SOLSTICE: Reflections on Winter Light is an annual event at Mount Auburn Cemetery that includes an outdoor journey with large-scale light and sound artworks created by MASARY, and an indoor experience with live music and candle lighting. Guests are invited to walk through the light-filled landscape, explore the Winter Solstice atmosphere, and to reflect on moments of change as the year ends and a new cycle begins. Connect to a landscape of exceptional beauty, consider an intention for the new year, or commemorate the memory of a loved one. Let SOLSTICE light your way as you encounter the unique spirit of Mount Auburn. Tickets on sale at https://www.mountauburnsolstice.org/
“Step into the world of Downton Abbey and be transported to early 20th-century England, where the aristocratic Crawley family and their devoted staff navigate a rapidly changing era. Marvel at a curated collection of one-of-a-kind fresh floral mannequins inspired by the series’ unforgettable characters and iconic period fashion. From Lady Mary’s sophisticated beaded gowns and statement hats, to the impeccably tailored uniforms of the household staff, each floral masterpiece will bring Downton Abbey’s timeless style and compelling narratives to life.” The Prudential Center will display this traveling exhibition November 5 – 9. For more information visit https://www.fleursdevilles.com/post/announcing-fleurs-de-villes-downton-abbey
If you are a member of The Garden Club of the Back Bay, you may join other members on Thursday, November 6 at 10 am – meet at the indoor entrance to Eataly. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Long before anyone dreamed of this landscape becoming the Arnold Arboretum, a white oak grew quietly on the slope of today’s Peters Hill. Years passed and Arboretum staff eventually incorporated this very old tree into the collections, making it possibly the oldest accessioned tree in the landscape. Join Assistant Curator Miles Sax for a Tree Mob on November 15 at 10 am to learn about this oak, what the landscape looked like before it was an Arboretum, the science of tree age, and how the Arboretum manages those trees that we never chose to plant but which are a treasured part of our collections nonetheless. This is a members-only event, so sign up now at https://arboretum.harvard.edu/support/
Embark on an extraordinary expedition to the Geographic North Pole aboard the world’s only luxury icebreaker powered by hybrid-electric propulsion, Le Commandant Charcot. Along with travelers from Harvard Alumni Travels, Dartmouth College Alumni Travel, Stanford Travel/Study, and Brown Travelers, navigate the ice floes and shifting seascapes of the High Arctic on the way to 90° North—the elusive pinnacle of polar exploration. Witness a dynamic world of polar bears, seals, whales, and ivory gulls, and engage in optional adventures such as kayaking, snowshoeing, and even a polar plunge.
This is an expedition-type cruise involving shore landings by rubber Zodiac boats. Participants must be able to get in and out of the Zodiacs with minimal assistance. While ashore in the Arctic, the excursions involve a fair amount of walking over rocky, uneven, and sometimes steep terrain. Activities such as kayaking, snowshoeing, and polar plunging will be offered and will have physical and medical requirements that will be shared in confirmation documents. The trip takes place next year, August 25 – September 11, 2026. For more information visit https://alumni.harvard.edu/travel/trips/north-pole-2026
Join Dan Wilder for a tour of one of his favorite sites with fantastic shrub diversity in Brimfield, Massachusetts, on October 11. Free for Ecological Landscape members, $10 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.ecolandscaping.org/
Mark your calendars for the Berkshire Botanical Garden’s annual Harvest Festival, October 11 and 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
During these two days, the 24-acre Garden undergoes a remarkable transformation into a vibrant hub for the celebration of community, the natural world and our agricultural heritage. Offering an array of family-friendly activities, live music and a wide selection of regional artisan food and crafts vendors, the Harvest Festival has been a beloved tradition in the Berkshires for generations.
Children’s activities include pony rides; a haunted house; the ever-popular obstacle course; a hay maze, hay jump and hay rides; face painting; a cider press and photo op; plus roving entertainment including interactive music with Robie Bones.
The event is also a prime shopping opportunity with 50 craft vendors, a giant tag sale and the “Accessorize” pop-up shop, offering gently used clothing, jewelry, hats, scarves, and housewares. The Horticulture Tent will offer garden books and tools, bulbs, mums, pumpkins, and other plants for sale.
Admission to the Harvest Festival is $15 for adults; children under 12 are admitted free. https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/harvest-festival-2025. There is no charge for parking in the Garden’s adjacent fields. Dogs (with the exception of registered service dogs) are not permitted. ATMs will be available on-site.
Join the Friends of the Public Garden, with event partners Sofar, City Awake, Liteitup! and the Hummus Shop on Thursday, October 9 from 5 – 9 at the Parkman Bandstand on the Boston Common. SoFar Sounds will feature Boston-based musicians for an evening of free music, bites, and outdoor fun. Free!
Join The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts, Greencrab.org and PAGU restaurant on October 2 at 5:30 pm – 7 pm next to Night Shift Brewing between Summer St. and Congress St. across from South Station for an evening dedicated to ocean conservation and sustainable food practices, held at Boston’s Rose Kennedy Greenway. Come learn how everyday choices in the kitchen can support healthier coasts.
PAGU will offer prepackaged sambusas made with local, sustainable ingredients such as kelp, oysters and green crab—showcasing how local seafood can be transformed into delicious, eco-conscious meals. Chef Tracy Chang, a James Beard Award nominee, brings her expertise in sustainable sourcing and culinary innovation. Greencrab.org will provide a touch tank and educational materials to help attendees understand the ecological impact of invasive green crabs and their impact on local ecosystems. They will also be giving away Polkadog treats made with green crab—so bring your four-legged friends! The Nature Conservancy will be on-site with ocean experts, a raffle and giveaways.
Whether you’re a home cook, a seafood lover or curious about how your food choices affect the planet, this event offers practical insights into sustainability while supporting local ecosystems. This event is free to attend and open to the public. For more information contact chloe.tomasetta@tnc.org
Harvest Fest is back and better than ever at Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, Massachusetts on Saturday and Sunday, September 27 and 28. Mark your calendars and join us for an exciting weekend of festivities! Our annual Harvest Fest is packed with: Artisan Vendors: Explore a variety of unique, handcrafted goods from talented local artisans. Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music from talented local artists. Beer Garden (21+): Savor the flavors of the season in our beer garden featuring a variety of craft beers and ciders. Plus, enjoy Keeper Chats and so much more. Visit https://southwickszoo.com/event/harvest-fest-2025/2025-09-27/
