April's sun and comfortable temperatures bring out the best of Boston. Annual rites of spring enjoyed by locals and visitors alike include the return of the Swan Boats, the spinning of the Greenway and Boston Common's carousels, and the Boys of Summer are back.  Patriot's Day brings historical reenactments, and commemorative ceremonies while 30,000 runners compete in the 120th Boston Marathon. 

Prefer following the yellow brick road?  Then make plans for The Wizard of Oz.  You can also take The Grand Tour with everyone's favorite - the Big Apple Circus - or perhaps one of your favorite things is the Sound Of Music, which entertains audiences at the Boston Opera House.  And ArtWeek featuring unexpected and creative experiences that are interactive or allow behind-the-scenes access runs for 10 days.  Be sure to take time and smell the flowers- all 26,000 tulips in the Public Garden.

Find more information on Greater Boston. 

The ArtsApp Cape Cod is the best way to create your own Arts Trail. Cape Cod artists, craftspeople, galleries, museums and theaters are right at your fingertips! Download to your mobile device to find what's nearest to you while you wander around the Cape. Plan visits to studios of artists inspired by the Cape's natural beauty, galleries highlighting award-winning artists, and museums & performing arts venues that reflect the unique arts community of Cape Cod!  Download the App now.  Find more information on Cape Cod.

Stomp is an explosive, provocative and utterly unique stage show, appealing to audiences of all ages.  See this award-winning show Tuesday, April 12 or Wednesday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the UMass Fine Arts Center in Amherst!  Stomp's eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments - wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, hubcaps - to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.  For tickets, call the box office at 545-2511, toll-free at 800-999-UMAS, or purchase online at fineartscenter.com.  Find more information on Hampshire County.

Williams College Museum of Art
in Williamstown presents "Not Theories but Revelations": The Art and Science of Abbott Handerson Thayer through August 21! This is the first exhibition to address Thayer's artistic practice as part of his broader investigation of animal and human concealment. A renowned twentieth century painter of ethereal angels, landscapes, and delicate flowers, Thayer was at the center of a raging debate around Darwin's theories of evolution.  His study of the visual world led him to develop the first prototype of military camouflage. Free admission!  Find more information on The Mohawk Trail Region. 

What do basketball, gluten-free cupcakes, and playing the trombone have to do with science?  Framingham State University's McAuliffe Center (home of the Challenger Center and Planetarium) hosts Science on State Street on April 23. This family-friendly, outdoor festival takes place 10am-2pm. Bring a curious mind! And don't forget two major venues open for the season this month: Garden in the Woods in Framingham on April 16 and Southwick's Zoo in Mendon on April 9.  Find more information on MetroWest. 

Join us May 18-22 for the 20th annual Nantucket Wine Festival, a boutique experience of world-class vintages showcasing renowned vintners, chefs and sommeliers, and featuring grand tastings, a Harbor Gala, live cooking demos and artisan food samplings.  Kicking off the summer season, the 45th annual Figawi Race - May 28-30 - is an internationally acclaimed  sailing event, with 240+ sailboats in 13 divisions racing from Hyannis to Nantucket and back, making for a majestic sight as they sweep into Nantucket Harbor.  Find more information on Nantucket Island.

Reading is fundamental at the 11th Annual Newburyport Literary Festival!  Festivities include Dinner with the Authors, Coffee with the Poets, and appearances by a myriad of authors such as Anton Yakovelv, Senator George J. Mitchell, and Bruce Bennett.  This year, we'll have poet/biographer Daniel Mark Epstein in conversation with poet/arts journalist, carl little about Edna St. Vincent Millay's life, work, and influence.  Come join the celebration of literature, readers, and writers on April 29th and 30th in Newburyport.  Find more information on North of Boston.

Central Mass is bursting with life and it's time to get outside! The first signs of colorful bloom are showing in Tower Hill Botanic Garden's spectacular field of over 25,000 daffodils.  Visit a variety of baby animals and learn about 19th century agriculture at Old Sturbridge Village during their popular Family Farm Fest, April 16-24.  And don't miss the EcoTarium's annual Earth Day Celebration on April 22, with hands-on activities, entertainment, food vendors, and more!  Find more information on Central Massachusetts.

On Saturday, April 9th, the 53rd Annual River Rat Race will take place from Athol to Orange on the Millers River at 1 p.m.  Entry fee is $42 per canoe. The Kayak Races Pro-am at 10 a.m. on Sunday is open to youth and adults (registration 9-10 a.m.)  From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, Our Lady of Peace Church in Turners Falls will host Stash Bash, a swap of fabrics, notions, buttons and yarns for quilters, knitters, crafters.  Finally, enjoy Contra dancing at Guiding Star Grange in Greenfield Fridays and Saturdays! Find more information on Franklin County.