Welcome blossoms and warmer temperatures with these signature seasonal occurrences

Boston Red Sox: Spring doesn’t officially begin in the Hub until the gang that calls historic Fenway Park home returns from Florida to start its season. The Hub opener takes place April 4 at 2:10 p.m. versus the St. Louis Cardinals, while upcoming games of note include a Kids Run the Bases promotion April 5 and the annual Patriots Day/Marathon Monday game April 21 at 11:10 a.m. against the Chicago White Sox.

Swan Boats: Another yearly harbinger of sunny days ahead is the 2025 debut of these venerable paddle-powered cruisers at the Public Garden lagoon on April 19. One of the best bargains in the city, the Swan Boats have been a family-run tradition since 1877. 

Art in Bloom: This annual pairing of floral displays with timeless art masterpieces has been a welcome spring tradition at the Museum of Fine Arts for 49 years. From May 2–4, enjoy 45 colorful, complementary creations in the galleries crafted by both professionals and talented amateurs along with an interactive demonstration and two master classes on flower arranging, all led by renowned experts in the field.

Boston Pops: The orchestra marks the 30th season of conductor Keith Lockhart this spring, and while the opening celebration on May 8 featuring Cynthia Erivo of the mega-hit Wicked is already sold out, there’s plenty of spectacular music and scintillating guest stars on tap at Symphony Hall, including Jaws in Concert (May 9 & 10) and “Star Trek” icon George Takei (pictured) in his Pops debut (May 23).  

Lilac Sunday: The Arnold Arboretum, the Harvard University-run jewel in the Emerald Necklace, annually marks Mother’s Day by inviting families to gather among the more than 400 fragrant, flowering shrubs that make up the botanical garden’s collection on May 11 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Expect tours, children’s activities, dancing, chalk art and more as visitors take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity to picnic beside the blossoms at the park’s Bussey Hill Road.