In traditional Mexican homes, every November 1 and 2, departed family members are remembered with altars lovingly decorated with photographs, papel picado, offerings of fruit, favorite food and drink, candles, and masses of fragrant orange marigolds, la flor de cempasuchil.

Marigolds, with their bright orange color and scent, are thought to guide the spirits home. The City of Boston’s altar in Copley Square will contain 500 pots of marigolds, grown from seed and tended to since August by Boston Parks Department horticulturalists. You can upload photos of your loved ones to have them displayed at the altar:

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• November 1 and 2, 12 - 9 p.m., Copley Square: Traditional Altar de Muertos
• November 1, 5:30 p.m. and November 2, 3 p.m., Copley Hall (Rabb Hall), Free showing of "Coco"
• November 2, 5:30 p.m.: Speaking program

There will also be food, music, and more during the two-day event.

On October 6 - 7, Revolution 250 will stage a re-enactment of the arrival of British regular troops. Boston Occupied: The Redcoats are Coming... Again commemorates the 250^th anniversary of when the British regular troops landed in Boston in 1768, beginning a seven-year occupation of the City. To mark this important occasion, on the morning of Saturday, October 6, more than 150 Redcoat re-enactors will land on Long Wharf and then “occupy” Boston throughout the weekend.

On Saturday, October 6, the Redcoats will land at Long Wharf in the morning and parade through the City, past the Old State House and through Downtown Crossing, en route to Boston Common, where they will set up an encampment and spend the night. While at Boston Common, the Redcoats will participate in various drills and demonstrations for the public to observe. As evening falls, the Redcoats will create a stir throughout Downtown Crossing as they occupy streets, restaurants, bars and hotel lobbies in the area before retiring to their encampment on Boston Common before midnight. On Sunday, October 7, catch more drills and demonstrations as the Redcoats patrol the area.

This is a signature event of Revolution 250, a consortium of organizations working together to commemorate the 250th anniversaries of the events that led to American Revolution, including the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB), Conventures, the Downtown Crossing BID, the Freedom Trail Foundation, Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the City of Boston, and others.

Mayor Martin J. Walsh has announced that the annual Fall Pumpkin Float will be held at the Boston Common Frog Pond on Friday, October 19, from 5 - 8 p.m. Hundreds of illuminated jack-o’-lanterns will be floated on the water accompanied by spooky family activities.

Attendees are asked to bring eight-inch or smaller carved pumpkins that will be lit and then floated on the Frog Pond for a dramatic early evening display. In addition, attendees are invited to view creatively carved and decorated jack-o’-lanterns from various local sports teams and organizations. Adults and children are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and participate in a wide range of fun activities. Children are invited to decorate luminary bags which will be displayed and illuminated along the edge of the Frog Pond. Test your courage and problem-solving skills in our haunted corn maze.

The Fall Pumpkin Float is presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Skating Club of Boston. For more information, please call the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at 617-635-4505, or visit our Facebook page.

First held on October 16, 1965, the Head of the Charles Regatta is the world’s largest two-day rowing event. Since 1965, the Head of the Charles Regatta has grown tremendously. Today, more than 11,000 athletes from around the world compete in 55 different race events. In 1997, the Regatta grew to a two-day event and now attracts thousands of spectators during race weekend in October. Support from numerous boat clubs, colleges and universities, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, as well as 1,700 hardworking volunteers help make the Regatta a continued success year after year.

Rowers have come from near and far to take part in the world’s largest Regatta, but the fun isn’t limited to competitors. There are many ways for spectators to get involved in the weekend’s festivities.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, the Regatta offers spectators a variety of activities. Individuals looking for a relaxed setting that boasts spectacular views should check out the Eliot Bridge Enclosure. The Weld Exhibition is the go-to place for great local grub and Regatta merchandise. For a lively and energetic venue, check out the Reunion Village where alumni and spectators gather to support their favorite teams. Visit the Rowing and Fitness Expo at the finish line to test out a rowing machine or browse vendor merchandise.

Celebrate with us at our new Roslindale Square bike share station! We'll have giveaways, test rides, and kid-friendly activities. We will unveil our new Roslindale-themed bike, designed by youth at Artists for Humanity.

Celebrate with us at our new Mattapan Square bike share station! We'll have giveaways, test rides, and kid-friendly activities. You also will get to see our new Mattapan-themed bike, designed by youth at Artists for Humanity.