Home
Johnny's List of Weird Boston Events, by Johnny Monsarrat [entries|archive|friends|userinfo]
make_you_laugh

[ website | Johnny's List of Weird Boston Events, by Johnny Monsarrat ]
[ userinfo | livejournal userinfo ]
[ archive | journal archive ]

Fireworks, Bastille Day, Re-enactments, Scavenger Hunt, Auto Shows, Thoreau, Planes & Trains [Jul. 7th, 2009|11:03 pm]

News flash! This blog (the real one, not LJ) is now on the first page when you Google "Boston events". We're #10. Let's go for #9! If you enjoy this blog, do me a favor: please email www.WeirdBostonEvents.org to an appropriate mailing list, or mention it on your own blog, Facebook, twitter, etc. Thanks! It means a lot to me.

Don't mope about the rain. See Johnny's New England Manifesto to see why Boston weather is the best!

Here's your week in weird. Enjoy it! Want this weekly? Please subscribe.

-Johnny


The Week in Weird
Somerville Independence Day Fireworks7/9Boston Metro
The 4th of July isn't quite over yet! Somerville has its fireworks this Thursday, because last week it rained. 5pm starts the entertainment. Trum Field, 532 Broadway, Somerville, MA. more
Bastille Day Party & Dance in Boston7/14Boston Metro
Also Bastille Day is like a second shot at the 4th of July. They invented it first, but we didn't get Napoleon mucking it about. Dinner, dancing, and French flirting! And it's free! Free as in freedom! 9pm. Liberty Hotel, Boston, MA.617.912.0400 or 617-876-4275. more
Bastille Day Festivities in Harvard Square7/12Boston Metro
However, this one should be even better. It's advertised as a block party, so presumably they'll close off the streets for dancing. Holyoke St, Cambridge. Free. 3-10pm, with a "French Waiters Race" at 5:15pm. Holyoke Street, Cambridge, MA.617-491-3434. more
Glover's Regiment (Revolutionary War re-enactment)7/11 - 7/12North Shore
I've actually been to this one. It's small but well worth a visit as an excuse to head to the North Shore. They have a re-enacted military camp from the 1700s, with tents, cooking, craft areas, costumed militia and camp followers. Fort Sewall, Marblehead, MA.781-631-5967. more
Town Meeting Re-Enactment from 17747/12Metro West
Also revolutionary is yet another Minute Man Historical Park re-enactment, this one a town meeting you get to participate in and speak up! North Bridge benches, Concord, MA. more
John Quincy Adams: The Bench of Friendship7/11South Shore
Former US President John Quincy Adams was born locally, and is celebrated by his own re-enactment in Quincy. 1pm. Gardens at the Old House at Peace Field, Quincy, MA. more
Wenham Museum’s World War II Living History Day7/11North Shore
Also on the North Shore, and one that I've also been to, is the only World War II re-enactment I know of in New England! Re-enactors play both Axis and Allies, without any politics, just as historians, and they have a real WWII army vehicle. The Wenham is an amazing example of a world-class museum in the middle of 'nowhere'. A true New England gem. They have an extensive collection of historical dolls, a big toy train exhibit, and also have an exhibit on superheroes too where you can try on Superman's cape or climb into Batman's car. 10am-4pm. Rt 1A, Wenham, MA.978-468-2377. more
Great Northeastern War - Medievial Re-enactment7/10 - 7/12Maine
Going way way back is this medeival war re-enactment, a 2.8 hr drive from Boston. Largest Society for Creative Anachronism war re-enactment event in New England, draws over 1000 people. Hebron Pines Campground, Route 124N, Hebron, ME. more
Hillsboro Balloon Festival7/9 - 7/12New Hampshire
This event, which is 1.7 hrs from Boston, draws 30,000 people and looks pretty serious. They'll have a lawn tractor pull, a carnival, tons of music and dance, and fireworks on Saturday. Oh, and balloons! It's always a good idea at these things to call and reserve a balloon ride in advance! Hillsboro, NH. more
Model airplanes - CRRC Hand-Launch Classic7/11 - 7/12Metro West
Speaking of flying, I've been to this one too. Take an empty field, add model airplane enthusiasts, and a lot of action ensues, especially when they smash into each other! Off Rt 117. Call Mark Drela at 617 253 0067, or drela@mit.edu. Lunch included in admission. 9:15am to 4pm? One of two big local model airplane events. Register ahead for discount. Directions, see http://www.charlesriverrc.org/fields_davis.htm. Davis Field, Sudbury, MA.518 798 1321. more
National Train Show7/10 - 7/12Connecticut
Other crazy hobbyists will be showing off toy trains. Sorry, they're not toys, they're *action figures*. Hint: planes are cooler. Seriously, trains? I have trouble imagining the 1890s when trains were the highest tech to geek out about. OK, well, I'm sure it's fantastic. Apparently its their first time in New England and they take up an entire conference center. And they'll have tons of Lego dioramas. Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT. more
10th Anniversary Powwow @ Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum7/11 - 7/12New Hampshire
I've been to this museum too. Geez, I "get around" as much as Carmen San Diego. Only just New England. What can I say. It's small, but sometimes you have to go to the small ones because the enthusiasm of the organizers is beautiful to behold. They deserve your attention, but make it part of your trip, not the whole trip. Warner, NH.603-456-2600. more
Banditos Mysteriosos Scavenger Hunt7/11Boston Metro
No month would be complete without something crazy from Banditos Mysteriosos. This local group runs pranks across the city, and this time it's a scavenger hunt, where instead of stealing traffic signs they'll ask you to take photos instead. 12:30pm. TBD, See Website, Boston, MA. more
The Largest Skinny Dip across North America7/11Connecticut
This one, however, is not a joke. Help set a world record for nude bathing. No, really. What you can't do is call up and say, so, are all the nudists, um, hot-looking? Woodstock, CT. more
Micro Mini Car Day@ Larz Anderson Museum7/11Boston Metro
It's a big week for auto festivals as well. If you live near Boston, you simply must go to the Larz Anderson at some point. Why not this weekend and see the tiny clown size cars? 15 Newton Street, Brookline, MA.(617) 522-6547. more
Miata Day @ Larz Anderson Museum7/12Boston Metro
Or the next day, some miatas. 15 Newton Street, Brookline, MA.(617) 522-6547. more
Annual Wacky Cardboard Race (The Fourth Annual Race to the Bottom)7/11North Shore
Perhaps the most inventive vehicle event this weekend is this annual kids event where you build a boat and try to float! Pre-register for $100 and get a ship-building kit. Prizes include "first to sink"! Skipped 2007 and it's only an act of faith that it's really happening since the venue's website is down. Back Beach, Rockport, MA.978-546-6788 or 978-546-2048. more
Heritage Gardens Annual Auto Show7/11Cape Cod
It's the annual auto show also at the Heritage Museums & Gardens. Note the plural. This place is HUGE with a capital H and a capital everything else. If you're on Cape Cod it's a must-see, pure and simple. Their auto museum and arts museum are surrounded by acres and acres of gardens and parkland. Everything they do here is creative and Yankee Wonderful. Sandwich, MA. more
Mashpee Sand Sculpting Festival7/10 - 7/12Cape Cod
While you're on Cape Cod, this one has me scratching my head. Masphee has beaches, but I guess they're just not close enough to all the shops and stores? So they're trucking in 50 tons of sand to Mashpee Common. A pro will make something great, and amateurs get to play around in the sand, too. Mashpee Commons, Mashpee, MA. more
Military Appreciation Day7/10 - 7/12Cape Cod
Nearby is military appreciation day, where you can climb into a Black Hawk helicopter and the official National Guard NASCAR. Mashpee, MA. more
Whaling City Festival7/10 - 7/12Southern Mass
Speaking of boats, apparently you won't see any at the Whaling Festival. Or whales. (Does anybody besides me see a hole there?) But they'll have three music stages, seafood, crafts, flea market, laser light show, and a motorcycle, car & truck show. Oh, and racing pigs! What happens basically is: (1) get some pigs; (2) they race! Buttonwood Park, New Bedford, MA. more
Overnight @ Roger Williams Park Zoo7/11 - 8/8Rhode Island
They also won't have any whales at the Roger Williams Park Zoo. But "ages 7-adult" will enjoy these programs. That includes me, right? I'm ages 7-adult! The program is 7pm-9pm... So... Do you get to stay overnight there or not?? And they have a butterfly enclosure. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI.401-785-3510. more
Butterflies of Summer7/11Worcester
Or go to this park event and learn about the types of butterfly in the wild. Cedar Hill Reservation, Northborough, MA. more
Worcester Big Dipper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival7/11Worcester
Also near Worcester, if you missed the Scooper Bowl in Boston, you can run your diet right off the tracks at this event in Worcester instead. They'll have live music, including an American Idol finalist, and you can get your kids fingerprinted, which I guess is a good thing? Elm Park, Intersection of Rt. 9 & Park Ave, Worcester, MA.508-459-6443. more
Thoreau Society Annual Gathering7/9 - 7/12Metro West
Just when you thought the 19th century was going out of style: Thoreau. Loved nature, but lived at Walden Pond just two miles from bustling Concord center. Hated taxes. Bit of an over-idealist. But he's ours. Go meet some people who like Thoreau way too much. Hope they aren't preachy about utopia. Various, Concord, MA. more
19th Century Childrens Circus7/11Western Mass
Also old-timey: Emily Dickinson! They'll have a circus this Saturday with period pieces. 1-4pm. 280 Main Street, Amherst, MA.413-542-8161. more
River Glow7/11Rhode Island
This is some kind of Water Fire type celebration, with floating bonfires. Westerly, RI. more
Masterworks Chorale Summer Sings6/30 - 8/4Boston Metro
As I mentioned, this group does participatory singing all summer long of classical works. Noble and Greenough School, Lawrence Auditorium, 10 Campus Drive, Dedham, MA.781-235-6210. more
Readercon7/9 - 7/12Metro West
Science fiction convention focusing on novels. Expensive but attracts top writers. Burlington Marriott, Burlington, MA. more
Fetish Beauty Pageant7/10Boston Metro
Miss America is supposed to be wholesome. What if... She weren't? You get this festival. Castillo's Nightclub, 355 Ferry St, Everett, MA. more
Kink 101 Club Movie Night & Party7/11Boston Metro
Maybe some of the new Miss Americas will come to this free party for people curious about sexuality. Cambridge, MA. more

Also Fun
Newburyport Riverfront Festival - WXRV free concert7/10 - 7/11North Shore
Next up: some music fesivals that didn't seem very weird to me. This one is a ticketed event Friday, then a free outdoor concert Saturday. Newburyport, MA. more
North Atlantic Blues Festival7/11 - 7/12Maine
This one's pretty much just the music, too. Public Landing, Rockland, ME. more
Newport Music Festival7/10 - 7/26Rhode Island
To me, a 'festival' has to involve an open social space, and can't be a series of concerts over 2 weeks. But everyone should visit the mansion in Newport, so here's your excuse. Newport, RI.401-849-0700. more
Vintage Baseball7/11 - 7/12Boston Metro
Similarly, seeing some old-timey baseball is just an excuse to get you out to the Boston Harbor Islands! Fort Warren, Georges Island, Boston, MA. more
Sail Boston7/8 - 7/13Boston Metro
I don't really understand what this is. A few live music events and "access to the piers", which I guess means you get to see and explore some old-timey "tall ships". Various, Boston, MA. more
Sizzlin' Summer Fun Night @ Davis Farmland7/11Worcester
I don't know what 'fun night' is, and it's not explained on the website. But get out to Davis Farmland, for the petting zoo, hay rides, and water spray park, but especially after July 30 when their corn maze will be open and you can go apple picking, too. 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MA.978-422-8888. more
Cultural Survival Bazaar7/11Boston Metro
Here's a commercial event that's sort of fun. I've been to one. Lots of unique and interesting world art. 10am-6pm. Other dates in 2009 in other areas of New England. Boston Common, Boston, MA. more
MFA - First Fridays7/10Boston Metro
Similarly, these arts festivals every month on the First Friday are a commerical event, but also a social event for the highbrow and the rest of us, maybe, too. It's also sort of an arty professional singles thing. First Friday of the month. Social gathering for arty types. Free with admission. 21+. In the Koch Gallery. Music, cocktails. 465 Huntington St, Boston, MA.617-267-9300. more
Arts - SoWa First Fridays7/10Boston Metro
And this one 5-9pm. For art lovers. Or people who love art lovers. 450 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA. more
French Film Festival7/9 - 7/26Boston Metro
Summer isn't a great time for a film festival, but the MFA has a movie theatre, so they persevere. MFA, Boston, MA. more
Free Slurpee Day @ 7-Eleven7/11Boston Metro
Free Slurpee Day is July 11th (get it? 7/11?) at every 7-Eleven, but I wasn't able to confirm they're doing it again in 2009. Everywhere, Everywhere. more
Plymouth Harbor Folk Festival7/11 - 7/12South Shore
This one I'm only listing because it's free, and everyone should be visiting Plimoth Plantation. Pilgrim Memorial Park, Water Street, Plymouth, MA. more
Brockton Country Fair7/1 - 7/12South Shore
The Brockton County Fair I mentioned last week continues. They'll have fireworks! Rt 24S to Exit 17A, Rt 123E (Belmont St) two miles on the right. Historic Brockton Fairgrounds, RT. 123, Brockton, MA.508-586-8000. more
Ocean's 27/3 - 8/28Boston Metro
Before there was Ocean's 11, there was Ocean's 2. Improv comedy partly scripted after the movies. Every Friday @ 8pm from July - August. 40 Prospect St, Cambridge, MA.617-576-1253. more

Travel
Celebrate Champlain Burlington International Waterfront Festival7/2 - 7/14Vermont
While you're nearby, cursing Firefly which rejected you at the door, the Champlain area is celebrating their Quadricentennial. Burlington, VT. more
Stoweflake Mountain Resort Balloon Festival7/10 - 7/11Vermont
Ski resorts have to do *something* in the summer. This one's having a balloon festival. Stowe, VT. more
Basin Bluegrass Festival7/9 - 7/12Vermont
This is a real festival. They take over an entire park. Brandon, VT. more
Solarfest7/10 - 7/12Vermont
This one is 90 workshops on green topics, plus live music and a festival atmosphere. Tinmouth, VT. more
Middlebury Festival on the Green7/12 - 7/18Vermont
Their claiming this is "Vermont's Favorite Festival". Could be. Middlebury, VT. more

 

Want Weird Boston Events weekly? Subscribe and follow me on Twitter or Facebook. Also see my blog on big life questions at Wheel Questions. Send encouragement & ideas to johnny@weirdbostonevents.org.

linkpost comment

Outdoor Movies, Theater, Events... Week of July 8-15, 2009 [Jul. 7th, 2009|10:56 pm]
Outdoor Movies Wed 7/8 Thu 7/9 Fri 7/10 Sat 7/11 Sun 7/12 Mon 7/13 Tue 7/14 Wed 7/15
Boston MetroOutdoor - Movies by Moonlight
Outdoor films. Fridays. Free. Start at "dusk". 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA.617.439.7000. more
 X
Boston MetroWBZ Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell
At "sundown" (about 8:30pm, come early and bring a picnic dinner) at the hatch shell on the Esplanade. 617-787-7200. Esplanade, Boston, MA.617 227-0627. more
 X
Boston MetroCity of Somerville Annual Movie Series
Various locations, Somerville, MA.617-666-3311. more
 X
Boston MetroMovie Nights on Revere Beach
Some at Kelly's Roast Beef, some at the William G. Reinstein Bandstand. Free! Revere Beach, Revere, MA.781-286-8190. more
 X X
Boston MetroBrookline Outdoor Movies Series
Shows start around "dusk" (8pm). Larz Anderson Park, Brookline, MA.617.730.2069. more
 X
Cape CodMovies Under the Stars
Peg Noonan Park, Main Street, Falmouth, MA.508-487-3424. more
 X X
Rhode IslandBig Screen Movie on the Beach @ Westerly
Misquamicut Beach, Westerly, RI.401-596-7761. more
 X
South ShoreWeymouth Summer Outdoor Movies
Ralph Talbot Amphitheatre next to Town Hall, Weymouth, MA.781-682-6124. more
 X
Boston MetroNeponset River Greenway Festival & Movie Series
There's no single web page but look in the calendar on Tue & Thu to find events. Either Martini Shell, Hyde Park, or Pope John Paul II Park, Gallivan Blvd, Dorchester, Dorchester, MA.617-542-7696. more
 X X
Cape CodOnset Bay Movie Co - Outdoor Movies Series
The Bandshell, behind 197 Onset Avenue, Onset, MA.508-295-9026. more
 X
Outdoor Theatre, Music, & Events Wed 7/8 Thu 7/9 Fri 7/10 Sat 7/11 Sun 7/12 Mon 7/13 Tue 7/14 Wed 7/15
Boston MetroOutdoor Theatre: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
2009: All shows at 6:45pm. Publick Theatre at Christian Herter Park, 1175A Soldiers Field Road, Brighton, MA.617-454-1444. more more
 X X X X
Boston MetroSuddenly Circus (Free Outdoor Circus)
2009: Free. Shows start at 11am. Various, Somerville, MA. more
 X
New HampshireFireworks @ Hampton Beach
Every Wednesday, plus holidays. 22 C Street, Hampton Beach, NH.603-926-8717. more
 X X
New HampshireFireworks @ Canobie Lake Park
more
 X
North ShoreSunset Cruise with Pirate Sea Shanties
2009: 6pm. $30. Sunset cruise with songs by re-enactors. 80 Wharf Street Salem Street, Salem, MA. more
 X
Rhode IslandShakespeare in the Park @ Westerly
2009: 8pm. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and picnic dinner. Wilcox Park, Westerly, RI.401-596-7909. more
 X
Western MassShakespeare Under the Stars
All shows start at 7:30pm. The Hartsbrook School, lawn, Hadley, MA. more
 X X X X X
Boston MetroPayson Park Music Festival
Free but time not given. Call 'em. Payson Park, Belmont, MA.617-993-2760. more
 X X
Boston MetroHarborWalk Sounds & Free ICA Night
Live music: various types, outside the ICA, which is free Thursday nights. Institute for Contemporary Art, Boston, MA. more
 X
Boston MetroSpecial Live Concerts @ Boston Harbor Hotel
Outdoor music: Soul on Tuesdays, Oldies on Wednesdays, Blues on Thursdays, all 6-10pm. Rowes Wharf, Boston Harbor Hotel, Boston, MA. more
 X X X X
Boston MetroLandmarks Orchestra or Oldies at the Shell
2009: 7pm. Free. Every Wednesday. Esplanade, Boston, MA. more
 X X
Boston MetroGarden Concert @ Prudential Center
Prudential Center, South Garden, Boston, MA. more
 X X
Boston MetroMFA Concerts in the Courtyard
Concerts at 7:30pm. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA.617-369-3189. more
 X
Boston MetroOutdoor folk dancing in Copley Square
2009: 7:30pm-10pm on Tuesdays. Copley Square, by the fountain, Boston, MA. more
 X
Boston MetroTito Puente Latin Music Series
Various, Boston, MA. more
 X
Boston MetroGardner Museum Summer Night
Free admission with live music, arts activities, poetry. 2009: 5-8pm. 280 The Fenway, Boston, MA.(617)566-1401. more
 X
Boston MetroJazz in July
Outdoors. More events (not listed) are indoors. Various, Boston, MA. more
 X X X
Boston MetroArts on the Arcade
2009: 11am-3pm Wednesdays. A lot of art vendors, but also dance & live music performance. City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA. more
 X X
Boston MetroElma Lewis Playhouse in the Park
Live music and contemporary dance. Run by the Franklin Park Coalition. Franklin Park, Boston, MA.(617) 442-4141. more more
 X
Boston MetroFriends of Fort Point Channel Summer Concert Series
2009: All shows 5:30-7:30pm. Free. Friends of Fort Point Channel. Children's Wharf, Boston Children's Museum, Boston, MA.617-426-6500. more
 X
Boston MetroLongfellow Family Sundays Art in the Park
Sometimes live music, sometimes poetry reading. Participatory painting, drawing. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Most events 4-5pm but see website. 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA.617-876-4491. more
 X
Boston MetroSummer in the City
Sometimes indoors? Various, Cambridge, MA. more
 X X
Boston MetroKendall Square Concert Series
Sponsored by the Kendall Square Corporation. 2009: Tuesdays through Aug 25, & Thursdays through Sep 10, 12-2pm. 300 Athenaeum Street, Cambridge, MA.617 577-7354. more
 X X
Boston MetroSunday Evening Heritage Festivals
2009: All shows 6:15pm - 7:45pm. Newton Centre Green, Newton, MA. more
 X
Boston MetronotloB Folk Concerts
Outdoor concerts. 2009: 7:30pm. Jackson Homestead, 527 Washington St, Newton, MA. more
 X
Boston MetroSunday Concert Series @ Revere
Free concerts begin at 6pm. American Legion lawn, Revere, MA. more
 X
Boston MetroRoslindale Concert Series
2009: 6-8pm. Adams Park, Washington St, Roslindale, MA.617-635-3911. more
 X
Boston MetroWatertown Summer Concert Series
All concerts 6:30-8pm. Saltonstall Park, Watertown, MA.(617) 972-6431. more
 X
Boston MetroConcerts on Winchester Common
more
 X X
Boston MetroFree Jack Marlowe Park Summer Concert Series
Concerts 7-9pm. Jack Marlowe Park in Woburn Center, Woburn, MA.781-935-5820. more
 X
Cape CodSummer Family Fun Fridays
Outdoor concerts from 11am. Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich, MA. more
 X
Metro WestConcerts on the Common @ Bedford
Different genres of live music. Town Common, Bedford, MA. more
 X
Metro WestConcerts on the Common, Framingham
2009: Fridays 6:30pm starting July 3rd. May go into August if they get funding. 508-532-5960 ask for "Building Services".. more
 X
Metro WestFriday Night Series
2009: Concerts at 6:30pm. Lexington Visitors Center, 1875 Mass. Ave., Lexington, MA.781-862-2480.. more
 X
Metro WestTuesday Night Concerts
Sponsored by the Lexington Bicentennial Band. 2009: Concerts begin at 7:15pm. Hastings Bandstand, Worthen Road at Old Mass Ave, Lexington, MA.781-862-0500 x707. more
 X
Metro WestArt in the Parks, Needham
Thursdays at 7pm. Memorial Park, Needham, MA.781-455-7521. more
 X
Metro WestSunday Evening Concerts on the Common, Norwood
Washington St & Nahatan St, Norwood, MA. more
 X
Metro WestOutdoor concert @ Gore Place
Gore Place, 52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA.(978) 314-6403. more
 X X
Metro WestSummer Concerts @ Wellesley
Concerts are 7-8:30pm. Town Hall Green, Wellesley, MA.781-235-2370. more
 X X
New HampshirePrescott Park Arts Festival
Outdoor theatre. 2009: Grease. 2009: Thu & Sun @ 7pm, Fri & Sat @ 8pm. Prescot Park, Marcy St at Mechanic St, Portsmouth, NH.603-436-2848. more
 X X X X
North ShoreCastle Hill Summer Picnic Concerts
Dancing & music overlooking Crane Beach. 7-9pm. Come at 6pm for swing dance lessons! Call ahead to order a picnic dinner basket. Castle Hill, Ipswich, MA.978-356-4351 x4015. more
 X
North ShoreLowell Summer Music Series
Boarding House Park, Lowell, MA. more
 X X
North ShoreSummer Beach Concerts
Red Rock Park on the beach at Lynn Shore Drive., Lynn, MA. more
 X
North ShoreThe Valley’s Got Talent
2009: 7-10pm. Nighttime free show at the beach where various singers and dancers compete. Salisbury Beach Center, 3 Broadway Street, Salisbury, MA. more
 X
Northern MassSundown Concerts @ Fruitland Museums
Open for picnicking at 5pm. Concerts begin at 7:30pm. 102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard, MA.978-456-3924. more
 X X
Rhode IslandBlues on the Beach / Concert in Watch Hill
2009: 6-8:30pm. Westerly Town Beach or Village Green, Westerly, RI.401-596-7909. more
 X X
South ShoreSummer Concert Series at Sunset Lake
2009: Tuesdays, 6-8pm. Free. Sunset Lake’s Beachfront Gazebo Bandstand, Braintree, MA. more
 X
South ShoreSummer Concert Series @ Soule Homestead
2009: Shows start at 6pm. Rain or shine (if it rains they'll go inside). 46 Soule Street, Middleboro, MA. more
 X
South ShoreScituate Harbor Music Concert
2009: 4-7pm. Cole Parkway at the Morris Bandstand, Scituate, MA. more
 X
South ShoreWednesday Night Concerts
Pilgrim Memorial Park, Water Street, Plymouth, MA. more
 X X
Southern MassLakeside Concert Series
2009: All shows start at 7pm. Memorial Park Beach Bandstand, Lake Massapoag, Sharon, MA. more
 X X
Western MassSundays in the Park Concerts
Greenfield Energy Park, Greenfield, MA.413-774-9949. more
 X X X X X X
Western MassStearns CityBlock Concert Series
more
 X
Western MassSaturday Night Live Concerts on the Green
2009: All shows are 6-9pm outdoors, then inside to the Tea Pot Gallery for the finale. On the Green, Elm St at School St, Westfield, MA.413-562-6966, or 413-534-0498. more more
 X
Western MassConcerts at the Clark
Other concerts on their calendar are indoors. 225 South St., Williamstown, MA.413-458-2303. more
 X
WorcesterSummer Concert Series
2009: 6-8pm. Senior Center Lawn in front of the Bandstand, Main St., Holden, MA.Marilyn Foley, 508-829-2951. more
 X
WorcesterFamily Night at the Bandstand
Some shows are NOT in Milford! 2009: 6:30-8:30pm. Bandstand music by the The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra. Milford Town Park, Congress & Walnut Street, Milford, MA.508-478-5924. more
 X
WorcesterSouthbridge Summer Concert Series
Sue Pelletier 508-765-8800 or 508-248-6687. more
 X
WorcesterSweet Summer Nights Music Series
7-8:30pm. more
 X
WorcesterConcerts on the Canal
2009: July 12 is Pendragon. River Bend Farm Visitor's Center, 287 Oak St., Uxbridge, MA.508-278-7604.
 X
WorcesterUniBank Community Concert Series
Various, Various near Worcester. more
 X X
WorcesterJazz at Sunset @ EcoTarium
Gates open 5:30, concerts 6:30-8:30. Bring blankets or chairs. 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA.508-929-2703. more
 X
WorcesterElm Park Summer Concert Series
2009: All shows 6:30-8:30pm. Elm Park, Highland Street at Park Avenue, Worcester, MA. more
 X
linkpost comment

Civil War / Lincoln re-enactment, Pow-Wow, Jello Wrestling, Hawks, Comedy Music & Teen Angst [Jun. 29th, 2009|05:28 pm]

Of course this week is July 4th! My ideas for that are below, but first the non-holiday Week in Weird. Since I assume everyone's got plans already for the 4th, I'm planning an group outing Sunday afternoon July 5th to see the Lincoln re-enactment in Cambridge. Email johnny@weirdbostonevents.org if you're interested in going.

This week is special because I've added photos, and Johnny's List of Weird Boston Events is now on Facebook and Twitter, where I'll be shooting you quick ideas on creative fun every day. Please send me some feedback on the new photo format and what you'd like to see on Twitter and Facebook!

Here's your week in weird. Enjoy it! Want this weekly? Please subscribe.

-Johnny


The Week in Weird
Civil War Day & Lincoln Address @ Longfellow Historical Site7/5Boston Metro
Excepting July 4th activities, the event of the week is this Civil War re-enactment at the Longfellow Historic Home, just a block or three from Harvard Square. Meet re-enactors in costume from 1-4pm and then see re-enactors portraying Lincoln and a friend discussing the Gettysburg Address. And it's all free! Longfellow National Historic Site, 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA. more
Civil War Tour on Georges Island7/5Boston Metro
Also the same day, this is a guided tour of Georges Island by a re-enactor discussing the Civil War. Just an excuse to explore the Boston Harbor Islands! Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, MA.617-223-8666. more
An 18th Century Evening in Portsmouth!6/30New Hampshire
Strawbery Banke Museum is a re-enactment village having a fundraiser, in which you'll eat an 19th century feast and be seated on a boat for an 19th century concert with 14-piece orchestra. Strawbery Banke Museum, Marcy Street, Portsmouth, NH.603-422-7514. more
Mashpee Wampanoag Pow-wow7/3 - 7/5Cape Cod
If you're on Cape Cod, check out the biggest local pow-wow around. They'll have the usual dance, music, and crafts. 483 Great Neck Road South, Mashpee, MA.508-477-0208. more more
Jello Wrestling @ Dougie's Dollhouse7/2Cape Cod
OK, let's step down from the classy here to the simply fun. While you're on Cape Cod, this is your chance to see jello wrestling. I met the fellow who runs this event, sounds very creative. 10pm-1am. Pied Piper Bar, 193A Commercial St., Provincetown, MA.508.487.1527. more
Get Mortified7/2Boston Metro
This one I saw last month. People get up on stage and recount their embarassing teenage stories for humorous affect. Not 100% winners, but a better laugh factor than your typical improv night, that's for sure! Mottleys Comedy Club, 61 Chatham Street, Boston, MA.877-548-3237. more
Birds of Prey @ Gore Place7/5Metro West
Speaking of mortified, how'd you like to get up close to hawks and falcons? If you missed it last weekend at Davis Farmland, check it out at this historic home in Waltham. 52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA.781-894-2798. more
Neponset River Greenway Festival6/28 - 8/27Boston Metro
Try stunt kiting, canoeing, and all kinds of arts & crafts at various venues this summer. Everything is free! Various in Dorchester, Milton, Hyde Park, Boston, MA. more
Chicopee Fest-Of-All7/2 - 7/5Springfield
This unusual festival has a cell phone toss, a vintage baseball game, kids karaoke "idol" competition, a car show, and astronomy events both day & night. Szot Park, Chicopee, MA. more
Greater New Bedford Summerfest7/3 - 7/5Southern Mass
Over 20,000 attend this live music and art vendor festival. They would appear to have 6 entertainment stages, and they'll have races of "whaleboats" that look strangely like crew boats. New Bedford, MA.508-999-5231. more
Cape Verdean Festival7/4Boston Metro
I'm not exactly sure what the Cape Verdeans were thinking, scheduling this over July 4th. Free. Music, martial arts, food, entertainment. 2-5pm. City Hall Plaza, One City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA.617-442-6644. more

Also Fun
Lowell Puerto Rican Cultural Festival7/4 - 7/5Northern Mass
I was pretty sure this was happening until the website disappeared. I'm listing it anyway in hopes it will re-appear shortly! Boarding House Park, Lowell, MA. more
New England Summer Nationals7/2 - 7/5Worcester
Now here are a few events that were quite "A" quality weird. To start with, this claims to be the largest car show on the East Coast. Oxford, MA.508-987-2652. more
Berkshires Arts Festival7/3 - 7/5Western Mass
This outdoor festival should be fun to visit, but it didn't quite make the cut because it's clearly a vendor event. Great Barrington, MA.413-298-0175. more
Boston Chowderfest7/5Boston Metro
And finally, if you're a tourist, you'll probably be experiencing Boston's uniqueness through its chowder. City Hall Plaza, One City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA.617-436-6339. more

Recurring Events
Amesbury Days6/24 - 7/4Northern Mass
Here are a few continuing events that I mentioned last week. This is another small town festival that goes way past the ordinary, with fireworks, balloon rides, live music, tours and other fun stuff. Various Locations, Amesbury, MA.978-388-8110 x314. more
FAC Pinewoods Weekend and FolkDays6/25 - 7/2South Shore
You have to register for this one if you want to camp out and learn folk dancing. But I bet that if you don't plan to stay overnight, they'd allow you to just stop by unannounced. Pinewoods Camp, Plymouth, MA.781-662-7475. more
A Morning with the Alcotts7/1Metro West
The past also has a place this week. It says it's for people ages 7 and up. That's me!! I'm ages 7 and up! Um, mostly the up part. Orchard House, 399 Lexington Road, Concord, MA.(978) 369-4118. more more
Summerfest in Monson6/27 - 7/4Western Mass
They'll have games, rides, and -- fireworks!! -- at this small town festival. And a parade, a soap box derby, a frog jumping contest, a BMX show, looks really interesting! Quarry Hill School, Monson, MA.(413) 267-9118 or (413) 267-3649. more
Boston Harborfest6/30 - 7/5Boston Metro
The remainder of the week are small events throughout the city. It looks quite touristy, but plenty of fun, including re-enactments of the Boston Tea Party (reserve in advance). City Hall Plaza, One City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA.617-436-6339. more
Annual Children’s Day On the Plaza at City Hall7/1Boston Metro
I'm not a child, and I don't have any children. Yet, I still have plans to sneak into Children's Day, which is part of Boston Harborfest. They'll have yet more face painting. And jugglers. City Hall Plaza, One City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA.617-227-1528. more
Lexington Lions Club Carnival7/1 - 7/5Metro West
Yet more carnival from Fiesta Shows. Center Playground, Worthen Rd., Lexington, MA. more
Marblehead Festival of Arts7/1 - 7/5North Shore
Kites, model boat building, wood carving, sand sculpture, looks surprisingly interesting. Marblehead, MA. more
Brockton Country Fair7/1 - 7/12South Shore
They'll have fireworks! Rt 24S to Exit 17A, Rt 123E (Belmont St) two miles on the right. Historic Brockton Fairgrounds, RT. 123, Brockton, MA.508-586-8000. more
PDQ Bach6/30Western Mass
Also not to be missed! PDQ Bach is a comedy music performance. The closest thing you can get to seeing Harpo Marx live! I saw this group in the 1980s and it's a must-see. The Colonial Theatre, 111 South Street, Pittsfield, MA.413-997-4444. more

Travel
Firefly (a local Burning Man arts festival)7/2 - 7/5Vermont
Firefly is an arts festival for artists by artists. It's nothing like a vendor marketplace. It's more like a campground for enthusiasts and true masters. Noon Friday straight through to Noon Monday. Apparently they are sold out and don't want anybody just showing up and buying stuff. Darn those young moneyed shower-uppers! Vermont. more
Celebrate Champlain Burlington International Waterfront Festival7/2 - 7/14Vermont
While you're nearby, cursing Firefly which rejected you at the door, the Champlain area is celebrating their Quadricentennial. Burlington, VT. more
President Calvin Coolidge Birthday Celebration7/4Vermont
Also, Calvin Coolidge is having a birthday celebration, shoudl you happen to be in Vermont. Vermont. more

 

Want Weird Boston Events weekly? Subscribe and follow me on Twitter or Facebook. Also see my blog on big life questions at Wheel Questions. Send encouragement & ideas to johnny@weirdbostonevents.org.

linkpost comment

What do to on July 4th (or just before) [Jun. 29th, 2009|05:20 pm]

Here's what to do on July 4th. Don't do something boring! Get out there and have a blast at a local festival. Here I list some truly creative ideas, and then a bunch of more usual Independence Day festivities below. I believe this to be the largest list of July 4th activities in Massachusetts and beyond.

Want events weekly? Please subscribe.

-Johnny


July 4th
Independence Day Celebration - Sturbridge7/4Southern Mass
The event of the week is July 4th at Sturbridge Village. It's my favoirte live action recreation museum, featuring the 1830s. I went last year and the entire day is full of educational fun, plus the fireworks that end the evening are fantastic! Rain date July 5. Sturbridge, MA.(508) 347-3362.. more
An American Celebration @ Strawbery Banke7/4New Hampshire
Also a re-enactment village is Strawbery Banke, focusing on settlers circa 1900. Their events are always classy as well! Marcy Street, Portsmouth, NH.603-422-7514. more
Declaration of Independence Re-enactment7/4South Shore
Also a not-to-be-missed activity is to head to Quincy and participate in a re-enactment of the Constitutional Congress, and see re-enactors portray Thomas Jefferson and John Adams in a play. I've seen it and it's really, really amazing. And it's free! Quincy, MA.617-770-1175. more
Sail Gloucester Fourth of July Celebration7/3 - 7/7North Shore
This one I've also seen -- twice! -- and highly recommend. Tall Ships and Sailing Vessels July 3-7. July 3rd: 6:00 p.m. Horribles Parade, 9:30 p.m. - fireworks over Gloucester Harbor. Main launch point is to the right of the beach, up, near the huge rock. If they do it like the last two years, they'll have a water 'parade' of lighted boats before the fireworks. It's something nice to do to get ready for July 4th. Gloucester Harbor, Gloucester, MA. more more
Town Bonfire & Horribles Parade7/3 - 7/4Boston Metro
Or, and much closer to the city -- a horribles parade, which is.... Some kind of parade?? Involving costumed monsters? And a bonfire! Winthrop, MA. more
Glocester RI Ancients & Horribles Parade7/4Rhode Island
These horribles are everywhere. I sort of don't get it? I guess I'll have to see it! Glocester, RI. more
Marblehead Horribles Parade & Fireworks7/4North Shore
More horribles and then Fireworks at 9pm over the harbor. Marblehead, MA. more
Annual Nudist 4th of July Parade7/4Connecticut
Woodstock, CT. more
July 4th Parade & Beach Bonfire @ Rockport, MA7/4North Shore
There will also be bonfire in Rockport. Fortunately, it will be preceded by a parade of fireman, who may be needed! Firemen’s parade at 6 p.m., concert at 8:30 p.m., bonfire at 9 p.m. Back Beach, Rockport, MA. more
Somerville Independence Day Fireworks7/2Boston Metro
This celebration in Somerville is noteworthy especially because it's two days early. 5pm entertainment. Trum Field. Rain date same day one week later. Somerville, MA. more
Boston 4th of July Fireworks & Concert7/3 - 7/4Boston Metro
Obviously, if you've never been, it's fantastic to see the Boston Pops concert and fireworks on the Esplanade. Come early and don't sit close to the actual orchestra or you'll get trampled. But did you know that you can beat the crowds by attending the practice concert (no fireworks) on July 3rd, 8pm? Esplanade, Boston, MA. more
Rent a canoe on the 4th of July7/4Boston Metro
Here's a more creative idea. Reserve ahead for a boat or canoe to see the fireworks from on the Charles River! Two Places, Boston, MA. more more
Salisbury 4th of July Sand Sculpting Spectacular7/3 - 7/4North Shore
Two beaches are having a sand sculpturing festival along with their July 4th celebration. Here's the first. Salisbury Beach, Salisbury Beach, MA.978-462-7274. more
Old Orchard Beach Parade & Sandcastle Sculpture Competition7/3 - 7/4Maine
And the 2nd. Parade, square dancing, sand sculptures. Less than 2 hours from Boston. Fireworks July 4th. Old Orchard Street at West Grand Avenue, Old Orchard Beach, ME.207-934-9068. more
July 4th Carnival @ Wilmington7/1 - 7/5Northern Mass
The traveling festival of Fiesta Shows continues to bring carnival rides to New England. Town Common, Church St., Wilmington, MA. more
July 4th @ Chatham, MA7/4Cape Cod
Huge parade. Main Street, Chamham, MA.
July 4th @ Falmouth, MA7/4Cape Cod
Bike and Carriage Parade, downtown Falmouth, 11am-1pm, from Bank of America to Peg Noonan Park. Fireworks at dusk over the harbor. Falmouth, MA.508-548-9888.
July 4th @ Barnstable, MA7/4Cape Cod
Parade 4 p.m. from Ocean St & Main St, down to Sea Street and to South Street. Fireworks at Dusk. Hyannis, MA.
Cranberry Coast Pops Concert & Firework7/4Cape Cod
Outdoor concert with fireworks. Bandshell, Onset, MA. more
July 4th @ Orleans, MA7/3Cape Cod
Fireworks at Rock Harbor at dusk; rain date July 5. Orleans, MA.508-240-2484.
July 4th @ Acton, MA7/4Metro West
6 p.m. Rolling Stones tribute band, fireworks at 10 p.m. Food, facepainting, free shuttle from Nagog Park Drive from 6 p.m. Rain date July 5. NARA Park, off Route 27, Acton, MA. more
July 4th @ Concord, MA7/4Metro West
Picnic 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Emerson Field on Everett Street. Bicycle and doll carriage parade. Live music, balloon rides, activity booths, food. Concord, MA.978-369-1890. more
July 4th @ Natick, MA7/3Metro West
7 a.m.-noon. Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at Sherrill Hall, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, East Central Street; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Flea Market on the Common. Parade from the 9/27 Plaza down Rt 27 to Rt 135 in Natick Center. Natick, MA. more
July 4th @ Newton, MA7/4Metro West
Market & amusement rides, 11am-10pm, live music, picnic at 6 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Newton, MA. more
July 4th @ Pepperell7/4Metro West
Pepperell, MA.
July 4th @ Sherborn, MA7/4Metro West
Field games at Laurel Field from 9 a.m. Parade at 2 p.m. from Main Street to Jameson Fields. Then fire truck rides at Station One on Main Street fromt 5 p.m. Sherborn, MA. more
July 4th Celebration & Parade @ Lincoln, NH7/4New Hampshire
Lincoln, NH.603-745-6621.
July 4th Fireworks @ Littleton, NH7/4New Hampshire
Littleton, NH.603-444-6561.
July 4th @ North Conway, NH7/4New Hampshire
North Conway, NH.603-357-5701 x350. more
July 4th @ Waterville Valley, NH7/4New Hampshire
Waterville Valley, NH.603-236-8175.
July 4th @ Danvers, MA7/3North Shore
Fireworks 9pm. Rain date July 5. Plains Park, Danvers, MA.
July 4th @ Manchester, MA7/4North Shore
9:30 a.m. parade. Then go to Rockport for celebration & fireworks. Manchester-By-The-Sea, MA.
Salem Celebrates the 4th7/4North Shore
4 p.m. kids stuff & food, 5 p.m. entertainment then concert @ 7:15pm, fireworks @ Derby Wharf 9:15pm. Salem, MA.978-745-9595, ext. 5676. more
Annual Salisbury Carving out the 4th7/3 - 7/5North Shore
Center Mall, Salisbury, MA.
July 4th @ Lowell, MA7/3Northern Mass
Festival with live music & food 4-9pm, then fireworks. Sampas Pavilion, Vandenburg Esplanade, Lowell, MA. more
July 4th @ Hingham, MA7/3 - 7/4South Shore
July 3 fireworks, around 9 p.m. (rain date July 5). On July 4, Road Race at 7 a.m., parade at 10 a.m. Hingham, MA.
July 4th @ Plymouth, MA7/4South Shore
Fireworks 9 p.m., waterfront. Parade 9:30 a.m.-noon, from Court St to Main St Ext. to Water Street. Plymouth, MA.
July 4th @ Weymouth, MA7/3South Shore
(Wessagusset) George Lane Beach, Weymouth, MA. more
July 4th BBQ @ Edgartown & Fireworks7/4Southern Mass
BBQ on the Old Whaling Church lawn. Parade. Then fireworks in the harbor. All on Martha's Vinyard. Edgartown, MA. more
July 4th @ Sharon, MA7/3Southern Mass
Rain date July 5. From 2pm, potato sack races, tug-o-war, Bicycle & doll carriage parade at 4 p.m., down Beach Street to the bandstand, with DJ music, entertainment, food 4-9:30p.m. Bandstand concert 6:30, fireworks 9:15 p.m. Memorial Park Beach, Sharon, MA. more
July 4th @ Amherst, MA7/4Western Mass
Balloon rides & fireworks. Fields behind Alumni Stadium at the University of Massachussets, Amherst, MA.413-259-3067.
July 4th @ Pittsfield, MA7/4Western Mass
Pittsfield, MA.
July 4th @ Springfield, MA7/4Western Mass
Springfield, MA. more
July 4th @ Shrewsbury, MA7/4Worcester
Free. Doll carriage & bike parade, food, face painting, inflatable amusements. 12-4pm. Dean Park, 803 Main Street, Shrewsbury, MA.508-841-8503.
July 4th @ Worcester7/2Worcester
Fireworks @ 10pm, rain date July 3. East Park, Worcester, MA.

 

Want Weird Boston Events weekly? Subscribe and follow me on Twitter or Facebook. Also see my blog on big life questions at Wheel Questions. Send encouragement & ideas to johnny@weirdbostonevents.org.

linkpost comment

Outdoor Movies, Theater, Events... Week of Jun 29 - Jul 7, 2009 [Jun. 29th, 2009|04:58 pm]

More from New England's largest list of outdoor movies, theatre, and concerts. Now listing nearly 75 summer concert series!

Outdoor Movies Tue 6/30 Wed 7/1 Thu 7/2 Fri 7/3 Sat 7/4 Sun 7/5 Mon 7/6 Tue 7/7
Boston, MAOutdoor - Movies by Moonlight
Outdoor films. Fridays. Free. Start at "dusk". 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA.617.439.7000. more
 X
Boston, MAWBZ Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell
At "sundown" (about 8:30pm, come early and bring a picnic dinner) at the hatch shell on the Esplanade. 617-787-7200. Esplanade, Boston, MA.617 227-0627. more
 X
Falmouth, MAMovies Under the Stars
Peg Noonan Park, Main Street, Falmouth, MA.508-487-3424. more
 X
Westerly, RIBig Screen Movie on the Beach @ Westerly
Misquamicut Beach, Westerly, RI.401-596-7761. more
 X
Dorchester, MANeponset River Greenway Festival & Movie Series
There's no single web page but look in the calendar on Tue & Thu to find events. Either Martini Shell, Hyde Park, or Pope John Paul II Park, Gallivan Blvd, Dorchester, Dorchester, MA.617-542-7696. more
 X
Onset, MAOnset Bay Movie Co - Outdoor Movies Series
The Bandshell, behind 197 Onset Avenue, Onset, MA.508-295-9026. more
 X
Outdoor Performance & Events Tue 6/30 Wed 7/1 Thu 7/2 Fri 7/3 Sat 7/4 Sun 7/5 Mon 7/6 Tue 7/7
Boston, MASpecial Live Concerts @ Boston Harbor Hotel
Outdoor music: Soul on Tuesdays, Oldies on Wednesdays, Blues on Thursdays, all 6-10pm. Rowes Wharf, Boston Harbor Hotel, Boston, MA. more
 X X X X
Boston, MAGarden Concert @ Prudential Center
Prudential Center, South Garden, Boston, MA. more
 X
Jamaica Plain, MAJP First Thursday
This is basically a gallery walk 6-8pm. And poetry reading. Every first Thursday of the month. Centre & South Streets, Jamaica Plain, MA. more
 X
Boston, MAMFA Concerts in the Courtyard
Concerts at 7:30pm. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA.617-369-3189. more
 X
Belmont, MAPayson Park Music Festival
Free but time not given. Call 'em. Payson Park, Belmont, MA.617-993-2760. more
 X
Boston, MAOutdoor folk dancing in Copley Square
2009: 7:30pm-10pm on Tuesdays. Copley Square, by the fountain, Boston, MA. more
 X X
Boston, MAJazz in July
Outdoors. More events (not listed) are indoors. Various, Boston, MA. more
 X X
Cambridge, MALongfellow Family Sundays Art in the Park
Sometimes live music, sometimes poetry reading. Participatory painting, drawing. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Most events 4-5pm but see website. 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA.617-876-4491. more
 X
Boston, MAFriends of Fort Point Channel Summer Concert Series
2009: All shows 5:30-7:30pm. Free. Friends of Fort Point Channel. Children's Wharf, Boston Children's Museum, Boston, MA.617-426-6500. more
 X
Cambridge, MATango by Moonlight
2009: 7:30-11pm. Rain date the next day. Also Oct 3. On the Weeks Footbridge by the corner of JFK Street and Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA. more
 X
Cambridge, MADancing on the Charles
Outdoor dance in Cambridge. Sounds great. Buy tix in advance. American Legion, 4 Gerry's Landing, Cambridge, MA. more
 X
Cambridge, MAKendall Square Concert Series
Sponsored by the Kendall Square Corporation. 2009: Tuesdays through Aug 25, & Thursdays through Sep 10, 12-2pm. 300 Athenaeum Street, Cambridge, MA.617 577-7354. more
 X X X
East Sandwich, MAFull Moon Walk @ Green Briar
Animal walk at night by light of the full moon. 7pm or 8pm. 2009: June 7, July 7, Aug 6, Sep 4, Oct 4. Green Briar Nature Center, 6 Discovery Hill Road, East Sandwich, MA. more
 X
Waltham, MAOutdoor concert @ Gore Place
Gore Place, 52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA.(978) 314-6403. more
 X
Natick, MAIce Cream and Bats! In Natick
2009: 7:30-9pm. Registration is required. Outdoor exploration at night at this Audubon park. With ice cream! Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot Street, Natick, MA.508-655-2296. more
 X
Framingham, MAConcerts on the Common, Framingham
2009: Fridays 6:30pm starting July 3rd. May go into August if they get funding. 508-532-5960 ask for "Building Services".. more
 X
Norwood, MASunday Evening Concerts on the Common, Norwood
Washington St & Nahatan St, Norwood, MA. more
 X
Acton, MATribute to the 60's Concert Series
Nara Park, Acton, MA. more
 X
Wellesley, MASummer Concerts @ Wellesley
Concerts are 7-8:30pm. Town Hall Green, Wellesley, MA.781-235-2370. more
 X
Hampton Beach, NHFireworks @ Hampton Beach
Every Wednesday, plus holidays. 22 C Street, Hampton Beach, NH.603-926-8717. more
 X X
Salem, NHFireworks @ Canobie Lake Park
more
 X X
Portsmouth, NHPrescott Park Arts Festival
Outdoor theatre. 2009: Grease. 2009: Thu & Sun @ 7pm, Fri & Sat @ 8pm. Prescot Park, Marcy St at Mechanic St, Portsmouth, NH.603-436-2848. more
 X X X X
Ipswich, MACastle Hill Summer Picnic Concerts
Dancing & music overlooking Crane Beach. 7-9pm. Come at 6pm for swing dance lessons! Call ahead to order a picnic dinner basket. Castle Hill, Ipswich, MA.978-356-4351 x4015. more
 X
Lynn, MASummer Beach Concerts
Red Rock Park on the beach at Lynn Shore Drive., Lynn, MA. more
 X
Harvard, MASundown Concerts @ Fruitland Museums
Open for picnicking at 5pm. Concerts begin at 7:30pm. 102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard, MA.978-456-3924. more
 X
Westerly, RIBlues on the Beach / Concert in Watch Hill
2009: 6-8:30pm. Westerly Town Beach or Village Green, Westerly, RI.401-596-7909. more
 X X
Westerly, RIFireworks in Westerly
Various, Westerly, RI.401-596-7909. more
 X
Braintree, MASummer Concert Series at Sunset Lake
2009: Tuesdays, 6-8pm. Free. Sunset Lake’s Beachfront Gazebo Bandstand, Braintree, MA. more
 X X
Springfield, MAStearns CityBlock Concert Series
more
 X
Hadley, MAShakespeare Under the Stars
All shows start at 7:30pm. The Hartsbrook School, lawn, Hadley, MA. more
 X X X X X
Williamstown, MAConcerts at the Clark
Other concerts on their calendar are indoors. 225 South St., Williamstown, MA.413-458-2303. more
 X
Westfield, MASaturday Night Live Concerts on the Green
2009: All shows are 6-9pm outdoors, then inside to the Tea Pot Gallery for the finale. On the Green, Elm St at School St, Westfield, MA.413-562-6966, or 413-534-0498. more more
 X
Greenfield, MASundays in the Park Concerts
Greenfield Energy Park, Greenfield, MA.413-774-9949. more
 X X X
Various near WorcesterUniBank Community Concert Series
Various, Various near Worcester. more
 X
Upton, MASweet Summer Nights Music Series
7-8:30pm. more
 X
Milford, MAFamily Night at the Bandstand
Some shows are NOT in Milford! 2009: 6:30-8:30pm. Bandstand music by the The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra. Milford Town Park, Congress & Walnut Street, Milford, MA.508-478-5924. more
 X X X
linkpost comment

This Just In: Queer Comedy, Rodeo, Carousel, Kite Festival [Jun. 26th, 2009|11:05 am]

I just attended the Queery Qomedy Festival at ImprovBoston and it was possibly the best show I've seen there yet. A little too much forcing the audience to applaud to, "How are you doing tonight? I can't hear you!" but plenty of incredibly funny and creative acts by drag queens. And kings. New ways to interact with the audience. And that's just their Thursday show, I have to assume the remainder of the weekend will be even better.

So here is some last minute encouragement to check it out, and a few other late-breaking events as well.

-Johnny


This Just In
Family Fun Day in Somerville6/27Boston Metro
Rides, cookout, games. Trum Field, Somerville, MA. more
Annual Penfield Beach Sand Sculpting Festival6/25 - 6/28Connecticut
Two grand masters make huge sculptures, plus an amateur competition. Fairfield, CT.203-254-8533. more
Birds of Prey @ Davis Farmland6/27 - 6/28Worcester
They'll have live birds of prey on display as well as the wonderful petting zoo, hay ride, and water spray park! Davis Farmland is my favorite midsized amusement park, but unfortunately, you have to have a child along to enter. 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MA.978-422-8888. more
New England Wild West Fest6/26 - 6/28South Shore
You don't see many rodeos in Boston! This one comes with a Civil War re-enactment, BBQ contest, and um, country music. Marshfield Fairgrounds Rt. 3A, Marshfield, MA. more
Carousel on Kennedy Greenway6/1 - 10/31Boston Metro
The carousel is leaving Boston Common but there's a new one on the Kennedy Greenway. I was walking along the greenway (you know, where the Big Dig happened but there's now a garden) and discovered a carousel!! Daily 11am-9pm through October. Later some weekends. It's near the Aquarium subway stop. In-between Haymarket & Aquarium subway stops on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston, MA. more
Kite Festival @ Lawrence6/27Northern Mass
Dunk tank, pony rides, the ubiquitous face painting, live music, and make you own kite! Lawrence Heritage State Park 1 Jackson Street, Lawrence, MA. more
Queer Qomedy Festival6/25 - 6/28Boston Metro
And, queerly, in Cambridge. This is the first gay comedy festival in Boston! Ever! 40 Prospect St, Cambridge, MA.617-576-1253. more

 

Want this weekly? subscribe. My blogs: Weird Boston Events & Wheel Questions, Wheel Answers. Send encouragement & ideas to johnny@weirdbostonevents.org.

linkpost comment

Ren Fest, Block Party, Beach Festivals, Pow-wows, Steam Engines, & Air Show [Jun. 24th, 2009|03:19 pm]

This week I'm leading a group trip to the Cambrige City Dance Party on Friday. We'll meet for dinner at 6:30pm in Central Square. Email if you'd like to join us, johnny at weirdbostonevents.org.

Here's your week in weird. Enjoy it! Want this weekly? Please subscribe.

-Johnny


The Week in Weird
Winslowshire Renaissance Festival6/27 - 6/28Southern Mass
The event of the week is this summer festival in Norton, Massachusetts. Your first thought is going to be: Norton? Do I even know where Norton is? But I went last year and it was fantastic, definitely worth a visit. 11am-5pm. 37 Eddy Street, Norton, MA.508-285-6451. more
PDQ Bach6/30Western Mass
Also not to be missed! PDQ Bach is a comedy music performance. The closest thing you can get to seeing Harpo Marx live! I saw this group in the 1980s and it's a must-see. The Colonial Theatre, 111 South Street, Pittsfield, MA.413-997-4444. more
Masterworks Chorale Summer Sings6/30 - 8/4Boston Metro
Perhaps you'd prefer to join in. This group does participatory singing all summer long of classical works. Noble and Greenough School, Lawrence Auditorium, 10 Campus Drive, Dedham, MA.781-235-6210. more
Soirée Karaoké6/25Boston Metro
But this is clearly the event of the join-in-singing week: Karaoke in French! 6:30pm. French Library, 53 Marlborough St, Boston, MA.617.912.0400. more
Cambridge City Dance Party6/26Boston Metro
I've been to this one twice and it is to die for. No really, you have to go to this! It's an outdoor block party with colored lights on City Hall. What better to celebrate that the people own the government, not the other way around. 7-11pm. Massachusetts Avenue in front of City Hall. 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA.617-349-4301. more
Opening Day @ Frog Pond6/26Boston Metro
But wait! There's more! Now how much fun can you have? Every year Frog Pond opens for wading with a big festival. 2pm-3:30pm. They'll have vendors, jugglers, live music, and the ubiquitous face painting. Boston Common, Boston, MA.617-854-7667. more
Annual Children’s Day On the Plaza at City Hall7/1Boston Metro
I'm not a child, and I don't have any children. Yet, I still have plans to sneak into Children's Day, which is part of Boston Harborfest. They'll have yet more face painting. And jugglers. City Hall Plaza, One City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA.617-227-1528. more
Boston Harborfest (includes Chowderfest)6/30 - 7/5Boston Metro
The remainder of the week are small events throughout the city. It looks quite touristy, but plenty of fun, including re-enactments of the Boston Tea Party (reserve in advance). City Hall Plaza, One City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA.617-436-6339. more
Sandcastle Festival @ Yirrell Beach, Winthrop6/27Boston Metro
This one's also unique beacuse Yirrell Beach is where the planes from Logan Airport take off over. You can see planes landing about 100 feet off the ground, no exaggeration! For this reason it's a lovely beach to visit at night, too. 10am-3pm. Contest fee is $10, music, food, games like hula hoop and bubble gum contest. Also a mile swim competition for adults 16+. Yirrell Beach, Shirley Street, Winthrop, MA.617-846-8243. more more more
Sand Sculpting Competition (Hampton Beach)6/13 - 6/28New Hampshire
Fireworks tonight, Wednesday, and the sand sculpture competition continues. Note: probably most of it has been washed away, but they will have live music. Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, NH.603-926-8718. more
Salisbury Beach Sand & Sea Festival6/27 - 6/28North Shore
I love fireworks! Here are some more at this beach festival. Live music, water races, pet parade, really a ton of creative dance and party stuff! Sat 10am-10:30pm, Sun 10am-5pm. Salisbury Beach, Salisbury Beach, MA.978-462-7274. more
Amesbury Days6/24 - 7/4Northern Mass
While you're on the North Shore, check out Amesbury Days. This is another small town festival that goes way past the ordinary, with fireworks, balloon rides, live music, tours and other fun stuff. Various Locations, Amesbury, MA.978-388-8110 x314. more
Summerfest in Monson6/27 - 7/4Western Mass
They'll have games, rides, and -- fireworks!! -- at this small town festival. And a parade, a soap box derby, a frog jumping contest, a BMX show, looks really interesting! Quarry Hill School, Monson, MA.(413) 267-9118 or (413) 267-3649. more
Provincetown Portuguese Festival6/25 - 6/28Cape Cod
Perhaps you're looking for an excuse to visit Cape Cod. Here's one. Provincetown, MA.508-487-3298. more
Splash into Summer Weekend & Olde New England Days6/27New Hampshire
Another old-town festival, this one with fire truck rides! And they're opening the new "Cascade Park". Lincoln, MA.603-745-6727. more
Summer Splash at Whales Tale6/26New Hampshire
Discounted admission and live music at this opening-day festival for a major water park. Buy tix in advance, event will sell out! Lincoln, MA. more
Croquet Day6/25Cape Cod
And I couldn't resist listing croquet day, also on Cape Cod. 1-5pm. The Heritage Museum and Gardens is one of those places you MUST see, so why not go when there's a festival? Heritage Museum & Gardens, Sandwich, MA.508.888.3300. more
Newport Flower Show at the Rosecliff mansion6/26 - 6/28Newport Area
Another excuse for a daytrip, this time to visit the Newport mansions and cliffwalk, is this flower show. They have a butterfly house, too! 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI. more
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre @ Salem Cross Inn6/26 - 8/21Worcester
Last week I introduced a series of interactive murder mystery dinner nights in Newport, which continues. And here's another series, near Worcester. 260 West Main Street, West Brookfield, MA.508-867-2345. more
Yankee Engine-uity Steam Engine Show6/27 - 6/28Western Mass
Are you interested in cars? How about tractors? Airplanes? Tanks? Well, they might not have any tanks, but you can find a variety of old timey steam engines and new fangled machines at this festival. Notice how I classify Orange, MA as "Western Massachusetts", as though anything further west than Worcester is "here there be dragons!". Orange Airport, Orange, MA.978-544-5295 or 413-253-9574. more
Rhode Island Open Air Show6/27 - 6/28Rhode Island
It's going to be hard for them to compete though with the airplanes in this air show! Wow! Take a look at some of the photos on this one! Quonset State Airport, Minuteman Way, North Kingstown, RI.401-886-1342. more
A Morning with the Alcotts6/26 - 7/9Metro West
The past also has a place this week. It says it's for people ages 7 and up. That's me!! I'm ages 7 and up! Um, mostly the up part. Orchard House, 399 Lexington Road, Concord, MA.(978) 369-4118. more
Now We Are One: George Washington and the Birth of the Continental Army6/27 - 6/28Metro West
This one's looking more interesting, with re-enactments of a revoluntionary war encampment, a visit by George Washington, and court martial trials! Hartwell Tavern, Rt 2A, Lincoln, MA.(978) 318 - 7825. more
Pawtucket Powwow6/27 - 6/28Northern Mass
You'll see a huge array of native american festivals on this website. I'll list the biggest for you as the year goes on. Livingston Street, Tewksbury, MA.978-677-7153. more
Native American Pow-Wow and Prowse Farm Tour6/27 - 6/28Metro Boston
Here's another, just as a sample, with storytelling, live music, dance, all on a farm turned public attraction. 11am-5pm. Just $5. Prowse Farm, 5 Blue Hill River Road, Canton, MA.781-828-FARM. more
FAC Pinewoods Weekend and FolkDays6/25 - 7/2South Shore
You have to register for this one if you want to camp out and learn folk dancing. But I bet that if you don't plan to stay overnight, they'd allow you to just stop by unannounced. Pinewoods Camp, Plymouth, MA.781-662-7475. more
International Fair at Overlook Farm6/27 - 6/28Worcester
This is the most interesting event of the week that I simply cannot figure out. Basically it's a charity of some sort, involving cows most likely, and they're having a festival about... The Earth? Global outreach? With live music and hayrides. Hmm. 216 Wachusett St., Rutland, MA.508-886-2221. more
Gilsum Rock Swap & Mineral Show6/27 - 6/28New Hampshire
Here's your chance to pan a stream for minerals and see lots of rare stones get swapped. They'll have a rock climbing wall, too. Rain or shine. School, 640 Route 10, Gilsum, NH. more

Also Fun
4th of July Carnival @ Wilmington7/1 - 7/5Northern Mass
The traveling festival of Fiesta Shows continues to bring carnival rides to New England. Town Common, Church St., Wilmington, MA. more
Lexington Lions Club Carnival7/1 - 7/5Metro West
... In more than one location at once! Center Playground, Worthen Rd., Lexington, MA. more
Lynn Carnival6/24 - 6/28North Shore
Yet another festival with Fiesta Show's traveling carnival. Lynn English High School, Lynn, MA. more
Phantom Gourmet BBQ Party6/26 - 6/28Boston Metro
This food festival will probably sell out, so get your tickets in advance. 11am-11pm. Just $10. Suffolk Downs, Rt 1A North, Boston, MA. more
Taste of Cambridge6/25Boston Metro
This ones closer and more expensive. 5:30-8pm. Benefits Boston Area Rape Crisis Center & Transition House. MITAC discount. Buy tix in advance for discount. It's $50. Charles Hotel Courtyard in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA. more
Boston Chili Takedown6/28Boston Metro
Basically, you show up, they compete, you eat! 3pm. Great Scott, 1222 Commonwealth Ave, Allston, MA. more more
Taste of Allston6/28Boston Metro
Also in Allston, a festival with you can eat for $20. Or buy in advance for just $15. Sample from Allston's restaurants. The Murr Center, 65 North Harvard Street, Allston, MA. more
Zoobilee: Feast with the Beasts6/27Rhode Island
Probably the strangest food festival is where you can see live animals, and eat dead ones. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI.401-785-3510. more
Strawberry Festival @ Smolak Farms6/20 - 6/28Northern Mass
The strawberry festival from last week continues. Pick your own berries, hay rides, balloon rides (8am-11am). 315 South Bradford Street, North Andover, MA.978-682-6332. more
EurekaFest6/24 - 6/27Boston Metro
Geeks continue to geek out this week. MIT, Cambridge, MA. more
Wakefield Awaken Festival6/27North Shore
I really have no idea what this is, or what time. But it seems to involve some live music. Wakefield Common, Wakefield, MA.
St. Peter's Fiesta6/24 - 6/28North Shore
As I mentioned last week, there's a religious festival in Gloucester. Religious activities, music, food, sporting events, parade, culminating with the Blessing of the Fishing Fleet from the Boulevard (near Fishermen's Memorial Statue). Gloucester, MA. more
Environmental Agriculture Field Day6/27New Hampshire
This festival is seriously oriented towards learning modern farming practices. I don't think I will list it next year... 58 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth, NH. more
Earthdance SEEDS Festival6/14 - 6/28Western Mass
And this organic festival is for the seriously green-hearted who also love seeds. Plainfield, MA.413-634-5678. more
National Watermelon Seed Spitting Week6/25 - 6/28Sweetwilliam Farm
Personally, I'd prefer to spit my seeds. The further spitter gets a free ice cream. I'm quite sure I can take out the 7-year-old competition. 153 North St., Upton, MA. more
Asian Festival6/28Worcester
Food, music, and traditional dances from all across Asia. 28 Mulberry Street, Worcester, MA. more
Marblehead Festival of Arts7/1 - 7/5North Shore
Kites, model boat building, wood carving, sand sculpture, looks surprisingly interesting. Marblehead, MA. more
Brockton Country Fair7/1 - 7/12South Shore
Rt 24S to Exit 17A, Rt 123E (Belmont St) two miles on the right. Historic Brockton Fairgrounds, RT. 123, Brockton, MA.508-586-8000. more

Performance
Providence Improv Fest6/25 - 6/28Rhode Island
And there's comedy comedy comedy! Comedy!! In Providence. Various Locations, Providence, RI. more
Queer Qomedy Festival6/25 - 6/28Boston Metro
And, queerly, in Cambridge. This is the first gay comedy festival in Boston! Ever! 40 Prospect St, Cambridge, MA.617-576-1253. more

 

Want this weekly? subscribe. My blogs: Weird Boston Events & Wheel Questions, Wheel Answers. Send encouragement & ideas to johnny@weirdbostonevents.org.

linkpost comment

Outdoor Movies, Theater, Events... [Jun. 24th, 2009|03:18 pm]

Here is yet more from the largest list of outdoor 'stuff' happening in New England.

Outdoor Movies Wed 6/24 Thu 6/25 Fri 6/26 Sat 6/27 Sun 6/28 Mon 6/29 Tue 6/30 Wed 7/1
Boston, MAOutdoor - Movies by Moonlight
Outdoor films. Fridays. Free. Start at "dusk". 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA.617.439.7000. more
 X
Boston, MANot Your Average Date Night" Movies
Entertainment at 6pm, movies at sundown. Lawn at the Prudential Center, Boston, MA. more
 X X
Falmouth, MAMovies Under the Stars
Peg Noonan Park, Main Street, Falmouth, MA.508-487-3424. more
 X
Outdoor Performance & Events Wed 6/24 Thu 6/25 Fri 6/26 Sat 6/27 Sun 6/28 Mon 6/29 Tue 6/30 Wed 7/1
Boston, MASpecial Live Concerts @ Boston Harbor Hotel
Outdoor music: Soul on Tuesdays, Oldies on Wednesdays, Blues on Thursdays, all 6-10pm. Rowes Wharf, Boston Harbor Hotel, Boston, MA. more
 X X X X
Boston, MAGarden Concert @ Prudential Center
Prudential Center, South Garden, Boston, MA. more
 X X
Arlington, MAAstronomy Night @ Robbins Park
Robbins Farm Park, Arlington, MA. more
 X
Boston, MAMFA Concerts in the Courtyard
Concerts at 7:30pm. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA.617-369-3189. more
 X X
Boston, MAOutdoor folk dancing in Copley Square
2009: 7:30pm-10pm on Tuesdays. Copley Square, by the fountain, Boston, MA. more
 X
Boston, MAJazz in July
Outdoors. More events (not listed) are indoors. Various, Boston, MA. more
 X
Cambridge, MALongfellow Family Sundays Art in the Park
Sometimes live music, sometimes poetry reading. Participatory painting, drawing. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Most events 4-5pm but see website. 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA.617-876-4491. more
 X
Boston, MAFriends of Fort Point Channel Summer Concert Series
2009: All shows 5:30-7:30pm. Free. Friends of Fort Point Channel. Children's Wharf, Boston Children's Museum, Boston, MA.617-426-6500. more
 X
Cambridge, MAKendall Square Concert Series
Sponsored by the Kendall Square Corporation. 2009: Tuesdays through Aug 25, & Thursdays through Sep 10, 12-2pm. 300 Athenaeum Street, Cambridge, MA.617 577-7354. more
 X X
Waltham, MAOutdoor concert @ Gore Place
Gore Place, 52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA.(978) 314-6403. more
 X
Norwood, MASunday Evening Concerts on the Common, Norwood
Washington St & Nahatan St, Norwood, MA. more
 X
Acton, MATribute to the 60's Concert Series
Nara Park, Acton, MA. more
 X
Hampton Beach, NHFireworks @ Hampton Beach
Every Wednesday, plus holidays. 22 C Street, Hampton Beach, NH.603-926-8717. more
 X X
Newburyport, MATheater in the Open @ Newburyport
2009: The Velveteen Rabbit and other stories, June 6-28 @ 2pm. The Tempest, July 18 - Aug 9 @ 4pm. Our Town, September 5-27, Sat & Sun @ 2pm. Maudslay State Park, Curzon Mill Rd., Newburyport, MA. more
 X X
Lowell, MALowell Summer Music Series
Boarding House Park, Lowell, MA. more
 X
Harvard, MASundown Concerts @ Fruitland Museums
Open for picnicking at 5pm. Concerts begin at 7:30pm. 102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard, MA.978-456-3924. more
 X
Westerly, RIBlues on the Beach / Concert in Watch Hill
2009: 6-8:30pm. Westerly Town Beach or Village Green, Westerly, RI.401-596-7909. more
 X
Braintree, MASummer Concert Series at Sunset Lake
2009: Tuesdays, 6-8pm. Free. Sunset Lake’s Beachfront Gazebo Bandstand, Braintree, MA. more
 X
Hadley, MAShakespeare Under the Stars
All shows start at 7:30pm. The Hartsbrook School, lawn, Hadley, MA. more
 X X X X X X
Westfield, MASaturday Night Live Concerts on the Green
2009: All shows are 6-9pm outdoors, then inside to the Tea Pot Gallery for the finale. On the Green, Elm St at School St, Westfield, MA.413-562-6966, or 413-534-0498. more more
 X
Greenfield, MASundays in the Park Concerts
Greenfield Energy Park, Greenfield, MA.413-774-9949. more
 X X X
Various near WorcesterUniBank Community Concert Series
Various, Various near Worcester. more
 X X X
Upton, MASweet Summer Nights Music Series
7-8:30pm. more
 X
Uxbridge, MAConcerts on the Canal
2009: July 12 is Pendragon. River Bend Farm Visitor's Center, 287 Oak St., Uxbridge, MA.508-278-7604.
 X
Milford, MAFamily Night at the Bandstand
Some shows are NOT in Milford! 2009: 6:30-8:30pm. Bandstand music by the The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra. Milford Town Park, Congress & Walnut Street, Milford, MA.508-478-5924. more
 X
Portsmouth, NHPrescott Park Arts Festival
Outdoor theatre. 2009: Grease. 2009: Thu & Sun @ 7pm, Fri & Sat @ 8pm. Prescot Park, Marcy St at Mechanic St, Portsmouth, NH.603-436-2848. more
 X X X
Holden, MASummer Concert Series
2009: 6-8pm. Senior Center Lawn in front of the Bandstand, Main St., Holden, MA.Marilyn Foley, 508-829-2951. more
 X
linkpost comment

This just in: Architectural Festival & Tours, Fireworks, Balloon rides, Free Zoo Day [Jun. 18th, 2009|04:35 pm]

Here's a last-minute update! Also I hear that the campfire / overnight in NARA Park has been cancelled for lack of interest.

Do me a favor? I could use feedback about the new Wheel Questions website. I haven't heard much from visitors and I'm wondering if there's something awkward or wrong with it that needs to be cleaned up, especially the pitch on contributions. The goal is to make the thing self-funding. You can reach me at johnny at WeirdBostonEvents.org.

-Johnny


This Just In
Common Boston6/17 - 6/21Boston Metro
Architectural festival with lots of free tours, including biking and food. Various, Boston, MA. more
Fathers Day at Franklin Park Zoo, Stone Zoo6/21Boston Metro
Free for dads. 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA.617-541-5466. more
Reading Friends & Family Day & Fireworks6/20North Shore
Hot air balloon rides starting at 9am. Festival 11am-3pm, with live music, performers. Then concert 7-9pm and fireworks! Rain date next day. Birch Meadow Area, Reading, MA.781-944-0575. more more
Strawberry Festival @ Smolak Farms6/20 - 6/28Northern Mass
Pick your own berries, hay rides, balloon rides (8am-11am). 315 South Bradford Street, North Andover, MA.978-682-6332. more
Endicott Park Day6/20North Shore
11am-3pm. Tug of war, rides, pie contest, doll carriage parade, and fireman-style competitions 9am-11am. Danvers, MA.(978) 777-0001 or 978-335-3484. more
Summer Solstice w/ Libana6/20Boston Metro
Off Brattle Street. Not exactly sure what this folk music band has to do with the solstice. Is the performance indoors too? Cambridge Friends Meeting House, 5 Longfellow Park, Cambridge, MA.800-997-7757. more
Agawam Summer Gathering6/20North Shore
Native American celebration with singing & a good excuse to visit Ipswich and Crane Beach before the season gets going full tilt. Ipswich Town Hall, 25 Green Street, Ipswich, MA. more

 

Want this weekly? subscribe. My blogs: Weird Boston Events & Wheel Questions, Wheel Answers. Send encouragement & ideas to johnny@weirdbostonevents.org.

linkpost comment

Pirate, Chinatown, Beach, Music, Catholic, & Solstice Festivals, Scavenger Hunt, & Roller Derby [Jun. 17th, 2009|06:32 pm]

Welcome to everyone who found this blog from the Wheel Questions project! Please email all your ideas for outdoorsy, interactive, off-beat things happening in New England to me, johnny at weirdbostonevents.org! Want this weekly? Please subscribe.

-Johnny


The Week in Weird
New England Pirate Faire6/20 - 6/21North Shore
The weird event of the week is the New England Pirate Faire! I've been to this and it's sort of a Pirate-themed Renaissance Faire, about 5% the size of King Richard's Faire but highly reecommended. They have a dozen live actors portraying pirates and doing a play (in segments) that lasts all day. There will be vendors of appropriately themed goods, with food and music. 10-5. Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA. more
Sand Sculpting Competition (Hampton Beach)6/13 - 6/28New Hampshire
Also in the northerly direction, the sand sculpture competition award ceremony is this weekend. You can sign up to take sand sculpting lessons. Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, NH.603-926-8718. more
Life is Good Festival6/20Boston Metro
They'll have live music, an ice cream eating contest, plenty of interactive games, and a Chinese lion dance. 11am-5pm. This year they're adding a walk, too. All for a kids charity. Boston Common, Boston, MA. more
Carousel on Boston Common5/1 - 6/21Boston Metro
While you're there, this is the last week for the carousel. Daily 11-9 through June 21. Only $2. Boston Common near Frog Pond, Boston, MA. more
Chinatown Main Street Festival6/21Boston Metro
The real lion dance action, though, will be in nearby Chinatown. I've been and it's wonderful, especially the cute kids doing the martial arts. Free. 11am-5pm. Near 2 Boylston St, Boston, MA.617-350-6303. more more
Banditos Mysteriosos Scavenger Hunt6/20Boston Metro
This local group runs pranks across the city, and this time it's a scavenger hunt, where instead of stealing traffic signs they'll ask you to take photos instead. 12:30pm. TBD, See Website, Boston, MA. more
Make Music Cambridge6/21Boston Metro
In nearby Cambridge, lots of semi-homeless musicians (and some great ones, I bet) will play outdoors for your donations. They're expecting 150 performers outdoors in and around Harvard Square. 1-10pm. Harvard Square area, Cambridge, MA. more
Music and Art Day Celebration at Old Sturbridge Village6/20Worcester
In a similar concept, 50 musicians will perform old timey style, with instruments from the 1830s. And you can learn 19th century dance. OSV is great! You need to go! 9:30am-5pm. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA.508-347-3362. more
Summer Revels6/20Boston Metro
More music! This indoor / outdoor festival has Irish stepdancing, world music, and more. Outdoors, morris dancing, a traditional Maypole, and more spiritual hoo ha. Boston, MA.617-972-8300. more
Jazz / Blues Festival6/20Boston Metro
There's also a music festival in Davis Square! And Powderhouse Park (near 136 College Ave). 1-9pm. Davis Square, Somerville, MA. more more
Printing Arts Fair6/21Northern Mass
Also old-timey, learn about printing and bookbinding. (For those of you in high school, this is what people did before the Internet.) 10am-4pm. The Museum of Printing, 800 Massachusetts Avenue, North Andover, MA. more
Animals All Around –– Opening Day of Trash Menagerie6/20North Shore
This arts event is the one to pick though. Besides, you need to check out the Peabody Essex Museum anyhow! Some artists from their new exhibition will come and do demonstrations about making recycled art. Make your own giant sea turtle! And a 12-foot long snake! East India Square, Salem, MA.978-745-9500. more
Summer Solstice Sunset: River Solstice Celebration on The Old Manse grounds6/21Metro West
The summer solstice is here, and there are a few events to mark the day. My favorite would probably be the Old Manse, with live music followed by a sunset paddle. Bring a flashlight! Old Manse, 269 Monument Street, Concord, MA. more
Nara Park Family Campout & Campfire6/19Metro West
Nearby, a local park is having a campground night. You have to register in advance to camp, but I have to believe that if you simply want to show up and enjoy the campfire, you probably can. Nara Park, Acton, MA. more
Summer Solstice by Candlelight6/20Southern Mass
OK, back to some more solstice events. I really like nighttime outdoor summer events! You'll make a candle lantern and go on a guided night hike. Copicut Woods, Indian Town Road, Fall River, MA. more
Summer Solstice Celebration6/21South Shore
This one's more for people who like to sit. World's End, 250 Martin's Lane, Hingham, MA. more
Summer Solstice Sunrise6/21Metro West
And this one's for insane people who want to get up at 5am. To entice you, no details are provided about music, food, hiking, etc. Half Moon Meadow Brook, Boxborough, MA. more
German Car Day @ Larz Anderson Museum6/21Boston Metro
Yet another auto show at the Museum of Transportation. (Just go!). 15 Newton Street, Brookline, MA.(617) 522-6547. more
Night at the Museum @ Harvard Museum of Natural History6/18 - 8/20Boston Metro
Harvard's museum of animals and plants and rocks is having a half-price evening from 5-8pm, including a lecture on "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Primate Sex". Harvard Museum of Natural History, Cambridge, MA. more
Roller Derby6/20Northern Mass
And booties meet booties with everyone's favorite roller derby athletes. Ladies on wheels. 5pm. Also, an afterparty. Shriners Auditorium, Wilmington, MA. more
St. Peter's Fiesta6/24 - 6/28North Shore
They're also doing it in Gloucester, which is 90 minutes away, that's no short drive. Religious activities, music, food, sporting events, parade, culminating with the Blessing of the Fishing Fleet from the Boulevard (near Fishermen's Memorial Statue). Gloucester, MA. more
Day of Portugal Parade6/21Boston Metro
The Portuguese "festival" is a loosely connected series of events from April to June. There really is a parade June 21st though! Church, Cambridge St at Cardinal Medeiros Ave, Cambridge, MA. more

Also Fun
Hellenic Festival (Greek)6/19 - 6/21Boston Metro
But this one's much closer to home. Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 14 Magazine Street, Cambridge, MA. more
Boston Tango Festival6/17 - 6/21Boston Metro
Tango is the hardest of the dances to learn, but I called and they swear this festival is for beginners of all ages, even kids. 16 Bow St, 2FL, Somerville, MA. more
MFA Community Day (June)6/21Boston Metro
The MFA is free again. (Thanks!). Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA. more
Free day at the DeCordova6/21Metro West
Not to be left out, since it's Fathers Day, dad get free admission to the DeCordova Sculpture Museum today. But how are they going to verify that exactly? Bring a fake mustache (even you gals). DeCordova Sculpture Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln, MA.781-259-8355. more
Be Our Guest, free admission to Concord Museum6/24 - 8/19Metro West
The Concord Museum refuses to be left out of the rush. And July 23 and Aug 20. 200 Lexington Road, Concord, MA.978-369-9763. more
Annual Arts Fest Beverly6/20North Shore
OK! Here are some lesser festivals around New England, starting with this admittedly vendor-oriented street festival. Beverly, MA.978-922-8558. more
South Shore Art Center's Arts Festival6/19 - 6/21South Shore
Also another "juried" arts festival. Cohasset, MA. more
Hull-of-a-Day Celebration6/20South Shore
This one's much more real, with a parade at 11am from A Street & Nantasket Avenue to N St. 12pm Festivities with music, food, games, exhibits, activities for kids & adults, at the L Street Playground. Rain date the next day. L Street Playground, Hull, MA.(781) 925-2295. more
Taste of Cambridge6/25Boston Metro
5:30-8pm. Benefits Boston Area Rape Crisis Center & Transition House. MITAC discount. Buy tix in advance for discount. It's $50. Charles Hotel Courtyard in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA. more
Bird Park Annual Ice Cream Social6/20Metro West
More food, this time, it's ice cream!! And it's free, with music and storytelling. 4-6:30pm. Bird Park, Washington Street, Walpole, MA. more
A Wild Affair @ Stone Zoo6/20North Shore
Also expensive (fundraisers are like that!) here's a food tasting event, with live animals and music. $40 in advance, $50 at the gate. 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA.781-438-5100. more
Kink 101 Club Party6/20Boston Metro
Speaking of a 'wild affair', this one's for people with way too much gutter in the mind. Not that that's bad? Cambridge, MA. more
Lynn Carnival6/24 - 6/28North Shore
Yet another festival with Fiesta Show's traveling carnival. Lynn English High School, Lynn, MA. more
South End Garden Tour6/20Boston Metro
10am. An opportunity to see how the better half lives, and their gardens. Library, 685 Tremont Street, Boston, MA. more
Special Olympics - Summer Games6/19 - 6/21Boston Metro
I vounteered for this once, it was fun. On the campuses (campi?) of Harvard, MIT and Boston University. Various, Cambridge, MA. more
Boston Prostate Cancer Walk6/21Boston Metro
Yet another charity walk. Boston Common, Boston, MA. more
Provincetown International Film Festival6/17 - 6/21Cape Cod
Although I'm against film festival during warm weather, you'd never get me to Provincetown in January anyway, so sure, have it in June! Provincetown, MA.508-487-3456. more
Nantucket Film Festival6/18 - 6/21Cape Cod
Ditto with Nantucket, a great place to visit. (But it's Martha's Vinyard that has the big public beaches.). Nantucket. more
106 WCOD Cape Cod Chowderfest6/21Cape Cod
This is a live music event where you get to eat. I'm sold! Just $10. Cape Cod Melody Tent, 21 West Main Stree, Hyannis, MA. more
Charles River One Mile Swim6/21Boston Metro
There's some kind of race. Or thecharles.org. Arthur Fiedler Dock, Boston, MA. more
EurekaFest6/24 - 6/27Boston Metro
And the geeks at MIT will be creating giant robots to take over the planet. (Cool!!). MIT, Cambridge, MA. more
Earthdance SEEDS Festival6/14 - 6/28Western Mass
This organic festival is for the seriously green-hearted. Plainfield, MA.413-634-5678. more

Performance
Murder Mystery & Evening With the Astors @ Beechwood Mansion6/18 - 10/31Newport Area
The murder mystery events begin for the season in Newport. I really want to go someday! Every Thursday at 7pm. Reserve in advance. Also "Evenings with the Astors" events. Newport, RI.401-846-3772. more
Capitol Steps6/20Boston Metro
The singing, dancing, theatre troupe that parodies national and world news. For serious news junkies. Majestic Theatre, Cambridge, MA. more

Travel
Vermont Quilt Festival6/19 - 6/21Vermont
Finally, here are some events that may draw you to Vermont. First is New England's oldest and largest quilt event, so they say! Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, VT. more
Quechee Balloon Festival & Crafts Fair6/19 - 6/21Vermont
Book rides early for discount. Main Green, Route 4, Quechee, VT.800-295-5451. more
Ethan Allen Days6/20 - 6/21Vermont
Before the furniture store, there was a hero. Before there were mountain men, there were mountain boys. Bennington, VT. more

 

Want this weekly? subscribe. My blogs: Weird Boston Events & Wheel Questions, Wheel Answers. Send encouragement & ideas to johnny@weirdbostonevents.org.

linkpost comment

Outdoor movies, theatre, concerts, and events [Jun. 17th, 2009|06:25 pm]

There are a ton of summer events that don't just happen once. They happen weekly or monthly throughout the summer. The best way for me to track them is in spreadsheet format and you can get the whole thing at http://weirdbostonevents.org/johnnys-list.xls

Here's the largest list of outdoor movies in New England, followed by the largest list of outdoor music and theatre in New England. You're welcome! Please email me what I'm missing!

Outdoor Movies Wed 6/17 Thu 6/18 Fri 6/19 Sat 6/20 Sun 6/21 Mon 6/22 Tue 6/23 Wed 6/24
Boston, MAOutdoor - Movies by Moonlight
Outdoor films. Fridays. Free. Start at "dusk". 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA.617.439.7000. more
 X
Boston, MAWBZ Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell
At "sundown" (about 8:30pm, come early and bring a picnic dinner) at the hatch shell on the Esplanade. 617-787-7200. Esplanade, Boston, MA.617 227-0627. more
 X
Boston, MANot Your Average Date Night" Movies
Entertainment at 6pm, movies at sundown. Lawn at the Prudential Center, Boston, MA. more
 X

Outdoor Performance & Events Wed 6/17 Thu 6/18 Fri 6/19 Sat 6/20 Sun 6/21 Mon 6/22 Tue 6/23 Wed 6/24
Newburyport, MATheater in the Open @ Newburyport
2009: The Velveteen Rabbit and other stories, June 6-28 @ 2pm. The Tempest, July 18 - Aug 9 @ 4pm. Our Town, September 5-27, Sat & Sun @ 2pm. Maudslay State Park, Curzon Mill Rd., Newburyport, MA. more
 X X
Hampton Beach, NHFireworks @ Hampton Beach
Every Wednesday, plus holidays. 22 C Street, Hampton Beach, NH.603-926-8717. more
 X X
Boston, MASpecial Live Concerts @ Boston Harbor Hotel
Outdoor music: Soul on Tuesdays, Oldies on Wednesdays, Blues on Thursdays, all 6-10pm. Rowes Wharf, Boston Harbor Hotel, Boston, MA. more
 X X X
Boston, MAGarden Concert @ Prudential Center
Prudential Center, South Garden, Boston, MA. more
 X X
Upton, MASweet Summer Nights Music Series
7-8:30pm. more
 X
Boston, MAMFA Concerts in the Courtyard
Concerts at 7:30pm. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA.617-369-3189. more
 X
Boston, MAOutdoor folk dancing in Copley Square
2009: 7:30pm-10pm on Tuesdays. Copley Square, by the fountain, Boston, MA. more
 X
Hadley, MAShakespeare Under the Stars
All shows start at 7:30pm. The Hartsbrook School, lawn, Hadley, MA. more
 X
Cambridge, MALongfellow Family Sundays Art in the Park
Sometimes live music, sometimes poetry reading. Participatory painting, drawing. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Most events 4-5pm but see website. 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA.617-876-4491. more
 X
Braintree, MASummer Concert Series at Sunset Lake
2009: Tuesdays, 6-8pm. Free. Sunset Lake’s Beachfront Gazebo Bandstand, Braintree, MA. more
 X
Acton, MATribute to the 60's Concert Series
Nara Park, Acton, MA. more
 X
Westfield, MASaturday Night Live Concerts on the Green
2009: All shows are 6-9pm outdoors, then inside to the Tea Pot Gallery for the finale. On the Green, Elm St at School St, Westfield, MA.413-562-6966, or 413-534-0498. more more
 X
Cambridge, MADancing on the Charles
Outdoor dance in Cambridge. Sounds great. Buy tix in advance. American Legion, 4 Gerry's Landing, Cambridge, MA. more
 X
Cambridge, MAKendall Square Concert Series
Sponsored by the Kendall Square Corporation. 2009: Tuesdays through Aug 25, & Thursdays through Sep 10, 12-2pm. 300 Athenaeum Street, Cambridge, MA.617 577-7354. more
 X X
Milford, MAFamily Night at the Bandstand
Some shows are NOT in Milford! 2009: 6:30-8:30pm. Bandstand music by the The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra. Milford Town Park, Congress & Walnut Street, Milford, MA.508-478-5924. more
 X
Greenfield, MASundays in the Park Concerts
Greenfield Energy Park, Greenfield, MA.413-774-9949. more
 X
link1 comment|post comment

River, Renaissance, Scottish, & Ice Cream Festivals, Re-enactments, & James Joyce [Jun. 9th, 2009|09:04 pm]

I'm leading a lunch and social trip to the Cambridge River Festival on Saturday at 12pm. Email me if you'd like to come at johnny at weirdbostonevents.org, and include your cell so the group can find you. Or come visit at my big art project Sunday.

Here's your week in weird. Enjoy it! Want this weekly? Please subscribe.

-Johnny


The Week in Weird
Wheel Questions Opening Day6/14Boston Metro
This one is mine! I run a community project where people write questions on cards, I write answers on the backs, and they're all posted on an outdoor art installation. For opening day, the Harvard Square Business Association is sponsoring live music, street performing, and folk dancing by Red Herring Morris of Belmont. I'll give a very short speech, too. Come for the celebration and see what deep thoughts and life questions people are asking. One Brattle Square, Cambridge, MA.617-899-7794. more
Cambridge River Festival6/12 - 6/13Boston Metro
But the weird event of the week is the Cambridge River Festival. Dancing under the stars on Friday, then the festival Saturday with 5 different stages and a ton of artist demonstrations, vendor booths, and more. 12pm-6pm. Rain or shine. Along Memorial Drive b/w Harvard & Central Squares. Come see a preview of Wheel Questions, my community art project. Also, the hummus maker Sabra is putting together a mini-Mediterranean village complete with fountain and flowers. It's a promotional booth to give away samples, but sounds fun if you're in the area. Along the Charles River, between JFK Street and Western Avenue., Cambridge, MA.617-349-4380. more
DeCordova Museum's Art in the Park Festival6/14Metro West
The next day, everyone should get out to the DeCordova. I've been three times and it's wonderful. The museum itself always features new and different sculpture, accessible to the layman. And it's surrounded by a park that is itself inhabited by sculptures. During this festival, they'll pile on top of that 150 juried artists in tents selling their wares. 10am-5pm. 51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln, MA.781/259-8355. more
Super Secret Summer Surprise @ ICA6/12Boston Metro
This is the ICA's first outdoor party with Giant Twister and other great stuff. Just go. Everything at the ICA is fantastic. Get your tickets immediately. Institute for Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA.617-478-3100. more
MFA Summer Party & Masquerade6/13Boston Metro
But wait! The MFA is also having a summer party. This one's a masquerade, and from the 'black tie' dress code, will be classier and less wild. Which museum is more hip? You decide. Bring a mask. 8pm-12am. Get your tickets immediately. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA.617-267-9300. more
Boston Pride Week6/5 - 6/14Boston Metro
I mentioned this last week, but this week is the real high point for gay pride. June 13th is a parade, and festival on City Hall Plaza. Also block parties 6/14 and a bunch more. Various, Boston, MA. more
Boston Kite Festival6/13Boston Metro
This one is highly recommended! It's so much fun to see real professionals do choreographed 'dance' with their kites and have kite competitions. Artists will bring their own custom giant flying lobsters and box kites, and you can learn to fly a stunt kite with two strings. Free. 10am-5pm. No rain date. Pope John Paul II Park, Hallet St., Boston, MA.781.925.3277. more
Riverfest6/13 - 6/14Metro West
This 'festival' is really a loosely related series of events -- but a ton of them! -- from the Concord area, up to Billerica and Lowell. You'll find boat rides, sculpture walk, river walk, music, canoe trek, scavenger hunt, nature walks and a bunch more on their website. Various, Concord, MA.617-223-5225. more
Annual River Fest on the Old Manse grounds6/13 - 6/14Metro West
While you're there, stop by the Old Manse, a historic home, for this free mini-festival. 269 Monument Street, Concord, MA. more
Shelburne Falls Riverfest6/13Western Mass
Totally separate, I believe, is another river festival, this time in Shelburne. They'll have live music, environmental demonstrations, live birds of prey to see, and a kids parade that charitably they have invited adults to join. Shelburne Falls, MA. more
Sand Sculpting Competition (Hampton Beach)6/13 - 6/28New Hampshire
This competition is worth seeing, although the real 'meat' is towards the end. This year you can sign up to take sand sculpting lessons! They'll have fireworks at 9:30pm every Wednesday Jul-Aug, too. Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, NH.603-926-8718. more
Annual Scottish Highland Festival6/13Rhode Island
I haven't been to this one, but I've been to Scottish festivals and there's a fantastic level of energy and ethnic pride to be seen. You can expect tons of dancing, music, and odd athletics, such as a boot toss and sheep dog demonstrations. Washington County Fairgrounds, Richmond Townhouse Rd., Carolina, RI.401-596-5849. more
Town Meeting Re-Enactment & Music Show6/13 - 6/14Metro West
Re-enactors will demonstrate a town meeting (1:30, 3pm) and you get to add your opinion too. And they'll have old timey music and musket demonstrations all day. 10am-5pm. Hartwell Tavern, Rt 2A, Lincoln, MA. more more
Gaspee Days Colonial Encampment, Fireworks, Parade6/13 - 6/14Rhode Island
A colonial encampment is when re-enactors set up tents like a real military would have done in the field. That's all weekend, plus they'll have fireworks on Friday 6/12, a parade 6/13 at 10am. Sounds like a blast. Pawtuxet Park, Narragansett Parkway, Warwick, RI.401-781-1772. more
Quincy Flag Day Parade and Celebration6/14South Shore
It's my American right to be ignorant and proud of it. So I have no idea what Flag Day is, but I like parades, and I love fireworks! The parade starts at Coddington Street in Quincy and goes down Hancock Street to Merrymount Parkway. Pageant Field, Quincy, MA. more
Bunker Hill Day (Parade, Re-enactment)6/14Boston Metro
It's always the Sunday BEFORE 6/17. For info call 617-242-5652 Ethan, or Bill Casey 617-242-5628. Charlestown, MA. more
Bloomsday Boston6/14Boston Metro
This festival is a celebration of James Joyce's Ulysses. They will have a film, lecture, readings by actors, and live music. One organizer swore it was to help the mainstream understand this most complicated of authors. Another organizer said really only the literati will "get it". McMullin Art Museum, Devlin Hall, Boston College, Boston, MA. more
Corvette Day @ Larz Anderson Museum6/14Boston Metro
I have sweet spot in my heart for anything they do at the Larz Anderson Museum on the lawn. Go see some cars before General Motors becomes passe. 15 Newton Street, Brookline, MA.(617) 522-6547. more
Scooper Bowl (world's largest ice cream festival)6/9 - 6/11Boston Metro
Also the Scooper Bowl continues! As I mentioned last week, you pay one small donation for charity, and it's all-you-can-eat ice cream from the best vendors. 12-8pm daily. Boston City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA. more
Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival6/6 - 6/14Worcester
As I mentioned last week there's more than one renaissance festival in Massachusetts. Here's an alternative one just past Worcester. 120 Northside Rd, Charlton, MA. more
Not Your Average Date Night" Movies6/11Boston Metro
Summer outdoor movies are taking off slowly. This week there are just two, with one at the Pru. Soon more will come! Entertainment at 6pm, movies at sundown. Lawn at the Prudential Center, Boston, MA. more
Outdoor Movie Night at NARA Park, Acton6/12Metro West
The other is in Acton. NARA Park, Acton, MA.(978) 264-9608. more
Wizard of Oz Celebration6/15Boston Metro
The best indoor movie event is combined with a lecture illustrating the (supposed!) political and historic meaning behind the Wiz that Was. Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA.617-734-2500. more

Also Fun
New England Celebrates Israel5/31 - 6/18Boston Metro
Celebrating Israel continues, and I have to point out how awesome it is that they are combining Pride Week with Shabbat observance and a pre-pride-march bagel breakfast. Oy! Boston, MA.617-457-8500. more
Boom Town Festival6/1 - 6/11Boston Metro
This free festival is eclectic, with walking art tours, dance and music. Cambridge, MA. more
Burlington Discover Jazz Festival6/5 - 6/14Vermont
Do you like jazz? Do you like Vermont? Here ya go. Burlington, VT. more
Block Island Annual Music Festival6/9 - 6/14Rhode Island
This one I listed last week but it should have been this week. It's free and includes free barbecue. Sounds like a great excuse to check out the island. Captain Nick's, Ocean Avenue, Block Island, RI. more
Day of Portugal Festival Weekend6/11 - 6/14Southern Mass
Boston isn't the only place with a "North End". Visit New Bedford and learn about the history of the Portuguese, including a re-enactor who plays a military man from 1760 who became important in the American War of Independence. Make sure to buy some Portuguese Sweet Bread! No really!! Eat up! New Bedford, MA.508-997-7928 or 508-990-3703. more
Boston GuitarFest6/10 - 6/14Boston Metro
Workshops and guitar competitions. I really shouldn't list this one, since it's indoors and seems to be for real guitarists, not onlookers. Take a look at the video on their home page. They have 3 guitarists playing together and then you realize... It's just this one guy! He must have extra fingers hidden somewhere. New England Conservatory, 290 Huntington Ave.,, Boston, MA. more
New England Fiddle Contest6/13Connecticut
This one looks a little more layman-friendly. And it's outdoors, so it's a real festival. Manchester, CT.(860) 236-4445. more
World’s End Rocks!6/13South Shore
It's free. You get to hunt for ancient volcanic rock. What more do you need? World's End, 250 Martin's Lane, Hingham, MA. more
Sommerfest6/13 - 6/14Metro West
The summer version of the German Oktoberfest. Ethnic food and polka music. Walpole, MA. more
Hadley 350th Celebration Parade6/13 - 6/14Western Mass
I'm told this is one of their two big weekends during the tri-sesqui-whatever-centennial, with a parade. A Hadley-sized parade, but no doubt fun. Hadley, MA. more
Bike to the Sea Day6/14Boston Metro
Meet in Malden, and bike to Nahant Beach. They have a shorter ride for kids, just 10 miles. Adults go 18 miles. Dockside Restaurant, 229 Centre St., Malden, MA. more
Fathers’ Day Cookout and Concert in the Park6/14Metro West
Don't panic! Father's Day is actually June 21. But that's not stopping the forest rangers at Bird Park! Live music, barbecue. Bird Park, Washington Street, Walpole, MA. more
Earthdance SEEDS Festival6/14 - 6/28Western Mass
This organic festival is for the seriously green-hearted. Plainfield, MA.413-634-5678. more
Summer Solstice Celebration6/16Boston Metro
This special night of twilight tours and "trolley rides" honors the solstice, a few days early. Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave, Boston, MA.617-524-0128. more

Performance
Sexual Perversity in Chicago/The Duck Variations6/11 - 6/18Boston Metro
Everybody loves David Mamet, because his name rhymes with dammit. Zero Arrow Theatre, Cambridge, MA. more
Pirates! (Or, Gilbert and Sullivan Plunder'd)5/28 - 6/14Boston Metro
This looks so interesting! It's a reworking of Gilbert & Sullivan with the same music but a new, improved storyline. BU Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA. more
JP UnPlugged Annual Lawn Concert6/13Boston Metro
There's a totally free lawn concert in JP. Sweet. Bring a blanket. Watch out for the goose poop. Loring-Greenough house, 12 South Street, Jamaica Plain MA.617-524-3158. more
JAMN 94.5 FM Summer Jam6/14Southern Mass
The big annual event for radio 94.5 FM is this week. Comcast Center, Mansfield, MA. more

 

Want this weekly? subscribe. My blogs: Weird Boston Events & Wheel Questions, Wheel Answers. Send encouragement & ideas to johnny@weirdbostonevents.org.

linkpost comment

Outdoor Concerts and Events: June 10-17 [Jun. 9th, 2009|08:14 pm]

You already know that Johnny's List of Weird Boston Events has the largest New England list of haunted houses, holiday lights, easter egg hunts, and outdoor movies. Now it also has the largest list of outdoor concerts. I'll be listing about 75 venues. Here are a few in the early season to start off with. Can't read it? Dump me as an LJ friend and subscribe at WeirdBostonEvents.org

Outdoor Performance & Events Wed 6/10 Thu 6/11 Fri 6/12 Sat 6/13 Sun 6/14 Mon 6/15 Tue 6/16 Wed 6/17
Newburyport, MATheater in the Open @ Newburyport
2009: The Velveteen Rabbit and other stories, June 6-28 @ 2pm. The Tempest, July 18 - Aug 9 @ 4pm. Our Town, September 5-27, Sat & Sun @ 2pm. Maudslay State Park, Curzon Mill Rd., Newburyport, MA. more
XX
Boston, MAGarden Concert @ Prudential Center
Prudential Center, South Garden, Boston, MA. more
XX
Upton, MASweet Summer Nights Music Series
7-8:30pm. more
X
Boston, MAOutdoor folk dancing in Copley Square
2009: 7:30pm-10pm on Tuesdays. Copley Square, by the fountain, Boston, MA. more
X
Providence, RIWaterfire
An outdoor event where they place baskets of burning wood in the Providence River, lighting up the riverwalk and with vendors, music, and more. Providence Place, Providence, RI.401 751-1221. more
X
Acton, MATribute to the 60's Concert Series
Nara Park, Acton, MA. more
XX
linkpost comment

Festivals of Ice Cream, Dragon Boat, Ren Faire, Kites, Gay Pride, & British Cars [Jun. 3rd, 2009|11:39 pm]

I'm too busy to add on little extras this week, like local zoos and hiking trails, but you can always get that stuff on my huge Excel spreadsheet, which I am updating now for summertime outdoor concerts, theatre, and movies. If anyone with a car would like to drive out, with company, to the Ren Faire this weekend, zing me a note through the website! :)

Here's your week in weird. Enjoy it! Want this weekly? Please subscribe.

-Johnny


The Week in Weird
Scooper Bowl (world's largest ice cream festival)6/9 - 6/11Boston Metro
The event of the week is the Scooper Bowl! Listen up! First, you pay money. It all goes to charity. Then, you get to eat unlimited ice cream, until you pass out! "But Ma, I'm eating ice cream for charity!" Group discounts available. 12-8pm daily. Boston City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA. more
Boston Dragon Boat Festival6/6 - 6/7Boston Metro
Also the event of the week (they don't overlap) are these Dragony Canoe Races. But wait! That's not all. The festival along the Charles River also comes with a lion dance, martial arts demonstrations, Japanese drumming, live music, and Chinese yo-yo. So it's a real festival, not simply a boat race. Take that, Head of the Charles! 9am-5pm. Dance and music performances all day. Charles River, Cambridge, MA.617-426-6500 x78. more
Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival6/6 - 6/14Worcester
Can't wait for King Richard's Faire? Get your fix in Charlton, which is out in West past Worcester. They say "all manners of revelry await you". All manners? Now that I have to see. 120 Northside Rd, Charlton, MA. more
Boston Pride Week6/5 - 6/14Boston Metro
This is the largest gay pride event in New England. June 13th is a parade, and festival on City Hall Plaza. Also block parties 6/14 and a bunch more. Boston, MA. more
Annual KONE Regional Kite Competition6/6North Shore
Don't be fooled. This isn't just a bunch of guys and kites. OK, it is. But some of the kites are amazing! Like flying lobsters and seriously huge Chinese box kites. And they'll have competitions. It turns out that flying a cheap kite from the toy store is not that easy. Come and have one of the pros show you how it's done. 9:30am-4:30pm. Nahant and Lynn Beach (Long Beach Reservation), Lynn, MA. more
British Car Day @ Larz Anderson Museum6/7Boston Metro
The Larz Anderson Museum of Transportation continues to have lawn festivals. It's wonderful. 15 Newton Street, Brookline, MA.(617) 522-6547. more
Country Life Festival @ Enfield Shaker Museum6/6New Hampshire
Or go way into the past with the Shakers, who are a kind of Quaker, except they Shake rather than Quake. (It's complicated, but you get used to it.). 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH.(603) 632-4346. more
29th Annual Festival of Historic Houses6/6Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island has its own spot in history, and you can tour a number of old homes this week. Various locations, Providence, RI. more
Fort Adams Family Day6/6Rhode Island
And while you're in Rhode Island, stop by Fort Adams. They'll have fire trucks, kids music and games, a live reptile display, and a 12-foot robot meant to educate children as a prelude to global takeover. Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI. more
Dorchester Day Parade6/7Boston Metro
Details haven't been printed on Dot Parade, but it usually starts in Lower Mills and goes down Dorchester Avenue to Columbia Road, with a cookout after. Dorchester, MA.617-822-8296. more
World Oceans Day Festival6/7Boston Metro
This festival is basically live music and kids games on the plaza in front of the New England Aquarium. But a few vendors and eco-groups will have booths. 11am-4pm. New England Aquarium, Boston, MA. more
Summer Fest @ Elm Bank6/7Metro West
Personally I would bet on this one instead, in Wellesley. They claim to have an entire science fair, an art gallery, moon bounces, and lots of participatory stuff like dancing and movie making. 141 Linden Street, Wellesley, MA. more
Taunton River Festival6/6Southern Mass
This one's the best funded and has a sweet website. But a vague one. Come for live music, crafts, basically kids stuff. 10am-5pm. Weir Riverfront Park, Taunton, MA.508-821-9347. more
Not Your Average Date Night" Movies6/4Boston Metro
The summer season for outdoor movies is officially starting, with Ferris Bueller's Day Off, on the lawn at the Prudential Center. Lawn at the Prudential Center, Boston, MA. more

Also Fun
See New England Festival6/6Boston Metro
Warning! Commercial event posing as festival! However, it's all about great escapes in New England, so you might just learn something about fun or get a coupon for a great deal. It's free. They'll have live music. 10am-5pm. Boston City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA. more
New England Celebrates Israel5/31 - 6/18Boston Metro
And now for a series of small festivals. All over the citywide area, celebrate Israel. Boston, MA.617-457-8500. more
Coolidge Corner Arts Festival & Brookline Food Festival6/6Boston Metro
Also commercial, this "art festival" used to be a bunch of vendor booths on the sidewalk. But now they have moved it onto a school grounds and situated it next to a food festival. Sounding pretty good! Devotion School, 345 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA.617.739.9066.. more
Schweppes Great Chowder Cook-off6/6Rhode Island
Or check out this chowder festival. Basically, you show up, you eat chowder. It's like the Scooper Bowl, but no charity. Over 3000 gallons of chowder from 30 great chefs. 11am-6pm. Newport, RI. more
Newport International Film Festival6/3 - 6/7Rhode Island
Also in Newport, a film festival. Newport, RI. more
Boom Town Festival6/1 - 6/11Boston Metro
This free festival is eclectic, with walking art tours, dance and music. Cambridge, MA. more
JP First Thursday6/4Boston Metro
This is basically a gallery walk 6-8pm. And poetry reading. Every first Thursday of the month. Centre & South Streets, Jamaica Plain, MA. more
Concord Gardens Tour6/5 - 6/6Metro West
Your chance to visit private gardens without sneaking in. Various locations, Concord, MA. more
Concord Library Book Sale6/6Metro West
Enormous sale on the library lawn. I don't normally include library sales, but they'll have live music, poetry, kids stuff, thousands of books, carefully sorted and categorized. Rain date 6/13. Main Library, Concord, MA. more
Arlington Greek Festival6/5 - 6/7Boston Metro
They claim to draw "thousands of people". Could be! Cooking lessons, a market place, and Greek dancing, hopefully participatory. Church, 4 Appleton Street, Arlington, MA. more
Salem Arts Festival6/5 - 6/7North Shore
The Salem Arts Festival has a wide variety of dance, music, and art performance. Various locations, Salem, MA. more
Burlington Discover Jazz Festival6/5 - 6/14Vermont
I really have no interest in jazz. There doesn't appear to be a central outdoor festival grounds. Instead, several local venues open their doors (as they do all year?) to the ticket-buying public. Burlington, VT. more
Southbridge Fest6/6Worcester
Parade down Main Street, live music, vendor booths. 10am-5pm. Town Common, Southbridge, MA.508-347-2761. more
Dedham Square Music Fest6/6Boston Metro
OOo. Beatles tribute band, and Dr. Seuss musical. Dedham Community House Field, 671 High Street, Dedham, MA. more
Block Island Annual Music Festival6/9 - 6/14Rhode Island
I was originally skeptical of this 'festival', because it essentially is a one-venue event at a bar. However, it's free and includes free barbecue. Sounds like a great excuse to check out the island. Captain Nick's, Ocean Avenue, Block Island, RI. more
AIDS Walk Boston6/7Boston Metro
I'll tell you a secret. They'll take your money even if you don't walk... Boston, MA. more

Performance
Pirates! (Or, Gilbert and Sullivan Plunder'd)5/28 - 6/14Boston Metro
This looks so interesting! It's a reworking of Gilbert & Sullivan with the same music but a new, improved storyline. BU Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA. more
A Celtic Sojourn - The Boston Sessions Series6/5Boston Metro
My favorite folk group, Atwater-Donnelly (what an unfortunately boring name), is performing live at WGBH with invited guests 7-8:30 pm, for later broadcast. They hardly ever come into metro Boston so this would be a fairly unique opportunity for you to see them without traveling far. WGBH-FM, One Guest St., Boston, MA. more

 

Want this weekly? subscribe. My blogs: Weird Boston Events & Wheel Questions, Wheel Answers. Send encouragement & ideas to johnny@weirdbostonevents.org.

linkpost comment

Bike Tours, Open Studios, Gerbil Show, Kite Fest, Quilts, Birds, Fergie, & Zombies [May. 27th, 2009|12:07 pm]

I'm leading a trip to the Cambridge Open Studios on Saturday. Email if you'd like to come along (and include your cell number so the group can find you), johnny at weirdbostonevents.org.

Have you got a friend complaining about the rain? You know what they have in California? The worst drought in recorded history. So smile and enjoy. We have the best weather here in New England! proof

Here's your week in weird. Enjoy it! Want this weekly? Please subscribe.

-Johnny


The Week in Weird
Bike Tour of Historic Somerville5/31Boston Metro
The event of the week is a bike tour! Bring your own bike and see the historic and green-friendly aspects of Somerville. 2pm. Rain date: June 1. Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue., Somerville, MA.617-628-8895. more more
Bicycle Parade5/31Boston Metro
Preceding the bike tour (from 12:30pm), there's a bicycle parade down Beacon Street which will be totally closed off to cars. It's only 5 miles. Amory Park, on Amory Street between Beacon Street and Freeman Street., Brookline, MA. more
Cambridge Open Studios - East5/30 - 5/31Boston Metro
Cambridge is large enough that they need more than one open studios. This one's for East Cambridge. And they have a bike tour, too! Various (get a map online), Cambridge, MA. more
American Gerbil Society Show5/29 - 5/30Metro West
I really want to go see this one!! Pet gerbils compete in races and mayhem ensues. Middlesex Community College, Bedford, MA.781-275-6700. more
Family Day @ MIMA5/30Metro West
Where else can you get an oxcart ride? This free event involves over 100 historical re-enactors of both loyalist and rebel soldiers circa 1775. Military drill, musket firing, cooking, and more, ending with General Washington's review of the troops. Hartwell Tavern, Lincoln, MA. more more
Lexington High School Hip Hop Jam5/29Metro West
Also in Lexington, breakdancing! But will George Washington come to inspect? Will they have ox carts? I think not! 3-7pm. Lexington High School, The Quad, 251 Waltham St, Lexington, MA.
Revere Beach Kite Festival5/30Boston Metro
10am-4pm. They'll have kite making for kids and a moon bounce. I've been to many events like this and it's always fun to see professionals and learn about kite flying, which is not as easy as it looks. Revere Beach, Revere, MA. more more
WBOS Earthfest5/30Boston Metro
WBOS holds a free concert outdoors on the Esplanade in Boston. 12-5pm. Free. They have one stage for mainstream rock bands, one stage for kids music, and lots of exhibitors. A rain or shine event. Hatch Shell, Esplanade, Boston, MA. more
Birds & Bards Kick off Celebration in Forsyth Chape5/28 - 5/31Boston Metro
Like any cemetery, Forest Hills can be a somber place. But they hold events there anyway, all of which are brilliant! This "kickoff" day is a small music and art festival about birds that return in the Spring. In Forsyth Chapel. Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston, MA. more
Birds & Bards Celebration5/28 - 5/31Boston Metro
Combining birds and music, this festival spans across Arnold Arboretum, Forest Hills Cemetery, and other parks. Movies, bird watches, hawk demonstrations, and live music. Various, Boston, MA. more
Quilters' Connection Annual Quilt Show5/29 - 5/31Boston Metro
Fri 10-6, Sat 10-6, Sun 10-3. OMG! OMG! It's the largest quilting event in New England! I've actually been to this and it was surprisingly good. The quilts are genuine works of art, and over 200 are on display. Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA. more

Also Fun
Friend of the Plymouth Pound Fair5/28 - 5/31South Shore
I'm going to just keep throwing up Fiesta Shows carnival sites all summer. Speaking of throwing up, best to take some dramamine before going. Armstrong Skating Arena, Long Pond Road, Plymouth, MA. more more
Lowell Spring Carnival5/20 - 5/31Northern Mass
Apparently they can be in two places at once! Check website for coupon. Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell, MA. more more
Hadley 350th Fort River Festival5/30Western Mass
Hadley is having their 350th anniversary, and they're locating it in Amherst. Huh. Groff Park, Amherst, MA. more
Asparagus Festival at Verrill Farm5/30Metro West
And naturally we should jump over to Verrill farm to celebrating asparagus. Or just a nice sunny day on this public admission farm. 11 Wheeler Road, Concord, MA. more
Greek Festival Woburn5/29 - 5/31Boston Metro
Are you Greek? Would you like to be? Want to ask what's under all those fig leaves on statues? Attend this small timey but solid festival and find out. (Their website only works in IE.). Church, 70 Montvale Ave, Woburn, MA. more
Sarah Ferguson, Dutchess of York6/3Northern Mass
When you marry into royalty, and get divorced, do you still matter? Especially when the royalty involved is merely a prince and in a foreign country and doesn't have any real power anyway? Hell yes! Getting famous for nothing is the American Dream. So let's welcome Fergie. Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Lowell, MA. more
Zombiest from the Beyond5/15 - 5/30Boston Metro
And... They're doing a play satirizing 1950s pulp movies, about zombies, the red scare, and the space race. Abbott Memorial Theater, 9 Spring Street at Joel's Way, Waltham, MA. more

Recurring Events
US Air Guitar Championships - Boston5/27Boston Metro
As I mentioned last week, guitar music sans guitar, as the French would say, Le Guitare D'Aire. Harper's Ferry, Boston, MA. more
Animal Intelligence lecture at Museum of Science5/27Boston Metro
How smart are animals? Have you seen Planet of the Apes? Pretty scary, dude! Here's someone who's managed to spin that into a career doing research playing Dr. Dolittle. Museum o' Science, Boston, MA. more
Adventure Gorge Zip LineJun 1 - Oct 1New Hampshire
This week's a little thin on actual one-shot events, so here are a few regular recurring things to pad the week out. This one's brand new. It's a 30 mile tour of the White Mountains by sliding down thick cables. How crazy is that!! I really want to check this out. 151 Tenney Moutnain Rd., Plymouth, NH.888-289-1020. more
Six Flags New EnglandApr 15 - Nov 30Western Mass
Did you know that Six Flags is already open? Well, their water park isn't, but beat the crowds and go early. You can return for the water later in the year! Rt 90W to 291S to 91S to exit 3. First exit, Rt 57W then Rt 159S. Bring swimsuit. Get "lo-q" for less waiting. Discount tix at Shaw's, Star Mkt, AAA, MITAC. Parking is $15, but free when you buy tix at AAA. Season passes available. Peter Pan buses have daily service there. Features "Hurricane Harbor" water park. 1623 Main Street, Agawam, MA.413 786-9300. more
Canobie Lake ParkApr 15 - Oct 31New Hampshire
Also Canobie Lake Park is open. I prefer it because it's far less commercial. Parking, for example, is free. Rt 93 exit 2. MITAC discount. Enter after 5pm for a reduced admission. Reduced admission 4/22-5/21. Fireworks every Saturday in July-August. 85 N Policy St, Salem, NH.603 893-3506. more
Charles River Canoe & KayakApr 1 - Nov 15Metro West
I've been to this one and it's fantastic. Did you know if you rent a canoe and paddle upstream the Charles River actually has wildlife? Rt 90E to ex 15 to Rt 30E. Go thru two lights. Brown boathouse is immediately after crossing the river on the left. Lessons. Or www.sacobound.com in NH. 2401 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA.617 965-5110. more
Spot Pond BoatingApr 1 - Nov 30Boston Metro
Or get a boat here. You can rent boats at many state parks too, see http://www.mass.gov/dcr/forparks.htm. Fellsway West at South Border Road, Stoneham, MA.781 322-2851. more
Community BoatingApr 1 - Nov 30Metro West
More boats. Community Boating, 617-523-1038. Night sailing every full moon. Or state parks. Or MIT boathouse. 21 David Mugar Way, Boston, MA.617-523-1038. more
Lost River Gorge & Boulder CavesMay 1 - Oct 31New Hampshire
Here's an off-beat place to go hiking. Exit 32 off Rt 93 to Rt 112W. Similar to the Flume Gorge, a river with rocks. However, one tricks: there aren't ANY caves in New England. I know because I researched it. However, a few boulders have toppled together creating little spaces underneath. That's the 'caves' you'll see. Still pretty cool. Rt 112W, North Woodstock, NH.603-745-8031. more
Purgatory ChasmMar 1 - Nov 30Worcester
Interesting rocks to clamber over also exist at Purgatory Chasm, near Rhode Island. Purgatory Rd, Sutton, MA.508 234-3733. more
Dinosaur Footprints @ Turners FallsApr 1 - Nov 30Western Mass
Or drive out West to see the dinosaur footprints. They are right out in the open as part of a public park. Rt 90W to Rt 91N to exit 17a, Rt 141E. Left onto Rt 5N. 2.2mi on rt. Also see nearby Wistariahurst Museum. Rt 5, Holyoke, MA.413-684-0148. more
Amherst College Museum of Natural HistoryJan 1 - Dec 31Western Mass
This free museum has the world's largest collection of dinosaur footprints. I've been and it's really worth seeing. Rt 9 & Rt 116, Amherst, MA.413-542-2165. more
Dinosaur CrossingJan 1 - Dec 31Connecticut
95S to exit 82. Turn right onto Rt 85, for 6 mi. A bunch o' fake dinosaurs and a playground with walking trails. Mildly interesting but it's so close to Rt 95 it's easy to visit. Mostly a kids thing. I've been to this one too. 1650 Route 85, Oakdale, CT.860-443-4367. more
America's StonehengeJan 1 - Dec 31New Hampshire
Cool stone circle of dubious authenticity. And alpacas. And snowshoe rentals in the winter. 105 Haverhill Road, Salem, NH.603-893-8300. more
Broadmoor Wildlife SanctuaryJan 1 - Dec 31Metro West
And here are a few parks. Trails, birdwatch. See regular events for birdwatch intro. 280 Eliot St, Natick, MA.508-655-2296. more
Cochituate State ParkApr 1 - Oct 31Metro West
Canoe, kayak, freshwater swim, windsurf, & lessons. Cross-country ski. Rt 30, Natick, MA.508 653-9641. more
Elm Bank ReservationJan 1 - Dec 31Metro West
182 acre park, deer, fishing, kayaking, hiking, bird watching, museum. Wellesley, MA. more
Great Brook State ParkApr 1 - Oct 31Metro West
picnic, ice cream stand, kiddie zoo, hike. Cross-country ski. 984 Lowell Rd, Carlisle, MA.978 369-6312. more
Walden PondApr 1 - Oct 31Metro West
Walden Pond is great for a nice freshwater swim. And we can pretend to be back-to-naturey, as Thoreau pretended. Trails. Cross-country ski. 915 Walden Street, Concord, MA.978 369-3254. more

 

Want this weekly? subscribe. My blogs: Weird Boston Events & Wheel Questions, Wheel Answers. Send encouragement & ideas to johnny@weirdbostonevents.org.

link3 comments|post comment

Going to African & Street Performer Festivals in Boston this Sunday [May. 20th, 2009|07:41 pm]

Hi everyone,

I forgot to include this. Seven people came to last weekend's Lincoln re-enactment, and I've gotten a lot of feedback that social events are of interest.

This Sunday I'd like to check out the Street Performers Festival at Faneuil Hall. And also the African Liberation Day festival on Boston Common. We'll meet at 12pm Sunday. Email johnny@weirdbostonevents.org if you'd like to come, and include your phone number so the group can find you.

Those invited are the intelligent, classy weird-event-loving people who subscribe to the blog. :)

-Johnny

linkpost comment

Anime Boston, Memorial Day Parades, MFA Free Day, Drive-in Movies, Outdoor Festivals [May. 20th, 2009|02:28 pm]

Here's your week in weird. Enjoy it! Want this weekly? Please subscribe.

-Johnny


The Week in Weird
Anime Boston5/22 - 5/24Boston Metro
Besides Memorial Day parades, it's not a big week for activities, but here are a few! Anime Boston is the big annual festival for people who love Japanese cartoon movies, and they'll have a costume contest, game shows, dancing, and a music video contest. Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA. more
J. Michael Straczynski lecture5/22Boston Metro
Also geeky is a lecture by "JMS", the author behind Sci-Fi series Babylon 5, and "Changeling", the Clint Eastwood film. Get your tickets immediately because this will sell out. MIT, Room 10-250, Cambridge, MA. more
Faneuil Hall Street Performers Festival5/23 - 5/25Boston Metro
More outdoorsy is this annual event at Faneuil Hall, where you can see street performers. I've seen both the Aerial Angels and the USA Breakdancers before -- they're really good! 11am-10pm. Faneuil Hall, Boston, MA. more
African Liberation Day5/23Boston Metro
Nearby on Boston Common is an african festival. It's a little unclear what this is, but it involves drumming and 'spoken word', which is like a poetry slam, I think. 11am-5pm. Boston Common, Boston, MA. more
Discovery Day in Lexington5/23Metro West
There's a small town festival in Lexington. I love these small events because often you'll find something special. (I'm not sure what's so special about a municipal parking lot with 70 vendor booths and high school music, though. ) 10am-3pm. Rain date 7 days later. Muzzey Street at Waltham Street, Lexington, MA. more
Newburyport Spring Fest5/24 - 5/25North Shore
This one will have a teddy bear parade but is even less well detailed. I called and basically: vendors & music! 10am-5pm. Downtown Newburyport, Newburyport, MA. more
Spring Planting Moon Pow-Wow & Crafts Festival5/23 - 5/24South Shore
This one's the clear pick of the lot. Come see native american dancing, demonstrations, and crafts. Marshfield Fairgrounds, 140 Main St., Marshfield, MA. more
Strange Creek Campout Festival5/22 - 5/25Western Mass
Camp out an entire weekend for this music festival! And they'll have a bonfire! Camp Kee-Wanee, Greenfield, MA. more
Preview of Falcon Ridge Folk Festival5/23Boston Metro
Or check out this preview of "Best Of" music from the upcoming Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in upstate New York. Church, 50 Paul Revere Road, Arlington Heights, MA. more
US Air Guitar Championships - Boston5/27Boston Metro
If you prefer your music fake, there's a nationwide championships and it's coming to Boston as part of a tour. Harper's Ferry, Boston, MA. more
Animal Intelligence lecture at Museum of Science5/27Boston Metro
Did you hear in the news about the intelligent parrot who died recently? Well, its owner and researcher comes to the Museum o' Science to discuss. Museum o' Science, Boston, MA. more

Memorial Day
Sudbury Memorial Day Parade5/25Metro West
It's not hard to find Memorial Day events. I suggest traveling to some small town and catching the enthusiasm of the event organizers. This one's notable because it will have re-enactors and native americans. Sudbury, MA. more
Concord Memorial Day Parade5/25Metro West
Concord will have some re-enactment action as well as part of their parade. Concord, MA. more
Dunstable Memorial Day Parade5/24Northern Mass
There are really too many to list but here's another, focusing on WWII. Dunstable, MA.978-649-6425. more
Somerville Memorial Day Parade5/24Boston Metro
And one in my town, Somerville. 8am procession down Highland Avenue. And parade begins at 1 p.m. from Somerville High School, ending with afternoon ceremonies at Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Broadway. Somerville, MA.
MFA is free on memorial day5/25Boston Metro
The MFA is free on Memorial Day. Museum o' Fine Arts, Boston, MA. more

Also Fun
Gardner Museum's 3rd Thursdays5/21 - 6/18Boston Metro
Some Thursday nights the Gardner is open late. They have a scavenger hunt, food, participatory arts & gardening, music, tours, and lectures. Museum o' Gardner, 280 The Fenway, Boston, MA.(617)566-1401. more
Mass MOCA 10th Anniversary Ball5/23Western Mass
And way out in Western Masscahusetts, the Museum of Contemporary Art is turning 10 and celebrating with a ball instead of a festival. Museum o' Contemporary Art, 87 Marshall St, North Adams, MA.413-662-2111. more
Attleboro Spring Carnival5/20 - 5/25Southern Mass
Fiesta Shows continues shlepping their carnival around. Check website for coupon. Attleboro, MA. more
Lowell Spring Fair5/20 - 5/31Northern Mass
Apparently they can be in two places at once! Check website for coupon. Lowell, MA. more
Annual Beacon Hill Hidden Gardens Tour5/21Boston Metro
Beacon Hill is the home of a lot of rich people, and some of them have private gardens. Heres' your chance to meet and mingle. Dress up. 9am-5pm, $25. Beacon Hill Garden Club, Charles & Mt. Vernon Streets, Boston, MA.617-227-4392. more
Small Fry Festival5/23Cape Cod
Or dress down and learn to fish with the locals. 1-3pm. Lyman Reserve, Red Brook Road, Bourne, MA. more
Massachusetts Sheep and Wool Show5/23 - 5/24Western Mass
This is the oldest sheep festival in New England, they say. They will have sheep. And bunny wabbits! Cummington Fairgrounds, Cummington, MA. more
Gaspee Days Arts & Crafts Festival5/23 - 5/25Rhode Island
They claim that 50,000 people will come to this crafts show, with live music and pony rides, with 150+ exhibitors. Pawtucket Village, Wartick, RI. more
Lincoln's John Hay/John Hay's Lincoln - Lecture5/22New Hampshire
This one's a lecturer by a historian who has written about John Hay and Abraham Lincoln. 1:00 pm. Free, but pre-register. The Fells, Newbury, NH. more

Recurring Events
Fireworks every Wednesday @ Hampton Beach5/24 - 9/12New Hampshire
It bears noting that Hampton Beach begins its regular fireworks this week. Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, NH.603-926-8718. more
Carousel on Boston Common5/1 - 6/21Boston Metro
And the carousel on Boston Common remains open daily 11-9 through June 21. Only $2. Boston Common near Frog Pond, Boston, MA. more
Charles River Canoe & KayakApr 1 - Nov 15Metro West
Here are some extras: things that happen regularly throughout the summer or all year. Here's a place to rent a canoe or kayak. Rt 90E to ex 15 to Rt 30E. Go thru two lights. Brown boathouse is immediately after crossing the river on the left. Lessons. Or www.sacobound.com in NH. 2401 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA.617 965-5110. more
Stone ZooJan 1 - Dec 31North Shore
The Stone Zoo is the smaller brother to the Frnaklin Park Zoo and worth a tri. 617-541-LION. AAA discount. Free day after Thanksgiving. 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA.781-438-5100. more
Participatory International Folk DanceJan 1 - Dec 31Boston Metro
Finally, here's a sampling from local dance groups. No experience necessary. Fridays 8pm-11pm, Sept thru June. Includes lessons. Park Ave & Paul Revere Rd, Arlington, MA.781-662-7475. more
Participatory "Dance FreedomJan 1 - Dec 31Boston Metro
Every Wednesday 7:30-10:30. Encourages, um, carefree dancing. Church @ Mason & Garden Streets, Cambridge, MA.508-405-0908. more
Drive-In Theater - MendonMay 1 - Sep 30Worcester
Drive-in movie theatres are a great summer nighttime event when you're looking for something to do! This one's my favorite. It's the closest to Boston and has a 1950s style diner. The trick is that you show up early and think of it like a night in the park. Bring a frisbee or just go for a walk while waiting for the film. Rt 90W to 495S to exit 20, Rt 85 S to Rt 16 W to Mendon, MA. 56 minutes from Boston. See http://www.driveinmovie.com/MA.htm. 35 Milford Street, Mendon, MA.508 473-4958. more
Drive-In Theater - Cape CodMay 1 - Oct 31Cape Cod
This one has an antiques show during the late summer. On Rt 6, on the Eastham / Wellfleet line. Wellfleet, MA.508-349-7176. more
Drive-In Theater - Lunenburg (Rt 2)Apr 1 - Sep 30Northern Mass
This one is 66 minutes from Boston. Mendon is closer. See http://www.driveinmovie.com/MA.htm. 3 Youngs Road, Lunenburg, MA.978-345-5062. more

 

Want this weekly? subscribe. My blogs: Weird Boston Events & Wheel Questions, Wheel Answers. Send encouragement & ideas to johnny@weirdbostonevents.org.

linkpost comment

Lincoln Re-enactment, Vikings, Airplanes, Rodeo, & Open Studios (Newton, Boston) [May. 13th, 2009|08:08 pm]

I'm starting a new concept where I'll announce what I want to do and see who'd like to tag along. This weekend I'm organizing a trip Sunday to see Abe Lincoln near Worcester. See the description below and zip me an email to johnny@weirdbostonevents.org if you'd either like to come (include your phone #) or can't come but think this is a good idea and I should organize more outings.

Here's your week in weird. Enjoy it! Want this weekly? Please subscribe.

-Johnny


The Week in Weird
Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration5/15 - 5/17Worcester
The event of the week is clearly Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday celebration at the Asa Waters Mansion. I've been tracking this event for over a year now and am super excited about it! Unfortunately, no times are given but it's Saturday and Sunday, and they will have a re-enactment of a civil war encampment and a nationally known re-enactor will play Lincoln on Sunday. I'm putting together a group of people who want to go Sunday, email me if you're interested!! Asa Waters Mansion,123 Elm Street, Millbury, MA.508-865-0855. more
Audubon Society Birdathon5/15 - 5/16Many State Parks
Every year the Audubon Society has a fundraiser where teams compete to find as many birds as possible. I imagine they are open to newbies stopping by. It happens in state parks all over Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and possibly beyond. All over MA & RI. more more
Viking Warriors & Historic Combat Demonstration5/16 - 5/30Worcester
The Higgins is going to keep churning out amazing re-enactment events. This weekend it's trying on real armor, and combat demonstrations of swordfighting and Vikings. See their website for more and more and more this summer. 100 Barber Ave, Worcester, MA.508-853-6015. more
Cadillac Day @ Larz Anderson Museum5/17Boston Metro
Another active venue is the Larz Anderson Museum of Transporation. Throughout the summer they'll have numerous lawn festivals, for various types of car enthusiast. This week it's Cadillacs. 15 Newton Street, Brookline, MA.(617) 522-6547. more
Super Secret Summer Surprise @ ICA6/12Boston Metro
Yet another is the ICA. They have so many fun events happening! I was all set to tell you about the bicycle tour of Shepard Fairey's graffiti around Boston, but it's sold out. So here's a way heads up on their first outdoor party with Giant Twister and other great stuff. Get your tickets NOW, people!! Institute for Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA.617-478-3100. more
World's Largest Pancake Breakfast5/16Springfield
This event is sort of made up but if you happen to be out west, sounds like so much fun!! Springfield, Downtown, Springfield, MA.413/ 733-3800. more
East Heaven Hot Tub (Northampton)Jan 1 - Dec 31Western Mass
If you need an excuse to go out West, how about East Heaven Hot Tub? They are the only place near Boston that has a rooftop hot tub. It's open to the elements and open year 'round for romantic interludes. 33 West St, Northampton.413-587-0000. more
CoCo Key Water Resort at the Royal Plaza HotelJan 1 - Dec 31Metro West
Also open year-round is this water park, I was just there and recommend it! There's one in Fitchburg out West on Route 2, and one in Danvers, MA on the North Shore. The water park is not huge, but you can spend 2 hours there easily and I could conceive spending a whole day there. Typically I get tired of Water Country, the largest water park in New England, in about 4 hours. They have water slides, a lazy river, one of those use Jungle Gym thingies, a communal hot tub, and more. You'll find combination packages with staying at the hotel. The lockers are $5 though, ouch! Royal Plaza Hotel, 150 Royal Plaza Drive, Fitchburg, MA.978.342.7100. more
Emily Dickinson Museum Open House & Poetry Walk5/16Western Mass
Also out West, the Emily Dickinson museum has a commemoration of the anniversary of the famous poet's death, with poetry readings and a walk. 280 Main Street, Amherst, MA.413-542-8161. more
Boston Poetry Slam - Championships5/20Boston Metro
Every Wednesday there's a poetry slam in Cambridge. It's not as boring as you might fear because the poetry is not read, it is delivered, theatrically. Much of it is very much like one-person theatre shows. The regular event is 8pm-midnight. This is the biggest event of the year, their semi-finals 5/20 and the championships 5/27. Cantab Lounge, 738 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA. more
Brookline Puppet Slam5/16Boston Metro
Also in the "Events that You'd Probably Avoid But Are Actually Really Fun" category is this performance for adults, not kids, involving puppets. Um, and slamming. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station Street, Brookline, MA.617.731.6400. more
Hampton Beach Tow Rodeo5/16 - 5/17New Hampshire
Do you like trucks? Rodeos? This event might be for you. Apparently they try to tow around heavy objects?? They'll have a beauty contest and "Police K-9 Demos", which I assume is when the police release dogs into the audience to tackle and bite. Should be great fun. Hampton Beach, Hampton Beach, NH. more more
General Aviation Fun Day5/16Southern Mass
As for me I find trucks passe. I want to see helicopters! And huge airplanes! And this festival is free! And has something to do with inspiring women in aviation. Rain date: the next day. 10am-3pm. New Bedford Regional Airport, New Bedford, MA. more
European Food Festival 20095/20French Library, Boston Metro
This "festival" is basically a party where you get to sample foreign food and beer. 6-8pm. 53 Marlborough St., Boston, MA.617.912.0400. more
Newton Open Studios5/16 - 5/17Metro West
Newton is getting into the open studios act. Because there are so many mansions, Newton is great fun to walk around. And you get to meet local artists, not just their vendors, see their work and possibly buy something. 11am-5pm. Newton, MA.(617) 332-9967. more
SOWA Art Walk5/16 - 5/17Boston Metro
The me-too named "SOWA" district (after SoHo in New York City) is having an open studios, too. It's a hard choice to make. I feel like SOWA will have more true professionals but they need the money and it will be more commercial. The Newton walk will probably be more laid back with more personal homes and fewer dusty professional warehouse space studios. Boston, MA. more

Also Fun
South End Open Market / SoWa Open Market5/17 - 10/28Boston Metro
Associated with SOWA is this regular open market, which is similar except you get to meet the vendors, not the artists, and they make no attempt to hide the commercial nature of the event with a lovely urban stroll. 540 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA.617.481.2257. more
Brimfield Antiques Festival (Spring)5/12 - 5/17Springfield
Also commercial is the largest antiques festival in New England. Because the older stuff gets the more valuable it gets. Right? Am I right? Because I have some really old shoes I want to get rid of... On Rt 20. Rt 20 at Rt 19, Brimfield, MA.(413) 245 3209. more
Annual Boston Gay and Lesbian Film/Video Festival5/6 - 5/17Boston Metro
The film festival I mentioned last week continues. MFA, Boston, MA. more
Berkshire International Film Festival5/14 - 5/17Western Mass
And there's another way out West. While you're there, check out Barong Imports, also in Great Barrington. They sell imported art and have a whole warehouse of weird wonderful stuff. Great Barrington, MA. more
Apple Blossom Festival5/13 - 5/17Northern Mass
Fiesta Shows continues to lug their traveling carnival around. Find a coupon on the website. Abbot School, Westford, MA. more
Dance Complex Free Day of Classes5/17Boston Metro
A local dance studio has free 20-minute classes all day. What can you learn in 20 minutes? Well, maybe you'll be inspired to pay for more classes! 536 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA.617-547-9363. more
Motif #1 Days5/16 - 5/17North Shore
This is some kind of local festival based on a famous local fishing shack. There will be hayrides, a bicycle parade, and plenty of live music and just small towny walking around. Around School Street, Rockport, MA.978-546-6575. more
Avon Walk for Breast Cancer5/16 - 5/17Boston Metro
I'm sure they'll allow you to stop by without registering if you bring cash! This one's breast cancer. Starts at UMass Boston Campus. UMass Boston Campus, Boston, MA.800-510-WALK. more
Boston Kidney Walk5/17Boston Metro
And this one's for kidneys, in a super fun location, the zoo! 9am. Franklin Park Zoo (Giraffe Entrance), Boston, MA. more
Ancient Fishweir Project - Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers5/20Boston Metro
Along the Charles Street edge of the Boston Common. Native american indian fish trapping device placed in tidal flats. This seems really interesting until you go and discover it's just a bunch of sticks. But nearby is the Carousel! Boston Common, Boston, MA. more
Revels: Pub Sing at Doyle's Cafe5/18Boston Metro
This is a heads up on the local participatory sing. They will sell out, so get tickets now. Doyle's Cafe, 3484 Washington St, Jamaica Plain, MA. more

Performance
B-52s5/16Boston Metro
And heads up, the B-52s will be coming with their upbeat happy music. House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne Street, Boston, MA.888-693-2513. more
Michael Flatley's "Lord of the Dance5/15 - 5/17Boston Metro
The famous Irish stepdancing show comes to Boston. Opera House, Boston, MA. more
Boston Theater Marathon5/16 - 5/17Boston Metro
A ten-hour marathon of fifty 0-minute plays. Boston Center for the Arts, Boston, MA. more
KISS Concert tickets go on sale5/17Boston Metro
Tickets are now on sale for Kiss Concert, the largest concert by the largest generic Top 40 radio station. It's 9 hours of all the most successful bands on pop radio, from KISS 108FM radio. Buy tix before they sell out. Comcast Center, Mansfield, MA. more
Much Ado About Nothing5/14 - 6/14Boston Metro
And everybody loves Shakespeare, even in Roxbury! Can you say gentrification? Go spend some cash and help them out. Hibernian Hall, Roxbury, MA. more

 

Want this weekly? subscribe. My blogs: Weird Boston Events & Wheel Questions, Wheel Answers. Send encouragement & ideas to johnny@weirdbostonevents.org.

linkpost comment

Lilac Sunday, Astronomy Day, Open Studios (Boston, Cambridge), Robot Wars, and Roman Legion [May. 5th, 2009|10:03 pm]

Here's your week in weird. Enjoy it! Want this weekly? Please subscribe.

-Johnny


The Week in Weird
Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum5/10Boston Metro
Lilac Sunday is the event of the week because there's it's the perfect way to ring in the Spring. The Arnold Arboretum, run by Harvard, is not just a park but a botanical zoo, and the dancing and singing is very worthwhile. Morris dancing, 10:30am to 3pm. Center St Gate. 617.524.1718. And "Red Herring Kettle of Fish Ale" the previous day. Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, MA.617.524.1718 ext. 176. more
Kettle of Fish" Ale5/9South Shore
It's preceded by this less well-known folk dancing performance. An "Ale" is apparently a festival in old-timey speak. Quincy Public Library, 10:30am. Then various sites around Quincy, finishing up at the first May Pole erected in North America at 4:30pm. Call for info. Quincy Public Library, Quincy, MA.(617) 710-2299. more
RI Folk Festival5/9Rhode Island
Speaking of folksy, the RI Folk Festival has five stages and includes my favorite group, Atwater-Donnelly. If you like folk, I guarantee you will like it. Just go. Peeptoad Coffeehouse, 81 East Killingly Road, Foster, RI. more
All American Rhode Island Soap Box Derby5/9Rhode Island
While you're in Rhode Island, check this out -- an actual soap box derby!! I've never seen one. Race starts at 9am, goes to 12pm or 1pm. Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI. more
National Astronomy Day & Kite Fly5/9Boston Metro
I also recommend this festival in Brookline which features rockets! And indoor kite flying. (Is that even possible?) And tethered balloon rides! Oh, and telescopes, of course. 3-10pm. Clay Center Observatory, 20 Newton Street, Brookline, MA.617-522-5544. more
Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower5/4 - 5/6Metro West
As I mentioned last time, this week there's a minor meteor shower. Somewhere without lights, like a pond or open field, Away from the City. more more
Family Play Day on the Kennedy Greenway5/9Boston Metro
You've heard of the new park in Boston: the Kennedy Greenway. Here's your chance to hang out there. 10am-3pm. Music and dance, jugglers and other street performers. Kennedy Greenway, Boston, MA. more
Carousel on Boston Common5/1 - 6/21Boston Metro
Or visit the carousel on Boston Common! The merry-go-round is open daily from 11am to 9pm. (I think.) Only $2. Boston Common near Frog Pond, Boston, MA. more
Youth Pride Parade & Festival5/9Boston Metro
Also on Boston Common is the youth version of Pride Week, the GLBT community celebration. 11am. Parade down Beacon to Bowdoin to Cambridge to Tremont. Then a festival on Boston Common featuring a female Elvis Presley! The BAGLY prom on City Hall Plaza that evening is ages up to 22 only. Boston Common, Boston, MA. more
Fresh Pond Day5/9Boston Metro
Another local town events will be... In the big city! Go for a nature tour or see the water treatment plant. 250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge, MA. more
Charles River Moonlight Canoe5/8 - 9/30Metro West
Further West up the Charles River, I just learned that the local canoe rental place has regular night events, for 3 days every full moon. May 8, Jun 4-7 and other dates! Newton Boathouse, Commonwealth Ave., Newton, MA. more
Fort Point Spring Art Walk5/8 - 5/10Boston Metro
Fort Point has enough artists that they want three open studios a year. Here's the first one. Basically, you walk around and visit the studios of local artists and get to meet them and see (and possibly buy) their work. Get a map, Boston, MA. more
Cambridge Open Studios - Central5/9 - 5/10Boston Metro
But my heart's with Cambridge this weekend, which has a competing event. Get a map, Cambridge, MA. more
MIT 2.007 Engineering Competition5/7Boston Metro
Also in Cambridge is the first and best of all the engineering competitions. Mechanical engineering students build clever devices and race them side by side. 7-9pm. MIT, Johnson Ice Rink, Cambridge, MA. more
Altcom! Alternative Comedy Fest5/7 - 5/10Boston Metro
Yikes! Check out the website for this comedy festival. They have quite a few genuine celebrities attending! Various Sites, Somerville, MA. more
Armor Show & Legio III Cyrenaica Roman Legion5/9 - 5/10Worcester
I've been to the Higgins and it's very impressive. You really should go when they're doing something fun like this Roman Legion re-enactment and armor show. And they're doing a LOT of great re-enactments all summer, too, so you have plenty of excuses to go. Higgins Armory, 100 Barber Ave, Worcester, MA.508-853-6015. more

Also Fun
Billerica Lions Carnival5/6 - 5/10Northern Mass
I've decided to list all the Fiesta Shows. The traveling carnival packs up onto trucks and isn't top class. But it's genuine fun if you're in the right mood. This one's not even listed on the Lions Carnival website. Billerica Mall (Route 3A), Billerica, MA. more
Boys & Girls Club Carnival5/6 - 5/10North Shore
But this one's listed on the Boys & Girls Club website, without any frills. Basically, both events seem to be the rides and nothing more. Showcase Cinemas, Woburn, MA. more
Annual Boston Gay and Lesbian Film/Video Festival5/6 - 5/17Boston Metro
This film festival is where everyone too old for BAGLY will be going, I suppose! MFA, Boston, MA. more
Boston Cyberarts Festival4/24 - 5/10Boston Metro
But I'd rather check out the interactive Cyberarts Festival that I mentioned last week. Various venues, Cambridge, MA. more
Draft Horse Plow Match @ Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm5/9North Shore
Or go totally low-tech and see how draft horses are harnessed, sheep are sheared, and metal is worked. They'll have hay rides too. 11am-4pm. 5 Little's Lane, Newbury, MA.978-462-2634. more
Sholan Farms Apple Blossom Festival5/9Northern Mass
There's another farm festival out west on Route 2. They'll have a "butterfly release parade", hay rides, a craft show, a petting zoo, etc. Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster, MA.978-840-3276. more
Annual Dog Walk @ Forest Hills Cemetery5/9Boston Metro
If you prefer your animals more urban, get your puppy fix by tagging along with this dog-friendly tour of Forest Hills Cemetery. Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston, MA. more
Flower Moon Twilight Walk5/7Western Mass
If you live way out West there's a full moon hike at this state park. Tyringham Cobble, Tyringham, MA. more
Boston Asthma Walk5/9Boston Metro
Or, for an ego boost, go for a 3.1 mile walk with thousands of asthmatic and take first place! Along the Charles River. Registration starts at 8:30am. Walk at 10am. Artesani Park, Soldiers Field Road, Brighton, MA.781-890-4262. more
Walking Tour of Chinatown5/9Boston Metro
But in the city they'll have this tour of Chinatown which I'll bet is interesting. And then go for dim sum! Chinatown Gate, Boston, MA.617-730-2700. more
Revels: Pub Sing at Doyle's Cafe5/18Boston Metro
This is a heads up on the local participatory sing. They will sell out, so get tickets now. Doyle's Cafe, 3484 Washington St, Jamaica Plain, MA. more
Annual Coolidge Award5/6 - 5/7Boston Metro
As I mentioned last week, the Coolidge is having their annual awards ceremony with some film talks. Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA.617-734-2500. more
Free Mother's Day at Old Sturbridge Village5/10Worcester
Plenty of restaurants will try to lure you in for Mother's Day. How about doing a festival instead? Moms get free admission to OSV, the re-enactment village, for example. Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA. more
Mother's Day at the Manse5/10Metro West
The Old Manse is playing the same trick with a free tour and concert. 269 Monument Street, Concord, MA.978-369-3909. more
Mother's Day Buffet @ Verrill Farm5/10Metro West
Verrill Farm is having a buffet with live music. I don't know if they have the usual farm stuff like a petting zoo and hay rides. Looks like maybe not? 11 Wheeler Road, Concord, MA.978-369-4494. more
Free Admission to the Phillips House on Mother's Day5/10North Shore
Mom's also get a price break in Salem at this historic home. 34 Chestnut Street, Salem, MA.978-744-0440. more
Make Way for Ducklings Parade5/10Boston Metro
Not a mother's day event, except that it's for kids, is dressing up like ducklings and marching, as in the children's book. Registration starts at 10am. Then parade at 12pm. Boston Common at the Shaw Memorial, just below the State House., Boston, MA.617-723-8144. more
Science On Screen: Ray Kurzweil5/11Boston Metro
Ray Kurzweil is an evangelist and like many futurists he'll make some guesses and recommendations that are too far out to be supported by science. So go but bring your skepticism with you. Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA.617-734-2500. more

Performance
Big Apple Circus4/4 - 5/10Boston Metro
The Big Apple Circus is still here! I've been and it's a lot of fun. City Hall Plaza, One City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA.(800) 922-3772. more
Dane Cook in NH5/10New Hampshire
Dane Cook, the comedian, is touring in-between making movies. Verizon Wireless Arena, Manchester, NH. more
B-52s5/16Boston Metro
And heads up, the B-52s will be coming with their upbeat happy music... Totally the antithesis of the "Blues" but hey, who's counting. House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne Street, Boston, MA.888-693-2513. more

 

Want this weekly? subscribe. My blogs: Weird Boston Events & Wheel Questions, Wheel Answers. Send encouragement & ideas to johnny@weirdbostonevents.org.

linkpost comment

Wheel Questions, Open Studios in Somerville, Brookline, Science Festival, Arts Fests in Cambridge & [Apr. 30th, 2009|02:07 pm]

Here's your week in weird. Enjoy it! Want this weekly? Please subscribe.

-Johnny


The Week in Weird
Wheel Questions at the Somerville Open Studios5/2 - 5/3Boston Metro
The event of the week is my event, Wheel Questions! It's an outdoor art installation where people from the community come to leave questions on colored cards. I answer the cards and post all the answers on the 'wheel' and online for all to see. Come Saturday or Sunday 12pm-6pm. It's your chance to meet me and give me your feedback on this blog. 123 Elm Street, Somerville, MA.617-899-7794. more
Somerville Open Studios5/2 - 5/3Boston Metro