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Boston's Best Spring Festivals

After a cold New England winter, Boston is always prepared to celebrate spring. Flowers are popping up around the city and everyone is ready to enjoy the warmer air. Spring festivals in the city range from intellectual gatherings to floral celebrations, so there is something for just about everybody. Shake off the cold and soak up a little spring sunshine at a festival this year. Spring-cleaning can wait a little longer.
Kite And Bike Festival
(Photo Credit: Franklin Park Coalition)

Kite And Bike Festival
Playstead Road
Boston, MA
(617) 442-4141
www.franklinparkcoalition.org

Date: May 16, 2015

Free festivals do not get more laid-back and enjoyable than the Kite and Bike Festival. The Franklin Park Playstead annually hosts families and individuals the weekend after Mother's Day. They are invited to bring their own kites and bikes or buy and rent them at the park. Everyone then rides and flies to their hearts' content. There will be food trucks, crafts and a Boston tap water truck to keep everyone happy and satisfied. People are even invited to bring their own barbecues, so plan a big meal if the mood strikes.

Related: Boston's Best Spring 2015 Art Events

Arnold Arobertum
(Photo Credit: Arnold Arobertum)

Lilac Sunday
Arnold Arboretum
125 Arborway
Boston, MA 02130
(617) 524-1718
www.arboretum.harvard.edu

Date: May 10, 2015

Celebrate spring by having a picnic at the Arnold Arboretum on the only day of the year that it is allowed. Lilac Sunday is a day to appreciate the arboretum and the myriad lilac specimens it houses. There are more than 170 varieties of lilac on the property, along with many other flowers, so be sure to prepare anyone with allergies before checking out Lilac Sunday. Show up between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for the event and take advantage of perks like local food trucks. If that is not possible, do not despair. The arboretum is open from dawn until dusk.

Harvard Square Mayfair
Harvard Square
Cambridge, MA
(617) 491-3434
www.harvardsquare.com
Date: May 3, 2015 at 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

A combination spring festival and Cinco de Mayo celebration, Harvard Square's Mayfair has a diverse set of activities available. Vendors will provide food and drink while live entertainers provide visual and audio arts for the masses. There will also be a range of artisans selling their wares, so bring a few bucks for jewelry, clothing, art and more. Rain date is May 17. Keep an eye on the weather.

9/29 - how to be a gentleman - oktoberfest - harpoon oktoberfest
(Photo Credit: Harpoon Brewery)

HarpoonFest
306 Northern Ave.
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 456-2322
www.harpoonbrewery.com

Date: May 15 & 16, 2015

HarpoonFest is one of the most popular annual beer festivals in Boston. It features fun games, like a keg bowl, local food vendors, musicians and, of course, lots of beer. Cover charge includes one drink ticket, so make sure to bring along some cash for extra beer and food. It is also a good idea to arrange for a designated driver. Even when the plan is not to drink more than one or two beers over a few hours, plans can change. Taxis are abundant, so enjoy some of the best beer in town without the worry.

Related: Boston's Best Spring Break Activities For Kids

Boston Calling
(Photo credit: Boston Calling)

Boston Calling Music Festival
City Hall Plaza
1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
www.spring.bostoncalling.com

Date: May 22-24, 2015

No Boston spring is complete without the Boston Calling Music Festival. It is a massive outdoor city concert held at City Hall Plaza for people of all ages. There are plenty of activities to keep people busy, but the real draw is the music. The lineup for 2015 includes such acts as Beck, Gerard Way, Tenacious D and many more. Make sure to check the website for attendance tips and a list of prohibited items. It is not easy to get in and out of the area, as it is very busy, so it is equally difficult to go change or bring something back to a hotel or home.

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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