academy’s (BAA) 25th Anniversary year.
Hansel & Gretel and The FirebirdAndover, $$
Sat, October 14, 2023  -  Sat, October 14, 2023   
Dance Prism Ballet will open its 41st season with a pre-Halloween pairing of magical tales of fiendish spirits vanquished by kindness and beauty. Don't miss this beautiful and slightly spooking event!
Free Outdoor Concert: Rhythm Future QuartetSomerville
Sun, October 15, 2023  -  Sun, October 15, 2023   
2023 World Music Concert Series, Celebrate Diversity, Build Community Somerville presents: Rhythm Future Quartet The Quartet performs a dynamic and lyrical arrangements of Gypsy jazz standards and original compositions.
Cultural DeferencesCambridge, Free
Sun, October 15, 2023  -  Sun, October 15, 2023   
MIPSTERZ x MIT MSA x MIT Mobin present: CULTURAL DEFERENCES, a multisensory event celebrating Muslim creative voice! This showcase brings together thinkers and creatives for a soul-enriching evening of speech, music, and dramatic performance.
Hansel & Gretel and The FirebirdLittleton, $$
Sun, October 15, 2023  -  Sun, October 15, 2023   
Dance Prism Ballet will open its 41st season with a pre-Halloween pairing of Hansel and Gretel and The Firebird, magical tales of fiendish spirits vanquished by kindness and beauty.
Jewish Teen Community BuildingCambridge
Mon, October 16, 2023  -  Mon, November 13, 2023   
Come build community, discuss your Jewish identity & experience, and have fun - games, connections, food, and a raffle! Two sessions: Monday, October 16th and Monday, November 13th, 6pm-8pm
Matt KahnMassachusetts, $$
Thu, October 19, 2023  -  Thu, October 19, 2023   
LIVE and On-Stage! Healed by Love LIVE and On-Stage! Healed by Love LIVE and On-Stage! Healed by Love LIVE and On-Stage! Healed by Love LIVE and On-Stage! Healed by Love
Lizzie, the Musical with Kids CareConcord, $$
Sun, October 22, 2023  -  Sun, November 5, 2023   
The subject of centuries-old, sing-song villainy, Lizzie Borden turns searing rock anthem anti-hero and has audiences raging in their seats. Kids make Halloween themed crafts with a teacher while parents experience a volcanic punk production.
Day of the Dead CelebrationCambridge, Free
Thu, October 26, 2023  -  Thu, October 26, 2023   
Learn more about this joyful holiday, a national symbol of Mexico. Enjoy craft activities for the young and young at heart. See website for full details.
King's Chapel Art & Architecture Tours (Winter Hours)Boston, $$
Wed, November 1, 2023  -  Sun, March 31, 2024   
Explore the sanctuary from new perspectives, focusing on themes of continuity and change throughout King's Chapel's 332 year history! On this tour, guests explore both floors of the sanctuary to experience the stories the building itself can tell us about the church's...
Castle of our Skins Hosts Music, Dance, Spoken Word, Live Performances Sunday, NBoston, Free
Sun, November 5, 2023  -  Sun, November 5, 2023   
Castle of our Skins Hosts Music, Dance, Spoken Word, Live Performances Sunday, November 5, 2023 | 3-5 PM | Hibernian Hall Roxbury MA Refreshments | FREE
BROWN BAG LUNCH SERIESMassachusetts, Free
Thu, November 9, 2023  -  Thu, November 9, 2023   
Join us the 3rd Thursday of every month to learn about local history and culture. Join us the 3rd Thursday of every month to learn about local history and culture.
The Band's VisitBoston, $$
Fri, November 10, 2023  -  Sun, December 10, 2023   
Join us for the 2023-2024 season - The Huntington is Boston's leading professional theatre, with two venues (Huntington Theatre and the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA). Your seat is waiting! Discounts available.
Abraham AlexanderBoston, $
Sat, November 11, 2023  -  Sat, November 11, 2023   
Singer songwriter Abraham Alexander makes music to make people feel less alone. He will be storytelling his way into the Red Room November 11 at 7pm .
The Heart SellersBoston, $$
Tue, November 21, 2023  -  Sat, December 23, 2023   
Join us for the 2023-2024 season - The Huntington is Boston's leading professional theatre, with two venues (Huntington Theatre and the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA). Your seat is waiting! Discounts available.
Boston Bhangra CompetitionBoston, $$
Sat, December 2, 2023  -  Sat, December 2, 2023   
Biggest and Best Bhangra Competition in North America! Bhangra is a fun, entertaining and family friendly dance form from India. The dance is very high energy and everybody will enjoy it!
Yippee Ki YayBoston, $$
Wed, December 27, 2023  -  Sun, December 31, 2023   
Join us for the 2023-2024 season - The Huntington is Boston's leading professional theatre, with two venues (Huntington Theatre and the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA). Your seat is waiting! Discounts available.
Shen Yun In Boston Dec 28-31 2023Boston, $
Thu, December 28, 2023  -  Sun, December 31, 2023   
Traditional Chinese culture—with its deep spiritual roots and profoundly optimistic worldview—was displaced by communism in China. While Shen Yun cannot perform in China today, it is sharing this precious heritage with the world.
mlk day celebration at museum of fine arts mfa small photo
MLK Day Celebration at Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)Boston, Free
Sun, January 14, 2024  -  Sun, January 14, 2024   
Citizens has sponsored the MFA’s MLK Day community celebration for 20 consecutive years—allowing the Museum to welcome more than 120,000 visitors to enjoy free performances, tours, talks, art-making activities, and more.
Stand Up If You're Here TonightBoston, $$
Sat, January 20, 2024  -  Sun, March 3, 2024   
Join us for the 2023-2024 season - The Huntington is Boston's leading professional theatre, with two venues (Huntington Theatre and the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA). Your seat is waiting! Discounts available.
John Proctor is the VillainBoston, $$
Thu, February 8, 2024  -  Sun, March 10, 2024   
Join us for the 2023-2024 season - The Huntington is Boston's leading professional theatre, with two venues (Huntington Theatre and the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA). Your seat is waiting! Discounts available.
Toni StoneBoston, $$
Fri, May 17, 2024  -  Sun, June 16, 2024   
Join us for the 2023-2024 season - The Huntington is Boston's leading professional theatre, with two venues (Huntington Theatre and the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA). Your seat is waiting! Discounts available.
Pacific Islands Family DayFitchburg, Free
Mon, May 19, 2031  -  Mon, May 19, 2031   
Travel to the Pacific Islands through art projects, a dance performance, and live animals at Fitchburg Art Museum. FREE for everyone. We hope you can join us!
Burgundy & Bonbons: An Evening at Cocorico Featuring Valrhona ChocolateBoston
Thu, August 25, 2033  -  Thu, August 25, 2022   
Join us on August 25 for “Burgundy & Bonbons,” where Cocorico's Head Pastry Chef Mai Nguyen will join forces with Valrhona Executive Pastry Chef Guillaume Roesz for a one-night-only event!
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