FEATURED EVENTS

The Gardner will honor Juneteenth, the oldest nationally recognized commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, with a free day of performances, conversations, and activities curated in collaboration with SIDE Presents: Born in the Purple. Purple sits at the intersection of the Juneteenth flag’s red and blue, of spirituality and mourning, of Alice Walker’s literary legacy, and of the regal, creative, resilience of Black life. It is a color that holds joy and weight at the same time. To be "born in the purple" once described those born into royalty. Born in the Purple reclaims that inheritance—a reminder that royalty is not granted but remembered: carried in lineage; expressed in how we gather, adorn, and create; and reflected back to us in one another. As you enter each space in the Museum, consider the question it asks and the ways in which the answer may lead to connection and a better future for us all.

The Braintree Farmers Market is proud of our local farmers and artisan food vendors that are curated and provide the highest quality products to our market visitors. The BFM provides a healthy and wholesome event for our community every Saturday from 9 to 1 during the market season. Our market guests enjoy purchasing their local foods for the week, meet friends for lunch, listen to great music, and stroll the Braintree Town Hall Green.

2nd annual summer safety event on June 20, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. This important initiative aims to promote safety for the upcoming summer season. Engage with representatives from the Ludlow Police Department, the Ludlow Fire Department, the Hampden County Sheriff's Office, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and the USDA to learn safety tips for biking, hiking, and boating. The event will be informative and enjoyable, with information on biking, hiking, and boating safety. All activities will be conducted in a fun and engaging environment. We invite everyone to join us for this important event and help create a safer, more enjoyable summer for our community. No zoo admission is required to attend this event; however, regular admission is necessary to enter the zoo. Join us for a day filled with learning, fun, and community connection!

Celebrate Father’s Day Weekend with a memorable day at Southwick’s Zoo. Treat the dads, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers in your life to an outdoor adventure filled with incredible wildlife, scenic walking paths, and time well spent together. As part of the celebration, dads will receive $15 general admission all weekend long, making it the perfect opportunity to plan a meaningful family outing.