This Week on the South Shore

Headlines

• Abington: A wedding in Abington was briefly interrupted by a fire at an event hall and pizza restaurant, but firefighters quickly contained the blaze and the celebration went on without missing a beat. Officials say the cause was accidental, and the newlyweds still got their big moment, just with a little extra excitement. - NBC Boston

• Norwell: At 96, a South Shore man is still going strong—taking on the restoration of historic homes and breathing new life into structures on the brink of demolition. His latest project: a 1796 house and barn in Norwell, part of a lifelong mission to preserve local history while staying remarkably active. - Patriot Ledger

• Plymouth: Two Massachusetts teens were rescued from the summit of Mount Washington after calling for help amid harsh, snowy conditions and one suffering a leg injury. Park staff and conservation officers quickly reached them and safely escorted them back down the mountain. - NBC Boston

• Quincy: The Quincy Post Office will host a passport fair on April 28, offering early-morning walk-in service for residents looking to apply or renew without an appointment. The event aims to streamline the process ahead of upcoming international travel, with on-site document review and photo services available. - USPS

Follow the Herring Run

A Spring Spectacle Beneath the Surface

Each spring, one of the South Shore’s most fascinating natural events quietly returns—thousands of river herring making their way upstream to spawn in the very waters where they were born. It’s a chance to witness nature in motion, whether you’re peering into a fish ladder in Weymouth or spotting flashes of silver in Pembroke’s Herring Brook. These runs have supported local ecosystems and communities for centuries, and today they offer a simple, memorable outing for families looking to get outside.

With peak activity happening now through late April (and into May in some areas), it’s the perfect time to take a walk, bring the kids, and see if you can catch the action. Some locations offer surprisingly close-up views, turning a casual stroll into a mini wildlife adventure. Check the map for nearby spots, keep an eye on the water, and you might just spot hundreds and sometimes thousands of fish on the move.

Video taken at the Herring Run Park in Pembroke:

Event Feature

Herring Run Festival: A Full Day on the Waterfront

Celebrate spring migration at Brewster Gardens with the annual Herring Run Festival, a family-friendly day featuring live music, hands-on science activities, herring counts, local exhibitors, and interactive ways to learn about river herring and watershed restoration. Free admission and open to all ages. – Brewster Gardens

Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming Events

• Live Music with Halley Neal: Friday, April 24, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Scituate: Enjoy an evening of live folk music with award-winning singer-songwriter Halley Neal, known for her Berklee roots and viral hit “Lover.” Free live performance in a relaxed brewery setting. – Untold Brewing

• Antje Duvekot & Richard Shindell: Friday, April 24, Doors 7:00 PM // Show 8:00 PM – Plymouth: Enjoy an evening of acclaimed folk and singer-songwriter storytelling as Antje Duvekot and Richard Shindell bring powerful lyrics, rich melodies, and global influences to the stage. Ticketed event. – Spire Center for Performing Arts

• Happy Birthday Fred! Celebrating Frederick Law Olmsted and the Olmsted Lawn: Saturday, April 25, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Quincy: Celebrate community, green space, and the legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted with an afternoon of lawn games, live music, a knowledge walk, storytime, and more at the Thomas Crane Public Library. Free and open to all with activities for all ages. – Thomas Crane Public Library

• Timing the Tides Presentation: Saturday, April 25, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Marshfield: Learn how to plan the perfect paddling trip on the North and South Rivers with this informative session from NSRWA, covering tide timing, launch points, and essential tips. Free and open to all with no registration required. – Ventress Memorial Library

• ​​Lewis & Ferri: Coffeehouse Songs & Stories of American Songwriters 1960–1975: Saturday, April 25, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Quincy: Enjoy a nostalgic outdoor concert on the Olmsted Lawn featuring songs and stories from iconic 60s and 70s artists like James Taylor, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell, performed by Andrew Lewis and Margaret Ferri. Free and open to all (rain location indoors). – Thomas Crane Public Library

• Traditional Québécois Music by Genticorum: Saturday, April 25, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM – Norwell: Experience an unforgettable evening of French Canadian folk music as acclaimed trio Genticorum brings fiddle, flute, guitar, foot percussion, and soaring harmonies to The James. – The James Library & Center for the Arts

• Beginner Birding in Whitney and Thayer Woods: Sunday, April 26, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM – Hingham: Join The Trustees of Reservations for an easy-to-moderate beginner bird walk through Whitney and Thayer Woods at Weir River Farm. Learn the fundamentals of birding, explore diverse forest trails, and spot resident and migratory birds with guidance from an experienced naturalist. – Weir River Farm

• Jacob William’s Trio Spanning: Sunday, April 26, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM – Quincy: Experience an evening of spontaneous, boundary-pushing jazz as bassist Jacob William joins drummer Francisco Mela and saxophonist Jim Hobbs for a first-time collaboration rooted in improvisation and global influences. Ticketed event with discounted options available. – QArts Gallery

• Comedy w/ Jeff Allen: Sunday, April 26, Doors 6:00 PM // Show 7:00 PM – Plymouth: Catch a night of stand-up with veteran comedian Jeff Allen as he brings fan favorites and new material to the stage on his “My First Final Farewell Tour,” blending humor on marriage, family, and everyday life. Ticketed event. – Spire Center for Performing Arts

• Art For Your Mind with Jill Sanford: The Three Wyeths: Wednesday, April 29, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Norwell: Explore three generations of the iconic Wyeth family—N.C., Andrew, and Jamie—in this engaging art talk led by historian Jill Sanford. Admission is $10 for an afternoon of art, history, and inspiration. – The James Library & Center for the Arts

Know about a cool event? Let us know! Email it to [email protected]  and we might feature it.