The best things to do in Boston this weekend: Apr. 18-20

On April 18, you’re invited to join other running enthusiasts at 11am for a three-mile shake-out run hosted by Braintree-based recovery shoe line OOFOS, followed by an expert panel on taking care of your body after exertion. You’ll leave from Rev'd Studio in Copley Place and ending at the OOFOS Foam Lounge in The Westin Copley Place for refreshments. Following at 12:30pm, there will be an fitness expert-led anel to discover what recovery really means for athletes in terms of rest, hydration, stretching, and the right footwear. Throughout the weekend, you can also hang in the lounge for other activations, including Fan Foam Customization from April 17-19 from 2-5pm, during which you can personalize foam fan kits to cheer on the Boston Marathon runners in style.

On the night of April 18, the Paul Revere House will be commemorating the 250^th anniversary of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride with a re-enactment of his departure from Boston. Head to the Paul Revere House Museum from 5:30-7:30pm to meet Paul and Rachel Revere at their home as he prepares to depart on his Midnight Ride. Follow Paul Revere’s departure from Boston as he walks, rows, and begins the ride that spurred the American Revolution. At 8pm, gather in North Square to witness Revere’s departure and follow in his footsteps as he makes his way stealthily to the waterfront. At 8:15pm, the lanterns will be illuminated from the steeple of Old North Church, for the famous signal. At 8:40pm, watch as Paul Revere rows across Boston Harbor and arrives at Pier 1 in the Charlestown Navy Yard where he mounts his horse and begin his ride.

If you’re curious about mindfulness, try an evening of outdoor meditation. Enjoy a free Friday evening guided meditation in the Boston Public Garden with Gen Khedrub, the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center Boston. Find some calm in this great busy city and have some fun with other meditators on April 18 from 6:30-7:15pm. A monthly event, you can relax on as the sun sets as you become familiar with the fundamental tools of mindfulness that you can use anywhere and anytime as you are empowered to live joyfully and purposefully. Register here.

Experience a concert by candlelight this Saturday, April 19, as the Rasa String Quartet performs a candle lit tribute to Taylor Switch at The Sanctuary in the Old South Church in Boston. The hour-long show (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time) tentatively includes such hits as Shake It Off, Enchanted, Anti Hero, and Blank Space, as well as medley of Red, 1989, and more. Seating is assigned on a first come, first served basis in each ticket zone. As much as you want to bring you kiddos under 8 years old, there might be some bad blood because you can’t. Also anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Wicked Comic Com comes to Boston for an entire day dedicated to comic books, their creators, cosplay, and artwork. During this free event held on April 18 held from 10am to 5 pm at the Westin Boston Seaport District, you’ll stroll the space to view dozens of vendors and artists who will have collectibles, comics, cosplay items, and games on display and available for purchase. You’ll also have the chance to meet plenty of big name comic book creators and cosplay favorites.

Even if you aren’t running the famed Boston Marathon (America’s first) you can still embrace the world of fitness at the 129th Bank of America Boston Marathon Expo, taking place this year at the Hynes Convention Center on April 18 from 10am to 7pm and April 19 from 9am to 7pm, and April 20 from 9am to 6pm. Not only do race participants get in on the action for free, but the Expo will be open to friends and fans, with opportunities to check out the Adidas store as well as grab swag from official Boston Marathon sponsors and licensees, and learn a thing two during panel including AI in running, the Boston Marathon’s history, and more.

Japanese culture is in bloom among the Arnold Arboretum's beautiful cherry blossoms on April 19 with a beautiful celebration. Beginning at 2 p.m., with performances from 3 p.m. through 4:15 p.m., there will be taiko drumming with Okaido New England, traditional Japanese dance by the Showa Boston Institute, Japanese games and calligraphy, family activities, as well as the opportunity to get the inside scoop on the Arboretum's own cherry collection from Assistant Curator Miles Sax. All performances take place on the grass, by the Bradley Rosaceous Collection, so bring your own blankets or lawn chairs.

Go on an unforgettable adventure with your BFF when you board the Bestie Bus for a luxury round-trip to Canyon Ranch in Lenox, in collaboration with Yankee magazine. Departing Boston on May 1 at 1:30pm and returning May 4 at 12:30pm (but you can make your reservations now here), the journey from Boston to the Berkshires comes complete with onboard spa treatments, bubbly, and special road-trip playlists – plus, a few surprises along the way. Once on property, you’ll both enjoy a special double occupancy room rate, four spa treatments each, 30-plus daily activities, and much more. The event’s schedule includes group dinners, a tequila tasting, sound baths, a Kentucky Derby hat decorating and watch party, campfire with s'mores, and more. And of course, you'll enjoy unlimited meals and snacks, as well as use of the facilities, classes, two pools, property hikes, and more.

The Public Garden affords a quiet time with lovely gardens, a quaint bridge, and the beloved Swan boats peddling around the park’s peaceful lagoon for the past 150 years. When the first of the iconic “swan” pontoons takes to the water, it's the unofficial launch of spring, and on April 19 at 11am, as Mayor Wu announces the 2025 season has begun. Grab a seat or two on one of the 12 30-foot pontoon vessels (each carrying 25 passengers with one driver) as they’re pedaled around the lagoon for a chance to add a little peace to the busy week. The season will run until Sept. 1.

Calling all budding veterinarians (or anyone who takes their favorite stuffed animal’s health seriously). Bring your furry buddy to Teddy Bear Check-up Day at Stone Zoo on April 19 for an interactive event that gives stuffed toys a “check-up.” Included with general zoo admission at the Stoneham Zoo and held 9am to 1pm, the event will also teach kids about veterinary care, animal health, and personal wellness. Stone Zoo's animal care team will also be hosting a black bear keeper chat at 10am, where visitors can learn more about this iconic species.