19 Things to See & Do in Concord this Spring

1 
Visit the exhibition, Revolutionary Legacies, at Concord Museum. How have we remembered April 19, 1775, and the American Revolution over the past 250 years? Featuring commemorative ephemera, unique relics, artworks, personal objects, and contemporary works that respond to the Revolution’s legacy, this special exhibition asks what we choose to remember—and what has been left out—as the public looks back to the founding of our nation. Through September 7. ConcordMuseum.org

2
Whether you’re new to the writings of Henry David Thoreau or a lifelong fan of his work, you’re sure to enjoy the Thoreau Farm Reading Group. The group meets one Thursday evening each month to discuss one of Thoreau’s essays. April 16 will feature “Moon and Moonlight,” May 21 brings “A Walk to Wachusett,” and June 18 delves into “Slavery in Massachusetts.” ThoreauAlliance.org

3
Celebrate Patriots’ Day weekend April 17-20, in Concord, neighboring towns, and in our National Parks. Events, schedules, and maps on p. 16-18.

4
Celebrate Earth Week. OARS, the charitable organization that protects, improves, and serves our area’s three rivers, has prepared an inspiring series of events, including the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, readings, a scavenger hunt, art exhibition, beer garden event, wetlands walk, and more. April 22 – 26. Oars3Rivers.org

5
Join historian and author Alex Cain for A Day on the Lines - The Continental Army’s Siege of Boston Tour. This immersive, day-long tour will trace the pivotal sites of the 1775-1776 Siege of Boston from Prospect Hill to Dorchester Heights. April 25. HistoricalNerdery.com

6
Visit Sudbury, MA, for the Historical Society Witness House Tour. This is your chance to visit more than 35 Witness Houses that have existed since 1776 or earlier. May 2. Sudbury01776.org

7
The American Chestnut: A Conversation with Donald Davis. Join environmental historian Donald Edward Davis for a compelling conversation about this once-dominant tree and the long story of its rise, fall, and possible return. In person and online. May 3. ThoreauAlliance.org

8
Trinitarian Congregational Church presents The Struggle for Abolition from 1826 through the Civil War. Featuring historian Robert Gross and Kyle Roberts, director of the Congregational Library and Archives. May 6. Triconchurch.org

9
Grab a paddle and join the OARS 2026 Concord River Race. Whether you paddle the 3-mile, 6-mile, or kids’ course, you’re sure to have a fun day out on the water. May 9. Oars3Rivers.org

©istock.com/Yummypic

10
Mother’s Day Flower Pressing Workshop. Sarah Alden Bradford Ripley was a well-respected botanist who left behind her collection of pressed flowers and other plant material known as an herbarium. Explore the fascinating histories of Sarah Ripley and herbaria and then explore the grounds of The Old Manse, collecting leaves and flowers to create your own pressed floral arrangements. May 10. TheTrustees.org/place/the-old-manse

11
Hop on your bike for the Second Annual Paul Revere’s Bike Ride and enjoy a beautiful ride past American Revolution landmarks in the historic towns of Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Bedford, and Carlisle. The Paul Revere Bike Ride raises funds for Concord Museum’s school programs that serve more than 15,000 students each year. May 16. ConcordMuseum.org

12
Celebrate Sudbury 250 Day. Free events include historic building & cemetery tours, reenactments, music, quilt exhibit, performances and a reading of the Declaration of Independence, plus vendors and food trucks. May 16. Sudbury.ma.us/sudbury250/planned-events

Courtesy of Freedom’s Way Heritage Area

13
Join the Emerson-Thoreau Amble. Celebrate Emerson’s birthday and follow the footsteps of writers Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau! Enjoy the spring weather and learn about the friendship of two notable observers of nature from a museum interpreter. May 23. ConcordMuseum.org

14
Spring into West Concord! This dynamic neighborhood embraces Spring with gusto! Live music, face painting, games for kids, a Treasure Hunt (with prizes!), and more await. With charming shops and delicious restaurants, West Concord has all you need for a fun day for the whole family. May 16 from 10 am to 3 pm. Facebook.com/WestConcordCommunity

15
Explore some of Concord’s most fabulous gardens at this year’s 37th Annual Garden Tour, sponsored by the Concord Museum Guild of Volunteers. Be inspired by unique designs, gorgeous flowers, delectable vegetables, and more. June 5 – 6. ConcordMuseum.org

16
Don’t miss Porchfest 2026, the grassroots community music festival in West Concord. Enjoy dozens of live acts on neighborhood porches as you stroll around town. June 13. WestConcordPorchfest.org

Grave of Henry David Thoreau   

| Commons.wikimedia.org. Public domain

17
Join the Thoreau Society for the 85th Annual Gathering, “Living Well: Thoreau, Health, and Flourishing.” Each year, the Gathering draws speakers and guests from around the world to study, interpret, and celebrate the work of Henry David Thoreau. July 8 – 12. ThoreauSociety.org

Master Luthier Steve Kauffman

| © Bharat Parmar

18
MEET THE MASTER LUTHIER: Lecture & Music One in a series of events at the pop-up space of the Guitar Museum of New England this spring, Master Luthier (guitar builder) Steve Kauffman will discuss the unique wood choices, bracing techniques, and design influences behind his stunningly beautiful guitars. Kauffman instruments from the Guitar Museum’s collection will be played in a mini-concert to enhance the discussion and bring these instruments to life. Limited to 25 attendees. April 9. GuitarMuseum.org

19
Revel in a Vibrant Arts Scene! Concord comes alive with a rich array of art exhibits, open studios, live music, theatre, film, and more. Plan early and grab tickets before they are gone! Read our Arts Around Town article on p. 46.