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

-Johnny

The Week in Weird
Somerville Independence Day Fireworks		7/9	Boston 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 Boston		7/14	Boston 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 Square		7/12	Boston 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 - 7/12	North 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 1774		7/12	Metro 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 Friendship		7/11	South 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 Day		7/11	North 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-enactment		7/10 - 7/12	Maine
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 Festival		7/9 - 7/12	New 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 Classic		7/11 - 7/12	Metro 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 Show		7/10 - 7/12	Connecticut
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 Museum		7/11 - 7/12	New 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 Hunt		7/11	Boston 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 America		7/11	Connecticut
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 Museum		7/11	Boston 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 Museum		7/12	Boston 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)		7/11	North 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 Show		7/11	Cape 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 Festival		7/10 - 7/12	Cape 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 Day		7/10 - 7/12	Cape 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 Festival		7/10 - 7/12	Southern 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 Zoo		7/11 - 8/8	Rhode 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 Summer		7/11	Worcester
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 Festival		7/11	Worcester
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 Gathering		7/9 - 7/12	Metro 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 Circus		7/11	Western 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 Glow		7/11	Rhode Island
This is some kind of Water Fire type celebration, with floating bonfires. Westerly, RI. more
Masterworks Chorale Summer Sings		6/30 - 8/4	Boston 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
Readercon		7/9 - 7/12	Metro West
Science fiction convention focusing on novels. Expensive but attracts top writers. Burlington Marriott, Burlington, MA. more
Fetish Beauty Pageant		7/10	Boston 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 & Party		7/11	Boston 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 concert		7/10 - 7/11	North 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 Festival		7/11 - 7/12	Maine
This one's pretty much just the music, too. Public Landing, Rockland, ME. more
Newport Music Festival		7/10 - 7/26	Rhode 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 Baseball		7/11 - 7/12	Boston 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 Boston		7/8 - 7/13	Boston 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 Farmland		7/11	Worcester
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 Bazaar		7/11	Boston 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 Fridays		7/10	Boston 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 Fridays		7/10	Boston Metro
And this one 5-9pm. For art lovers. Or people who love art lovers. 450 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA. more
French Film Festival		7/9 - 7/26	Boston 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-Eleven		7/11	Boston 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 Festival		7/11 - 7/12	South 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 Fair		7/1 - 7/12	South 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 2		7/3 - 8/28	Boston 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 Festival		7/2 - 7/14	Vermont
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 Festival		7/10 - 7/11	Vermont
Ski resorts have to do *something* in the summer. This one's having a balloon festival. Stowe, VT. more
Basin Bluegrass Festival		7/9 - 7/12	Vermont
This is a real festival. They take over an entire park. Brandon, VT. more
Solarfest		7/10 - 7/12	Vermont
This one is 90 workshops on green topics, plus live music and a festival atmosphere. Tinmouth, VT. more
Middlebury Festival on the Green		7/12 - 7/18	Vermont
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.

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 Site		7/5	Boston 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 Island		7/5	Boston 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!		6/30	New 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-wow		7/3 - 7/5	Cape 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 Dollhouse		7/2	Cape 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 Mortified		7/2	Boston 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 Place		7/5	Metro 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 Festival		6/28 - 8/27	Boston 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-All		7/2 - 7/5	Springfield
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 Summerfest		7/3 - 7/5	Southern 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 Festival		7/4	Boston 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 Festival		7/4 - 7/5	Northern 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 Nationals		7/2 - 7/5	Worcester
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 Festival		7/3 - 7/5	Western 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 Chowderfest		7/5	Boston 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 Days		6/24 - 7/4	Northern 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 FolkDays		6/25 - 7/2	South 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 Alcotts		7/1	Metro 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 Monson		6/27 - 7/4	Western 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 Harborfest		6/30 - 7/5	Boston 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 Hall		7/1	Boston 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 Carnival		7/1 - 7/5	Metro West
Yet more carnival from Fiesta Shows. Center Playground, Worthen Rd., Lexington, MA. more
Marblehead Festival of Arts		7/1 - 7/5	North Shore
Kites, model boat building, wood carving, sand sculpture, looks surprisingly interesting. Marblehead, MA. more
Brockton Country Fair		7/1 - 7/12	South 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 Bach		6/30	Western 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 - 7/5	Vermont
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 Festival		7/2 - 7/14	Vermont
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 Celebration		7/4	Vermont
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.

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 - Sturbridge		7/4	Southern 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 Banke		7/4	New 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-enactment		7/4	South 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 Celebration		7/3 - 7/7	North 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 Parade		7/3 - 7/4	Boston 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 Parade		7/4	Rhode 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 & Fireworks		7/4	North Shore
More horribles and then Fireworks at 9pm over the harbor. Marblehead, MA. more
Annual Nudist 4th of July Parade		7/4	Connecticut
Woodstock, CT. more
July 4th Parade & Beach Bonfire @ Rockport, MA		7/4	North 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 Fireworks		7/2	Boston 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 & Concert		7/3 - 7/4	Boston 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 July		7/4	Boston 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 Spectacular		7/3 - 7/4	North 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 Competition		7/3 - 7/4	Maine
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 @ Wilmington		7/1 - 7/5	Northern 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, MA		7/4	Cape Cod
Huge parade. Main Street, Chamham, MA.
July 4th @ Falmouth, MA		7/4	Cape 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, MA		7/4	Cape 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 & Firework		7/4	Cape Cod
Outdoor concert with fireworks. Bandshell, Onset, MA. more
July 4th @ Orleans, MA		7/3	Cape Cod
Fireworks at Rock Harbor at dusk; rain date July 5. Orleans, MA.508-240-2484.
July 4th @ Acton, MA		7/4	Metro 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, MA		7/4	Metro 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, MA		7/3	Metro 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, MA		7/4	Metro West
Market & amusement rides, 11am-10pm, live music, picnic at 6 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Newton, MA. more
July 4th @ Pepperell		7/4	Metro West
Pepperell, MA.
July 4th @ Sherborn, MA		7/4	Metro 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, NH		7/4	New Hampshire
Lincoln, NH.603-745-6621.
July 4th Fireworks @ Littleton, NH		7/4	New Hampshire
Littleton, NH.603-444-6561.
July 4th @ North Conway, NH		7/4	New Hampshire
North Conway, NH.603-357-5701 x350. more
July 4th @ Waterville Valley, NH		7/4	New Hampshire
Waterville Valley, NH.603-236-8175.
July 4th @ Danvers, MA		7/3	North Shore
Fireworks 9pm. Rain date July 5. Plains Park, Danvers, MA.
July 4th @ Manchester, MA		7/4	North Shore
9:30 a.m. parade. Then go to Rockport for celebration & fireworks. Manchester-By-The-Sea, MA.
Salem Celebrates the 4th		7/4	North 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 4th		7/3 - 7/5	North Shore
Center Mall, Salisbury, MA.
July 4th @ Lowell, MA		7/3	Northern Mass
Festival with live music & food 4-9pm, then fireworks. Sampas Pavilion, Vandenburg Esplanade, Lowell, MA. more
July 4th @ Hingham, MA		7/3 - 7/4	South 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, MA		7/4	South 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, MA		7/3	South Shore
(Wessagusset) George Lane Beach, Weymouth, MA. more
July 4th BBQ @ Edgartown & Fireworks		7/4	Southern 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, MA		7/3	Southern 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, MA		7/4	Western Mass
Balloon rides & fireworks. Fields behind Alumni Stadium at the University of Massachussets, Amherst, MA.413-259-3067.
July 4th @ Pittsfield, MA		7/4	Western Mass
Pittsfield, MA.
July 4th @ Springfield, MA		7/4	Western Mass
Springfield, MA. more
July 4th @ Shrewsbury, MA		7/4	Worcester
Free. Doll carriage & bike parade, food, face painting, inflatable amusements. 12-4pm. Dean Park, 803 Main Street, Shrewsbury, MA.508-841-8503.
July 4th @ Worcester		7/2	Worcester
Fireworks @ 10pm, rain date July 3. East Park, Worcester, MA.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Johnny

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

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

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

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

-Johnny