This Week’s Best Boston Happenings

There is always something exciting going on in Boston and this week was no exception. From beer gardens to swan boats, here is a look back at this week’s best Boston happenings:

A massive 1,000-foot water slide is coming to Boston this summer courtesy of Slide the City, a Utah company that operates temporary inflatable slides throughout the country. The company announced this week that they will be opening a Boston location soon, but the exact date and location have not been determined yet. This is sure to be one of the hottest ways this summer to cool down.

Boston Calling Block Parties knows how to throw a party. They kicked the summer off right last night by hosting a beer garden on Summer Street in Downtown Crossing. From 5 to 8 p.m. every Thursday, they transform the area into a live music scene featuring local bands and beer and wine from vendors like Shock Top and Wicked Wines. There is no cover charge for this event.

We were so excited to hear on Monday that Barry Maiden of Hungry Mother in Cambridge was awarded the coveted James Beard title of Best Chef: Northeast. This year’s ceremony was held in Chicago where Maiden competed against local contenders Cassie Pium of Sarma in Somerville and Karen Akunowicz of Myers + Chang in Boston.

The Hotel Commonwealth has been undergoing a massive $50 million facelift and has just debuted its redesigned $1 million lobby renovation. The transformed lobby includes new carpets, upholstery, an artisan shop, and beautiful artwork. The Kenmore Square property, which opened 12 years ago, is in the second phase of its expansion project, which will also include a new wing with 96 additional rooms (including a luxury Fenway Park Suite with a view of the Green Monster) scheduled for completion this November.

The 27^th Annual Return of the Swans happened yesterday as swans Romeo and Juliet were brought back to the Public Garden’s lagoon with the Swan Boats. Mayor Marty Walsh was on hand to welcome them back again this year along with a brass band.

Photo Credit: Wahlburgers

This week, Wahlburgers announced its plans to open a Logan Airport location at Terminal C. The causal burger and shake restaurant owned and operated by the Wahlberg brothers (chef Paul and actors Donnie and Mark) first opened in Hingham and gained popularity when a reality show by the same name was featured on A&E. Since then, fans have been waiting in line outside the Shipyard location to get a taste of Paul’s famous OFD (originally from Dorchester) beef burgers, Alma’s macaroni salad (named after the family’s matriarch) and adult frappes like the thick mud pie made with vanilla vodka, crème de cacao and coffee liqueur. A location near Fenway Park location will be opening later this summer.