House Tours, Garden Tours, and More June Events

PVD Fest

Providence Preservation Society’s Annual Festival of Historic Houses

Plein Air Nantucket

Newport Flower Show

Evening at Gropius House

Beauport Mansion

Garden tours and events for garden-lovers have kicked into full gear. Here are some of our favorite June events for the design-minded.

PVDFest
June 1–4
The city of Providence, Rhode Island, hosts a four-day celebration of the arts. Live music, dance, food, and visual art installations transform the city in a multi-arts takeover of  parks, and outdoor stages. Visit pvdfest.com for event details.

Concord Museum Garden Tour
June 2–3
Attendees of this 28th annual event are sure to be inspired to create their own outdoor oasis by visiting some of the most beautiful gardens in Concord, Massachusetts. Tickets for the self-guided tour can be purchased online in advance, or on tour days at the Concord Museum. $35 Concord Museum members, $40 nonmembers. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., (978) 369-9763, concordmuseum.org

Providence Preservation Society’s Annual Festival of Historic Houses
June 2–3
Celebrate the Providence Preservation Society’s 60th year by joining the group for its annual historic house tour. The tour explores the homes of Providence’s Upper Elmwood Historic District, and gives visitors access to houses and gardens. The tour is scheduled in conjunction with PVDFest. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., (401) 831-7440, for details and to buy tickets, see providencehousetour.com

Museum of Old Newbury’s 38th Annual Garden Tour
Town and Country Gardens of Old Newbury
The weekend-long event offers access to a selection of beautiful private gardens throughout historic Newbury as well as a number of events at the Museum of Old Newbury. Start your day at the museum’s High Street campus to see a lovingly restored 19th century garden, shop the annual plant sale and Gilded Horse Boutique, hear insightful talks by gardening experts, and tour the 1808 Cushing House. Afterwards, set out on your exploration of the Newbury’s loveliest gardens in both town and country settings. A map will be provided at your first stop. $25 – $30, June 10 – 11, 10 a.m.  4 p.m., newburyhistory.org

Plein Air Nantucket
June 13–18
The Artists Association of Nantucket will host its fifth annual Plein Air festival, open to outdoor painters who would like to capture the beauty of the island. The six-day event will culminate in an exhibition of the art and the presentation of the Frank Swift Chase Awards on June 18, at 6 p.m. at the Cecelia Joyce & Seward Johnson Gallery. Nantucket, Mass., (508) 228-0722, nantucketarts.org

Evening at Gropius House
June 16
Walter Gropius’s Lincoln, Massachusetts, home comes to life in the evening, when the architect’s innovative lighting plan can be appreciated. Tour the home and enjoy a slideshow and light refreshments. $30 Historic New England members, $40 nonmembers. 7 p.m.–9 p.m., (781) 259-8098, historicnewengland.org

Designing Beauport Room by Room
June 16
Explore the beautiful summer home of early twentieth-century interior designer Henry Davis Sleeper at this special tour that provides access to rooms rarely seen. Marvel at his use of light and color, and explore Sleeper’s exemplary collections of furniture, glass, ceramics, and textiles. Gloucester, Mass., $15 Historic New England members, $30 nonmembers, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m., (978) 283-0800, historicnewengland.org

Newport Spring Secret Garden Tours
June 16–18
Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of some of Newport, Rhode Island’s most prestigious properties. Proceeds from the annual event benefit the Aquidneck Island public schools. Tickets $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the tour. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., (401) 439-7253, secretgardentours.org

Newport Flower Show
Fête des Fleurs: Paintings and Parterres
June 23–25
This year’s show features the beauty and influence of France in garden design. Several social events surround the show, including a festive opening-night party on Friday, and a Sunday Champagne and jazz brunch. Admission for the show is $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. Tickets for the keynote lectures and social events can be purchased on the Newport Mansions website. Rosecliff Mansion, Newport, R.I., (401) 847-1000, newportmansions.org

The Annual OIA Garden Tour
June 24
The Orleans Improvement Association holds its annual Garden Tour, “Along the Garden Path,” featuring six wonderful local gardens. Plein air painters and master gardeners will be present at many of the gardens. A drawing for a free design consultation will be held along with after-tour receptions at local galleries from 4 p.m.–6 p.m., where you can sip wine and meet the artists. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; $25 in advance, $30 the day of the tour. Tickets will be on sale the day of the tour at the Nauset Regional Middle School Greenhouse, 70 Route 28, Orleans,orleansimprovement.org

Events are subject to change, please consult event website for details.