12 Things to See & Do in Concord this Spring

1 Visit the exciting exhibition, Whose Revolution, at the Concord Museum. Whose Revolution offers a fresh, inclusive perspective on this pivotal moment in American history, focusing on the experiences of women, Indigenous communities, and free and enslaved Black people who grappled with the meaning of revolution in their own lives. Through September 1. ConcordMuseum.org

Whose Revolution

| Courtesy of Concord Museum

2 Join OARS for the inaugural Concord River Race, an exciting paddling event celebrating the beauty and adventure of the SuAsCo rivers! Open to all skill levels, this race follows a scenic stretch of the Concord River from Bedford to Lowell, offering a thrilling experience for competitive and recreational paddlers alike. Come paddle, race, and connect with the river community. May 4. Oars3Rivers.org

3 Come fly a kite at the annual Kite Festival at Rideout Park. There will be kites and kite kits for purchase or bring your own kite. Professional kite fliers will be on hand to entertain, and the onsite ice cream truck will have all your favorite treats. May 4. ConcordRec.myrec.com

4 Explore local Indigenous history and contemporary artistic practices through the new exhibit, Chemacheg Menuhki: Paddle Strong. Co-curated with Brittney Peauwe Wunnepog Walley (Nipmuc), the exhibit will include a fiber basket created by Walley that features iconography exploring the story of the 58 Nipmuc individuals housed on the property of John Hoar in Concord in 1675-1676. Opening May 9. ConcordMuseum.org

5 Grab your bike and join the Concord Museum as they mark the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s Ride with a bicycle ride through Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Bedford, and Carlisle. Choose a 21.3- or 32.4-mile loop on paved road, passing fascinating Revolutionary landmarks like the North Bridge, the Lexington Green, and more! May 17 ConcordMuseum.org

Buttrick Gardens

| Courtesy of the Friends of Minute Man National Park

6 Tour the historic Buttrick Gardens at Minute Man National Historical Park. Kathleen Fahey, executive director of the Friends of Minute Man, will discuss the history and preservation of these beautiful gardens. The gardens feature viewing terraces, steps leading down to the Concord River, elegant wrought ironwork, and brick, bluestone, and cobblestone walkways. Framed by ornamental trees and shrubs, the garden beds contain the Buttrick family’s award-winning iris and daylilies, colorful spring bulbs, and perennials that bloom from spring to fall. May 29 (in person), June 26 (in person), and July 31 (via Zoom). FriendsofMinuteman.org

Baltimore Oriole

| © istock.com/CarolinaBirdman

7 Go bird watching! Enter the fascinating world of bird watching with the Friends of Minute Man National Park. For many bird watchers, spring migration is the most exciting time of the year. Observe birds in their colorful breeding plumage, listen to their songs, and learn which are passing through on their way north and which will stay to nest at Minute Man National Historical Park. June 5. FriendsofMinuteman.org

Concord Museum Garden Tour

| Courtesy of Concord Museum

8 Celebrate the art of gardening with the 2025 Concord Museum Garden Tour! The annual tour, organized by the Museum’s Guild of Volunteers, has been a tradition for more than 30 years. This year’s tour includes gardens that have a range of features, from gazebos and greenhouses to sweeping lawns, large trees, and views of meadows and woodlands. New this year, gardens will also feature live music in partnership with Concord Conservatory and plein air painters from Concord Art Association. June 6 – 7. Concordmuseum.org

9 Don’t miss Porchfest 2025, the grassroots community music festival in West Concord. Enjoy dozens of live acts on neighborhood porches as you stroll around town. June 14. WestConcordPorchfest.org

10 Take a walking tour of the African American and anti-slavery history sites in Concord. Download a map at TheRobbinsHouse.org or pick up a printed copy at The Robbins House, The Old Manse, or the Visitor Center in Concord Center.

11 Head over to West Concord for the annual Summer Concert Series. Each night a live band will take the stage to play all your favorite songs, old and new. At Rideout Playground. July 10 and 17. Visit ConcordRec.myrec.com for more concert dates.

12 Rent a bicycle at the Visitor Center and explore Concord and the surrounding area! Nature lovers will enjoy biking along the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, and history buffs can take in the many sites of the battle road in Minute Man National Historical Park. VisitConcord.org