Over 30 great events! All Free & Open to the Public!
Middlesex Canal Exhibits.
Spend the afternoon learning about the construction and function of the Middlesex Canal, one of the oldest functioning canals in the U.S. and one which played a role in the development of Boston. The Middlesex Canal Museum, 71 Faulkner Road, North Billerica.
12–4 pm.
saturday-sunday
Concord River Pontoon Boat Tours.
See the Concord River from a new angle. How many times have you crossed the Concord River & wondered what's around the bend? Here's your chance to see a little bit of this Wild and Scenic River. The boat will be leaving the Bedford Boat Landing and tour the river for about 1 hour. For more info, or to book a seat, call 978-667-1632 or email betsy.gallagher@comcast.net. Leave your info, which trip you'd like to be on & how many in your party & she will call you back to confirm. These trips have been known to fill up quickly, so call soon.
10 am and 1 pm.
saturday-sunday
Be Creative, Build Art!
Join Musketaquid Artists on Saturday morning, for a spontaneous sculptural installation on the banks of the Concord River, opposite Egg Rock at the Calf Pasture. Participate in creating a construction of wood and other materials with the light reflecting off the waters at the confluence of our rivers. The sculpture will remain for the weekend for everyone to see.
10 am–1 pm.
saturday-sunday
Exploring Concord: A Film about Concord's Rich History and Landscape.
The Concord Museum joins in the 2011 Riverfest celebration highlighting the remarkable resources of the Sudbury, Concord and Assabet Rivers. During Museum hours from 9:00 - 5:00 stop by the Concord Museum to enjoy a free screening of a 15-minute award-winning film, "Exploring Concord", and a complimentary copy of the accompanying self-guided tour brochure. This outstanding and evocative film looks at five specific natural and cultural landscapes in the town, uncovering their many layers of historical significance.
9 am–5 pm
saturday-sunday
History, Music, Art and Gardening at the Old Manse.
Join the Trustees of Reservations for a festive weekend. There will be many fun events for the whole family. Come for one or stay for a part of the day. The Old Manse is located at 269 Monument Street, next to the Old North Bridge. Call 978-369-3909 for details and times. See below for more activities planned for Saturday at Old Manse.
Interpreted landscape tours: Tour the grounds and hear about connections to literature and Concord history.
Attic tours: Climb the stairs for tours of the Manse attic.
Bookstore book sale will be ongoing.
Landscape and wildlife painting exhibit. Artist Tom Wilson will be displaying his works.
Garden talks: Join the Manse and Gaining Ground in the garden to learn about this re-creation of the garden first planted in 1842 by Henry David Thoreau for Nathaniel and Sophia Hawthorne. Gaining Ground grows organic produce for hunger relief at gardens on Virginia Road and at the Old Manse in Concord. 10 am – 12 Noon.
10 am–6 pm.
saturday-sunday
Visit Historic Downtown Lowell and the Concord River Greenway for a Day of Education, Art, Music and Fun!
Spend the day with your family enjoying fun activities and learning about Lowell’s long relationship with its rivers and canals. Ride the trolley, listen to live music, enjoy local ethnic food and more! Featuring public art by Brazilian artist Lineu Zadereski and local youth. Location: Lowell events will be at Middlesex Community College and the Concord River Greenway Park (33 Kearney Sq. and 30 East Merrimack St.) Info: www.lowelllandtrust.org or www.lowellriverfest.org or contact jcalvin@lowelllandtrust.org or 978-934-0030.
Live Music from 92.5 FM The River. Featuring FBI (Farron Butcher Inc., formerly Charlie Farron & Jon Butcher Axis), Bliss and other River Rising Stars, and family entertainers. Meet The River’s street team and DJ Lisa Garvey.
Explore the Concord River Greenway Park. Enjoy the recently finished recreational space and its unique public art.
Nature Painting. Join Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust in creating some wearable art with a nature theme! Bring a t-shirt and paint your own design on it.
Face Painting. Have your face painted with your favorite river plants and animals!
Live Animals. Learn more about the animals that call the river home in presentations by Mass Audubon.
Green Art Activities. Join the American Textile History Museum and other local non-profits and have fun with creative arts.
Canal Gatehouse Tours: Tour the historic gatehouse with Lowell National Historical Park.
Ethnic Food Vendors. Local businesses & non-profits with local ethnic foods
2–6 pm.
saturday
Fishing Derby.
Join Billerica Recreation for a Bassmasters fishing derby at Micozzi Beach at Nuttings Lake on the Middlesex Turnpike in Billerica. Free worms, trophy for the largest fish caught and free lunch to all youth participants. For more information contact Billerica Recreation at 978-671-0921.
8 am–1 pm.
saturday
Walk Spencer Brook to the New Observation Platform.
The Carlisle Trails Committee will conduct a late afternoon walk to the new wildlife observation platform in the Benfield Conservation Land along Spencer Brook, a tributary of the Assabet River. We’ll start at the Spencer Brook Reservation, walking through the fields and woods there, then enter the Benfield land. A hidden back field slopes down to the extensive Spencer Brook wetlands, a gem of wilderness not many are familiar with. The new platform provides a 360 degree view of the late afternoon marsh with all its attending birds and wildlife. The walk is 1.6 miles round trip. Park along the closed section of West Street past Pope Road. Bring mosquito repellent!. Refreshments will be served at the end. Rain cancels the trip. For more information, contact the Carlisle Trails Committee at CarlisleTrails@Comcast.net, or Kevin Smith at 978-318-7919.
4 pm.
saturday
A River Blessing.
Begin your day at Egg Rock where we will honor the spirit of the river and the gifts the rivers bring into our lives. Vocal performing artist Mary Elizabeth Wheeler and friends conduct a beautiful, simple early morning ceremony of music, song, poetry, silent reflection and prayer. Park on Nashawtuc Road and follow signs to Egg Rock, or come by boat! Attending dogs must be leashed. Join the Concord Land Conservation Trust for a guided walk along the river immediately following the river blessing.
8 am.
saturday
Assabet River Walk.
Join the Concord Land Conservation Trust for a walk to explore the varied riparian landscapes along the Assabet. Park along the Nashawtuc Road causeway and meet at the corner of Nashawtuc and Musketaquid Roads.
9 am.
saturday
Mill Brook Explorations Along the Thoreau Amble.
Take a guided natural history tour along the Mill Brook with Thoreauvian naturalist Walter Brain. The walk will explore portions of the Emerson/Thoreau Amble, a trail winding through wetlands, fields and woods in the Concord Town Forest. Meet at the Town Forest parking lot on Walden Street. Call 978-318-3285 to sign up.
10 am.
saturday
Birds, Flowers and Invasive Alien Plants.
Join naturalist Peter Alden, local naturalist and author for a fun and educational hunt in the woods and meadows around Concord. Learn about the natural environment, how invasive species threaten our landscapes and what we can do to control them. Meet at the Old North Bridge.
10–11:30 am.
saturday
River Quest.
Join OARS to explore the confluence of the Assabet, Sudbury, and Concord rivers. Put your canoe or kayak in at the Lowell Street Bridge in Concord (or the Southbridge Boat House if renting a boat) between 11am and 12:30pm. Paddle the lower parts of the Assabet and Sudbury, continuing down to the Old North Bridge on the Concord searching for clues and stickers. Picnic and enjoy other Riverfest activities at the Old Manse. This is a family-friendly paddle that takes 1-1.5 hours. Call OARS at 978-369-3956 for more information or visit www.oars3rivers.org.
saturday
Family Fun at the Old Manse.
Many activities will take place throughout the day, come for one, or bring a picnic and stay for part of the day.
Wet and Wild. Join Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary Naturalist’s along the banks of the Concord River and learn who depends on healthy river habitats for their home. Meet native wildlife and discover what lives in the water using magnifying glasses and other scientific tools. Family fun for all ages – in the field behind the Old Manse. 10:30 am–1:30 pm.
Operation Blanding's Nation. Come learn about the Blanding's turtle! Meet a turtle, learn how to identify these threatened species, and become advocates for the threatened and endangered species that live in our backyards. Find out what these Thoreau School fourth graders have done to create awareness of this turtle and view some of their projects involving the Blanding's turtles. 10 am–1 pm.
Senior Shakers. Bring a picnic and enjoy the lively antics of the Senior Shakers, a tamborine and performance group. They are from Concord, but widely known, having even been on the Jay Leno show. 12–1 pm.
Arts Al Fresco. Join members of the Three Rivers Chorus and the Concord Poetry Center for a relaxing afternoon of a capella songs and original poetry readings. Sit under the tent, bring a picnic and enjoy these wonderful artists. 1 pm
Two for the Show will perform a program of folk, swing, country, blues, and originals featuring guitar, bass, and vocals. For information call 978-369-8090. 2:30–4:30 pm.
Various times. See above.
saturday
Town Meeting: Let Your Voice Be Heard!
Come to Minute Man National Historical Park to debate revolutionary issues with Concord residents of 1774 (portrayed by The Guild of Historic Interpreters). In the spirit of a true New England town meeting, you are encouraged to take part and let your voice be heard!
1:30 and 3:00 pm.
saturday
Bike the Watershed.
Join Lincoln Conservation staff for a bike ride through the SUASCO watershed. Meet at the parking lot of Minute Man National Historical Park – North Bridge Visitor’s Center, 174 Liberty Street in Concord. For registration and further information contact Jane at 781-259-2612 or laytonj@lincolntown.org.
10 am–2 pm.
saturday
Birding along the Divide.
Join Weston Conservation Agent, Michele Grzenda on a tri-town birding adventure along the watershed divide. A special place exists where Lincoln, Wayland, and Weston come together. Hundreds of acres of protected open space and dozens of bird species exist within the headwaters of the Sudbury River. Bring binoculars and bug spray. Cancelled if bad weather. Park in the field across from #48 Lincoln Road, Wayland. Info: 781-697-1410.
7-9 am.
saturday
History Paddle.
Do you know when the Wayland Sewer Commission was attacked by an armed protest mob in Billerica? When were salmon last seen in the Sudbury? Why was the river "dammed at both ends and cursed in the middle"? Celebrate the River with Brian Donahue, Professor of History at Brandeis and expert on the history of our river, for a History Paddle. Meet at 9 at the new Route 20 boat launch, built with the sponsorship of the Wild and Scenic River Stewardship Council, with your canoe. We will paddle to Sherman's Bridge (Sherman's Bridge Road) through the wide meadows that prompted the founding of Wayland and Sudbury with frequent stops to hear stories of a fascinating and sometimes lurid past. Cars will be available at Sherman's Bridge to ferry you back to the launch site. If you plan to come and have space in your boat, or if you need space in someone else’s boat, or have any questions, call 508-358-2980.
9 am-12 pm.
saturday
Fishing Event & Family Festivities at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.
Join us for a fun-filled day of hands-on activities! Event will be held rain or shine at Great Meadows NWR, 73 Weir Hill Road, Sudbury, MA 01776. 978-443-4661 x34
Calling all anglers: beginners and experienced! Join refuge staff and MassWildlife’s Angler Expert - Jim Lagacy for a day filled with fishy fun! Learn how to fly-cast, spin-cast, and even tie your own fly. All equipment will be provided. 10 am–2 pm.
Family fun for everyone! Join in games, music, canoeing, crafts, and face painting as well. 10 am–2 pm.
Wildlife: Up Close and Personal. Join Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm naturalist at http://www.fws.gov/northeast/greatmeadows/ for some family fun. Visit with native wildlife, birds and reptiles that live along the banks of the river and depend on a healthy habitat. 11 am–1 pm.
Various times. See above.
saturday
Morning paddle on the Sudbury River.
Join Bill Fadden and the Framingham Conservation Commission for a scenic 2 mile paddle on the Sudbury River. Some boats will be provided, or bring your own, along with a PFD, sun block, water, snack and bug spray. To reserve a space and get put in details, call Maeghan at 508-532-5460.
8:30 am.
saturday
Nature walk along the river.
Join Pam Helinek, Framingham Conservation Commissioner, for a leisurely walk along the Carol Getchall Trail. Enjoy the sights and sounds of this great trail. Bring sun block, water, snack and bug spray. Meet at trailhead on Little Farms Road. Parking available there.
2 pm.
saturday
Paddle the Assabet.
Join Boy Scout Troop 77 of Hudson as they escort you on a short canoe trip on the Assabet River. Canoes will depart and return from behind the downtown Hudson Fire station. Lifejackets and paddles will be provided. Check our website for more details and updates: www.troop77hudson.org.
12–3 pm.
saturday
SuAsCo Open House.
Visit the headquarters of the SuAsCo Watershed Community Council – browse our resource library, learn about the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord Rivers, view “Stormwater Matters” displays, pick up literature, and enjoy some refreshments. 118 Great Road, Stow.
noon–3:00 pm.
saturday
A Sunrise Canoe/Kayak Paddle for Bird and Wildlife Observation on the Concord River.
Join Ken Harte, wildlife specialist for a sunrise paddle along the Carlisle section of the Wild and Scenic Concord River and Great Meadows NWR. Meet at the Bedford Boat Landing on Rt. 225 at the Carlisle/Bedford town line. Stop at a casual riverside restaurant for breakfast. Bring your canoe or kayak, life preserver (PFD), weather-appropriate clothing, binoculars, money for breakfast, drinking water and guide books. Unmotorized boats only. Cancelled if bad weather. Info: 978-369-0336.
5:15 am.
sunday
Discover the ‘Secret’ Great Blue Rookery.
Join Peter Alden, well known naturalist and author, for an exploration of a newly established rookery. Look for Great Blue Herons, Green Herons and other water birds and wildlife. Meet at Verrill Farm at 9:00 for a cup of coffee and then walk or car pool to this undiscovered and unadvertised spot. Be ready for some walking and bring binoculars.
9-11 am.
sunday
Riverfest at the Buttrick Gardens.
Come to Minute Man National Historical Park for the afternoon. Enjoy the view of the Concord River from the overlook in the beautiful Buttrick Gardens.
Meet the experts who guided the rehabilitation and maintenance of the gardens. View historic plans and iris and peonies in full bloom. 11:00–2:00 pm.
The U.S.A.F. Band of Liberty Clarinet Quartet will be performing from 2:30–3:30 pm.
Light refreshments
This event is co-sponsored by The Friends of Minute Man National Park. 174 Liberty Street, Buttrick Mansion gardens.
Various times. See above.
sunday
At the Concord of the Rivers — a book reading.
Local Author, Anne Ipsen will read from her new book, a historical novel of colonial Concord and the New England Puritans, with some intriguing time travel included. Hosted by the Concord Free Public Library.
3pm.
sunday
Float and shoot (pictures!)
Join local outdoor photographer David Griffin on a morning exploration of Puffer Pond on the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge. Participants will learn techniques for photographing wildlife and landscapes from their canoe or kayak. BYOB.(boat) Rain or shine.. Participants can unload on Sandbank Trail, however you will need to park by the visitor center in designated parking areas. 680 Hudson Rd, Sudbury, MA. Meet at the boat launch off of Sandbank Trail at 6:15 am.
6:15–8:30 am.
sunday
Rubber Duck Race.
The Hop Brook Protection Association and the Sudbury Ponds and Waterways Committee are sponsoring a kids’ Rubber Duck race in Hop Brook at the Grist Mill by Sudbury’s Wayside Inn. The race will be preceded by a brief history of the Grist Mill and Hop Brook. Cheer for your duck as it makes its way down the canal, over the waterwheel and across the finish line! Gift certificates will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes. For registration, meet by the canal at the Grist Mill. This event is free and is open to kids 12 and under. For more information, call 978-443-9638.
2 pm.
sunday
Spend the Afternoon at Wolbach Farm in Sudbury.
Bring a picnic, view the river art exhibit, walk the nature trails or explore the butterfly garden at Wolbach Farm. The following programs will be offered:
River Art Exhibit. Local artist and teacher, Cecilia Sharma, will be displaying her students’ works of watercolors inspired by the local rivers. In the barn from 12–5 pm.
Protecting Blanding’sTurtles. Blanding’s turtles are endangered in Massachusetts. Wayland High School is doing what it can to help protect them. Come learn about new fencing along local roads to keep these turtles from becoming road kill. 12 pm.
Who Is Hiding in Vernal Pools? Join staff from the Walden Woods Project and the Vernal Pool Association to explore the hidden treasures of SuAsCo watershed — vernal pools! In these important habitats for wildlife you'll find salamander larvae, frog tadpoles, beetles, bugs, and much more! Great for adults and kids over the age of 7. Please wear footwear appropriate for walking in the woods. In case of a rainy forecast, call 781-259-4707 the night before the event. For more information and to make reservations visit www.walden.org or call 781-259-4707. 1 pm.
Snakes of New England and the World. Do you ever wonder what kind of snakes live in your yard, the woods, fields and waterways nearby? Here is your chance to see a variety of local snakes close up, and a few exotic ones too. Rick Roth, Director of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team will bring some of his favorites to Wolbach Farm and will talk about their lives and habits. 2:30 pm.
Various times. See above.
sunday
Sunset Paddle.
CANCELLED. End Riverfest weekend with a paddle along the Sudbury River as the sun sets and the moon rises. Tom Arnold plans this easy paddle and then rafting together under the starlight. Feel free to bring and share a dessert, a suitable cold beverage. Cameras are recommended. Starting and ending at River Road, off Rt 27. Call 978-443-5588 to register.
7–9 pm.
sunday
River comes to life in the library.
THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED UNTIL JUNE 25TH, FROM 1-3 PMCome to the Framingham Library to view the newly created river mural, and meet the artist, Yetti Frankel, who has brought the river to life.
Reception from 3–5 pm.
sunday
Wild Plants I Have Known...and Eaten.
Join Russ Cohen, expert forager and author on a two-hour ramble through the Blue Heron Organic Farm, adjacent woodlands to learn about at least two dozen species of edible wild plants. Pending favorable weather conditions, several edible mushroom species may be encountered as well. Keys to the identification of each species will be provided, along with information on edible portion(s), season(s) of availability and preparation methods, along with general guidelines for responsible foraging. Blue Heron Organic Farm, Route 117.
6-8 pm.
monday
