Best Spring Festivals Near Boston

Spring is in the air, and on Sunday, March 20, 2016, the spring season officially begins. In preparation for the blue skies and gradually warming weather, now is the time to make some plans to have some fun and enjoy the wonderful spring festivals happening in and around Boston. There is something for everyone, from music, film and Japanese culture to a beer festival with a horticultural element. Join in the fun and check out these spring festivals in the Boston area.

Craft Beer Fest is geared towards Boston's young professionals to sample brews and hard ciders from a variety of local vendors. Tickets to the Craft Beer Fest (choose 12 noon to 3 PM or 4 PM to 7 PM session) also include a chance to win some fun items worth over $1000. The event is held at the Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts, an eclectic venue in the South End neighborhood of Boston. The 1884 building has wonderful ambiance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a great venue for the fun-filled Craft Beer Fest.

Japan Festival Boston is the largest festival in the area that promotes Japanese culture; 30,000 people attended last year and more are expected in 2016. The festival is organized by an all volunteer team. There is authentic food, entertainment and activities offered at this incredible Japanese cultural festival, which promotes Japan's traditions, pop culture and industry. Japan Festival Boston will be held on the spectacular Boston Common, in the heart of the bustling city.

Lilac Sunday
Arnold Arboretum
125 Arborway
Boston, MA 02130
(617) 524-1718
www.arboretum.harvard.edu
Date: Sunday, May 8, 2016 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

The Arnold Arboretum is home to thousands of flowering plants, but it holds a special place for 170 varieties of lilacs in the center of the landscape on Bussey Hill Road. One day each year, the Arboretum hosts a day of tribute to the lilac with tours, fun family activities and wonderful food vendors on site. The activities take place from 10 AM to 3 PM and the food vendors are on site from 11 AM to 3 PM. This is a free activity for all to enjoy.

Related: Boston's Best Spring Festivals

Boston Calling
City Hall Plaza
City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02109
www.bostoncalling.com
Date: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 27, 28 and 29, 2016 at 6 PM on Friday and 12 noon on Saturday and Sunday until 11 PM each day

Boston Calling is a 3-day, multi-stage, live music festival held on Boston City Hall Plaza. It is a big party. The music is diverse with the 2016 line-up including Sia, Disclosure, Palehound, Michael Christmas, Janelle Monáe, Robyn, Odessa and more. There is a huge selection of beer, wine and food available during the festival. All ages are welcome to Boston Calling and children under 10 years old are free.

Boston International Film Festival
AMC Lowes
175 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02111

Paramount Theater
559 Washington St.
Boston, MA 02111

BPE Studio
9A Hamilton Place
Boston MA 02108

617-482-3310
www.bostoniff.org
Date: April 14-18, 2016

Opening night and many of the main events of the Boston International Film Festival are held at the AMC Lowes, directly across the street from the Boston Common. The Paramount Theater, one of the first movie houses in Boston, also hosts some of the showings. The Paramount Theater has recently been renovated and brings guests back to the Golden Age of cinema. Some of the others showings happen at the classic and cozy BPE Studio, the corporate home of the Boston International Film Festival.

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Boston's Best Spring Art Festivals