Barn Fest at Forbes House Museum

A beautiful late summer day, the sprawling yard and barn of an historic mansion, cold local beer, tacos, and live music make for one fun, family-friendly Friday night!

Last week the Forbes House Museum in Milton opened its barn for their annual Barnfest, and it was so fun to spend the evening on their lovely property. I have always had an affinity for this mansion and Governor Hutchinson Field across the street. The massive old trees, the views of the sea and Boston, and the wide open space. . . there’s just something special about this area. After visiting the mansion at Christmas time (a must do!), we became members and had been looking forward for another opportunity to visit.

Music by Sam Luke Chase made for a fun and festive backdrop as Barrel House Z, a Weymouth-based brewery and taproom, poured their really yummy beers and our favorite Dorchester taco spot, El Barrio, served up tacos and nachos. Their food is always so good; El Barrio is one of our go-to food delivery choices!

I tried both the Pilsner and Cold Water Crisp Peach Pale Ale, which were both perfect for the hot summer night!

The property was decorated beautifully; twinkly lights were perfect for a barn party, and the simplicity of the decorations allowed the beauty of the mansion and barn to shine.

Being out in nature is our favorite! This tree, with its huge grayish roots, reminded me of an elephant!

The Forbes House Mansion knows how to put on a really lovely event, and we were spoiled with the weather. Here’s to hoping they add more barn events to their schedule next summer!

About the Forbes House Mansion

The Forbes House Museum is located atop Milton Hill, overlooking Boston’s skyline, the Neponset River marshes, and Boston Harbor in the distance. In the early 1600s, the Neponset Tribe settled at this site along the Neponset River, overlooking the Great Blue Hills. In the late 1700s, the last royal governor of Massachusetts, Thomas Hutchinson (1711–1780), owned a 95-acre estate on Milton Hill and spent his leisure hours planting trees and cultivating his gardens.

Our China trade collection includes 19th-century export porcelain, paintings, furniture, and other unique items brought back from China by Captain Robert Bennet Forbes and his family. You can see examples of Canton blue-and-white china and three pairs of Chinese Foo Dogs. On view are portraits of the powerful Chinese foreign trade official, Houqua, and Thomas Tunno Forbes, the Captain’s older brother who perished in the waters of China in 1829. See peacock feathers, bronze Chinese cranes, and sculptures of Buddha and the goddess of mercy, Guan Yin.

VisitVisit the website to learn about future events and to learn more about the mansion.