Johnny's List of Weird Boston Events, by Johnny Monsarrat

Johnny Monsarrat's List of Weird Boston Events is giving away a free Laptop

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:40:05 GMT

Hi!

This week I'm doing a promotion where I give away an HP Envy 13 laptop, worth $1,700.

I expect only a few thousand people to enter, so your chances are good. Just go to WeirdBostonEvents.org and you'll see the event which is actually at WheelQuestions.org, my other blog.

There's a link there to subscribe if you want to get it every week! WeirdBostonEvents.org is now the most popular blog on events in New England.

I'm also giving away some tickets to Tomb this week.

-Johnny

Johnny's List still has the best events in Boston

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:32:00 GMT

But... you have to go now to http://WeirdBostonEvents.org to find it. Sorry, LJ is just too awkward. People don't even make real profile pages!

Johnny's List is up

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:24:34 GMT

Hi!

Johnny's List of Weird Boston Events continues!

Just go to http://WeirdBostonEvents.org for Shakespeare's Disco, Ig Nobels, Re-enactments, Steam engines, WWII Planes, Fluff, Free Museums and more!

and click the subscribe button :)

-Johnny

Outdoor dance, sing-a-longs, Dragonboat, Japan, Moose, Comedy, Fang fests

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 03:20:01 GMT

Hi!

Please see this week's blog at http://weirdbostonevents.org and subscribe at http://weirdbostonevents.org/subscribe.html

After fair notice (months ago) I'm going to discontinue the LJ... too much trouble in the new new Internet era.

-Johnny

Last LJ Entry for Johnny's List of Weird Boston Events -> Go to real website

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:52:22 GMT

Johnny's List is now 4 years old! I still haven't missed a week.

Although I started this blog on LiveJournal, and LJ has a history, let's face it: it's not Facebook. It's not that easy to use, and it's silly to maintain two blogs. As I warned about a year ago, I'm going to switch over to my regular site at WeirdBostonEvents.org. Please click the subscribebutton to get it weekly. And join our Facebook group too. :)

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

-Johnny

The Week in Weird
Boston Greenfest	8/20 - 8/22	Boston Metro
Tonight thru Saturday! The event of the week is Boston Greenfest, because I'll be there with the Wheel Questions project. Come say hello! They have tons of information booths and presentations on saving the environment, too, plus live music and a "time tunnel". City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA. more
Elvis Alive and Well and Oldies Show	8/20	Metro West
Tonight! Not only is this an Elvis impersonator, it's an outdoor concert! I called to confirm it. Thanks, Acton! NARA Park, Acton, MA. more
Beach Party Blast at NARA Park, Acton	8/21	Metro West
Also in Acton, this may be their biggest event of the year, with a sandcastle contest, a huge slip & slide, and a watermelon eating contest! NARA Park, Acton, MA. more
The Best Fossils Darwin Never Saw	8/20	Boston Metro
Also tonight! Harvard's museum of animals and plants and rocks is having a half-price evening from 5-8pm, including a lecture. Harvard Museum of Natural History, Cambridge, MA. more
Banditos Misteriosos 2nd Annual Revolutionary Water Gun Battle	8/22	Boston Metro
The real event of the weak is: super soaker time! Sat 1:30pm. RSVP for location, Boston, MA. more
New England Boogie - Skydiving Festival	8/19 - 8/23	Northern Mass
It's the largest skydiving event in New England. And up to 300 attend. 165 Nashua Road, Pepperell, MA.978 433-9222. more
Carnival (Provincetown)	8/16 - 8/21	Cape Cod
New England's gay carnival continues. Provincetown, MA.800.637.8696. more
Caribbean Carnival Parade (Boston Carnival)	8/23 - 8/29	Boston Metro
But you don't have to go to Cape Cod for Carnival! The Boston Carnival parade is just the kind of "local" event where the enthusiasm of the performers is infectious. Various, Boston, MA. more
Race of the Century	8/22 - 8/23	Metro West
How awesome is this! This festival highlights the advancements of transportation with races between horse & buggy, a 1904 car, 1930s cars, and 1900-1930s planes! Collings Foundation, Stow, MA.978-562-9182. more
Fireworks at Ocean Park	8/21	Southern Mass
Fireworks and concert on Martha's Vinyard, a good excuse to visit. I went last year, and it was fantastic -- really impressive. Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs, MA.508-693-5380. more
Jaffrey Festival of Fireworks	8/21	New Hampshire
They'll have live music, games for kids (what about us adults?), a skydiving performance and then fireworks "after dusk". Jaffrey Airport Rte. 124, 190 Turnpike Road, Jaffrey, NH. more
End of Summer Bash & Fireworks	8/22 - 9/4	New Hampshire
And two more fireworks events 8/22 and 9/4 if you are up in the White Mountains for hiking and touring. Waterville Valley, NH.603-236-8175. more
Pi-Con Science Fiction Convention	8/21 - 8/23	Western Mass
A smallish science fiction convention with the usual panels, workshops, guests, and costuming. Best Western Sovereign Hotel, West Springfield, MA. more
Great Falls Balloon Festival	8/21 - 8/23	Maine
About 2.5 hours' drive from Boston, featuring 30 balloons. Reserve ahead for your ride. Lewiston, ME.800-639-6331. more
Plays in the Park: “Twelfth Night”	8/21 - 8/28	Boston Metro
8/21 and 8/28 at 12:15 pm. & 1:30 pm: More Free Outdoor Shakespeare. See "Outdoor Events" for more outdoor theatre. Georges Island, Boston, MA.617-223-8666. more
Storytelling Campfire	8/22	Cape Cod
I haven't been to a campfire since I was a kid. I really want to go!! 7:30-9pm. Scusset Beach State Reservation, Scusset Beach Rd., Sandwich, MA.508 888-0859. more
Kites on the River	8/22	Boston Metro
There's no Boston Kite Festival this year, so attend this Dork-chester event instead. See and learn to fly "stunt kites" with two strings. Various in Dorchester, Milton, Hyde Park, Boston, MA. more more
Quincy August Moon Festival	8/23	South Shore
Did you miss the Chinese August Moon Festival in Boston? It's not too late! Come catch it in Quincy, with dragon dancing and lots of cute kids performing. Downtown Quincy, 1400-1600 Hancock St., Quincy, MA.617-472-2200. more more
The Grape Island Tryst and Family Picnic	8/22	South Shore
Former US President John Adams and his future wife Abigail were in love. Venture out to Grape Island where they had their "tryst", which is obviously a great place for a family picnic. Family?? Do they know what tryst means? Do I?? Begins at the Adams National Historic Park Visitor Center, 1250 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA.(617) 770-1175. more
Seaside Pow Wow and Festival	8/22 - 8/23	North Shore
Intertribal American Indian event featuring dancing, story telling and arts and crafts. Free. Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA.978-281-2978. more
Ford / Lincoln Day @ Larz Anderson Museum	8/23	Boston Metro
Perhaps you'd prefer cars to trysting on an island off Quincy. 15 Newton Street, Brookline, MA.(617) 522-6547. more
The Big Lebowski Annual Bowling Party	8/24	Boston Metro
Every year the Coolidge theatre has an actual bowling party before viewing the Big Lebowski. Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA. more
Armenian Food and Music Festival	8/23	North Shore
Boy, I can't recall an Armenian Festival in New England before (Although there's an Armenian Museum in Watertown!). 12-5pm. American Legion Farm, 1314 Main St., Haverhill, MA.(978) 372-9227.
Also Fun
Anniversary of Johnny's List (2005)	8/21	Boston Metro
Johnny's List is now 4 years old! To celebrate, I'm finally going to get around to (a) adding a real calendar that can be searched by date (b) putting up some non-annoying ads and trying to monetize this thing. Anybody want to help with the website? Everywhere, New England. more
The Ego & The Oracle	8/6 - 8/27	Boston Metro
This is the last week for this interactive highly weird and enjoyable event, where you get to ask a question and they respond with a huge oracular wheel and by playing a song to match. Every Thursday in August! 6:30pm. The Burren, Davis Square, Somerville, MA. more
Hardwick County Fair	8/21 - 8/22	Worcester
Beyond the usual sheep and cattle, they'll have a lumberjack contest, hay rides, and frog jumping. Fri 5:30-10 pm, Sat 7am-5 pm. Free. Town Common, Rt 32A, Hardwick, MA. more
Annual Peach Festival	8/21 - 8/23	Springfield
While the peach sundaes, peach bread, and peach shakes will be special, the real draw of this event is Mr. Peach, a sad sad man in a huge peach costume. Fountain Park, Wilbraham, MA.413-599-0010. more
Marshfield County Fair	8/21 - 8/30	South Shore
As well as the usual fair contests, they'll have a demolition derby and a "battle of the bands". Route 3A at South River St., Marshfield, MA.(781) 834-6629. more
Eastern Massachusetts Rhythym Festival	8/22	Worcester
Hand drumming, percussion, and dance. River Bend Visitors Center, 287 Oak St., Uxbridge, MA.508-278-3391. more
Great Waters Folk Festival	8/22	New Hampshire
Yet another music festival. Wolfeboro, NH. more
Move the Muse Fest	8/22	South Shore
Yet another music festival. Brockton, MA. more
Antique and Classic Boat Festival	8/22 - 8/23	North Shore
Classic sailboats, powerboats, and hand-powered craft. Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 11am-3pm. Admission $5, free for children 12 and under. Hawthorne Cove Marina, 10 White St, Salem, MA. more more
South Coast Rhode Island Open Studios	8/22 - 8/23	Rhode Island
Rhode Island is getting into the "Open Studios" craze. Artists open their private homes and work studios to the public. Tiverton, RI.401-816-0000. more
Annual Children's Festival	8/17 - 8/21	New Hampshire
This childrens festival is conveniently right when most of us are working. Hampton Beach, Hampton Beach, NH. more
Skowhegan State Fair	8/13 - 8/22	Maine
Or travel WAY up to Maine where Fiesta Shows will have their traveling carnival, again. Skowhegan, ME. more
Dutch Beer Tasting & Cultural Night	8/20	North Shore
To celebrate the opening of their new exhibition on Dutch seascape paintings, the Peabody Essex Museum will charge you $60 to drink Dutch beer. Because there's nothing better in the summer than to stay indoors, drinking beer, looking at Dutch paintings. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA. more

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

Last Entry for LJ for Johnny's List, please switch

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:51:39 GMT

Johnny's List is now 4 years old! I still haven't missed a week.

Outdoor Movies		grade	Thu 8/20	Fri 8/21	Sat 8/22	Sun 8/23	Mon 8/24	Tue 8/25	Wed 8/26	Thu 8/27
Outdoor - Movies by Moonlight	Boston, MA
Outdoor films. Fridays. Free. Start at "dusk". 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA.617.439.7000. more				X
WBZ Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell	Boston, MA
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
Outdoor Film at the Chinatown Gate	Boston, MA
Vacant paved lot on Hudson Street between Beach and Kneeland Streets, Boston, MA. more										X
Inman Under the Stars: Movie Night and Neighborhood Social	Cambridge, MA
Strolling improv comedy performers. Rain date: same night the following week. 2009: "Phone home" in this movie. Preshow entertainment at 7:15pm the movie at dusk. East Cambridge Savings Bank's parking lot, 1310 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA.617 439 6575 Thomas Lynn, or Renee Farster 617 491 0176. more			X
Summer in the City	Cambridge, MA
All movies are preceded by a kids performance at 6:30pm. Various parks, Cambridge, MA.617-349-6200. more			X
Neponset River Greenway Festival & Movie Series	Dorchester, MA
There's no single web page but look in the calendar on Tue & Thu to find events. Some events come with stunt kite demonstrations beforehand! Either Martini Shell, Hyde Park, or Pope John Paul II Park, Gallivan Blvd, Dorchester, Dorchester, MA.617-542-7696. more more			X					X		X
City of Somerville Annual Movie Series	Somerville, MA
Various locations, Somerville, MA.617-666-3311. more			X							X
Movies Under the Stars	Falmouth, MA
Peg Noonan Park, Main Street, Falmouth, MA.508-487-3424. more									X
Outdoor Movie Night at NARA Park, Acton	Acton, MA
NARA Park, Acton, MA.(978) 264-9608. more				X
Weymouth Summer Outdoor Movies	Weymouth, MA
Ralph Talbot Amphitheatre next to Town Hall, Weymouth, MA.781-682-6124. more			X
Fitchburg Free Friday Night Movies	Fitchburg, MA
Thursdays at dusk, with a farmer's market 4-7 and entertainment at 7pm. Riverfront Park, Fitchburg, MA.978-833-1270. more			X							X

Outdoor Theatre, Music, & Events		grade	Thu 8/20	Fri 8/21	Sat 8/22	Sun 8/23	Mon 8/24	Tue 8/25	Wed 8/26	Thu 8/27
Dancing under the Stars	Boston, MA
2009: 6-8pm. Esplanade, near the Hatch Shell, Boston, MA.Lessons & dance: salsa, swing, ballroom. more			X
Outdoor Theatre: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)	Brighton, MA
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				X
Dancing on the Charles	Cambridge, MA
Outdoor dance in Cambridge. Sounds great. Buy tix in advance. American Legion, 4 Gerry's Landing, Cambridge, MA. more					X
Fireworks @ Hampton Beach	Hampton Beach, NH
Every Wednesday, plus holidays. 22 C Street, Hampton Beach, NH.603-926-8717. more									X
Fireworks @ Canobie Lake Park	Salem, NH
more					X
Sunset Cruise with Pirate Sea Shanties	Salem, MA
2009: 6pm. $30. Sunset cruise with songs by re-enactors. 80 Wharf Street Salem Street, Salem, MA. more				X
Outdoor Shakespeare	Haverhill, MA
2009: 5pm. Free! Winnekenni Castle, 347 Kenoza Ave, Haverhill, MA. more									X
Waterfire	Providence, RI
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
Payson Park Music Festival	Belmont, MA
Free but time not given. Call 'em. Payson Park, Belmont, MA.617-993-2760. more									X
Wavelengths @ the ICA	Boston, MA
Live music: various types, outside the ICA, which is free Thursday nights. Institute for Contemporary Art, Boston, MA. more				X
Special Live Concerts @ Boston Harbor Hotel	Boston, MA
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
Landmarks Orchestra or Oldies at the Shell	Boston, MA
2009: 7pm. Free. Every Wednesday. Esplanade, Boston, MA. more									X
MFA Concerts in the Courtyard	Boston, MA
Concerts at 7:30pm. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA.617-369-3189. more									X
Outdoor folk dancing in Copley Square	Boston, MA
2009: 7:30pm-10pm on Tuesdays. Copley Square, by the fountain, Boston, MA. more								X
Arts on the Arcade	Boston, MA
2009: 11am-3pm Wednesdays. A lot of art vendors, but also dance & live music performance. City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA. more									X
Friends of Fort Point Channel Summer Concert Series	Boston, MA
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							X
Longfellow Family Sundays Art in the Park	Cambridge, MA
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
Summer in the City	Cambridge, MA
Sometimes indoors? Various, Cambridge, MA. more			X
Sunday Parkland Games	Cambridge, MA
2009: Sundays 2-5pm. By the Weeks Footbridge, near JFK Street, Cambridge, MA. more						X
Kendall Square Concert Series	Cambridge, MA
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
Tribute to the 60's Concert Series	Acton, MA
Nara Park, Acton, MA. more			X
Music at the Manse Concert Series	Concord, MA
2009: Concerts 2-4pm. Through the end of September. The Old Manse, 269 Monument Street, Concord, MA. more						X
Concerts on the Common, Framingham	Framingham, MA
2009: Fridays 6:30pm. Edgell Green, Framingham Common, Rt 9, Framingham, MA.508-532-5960 ask for "Building Services".. more				X
Friday Night Series	Lexington, MA
2009: Concerts at 6:30pm. Lexington Visitors Center, 1875 Mass. Ave., Lexington, MA.781-862-2480.. more				X
Tuesday Night Concerts	Lexington, MA
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
Sunday Evening Concerts on the Common, Norwood	Norwood, MA
Washington St & Nahatan St, Norwood, MA. more						X
Prescott Park Arts Festival	Portsmouth, NH
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
Town of Woodstock Free Concert Series	North Woodstock, NH
Concerts from 6:30-8:30pm. Soldier's Park, North Woodstock, NH.603-745-8752. more					X
Castle Hill Summer Picnic Concerts	Ipswich, MA
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							X
Lowell Summer Music Series	Lowell, MA
Boarding House Park, Lowell, MA. more				X	X
Summer Beach Concerts	Lynn, MA
Red Rock Park on the beach at Lynn Shore Drive., Lynn, MA. more			X							X
The Valley’s Got Talent	Salisbury, MA
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
Sundown Concerts @ Fruitland Museums	Harvard, MA
Open for picnicking at 5pm. Concerts begin at 7:30pm. 102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard, MA.978-456-3924. more									X
Blues on the Beach / Concert in Watch Hill	Westerly, RI
2009: 6-8:30pm. Westerly Town Beach or Village Green, Westerly, RI.401-596-7909. more			X							X
Summer Concert Series @ Soule Homestead	Middleboro, MA
2009: Shows start at 6pm. Rain or shine (if it rains they'll go inside). 46 Soule Street, Middleboro, MA. more					X
Wednesday Night Concerts	Plymouth, MA
Pilgrim Memorial Park, Water Street, Plymouth, MA. more									X
City Celebrates Summer Thursdays	New Bedford, MA
Free. 2009: 5-9pm. Downtown area, New Bedford, MA.508-996-8253 x205. more			X							X
Sundays in the Park Concerts	Greenfield, MA
Greenfield Energy Park, Greenfield, MA.413-774-9949. more			X							X
Stearns CityBlock Concert Series	Springfield, MA
more			X							X
Saturday Night Live Concerts on the Green	Westfield, MA
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
Southbridge Summer Concert Series	Southbridge, MA
Sue Pelletier 508-765-8800 or 508-248-6687. more						X
Sweet Summer Nights Music Series	Upton, MA
7-8:30pm. more				X

Weird Boston Events -- for you!

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:11:13 GMT

My computer crashed this week and this is the best I can do to staple the data together. I've added a roundup of local mini-golf places, too. I expect a full data recovery & to be on top by next week's blog. Enjoy it! Want this weekly? Please subscribe.

Anyone traveling to Burning Man in a big van with room for my Wheel Questions project? :)

-Johnny

This Just In
Hadley Outdoor family movie night at the Hadley Elementary School, organized by the Hadley Girl Scouts	8/14	Western Mass
Hadley, MA. more
Somerville: in Shorts	8/14	Boston Metro
Rain date: next day. Outdoor films. Somerville, MA.
Vibram Open	8/14 - 8/16	Metro West
One of the largest disc golf events in the world". Leicester, MA.508-792-2764. more
Sri Lankan Festival	8/15	Metro West
Acton, MA. more
Celebrate Revere	8/15	Boston Metro
I'm figuring out that "family fun" is code for "sheer boredom unless you are a child". I don't know how parents stand it. Well, there's a beach, that's pretty good, even if you may not enjoy the puppet show and face painting. And then fireworks! Revere Beach, Revere, MA. more
Annual Amateur Sand Sculpture Contest	8/15	Cape Cod
Surf Drive Beach, Falmouth, MA.508-540-3304 or 508-548-8623. more
Festival of Fireworks – Jaffrey	8/15	New Hampshire
Jaffrey, NH. more
Annual Newport Storm Luau	8/15	Rhode Island
Newport, RI. more
MG Rover Day@ Larz Anderson Museum	8/15	Boston Metro
15 Newton Street, Brookline, MA.(617) 522-6547. more
Berkshire Womaen's Muse Fest	8/15	Western Mass
haven't inspected. Worth listing? Pittsfield, MA. more
Japanese Car & Motorcycle Day @ Larz Anderson Museum	8/16	Boston Metro
15 Newton Street, Brookline, MA.(617) 522-6547. more
Latin-American Festival	8/16 - 8/17	Worcester
Worcester Common, behind City Hall, Worcester, MA.508-798-1900. more
Summer Nights @ Harvard Museum of Natural History	8/20	Boston Metro
The science museum at Harvard will be open late this Thursday, with a free lecture about biodiversity at 6pm & 7pm. 26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA.617-495-3045. more
Night at the Museum @ Harvard Museum of Natural History	8/20	Boston 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
Boston GreenFest 2009	8/21	Boston Metro
Boston City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA. more
Marshfield Fair	8/21 - 8/30	South Shore
Fiesta Shows will have their traveling carnival there. Exit 12 - Rte 3 to Rte 3a, Marshfield, MA. more
Cedar Banks II	Jan 1 - Dec 31	Cape Cod
Claim to be the largest on Cape Cod. Route 6, Eastham, MA.508-255-2575.
Mulligan's Miniature Golf	Jun 1 - Sep 30	Cape Cod
Rt 12. 124 Leominster Road, Sterling, MA.978-422-5022. more
Pirates Cove	Apr 1 - Sep 30	Maine
Less than 2 hours from Boston. 36 holes near the beach. 70 First St., Old Orchard Beach, ME.207-934-5086. more
Pirates Cove	Apr 1 - Sep 30	Maine
Rt 28. 728 Main Street, South Yarmouth, MA.508 394-6200. more
Golf on the Village Green	Apr 1 - Sep 30	Metro West
Rt 9. 315 Worcester St., Natick, MA.508-653-4671. more
Chuckster's Mini Golf	Apr 1 - Oct 31	New Hampshire
Claim to have the world's longest mini golf hole. Rt 4, Chichester, NH.603-798-3555. more
Route 1 Golf & Baseball Park	Apr 1 - Sep 30	North Shore
Rt 1. 1575 Broadway, Saugus, MA.781 233-2811. more
Monster Mini-Golf	May 25 - Oct 31	Rhode Island
33 Lambert Lind Hwy, Warwick RI.401-921-5472. more
Monster Mini-Golf	May 25 - Oct 31	Southern Mass
1560 Boston Providence Hwy, Norwood, MA.781-762-3100. more
Monster Mini-Golf	May 25 - Oct 31	Southern Mass
140 Taunton Ave, Seekonk MA.508-336-8004. more
Crystal Caves	May 1 - Oct 31	Worcester
790 Southbridge St (Rt 12), Auburn, MA.(508) 832-0797. more
West End Creamery & Mini-Golf	Apr 1 - Oct 1	Worcester
481 Purgatory Road, Whitinsville, MA.508-234-2022. more

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

Outdoor Movies, Theatre, & Concerts: 8/14-8/21

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:08:41 GMT

Outdoor Movies		grade	Fri 8/14	Sat 8/15	Sun 8/16	Mon 8/17	Tue 8/18	Wed 8/19	Thu 8/20	Fri 8/21
Arlington Movie Night	Arlington, MA
Robbins Farm Park, Arlington, MA. more			X
Outdoor - Movies by Moonlight	Boston, MA
Outdoor films. Fridays. Free. Start at "dusk". 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA.617.439.7000. more			X							X
WBZ Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell	Boston, MA
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							X
Inman Under the Stars: Movie Night and Neighborhood Social	Cambridge, MA
Strolling improv comedy performers. Rain date: same night the following week. 2009: "Phone home" in this movie. Preshow entertainment at 7:15pm the movie at dusk. East Cambridge Savings Bank's parking lot, 1310 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA.617 439 6575 Thomas Lynn, or Renee Farster 617 491 0176. more									X
Summer in the City	Cambridge, MA
All movies are preceded by a kids performance at 6:30pm. Various parks, Cambridge, MA.617-349-6200. more								X	X
Neponset River Greenway Festival & Movie Series	Dorchester, MA
There's no single web page but look in the calendar on Tue & Thu to find events. Some events come with stunt kite demonstrations beforehand! Either Martini Shell, Hyde Park, or Pope John Paul II Park, Gallivan Blvd, Dorchester, Dorchester, MA.617-542-7696. more more							X		X
City of Somerville Annual Movie Series	Somerville, MA
Various locations, Somerville, MA.617-666-3311. more									X
Movies Under the Stars	Falmouth, MA
Peg Noonan Park, Main Street, Falmouth, MA.508-487-3424. more								X
Outdoor Movie Night at NARA Park, Acton	Acton, MA
NARA Park, Acton, MA.(978) 264-9608. more			X							X
Big Screen Movie on the Beach @ Westerly	Westerly, RI
Misquamicut Beach, Westerly, RI.401-596-7761. more							X
Scituate Recreation's Outdoor Movie Night	Scituate, MA
Start at sundown (7:45pm). Scituate High School Svensen Hockey Field, Scituate, MA.781-545-8738. more			X
Weymouth Summer Outdoor Movies	Weymouth, MA
Ralph Talbot Amphitheatre next to Town Hall, Weymouth, MA.781-682-6124. more									X
Fitchburg Free Friday Night Movies	Fitchburg, MA
Thursdays at dusk, with a farmer's market 4-7 and entertainment at 7pm. Riverfront Park, Fitchburg, MA.978-833-1270. more									X

Outdoor Theatre, Music, & Events		grade	Fri 8/14	Sat 8/15	Sun 8/16	Mon 8/17	Tue 8/18	Wed 8/19	Thu 8/20	Fri 8/21
Shakespeare on the Common - The Comedy of Errors	Boston, MA
Free. At the Parade Grounds on Boston Common, near Beacon & Charles. Rent a chair for $5. Boston Common, Boston, MA.617-532-1252. more			X	X	X
Shakespeare on Love: Outdoor Theatre	Boston, MA
2009: Shakespeare on Love, a collection of songs & excerpts from Shakespeare. 2009: 8/9 @ 5:45pm, Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common, Boston; 8/11 @ 11am, Elma Lewis Playhouse, The Playstead, Franklin Park, Dorchester; 8/13 @ 2pm, Beale Estate, 181 Adams St, Quincy; 8/18 @ 11am, Playstead @ Franklin Park, Dorchester. Various, Boston, MA. more							X
Dancing under the Stars	Boston, MA
2009: 6-8pm. Esplanade, near the Hatch Shell, Boston, MA.Lessons & dance: salsa, swing, ballroom. more									X
Outdoor Theatre: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)	Brighton, MA
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	X
Fireworks @ Hampton Beach	Hampton Beach, NH
Every Wednesday, plus holidays. 22 C Street, Hampton Beach, NH.603-926-8717. more								X
Fireworks @ Canobie Lake Park	Salem, NH
more				X
Sunset Cruise with Pirate Sea Shanties	Salem, MA
2009: 6pm. $30. Sunset cruise with songs by re-enactors. 80 Wharf Street Salem Street, Salem, MA. more										X
Payson Park Music Festival	Belmont, MA
Free but time not given. Call 'em. Payson Park, Belmont, MA.617-993-2760. more								X
Wavelengths @ the ICA	Boston, MA
Live music: various types, outside the ICA, which is free Thursday nights. Institute for Contemporary Art, Boston, MA. more			X							X
Special Live Concerts @ Boston Harbor Hotel	Boston, MA
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
Landmarks Orchestra or Oldies at the Shell	Boston, MA
2009: 7pm. Free. Every Wednesday. Esplanade, Boston, MA. more								X
MFA Concerts in the Courtyard	Boston, MA
Concerts at 7:30pm. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA.617-369-3189. more								X
Outdoor folk dancing in Copley Square	Boston, MA
2009: 7:30pm-10pm on Tuesdays. Copley Square, by the fountain, Boston, MA. more							X
Waterfront Performing Arts Series	Boston, MA
2009: 6-8pm. Christopher Columbus Park, Boston, MA. more							X
Arts on the Arcade	Boston, MA
2009: 11am-3pm Wednesdays. A lot of art vendors, but also dance & live music performance. City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA. more								X
Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park	Boston, MA
Live music and contemporary dance. Run by the Franklin Park Coalition. Franklin Park, Boston, MA.(617) 442-4141. more more							X
Friends of Fort Point Channel Summer Concert Series	Boston, MA
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
Longfellow Family Sundays Art in the Park	Cambridge, MA
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
Summer in the City	Cambridge, MA
Sometimes indoors? Various, Cambridge, MA. more								X	X
Sunday Parkland Games	Cambridge, MA
2009: Sundays 2-5pm. By the Weeks Footbridge, near JFK Street, Cambridge, MA. more					X
Kendall Square Concert Series	Cambridge, MA
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
notloB Folk Concerts	Newton, MA
Outdoor concerts. 2009: 7:30pm. Jackson Homestead, 527 Washington St, Newton, MA. more				X
Sunday Concert Series @ Revere	Revere, MA
Free concerts begin at 6pm. American Legion lawn, Revere, MA. more					X
Free Jack Marlowe Park Summer Concert Series	Woburn, MA
Concerts 7-9pm. Jack Marlowe Park in Woburn Center, Woburn, MA.781-935-5820. more			X
Summer Family Fun Fridays	Sandwich, MA
Outdoor concerts from 11am. Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich, MA. more			X
Tribute to the 60's Concert Series	Acton, MA
Nara Park, Acton, MA. more									X
Music at the Manse Concert Series	Concord, MA
2009: Concerts 2-4pm. Through the end of September. The Old Manse, 269 Monument Street, Concord, MA. more					X
Concerts on the Common, Framingham	Framingham, MA
2009: Fridays 6:30pm. Edgell Green, Framingham Common, Rt 9, Framingham, MA.508-532-5960 ask for "Building Services".. more			X							X
Friday Night Series	Lexington, MA
2009: Concerts at 6:30pm. Lexington Visitors Center, 1875 Mass. Ave., Lexington, MA.781-862-2480.. more			X							X
Tuesday Night Concerts	Lexington, MA
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
Art in the Parks, Needham	Needham, MA
Thursdays at 7pm. Memorial Park, Needham, MA.781-455-7521. more			X
Sunday Evening Concerts on the Common, Norwood	Norwood, MA
Washington St & Nahatan St, Norwood, MA. more					X
Prescott Park Arts Festival	Portsmouth, NH
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	X
Town of Woodstock Free Concert Series	North Woodstock, NH
Concerts from 6:30-8:30pm. Soldier's Park, North Woodstock, NH.603-745-8752. more				X
Castle Hill Summer Picnic Concerts	Ipswich, MA
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
Lowell Summer Music Series	Lowell, MA
Boarding House Park, Lowell, MA. more			X	X						X
Summer Beach Concerts	Lynn, MA
Red Rock Park on the beach at Lynn Shore Drive., Lynn, MA. more									X
The Valley’s Got Talent	Salisbury, MA
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							X
Sundown Concerts @ Fruitland Museums	Harvard, MA
Open for picnicking at 5pm. Concerts begin at 7:30pm. 102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard, MA.978-456-3924. more								X
Summer Concert Series	Jamestown, RI
Concerts at 6:30pm. Memorial Square, Jamestown, RI.(401) 423-7260. more					X
North Kingstown Free Library Outdoor Family Program	North Kingstown, RI
(401) 294-3306. more			X
Blues on the Beach / Concert in Watch Hill	Westerly, RI
2009: 6-8:30pm. Westerly Town Beach or Village Green, Westerly, RI.401-596-7909. more								X	X
Summer Concert Series @ Soule Homestead	Middleboro, MA
2009: Shows start at 6pm. Rain or shine (if it rains they'll go inside). 46 Soule Street, Middleboro, MA. more				X
Wednesday Night Concerts	Plymouth, MA
Pilgrim Memorial Park, Water Street, Plymouth, MA. more								X
Lakeside Concert Series	Sharon, MA
2009: All shows start at 7pm. Memorial Park Beach Bandstand, Lake Massapoag, Sharon, MA. more								X
City Celebrates Summer Thursdays	New Bedford, MA
Free. 2009: 5-9pm. Downtown area, New Bedford, MA.508-996-8253 x205. more									X
Sundays in the Park Concerts	Greenfield, MA
Greenfield Energy Park, Greenfield, MA.413-774-9949. more					X				X
Stearns CityBlock Concert Series	Springfield, MA
more									X
Saturday Night Live Concerts on the Green	Westfield, MA
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
Summer Concert Series	Holden, MA
2009: 6-8pm. Senior Center Lawn in front of the Bandstand, Main St., Holden, MA.Marilyn Foley, 508-829-2951. more					X
Family Night at the Bandstand	Milford, MA
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
Southbridge Summer Concert Series	Southbridge, MA
Sue Pelletier 508-765-8800 or 508-248-6687. more					X
Sweet Summer Nights Music Series	Upton, MA
7-8:30pm. more			X							X

Public Ren Wedding, Corn Maze, Free Plays & Improv, Agg, Kite, Bike, Music Fests

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:57:29 GMT

Please email me your suggestions to make this blog better to johnny@weirdbostonevents.org. Now that I'm on page 1 of Googling "Boston events", I want to go even further. Please subscribe.

-Johnny

The Week in Weird
Opening Day for Davis Megamaze	8/6	Worcester
I love the MegaMaze! It's a huge corn maze with 3 miles of walkways, and because there are crossover bridges, the maze is far more complex than you'd think. It's next to a mid-tier amusement park with a petting zoo, apple-picking orchard (seasonally), hay rides, and water spray park. It's by far the best in New England and arguably the world. You really should go to this opening day celebration, or sometime else.. the maze is open through Halloween. 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MA.978-422-8888. more
Open Wedding w/ Royalty	8/8	Rhode Island
The weird event of the week has got to be this though: a Renaissance costumed wedding that is open to the public. Wow! How do I hear about this stuff? 12pm. Hand fasting. Sword Songs & Moor is doing a wedding that's open to the public? Donation. Royal feast, food, song, merriment, sword swashbuckling demonstration, appearance by King & Queen. Festival, & fun. RSVP in advance preferred. RSVP to Missy Martucci, martuccim@hotmail.com. Foster Woodlands, Rt 6, Foster RI.401-714-4244.
Free Shakespeare on Boston Common	7/31 - 8/16	Boston Metro
The free Shakespeare performance on Boston Common continues! It's The Comedy of Errors. Arrive early and bring a blanket or rent a chair! It's free! Boston Common, Boston, MA.617-426-0863. more
Improv on the Bricks	8/8 - 8/9	North Shore
There are a lot of outdoor events involving theatre. This one's worth a mention. It's Salem Theatre Company's outdoor improv comedy show. 3:30pm. Free! Bring a lawn chair or sit on the bricks. Derby Square & Front Street, Salem, MA. more
Folkways: A Day in the Life of the Early Colonists	8/1 - 8/31	North Shore
There's a historical re-enactment village near Salem that I've never visited and seems poorly described. Um, but I'm sure it's great! And they're having a play which itself is poorly described but seems to be some kind of historical thing. Friday - Tuesday from 11am-1pm. Part of Pioneer Village. Pioneer Village, Forest River Park, Salem, MA.978-867-4767. more
Annual Sand Sculpture Contest @ Marthas Vineyard	8/5	Cape Cod
I was wrong to write that Nantucket has the private beaches. Nantucket is the one with the public beaches! So as a result they are usually less crowded than a Martha's Vinyard, where many are private. Sorry about the mistake! If you are lucky enough to be visiting Martha's Vinyard, stop by the sand sculpture contest! South Beach (right fork), Edgartown, MA.508-627-8134. more
Rehoboth Fair	8/6 - 8/9	Southern Mass
I went last year to this one and it was pretty good! Not bad for my tiny hometown. They'll hav a petting zoo, live stock exhibits, tractor pulls, horse show, and Demolition Derby. Almeida Road at Wheaton Avenue, Rehoboth, MA. more
Rehoboth Antiquarian Society Clambake	8/9	Southern Mass
Also in Rehoboth, they're having the biggest museum celebration of the year. It's authentic New Englandy clambake all-you-can-eat goodness, check it out. Goff Hall, Rehoboth, MA.508-252-3031. more
National Night Out: Revere	8/4	Boston Metro
As I mentioned last week, in Revere, it's a free movie and "family fun" here. Garfield School, Revere, MA.617-343-4345. more
National Night Out: Franklin Park Zoo	8/4	Boston Metro
As I mentioned last week, the Franklin Park Zoo is free 5-8pm. Franklin Park Zoo, Boston, MA.617-343-4345. more
National Night Out: Block Parties	7/19 - 8/4	Boston Metro
As I mentioned last week, there are supposed to be block parties in neighborhoods all across Boston. But I couldn't find them on their website. Everywhere, Boston, MA.617-343-4345. more
Turners Falls Block Party	8/8	Western Mass
Another block party is way out in Western Massachusetts, with a parade, too. Turners Falls, MA.413.230.9910. more
Fall River Celebrates America	8/7 - 8/9	Southern Mass
It's festival season, and this one's special because it happens next to the largest marine exhibit in the world, Battleship Cove. They have a carousel, and fireworks! Battleship Cove at Fall River Heritage State Park, Fall River, MA. more
Newport Jazz Festival (JVC Jazz Festival)	8/8 - 8/9	Rhode Island
The Jazz Festival should be good too. I know because I was just there last weekend for the Folk Festival. Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI. more
Carnival in Beverly	8/7	North Shore
Beverly is having a carnival. Beverly, MA. more
Rock, Rattle, & Drum Pow Wow & Spirit on the Mountain Music Festival	8/7 - 8/9	Western Mass
This one seems to be a serious music event, and well worth a visit. Considering camping over that weekend. Eastover Resort, 430 East Street, Lenox, MA.413-464-0919. more
Beverly Homecoming Days	7/31 - 8/9	North Shore
Beverly's festival continues... This one ends with fireworks... Beverly, MA. more
Ipswich 375th Anniversary Celebration	8/9	North Shore
Ipswich is turning 375 and celebrating with what appears to be a fairly standard event: parade & live music. Take the shuttle at http://ipswichessexexplorer.com if you don't drive. Town Hall, Ipswich, MA. more
Beach Bash Kite Fest	8/9	South Shore
But I might rather go to this interactive festival, since the regular Boston-area Kite Festival is not running this year. Come see people fly stunt kites, and learn to fly one yourself! 10am-3pm. Pageant Field, 1 Merrymount Parkway, Quincy, MA. more
Boston by Bike at Night	8/8 - 8/9	Boston Metro
Speaking of hobbies, here's a nighttime Boston bike cruise, from midnight to dawn. meet Aug 8 at 11:15pm at Copley Square near Trinity Church. Ride 28 miles and finish at 7am at Christopher Columbus Park. Run by the Back Bay Midnight Pedalers. Not physically demanding. The idea is to learn things you didn't know about Boston history and architecture. Bring a bike with a light, & wear something reflective. Trinity Church, 206 Clarendon St., Boston, MA.617-522-0259.
Moonlight Paddle	8/5	Western Mass
Or go kayaking at night. Weatogue Road, Ashley Falls, Sheffield, MA. more
Arlington Astronomy Night	8/8 - 9/12	Boston Metro
My night choice would be looking at the moon through telescopes at this park in Arlington. 9:15pm. Weather permitting, and next one is September 12. Robbins Farm Park, Arlington, MA. more
Model airplanes - CRRC Soar-In	8/8 - 8/9	Metro West
Also a hobby is this model airplane event. I've been and it was fun if you'll be in the area. Off Rt 117. Call Mark Drela at 617 253 0067, or drela@mit.edu. Lunch included in admission. 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.(978) 897-1750. more
Anchor’s Away: Miniature ship building	8/8 - 8/16	North Shore
Watch hobbyists actually build model ships, and over 30 will be on display. They have an exhibit on superheroes too where you can try on Superman's cape or climb into Batman's car. Rt 1A, Wenham, MA.978-468-2377. more
Tour of the Water Purification Facility	8/10	Boston Metro
What you really need is a tour of a water treatment plant. You know you want it! 6-7:30pm. Water Purification Facility, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge, MA. more
Cambridge Discovery Days	8/8 - 8/15	Boston Metro
OK, maybe not. Maybe you'd prefer free walking tours featuring famous dead poets, etc. and other locals. Various, Cambridge, MA. more
Harvard Reads: Poets at 200	8/9	Boston Metro
It's the 200th anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe, so come hear Harvard Professors read his poetry, and others'. Longfellow Historic Site, Brattle St., Cambridge, MA.(617) 876-4491. more
Also Fun
Free "Fun Friday" @ Plimoth Plantation	8/7	South Shore
Plimoth Plantation is free on Friday. Thanks!! 137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA.508-746-1622. more
Wachusett Valley Folk Festival	8/9	Northern Mass
And there are a bunch of smaller festivals. Here's one. Wachusett Village Inn, 9 Village Inn Road, Westminster, MA. more
Dorchester Beach Festival	8/8	Boston Metro
11am-4pm. If there's one thing I've learned about moonbounces, it's that 6'4" guys are too big for 'em. This looks pretty creative, including an eco-scavenger hunt and kite decorating. Malibu Beach, Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester, MA. more
Rockport Acoustic Music Festival	8/9	North Shore
Rockport, MA. more
Annual Winnekenni Castle Chowderfest	8/9	Northern Mass
This festival isn't just the chowder. They'll have magic shows and live music. Haverhill, MA. more
Naukabout Music Festival	8/8	Cape Cod
More music festivals... East Falmouth, MA. more
Prescott Park Rhythm & Roots Fest	8/8	New Hampshire
More music festivals... Portsmouth, NH. more
Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival	8/5 - 8/8	Southern Mass
Another excuse to stay indoors while on Martha's Vinyard. Martha's Vinyard, MA. more
Rhode Island International Film Festival	8/4 - 8/9	Rhode Island
Or in Rhode Island. This one celebrates, um, William Shatner. Providence, RI.401-861-4445. more
Lowell Quilt Festival (Images Quilt Show)	8/6 - 8/9	Northern Mass
2nd largest annual quilt festival in the Boston area. Lowell, MA. more
Essex Street Fair	8/8 - 8/9	North Shore
This "sidewalk festival" is pretty commercial. But Salem is fun to visit anyhow! And it's all part of Salem Heritage Days. Salem, MA. more
Red Bones Annual Pig Pickin'	8/10	Boston Metro
A southern-style hog roast and street festival to benefit charity. Live music. 6-9pm. Somerville, MA. more
Boston Restaurant Week - Summer	8/9 - 8/21	Boston Metro
Get cheap eats at the fanciest restaurants. A marketing ploy, a tourist event, what's the difference? Various, Boston, MA. more
Recurring Events
Sharon Pollock's Blood Relations (Lizzie Borden)	8/7 - 8/15	Boston Metro
Did you miss Lizzie Borden last week? This play seems to be more classy and less ghost-hunter-y. Arsenal Center for the Arts, Watertown, MA. more
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead	7/30 - 8/9	Boston Metro
One of my favorite plays, by Tom Stoppard, who wrote the screenplay for the movie "Shakespeare in Love", it a comedy about Hamlet's lesser known friends. Cambridge YMCA, 820 Mass. Ave, Cambridge, MA. more
The Ego & The Oracle	8/6 - 8/27	Boston Metro
This is an event where they spin the wheel and answer your questions or tell your fortune by playing music! Every Thursday in August! 6:30pm. The Burren, Davis Square, Somerville, MA. more
George's Island Kite Day (Go Fly a KITE Day)	8/8 - 8/29	Boston Metro
Kite experts give lessons on kite-flying, fre material to build kites. Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, MA.617-223-8666. more
Salem Heritage Days	7/31 - 8/10	North Shore
... At the same time as a Heritage Days festival, that includes annual ice cream event, a dog show, dance, comedy, an outdoor movie, and a pizza competition. And see the antique car show at the Phillips House on Aug 9. Salem, MA.978-740-1650. more
Quill Pen Writing	8/1 - 8/27	Boston Metro
I thought this was cute. While you're walking the Boston Freedom Trail, try your hand at writing with a real quill pen. Website only works in Internet Explorer. Old South Meeting House, Boston, MA. more
Swim with luminous jellyfish off the Cape	8/1 - 8/30	Cape Cod
How would you like to swim with harmless but glow-in-the-dark jellyfish? I went to Cape Cod last year on a mission to research this event. Near the end of August, sneak into McGansett Beach, in Falmouth. Or any public beach really. Or boat to Tarpaulin Cove. Choose a calm night, because if there’s a lot of waves there may be too much turbulence to see the jellyfish. They are non-stinging, and small, about the size of a goose egg. The creatures glow when there's motion in the water, so if you disturb the water, such as jumping off the McGansett Beach dock, you see glowing. No real website, but you can ask about it at Woods Hole, http://www.whoi.edu, or the National Marine Life Center, www.nmic.org. Falmouth, MA. more
Kink 101 Club Night	8/8	Boston Metro
And it's a free party for people curious about sexuality. Cambridge, MA. more
Travel
Northeast Kingdom Music Festival	8/7 - 8/8	Vermont
Come camp for a whole weekend for this world music festival. Chilly Ranch, Albany, VT. more
Lake Champlain Bluegrass Festival	8/7 - 8/9	Vermont
Or this one... Rt 2, Alburgh, VT. more
Valley Stage Music Festival	8/8	Vermont
Or this one... Huntington, VT. more
Bangor State Fair	7/31 - 8/9	Maine
Fiesta Shows will have their traveling carnival here also! Bangor Fairgrounds, Bangor, ME. 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.

Outdoor Movies, Theater, Events... Week of Aug 4 - 12

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:53:58 GMT

Outdoor Movies	Tue 8/4	Wed 8/5	Thu 8/6	Fri 8/7	Sat 8/8	Sun 8/9	Mon 8/10	Tue 8/11
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 MetroMagic 106.7 Family Film Festival Entertainment at 6pm, movies at sundown. Free. Prudential Center, South Garden, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA. 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. Some events come with stunt kite demonstrations beforehand! Either Martini Shell, Hyde Park, or Pope John Paul II Park, Gallivan Blvd, Dorchester, Dorchester, MA.617-542-7696. more more	X		X					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
Boston MetroCity of Somerville Annual Movie Series Various locations, Somerville, MA.617-666-3311. more			X
Cape CodMovies Under the Stars Peg Noonan Park, Main Street, Falmouth, MA.508-487-3424. more		X
Cape CodOnset Bay Movie Co - Outdoor Movies Series The Bandshell, behind 197 Onset Avenue, Onset, MA.508-295-9026. more			X
North ShoreSunday Night Movies at Lynch At dusk". Fireworks August 8! Lynch Park Shell, Beverly, MA.978-921-6067. more					X	X
Rhode IslandBig Screen Movie on the Beach @ Westerly Misquamicut Beach, Westerly, RI.401-596-7761. more	X							X
South ShoreWeymouth Summer Outdoor Movies Ralph Talbot Amphitheatre next to Town Hall, Weymouth, MA.781-682-6124. more			X
WorcesterFitchburg Free Friday Night Movies Thursdays at dusk, with a farmer's market 4-7 and entertainment at 7pm. Riverfront Park, Fitchburg, MA.978-833-1270. more			X

Outdoor Theatre, Music, & Events	Tue 8/4	Wed 8/5	Thu 8/6	Fri 8/7	Sat 8/8	Sun 8/9	Mon 8/10	Tue 8/11
Boston MetroAstronomy Night @ Robbins Park Robbins Farm Park, Arlington, MA. more					X
Boston MetroShakespeare on the Common - The Comedy of Errors Free. At the Parade Grounds on Boston Common, near Beacon & Charles. Rent a chair for $5. Boston Common, Boston, MA.617-532-1252. more	X	X	X	X	X	X		X
Boston MetroShakespeare on Love: Outdoor Theatre 2009: Shakespeare on Love, a collection of songs & excerpts from Shakespeare. 2009: 8/9 @ 5:45pm, Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common, Boston; 8/11 @ 11am, Elma Lewis Playhouse, The Playstead, Franklin Park, Dorchester; 8/13 @ 2pm, Beale Estate, 181 Adams St, Quincy; 8/18 @ 11am, Playstead @ Franklin Park, Dorchester. Various, Boston, MA. more						X		X
Boston MetroDancing under the Stars 2009: 6-8pm. Esplanade, near the Hatch Shell, Boston, MA.Lessons & dance: salsa, swing, ballroom. more			X
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	X
Boston MetroTango 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
Boston MetroDancing on the Charles Outdoor dance in Cambridge. Sounds great. Buy tix in advance. American Legion, 4 Gerry's Landing, Cambridge, MA. more					X
Cape CodFull 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
Cape CodShakespeare by the Sea Aselton Park, Hyannis Harbor, Hyannis, MA.508-775-2201. more						X
New HampshireFireworks @ Hampton Beach Every Wednesday, plus holidays. 22 C Street, Hampton Beach, NH.603-926-8717. more		X
New HampshireFireworks @ Canobie Lake Park more					X
New HampshireSugar - Coated Shakespeare 2009: From 10am. Town Square, Waterville Valley, NH. more					X
North ShoreTheater 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
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 IslandWaterfire 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
Boston MetroPayson Park Music Festival Free but time not given. Call 'em. Payson Park, Belmont, MA.617-993-2760. more		X
Boston MetroWavelengths @ the ICA 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
Boston MetroLandmarks Orchestra (not at the Hatch Shell) more		X		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							X
Boston MetroWaterfront Performing Arts Series 2009: 6-8pm. Christopher Columbus Park, Boston, MA. more	X							X
Boston MetroDorothy Curran Wednesday Evening Concert Series City Hall Plaza, 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 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
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							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					X	X
Boston MetroSunday Parkland Games 2009: Sundays 2-5pm. By the Weeks Footbridge, near JFK Street, Cambridge, MA. more						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					X
Boston MetroMusic in Bremen Street Park Concert Series 2009: Tuesdays, 5-7pm. Bremen Street Park, East Boston, MA. more	X							X
Boston MetroJP 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 MetroSunday Concert Series @ Revere Free concerts begin at 6pm. American Legion lawn, Revere, MA. 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
Cape CodSummer Performing Arts @ Hyannis Tuesdays & Fridays 6-7:30pm. Aselton Park, Hyannis Harbor, Hyannis, MA.508-775-2201. more	X			X				X
Metro WestTribute to the 60's Concert Series Nara Park, Acton, MA. more			X
Metro WestMusic at the Manse Concert Series 2009: Concerts 2-4pm. Through the end of September. The Old Manse, 269 Monument Street, Concord, MA. more						X
Metro WestConcerts on the Common, Framingham 2009: Fridays 6:30pm. Edgell Green, Framingham Common, Rt 9, Framingham, MA.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							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 WestSummer Concerts @ Wellesley Concerts are 7-8:30pm. Town Hall Green, Wellesley, MA.781-235-2370. more		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
New HampshireTown of Woodstock Free Concert Series Concerts from 6:30-8:30pm. Soldier's Park, North Woodstock, NH.603-745-8752. more					X
North ShoreSummer Concerts @ Beverly Fireworks Aug 9. Lynch Park (Sundays) or Common (Thursdays), Beverly, MA. 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 ShoreSalem Willows Concert 2009: Tuesdays 7-9pm. Band Shell @ Salem Willows, Salem, MA.978-745-4581. more	X							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
Rhode IslandSummer Concert Series Concerts at 6:30pm. Memorial Square, Jamestown, RI.(401) 423-7260. more						X
Rhode IslandNorth Kingstown Free Library Outdoor Family Program (401) 294-3306. more		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							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 ShoreWednesday Night Concerts Pilgrim Memorial Park, Water Street, Plymouth, MA. more		X
Southern MassLakeside Concert Series 2009: All shows start at 7pm. Memorial Park Beach Bandstand, Lake Massapoag, Sharon, MA. more		X
Southern MassCity Celebrates Summer Thursdays Free. 2009: 5-9pm. Downtown area, New Bedford, MA.508-996-8253 x205. more			X
Western MassSundays in the Park Concerts Greenfield Energy Park, Greenfield, MA.413-774-9949. more			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
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					X		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
WorcesterElm Park Summer Concert Series 2009: All shows 6:30-8:30pm. Elm Park, Highland Street at Park Avenue, Worcester, MA. more			X

Folk Festival, Geek Con, Lizzie Borden, "Obey" Party, Re-enactments, Ice Cream, Circus, & Hip Hop

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:37:39 GMT

This week's group trip: Come visit me and my art project at the Newport Folk Festival! See below for info.

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

-Johnny

The Week in Weird
Free Shakespeare on Boston Common	7/31 - 8/16	Boston Metro
The weird event of the week is most definitely the free Shakespeare play on Boston Common! I've been many times and it's definitely a must-see. This time the play is The Comedy of Errors. Arrive early and bring a blanket or rent a chair! It's free! Boston Common, Boston, MA. more
Newport Folk Festival / George Wein's Folk Festival 50	8/1 - 8/2	Rhode Island
Lots and lots of music this weekend at the Newport Folk Festival! It's weird mainly because I'll be there with my Wheel Questions project. And Pete Seeger. And the Decemberists. And Arlo Guthrie and Joan Baez. So come to see us, not necessarily in that order of priority. Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI. more
Feast of the Blessed Sacrement (Portuguese)	7/30 - 8/2	Rhode Island
While you're in the area, stop by the largest Portuguese festival in the USA. Music, food, a parade on Sunday, 5K road race. Free! Madeira Field, New Bedford, MA.508-992-6911. more
Redcoats and Rebels @ Old Sturbridge Village	8/1 - 8/2	Southern Mass
My favorite alternative would be Old Sturbridge Village as usual. Is there anything these people do wrong? I don't think so! For this one they'll re-enact 300 years of military history. I've seen it. It's amazing! Parade, fife & drum, camp cooking, cannon demo, kids activities. Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA.(508) 347-3362. more
Obey Experiment Redux @ ICA Boston	7/31	Boston Metro
Also a museum that can do no wrong: the ICA. I actually went to their last one of these and it was worth the visit, not spectacular. This one adds a dance floor though! ICA, Boston, MA. more
Shoes Tell Stories @ Fuller Museum	8/2	Southern Mass
This is always-a-hit museum #3. I love the Fuller! Do you like shoes? Have shoes ever changed your life? The Fuller Museum wants to hear your story. This event doesn't sound very impressive but I'm listing it because the Fuller Museum is such a gem. I've been three times and there's always something world-class going on in lonely Brockton. They are free and have arty socials Wednesday evenings, 5-9pm. 10am to 1pm. 455 Oak Street, Brockton, MA.508-588-6000. more
Lizzie Borden Museum Annual Re-enactment	8/4	Southern Mass
Then we come to a screeching halt a museum that shouldn't even exist. In 1892, a horrific murder occurred in Fall River. The main suspect was acquitted, but conspiracy theorists are still talking about it. And now, they have re-enactors of something that's not even really historic. And they promote paranormal hogwash. Humbug. :). Lizzie Borden B&B, 92 Second St., Fall River, MA.508-675-7333. more
Abigail Adams Meets Captain William Smith	8/2	Metro West
I going to wash that thought right out of my hair with the regularly re-enacting folks at the National Park Service in Lexington. This weekend you can meet the wife of former president John Adams re-enacted, as well. Preceded by "Colonial Tunes with the Hartwell Players". Captain William Smith House, Lexington, MA. more
Tutto Italiano @ Larz Anderson Museum	8/2	Boston Metro
And you really can't go wrong visiting the Museum of Transportation, with its regular lawn festivals. 15 Newton Street, Brookline, MA.(617) 522-6547. more
Edaville Unplugged: Acoustic Music Festival	8/1	Southern Mass
This music festival is just a good excuse to visit Edaville, with its trains, ferris wheel, and merry-go-round. Hopefully the trains won't be unplugged, too. Edaville Railroad, Route 58, South Carver, MA.877-EDAVILLE. more
ConnectiCon	7/31 - 8/2	Connecticut
Are you a geek? Perhaps you'll drive out to this general-purpose fandom convention including anime, gaming, web-comics, science-fiction, fantasy and more. Connecticut Convention Center on Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT. more
Salem Maritime Festival	8/1 - 8/2	North Shore
Another big festival is in Salem, which has a Maritime Festival, with music, folk dancing, tons of 'traditional crafts', and two big sailing ships! Derby Wharf, 174 Derby Street, Salem, MA.978-740-1650. more
Salem Heritage Days	7/31 - 8/10	North Shore
... At the same time as a Heritage Days festival, that includes annual ice cream event, a dog show, dance, comedy, an outdoor movie, and a pizza competition. And see the antique car show at the Phillips House on Aug 9. Salem, MA.978-740-1650. more
Ice Cream Bowl @ Salem	8/4	North Shore
Yummy, yummy, ice cream... Salem, MA.978-740-1650. more
The Underpants	7/16 - 8/2	North Shore
While you're there, check out the closing week for this comedy written by Steve Martin. Church, 316 Essex Street, Salem, MA.978-790-8546. more
Yankee Homecoming Festival	7/26 - 8/2	North Shore
There's something special about festivals on the North Shore this week. Newburyport has one too. Printmaking, food & music & art, festival, historical tours, Irish & Greek performances. fireworks Aug 1, and a parade Aug 2. Various, Newburyport, MA. more
Beverly Homecoming Days	7/31 - 8/9	North Shore
As does Beverly. This one ends with fireworks... Beverly, MA. more
Luau in Beverly	7/30	North Shore
And starts with a Hawaiin Luau! Beverly, MA. more
Chris & Meredith Thompson, fireworks	8/2	North Shore
Of the many outdoor concerts, my pick is Chris & Meredith Thompson, twin sisters who play a variety of folk. Beverly, MA. more
Roaring 20's Jazz Ball	7/31	North Shore
Also on the North Shore! They're having a Jazz Ball at the Crane Estate with antique cars, dancing, and live music. 7pm-midnight. Ipswich, MA. more
Annual Sand Sculpture Contest @ Marthas Vineyard	8/5	Cape Cod
If you are lucky enough to be visiting Martha's Vinyard, stop by the sand sculpture contest! South Beach (right fork), Edgartown, MA.508-627-8134. more
Nantucket Comedy Festival	7/28 - 8/1	Southern Mass
Nantucket is harder to access but they have a comedy fest and all of the beaches are open to the public, which means less crowding. Only a few of Martha's Vineyard's beaches are public (though lovely). Nantucket Island.508-228-1515. more
Circus Smirkus @ Revere	7/31 - 8/1	Boston Metro
Let's bring it back home to Boston with this traveling circus show. Revere, MA. more
OPENAIR Circus	7/31 - 8/2	Boston Metro
But the real circus spice is this summer workshop for kids that ends in a public performance! Somerville, MA. more
United Styles - Breakdancing Competition	7/31 - 8/2	Boston Metro
They'll also be breakdancing in Boston. Always fun to see. $25, preparty Friday, then 3-11pm Sat & Sun. Cyclorama, 539 Tremont Street #2, Boston, MA. more
Peace Hip Hop Festival	8/1	Boston Metro
Or see it on the festival that used to be at Boston City Hall Plaza. 4-8pm. Hip hop performances. Free. Strand Theatre-Uphams Corner, 543 Columbia Rd, Dorchester, MA.617-635-3911. more
Worcester African Festival	8/1	Worcester
This one seems to be ethnically African, not African-American. 12-7pm. Free food. Martin Luther King Center, 237 Chandler St., Worcester, MA. more
Latino Family Festival	8/2	Boston Metro
Boston's biggest latino event, with a concert at Fenway Park. 12pm. Fenway Park, Boston, MA. more more
Pittsfield Ethnic Festival	8/2	Western Mass
Two stages of music and dance, all "ethnic". (What a strange term!). First Two Blocks of North St, Pittsfield, MA.413-443-6501. more
Stony Brook Summerfest	8/2	Boston Metro
They'll have a bike rodeo, swimming, live animals, music, games, and more at this state park. Stony Brook Reservation, Hyde Park, MA.617-698-1802 x3. more
Pittsfield NH Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally	7/31 - 8/2	New Hampshire
Perhaps you'd travel 1.7 hrs from Boston for a balloon ride. Call to reserve in advance! Fireworks on Saturday. Pittsfield, NH. more
Moonlight Paddle on the Charles River	7/31 - 8/6	Boston Metro
I've always wanted to try a moonlight guided hike or paddle. This group does them regularly. Charles River Canoe & Kayak, Boston, MA.617-267-4430. more
Quill Pen Writing	8/1 - 8/27	Boston Metro
I thought this was cute. While you're walking the Boston Freedom Trail, try your hand at writing with a real quill pen. Website only works in Internet Explorer. Old South Meeting House, Boston, MA. more
Bang on a Can Marathon	8/1	Western Mass
The Mass MoCA event of live music continues in a "marathon". But it's basically a performance. And you don't get to bang cans. :(. 87 Marshall St, North Adams, MA.413-662-2111.. more
National Night Out: Revere	8/4	Boston Metro
I don't know what else is happening elsewhere, but in Revere, it's a free movie and "family fun" here. Garfield School, Revere, MA.617-343-4345. more
National Night Out: Franklin Park Zoo	8/4	Boston Metro
The Franklin Park Zoo is free 5-8pm. Franklin Park Zoo, Boston, MA.617-343-4345. more
National Night Out: Block Parties	7/19 - 8/4	Boston Metro
There are supposed to be block parties too, in neighborhoods all across Boston. But I couldn't find them on their website. Everywhere, Boston, MA.617-343-4345. more
Also Fun
Free "Fun Friday" @ Boston Children's Museum	7/31	Boston Metro
The Children's Museum is free this week, too! Boston Children's Museum, Boston, MA. more
Somerville Rock & Roll Yard Sale	8/1	Boston Metro
This is a flea market for music enthusiasts with live music and DJs all day. 3-7pm. Rain date: next day. Union Square, Somerville, MA.617.625.6600 ext. 2985. more
Chesterwood Annual Summer Gala: A Lincoln Portrait	8/1 - 8/2	Western Mass
They're having a garden party and you get to see how clay sculptures are made. They have free evening hours July 29, too. 4 Williamsville Road, Stockbridge, MA.413-298-3579. more
Boston Poetry Slam - Send Off to Nationals	7/29	Boston Metro
7pm. $5. Four teams battle to speak the best poetry, and one team will travel to the national competition. I've seen poetry slams and they're more like theatre and a lot less like reading dry text! The Cantab Lounge, 738 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA.617-244-6619. more
South Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower	7/28 - 7/30	Metro West
This one's barely a meteor shower, but it's weird, so I'm listing it! Make sure to go to a lake or a huge field with no street lights to blind you. 1am-4am on any morning between Tuesday, July 28 and Thursday, July 30. Everywhere, Everywhere. more
Cheshire Fair	7/29 - 8/2	New Hampshire
Fiesta Shows will have their traveling carnival there. Cheshire Fairgrounds (Rte 12), Swanzey, NH. more
Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival	7/30 - 8/2	Connecticut
Yet another outdoor festival. East Hartford CT. more
Litchfield Jazz Festival	7/31 - 8/2	Connecticut
Yet another. Kent School, Kent, CT. more
Onset Blues Festival	8/1	Cape Cod
Festivals continue. This one's on lovely Cape Cod! The Bluff, Onset, MA.508-295-7072. more
Gloucester Best Dressed Dog Parade	8/1	North Shore
Part of Gloucester Sidewalk Days, a highly commercial event: some cute dogs. 260 Main St. Gloucester, MA, Gloucester, MA. more more
21st Hingham Invitational Ultimate Frisbee Championship	8/1 - 8/2	Northern Mass
Everyone loves frisbee. This one's the ultimate. Hingham, MA. more
Pan Mass Challenge	8/1 - 8/2	Metro West
Bicycle for charity from Wellesley to Provincetown, for cancer research. Wellesley, MA. more
Woods Hole Film Festival	7/25 - 8/1	Cape Cod
Cape Cod can be excused for having a film festival in the summer. Because when else would you go there? Woods Hole, MA. more
Roxbury Film Festival	7/30 - 8/2	Boston Metro
But I'm not sure what Roxbury's excuse would be. This one celebrates people of color. Roxbury, MA. more
Rhode Island International Film Festival	8/4 - 8/9	Rhode Island
Or Rhode Island's. This one celebrates, um, William Shatner. Providence, RI.401-861-4445. more
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead	7/30 - 8/9	Boston Metro
One of my favorite plays, by Tom Stoppard, who wrote the screenplay for the movie "Shakespeare in Love", it a comedy about Hamlet's lesser known friends. Cambridge YMCA, 820 Mass. Ave, Cambridge, MA. more
Travel
Maine Lobster Festival	7/29 - 8/2	Maine
Do you love lobster? Enough to drive nearly 4 hours from Boston? Rockland, ME. more
Vermont Roots Reggae Festival	7/31 - 8/2	Vermont
Reggae is big in Vermont. Go figure. Rt 129, Alburgh, VT. more
Bangor State Fair	7/31 - 8/9	Maine
Fiesta Shows will have their traveling carnival here also! Bangor Fairgrounds, Bangor, ME. more
Champlain Valley Folk Festival	7/31 - 8/2	Vermont
But the place to be in undoubtedly Vermont along Lake Champlain. Kingsland Bay State Park, Ferrisburgh, VT.877-850-0206. 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.

Outdoor Movies, Theater, Events... Week of July 29-Aug 5

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:34:23 GMT

Outdoor Movies	Wed 7/29	Thu 7/30	Fri 7/31	Sat 8/1	Sun 8/2	Mon 8/3	Tue 8/4	Wed 8/5
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 MetroMagic 106.7 Family Film Festival Entertainment at 6pm, movies at sundown. Free. Prudential Center, South Garden, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA. 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. Some events come with stunt kite demonstrations beforehand! Either Martini Shell, Hyde Park, or Pope John Paul II Park, Gallivan Blvd, Dorchester, Dorchester, MA.617-542-7696. more more		X					X
Boston MetroMovies on the Necklace In the bowl below and west of Perkins Street, between Jamaicaway and the Pond. Children's activities start at 6pm, then movie at dusk. Rain date: next day. Jamaica Pond, Jamaica Plain, MA.(617) 232-5374. 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
Boston MetroCity of Somerville Annual Movie Series Various locations, Somerville, MA.617-666-3311. more		X
Boston MetroWinchester Movies on the Common Winchester Town Common, Winchester, MA. more		X
Cape CodMovies Under the Stars Peg Noonan Park, Main Street, Falmouth, MA.508-487-3424. more	X							X
Cape CodOnset Bay Movie Co - Outdoor Movies Series The Bandshell, behind 197 Onset Avenue, Onset, MA.508-295-9026. more		X
Northern MassFriday Night Movie Under the Stars Gates open at 7:30. Movies around 8:30. $5. 39 Concord Rd, Chelmsford, MA.978-256-4396. more			X
North ShoreSunday Night Movies at Lynch At dusk". Fireworks August 8! Lynch Park Shell, Beverly, MA.978-921-6067. more					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
WorcesterFitchburg Free Friday Night Movies Thursdays at dusk, with a farmer's market 4-7 and entertainment at 7pm. Riverfront Park, Fitchburg, MA.978-833-1270. more		X

Outdoor Theatre, Music, & Events	Wed 7/29	Thu 7/30	Fri 7/31	Sat 8/1	Sun 8/2	Mon 8/3	Tue 8/4	Wed 8/5
Boston MetroShakespeare on the Common - The Comedy of Errors Free. At the Parade Grounds on Boston Common, near Beacon & Charles. Rent a chair for $5. Boston Common, Boston, MA.617-532-1252. more			X	X	X		X	X
Boston MetroDancing under the Stars 2009: 6-8pm. Esplanade, near the Hatch Shell, Boston, MA.Lessons & dance: salsa, swing, ballroom. more		X
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
Cape CodShakespeare by the Sea Aselton Park, Hyannis Harbor, Hyannis, MA.508-775-2201. 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
New HampshireSugar - Coated Shakespeare 2009: From 10am. Town Square, Waterville Valley, NH. more				X
North ShoreTheater 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
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	X	X	X	X
Western MassShakespeare Under the Stars All shows start at 7:30pm. The Hartsbrook School, lawn, Hadley, MA. more			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 MetroLandmarks Orchestra (not at the Hatch Shell) more								X
Boston MetroGarden Concert @ Prudential Center Prudential Center, South Garden, Boston, MA. more	X
Boston MetroMFA Concerts in the Courtyard Concerts at 7:30pm. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA.617-369-3189. more	X							X
Boston MetroOutdoor folk dancing in Copley Square 2009: 7:30pm-10pm on Tuesdays. Copley Square, by the fountain, Boston, MA. more							X
Boston MetroWaterfront Performing Arts Series 2009: 6-8pm. Christopher Columbus Park, Boston, MA. more							X
Boston MetroDorothy Curran Wednesday Evening Concert Series City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA. more	X							X
Boston MetroTito Puente Latin Music Series Various, Boston, MA. more		X
Boston MetroJazz in July Outdoors. More events (not listed) are indoors. Various, Boston, MA. more	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					X	X
Boston MetroSunday Parkland Games 2009: Sundays 2-5pm. By the Weeks Footbridge, near JFK Street, Cambridge, MA. more					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 MetroMusic in Bremen Street Park Concert Series 2009: Tuesdays, 5-7pm. Bremen Street Park, East Boston, MA. more							X
Boston MetroJP 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 MetroSunday Evening Heritage Festivals 2009: All shows 6:15pm - 7:45pm. Newton Centre Green, 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 MetroWinthrop Summer Concerts 2009: 7pm. "The Yankee Notions". Normally they have a concert series. Ingleside Park, Winthrop, MA.617-846-8243. more	X
Cape CodSummer Family Fun Fridays Outdoor concerts from 11am. Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich, MA. more			X
Cape CodSummer Performing Arts @ Hyannis Tuesdays & Fridays 6-7:30pm. Aselton Park, Hyannis Harbor, Hyannis, MA.508-775-2201. more			X				X
Metro WestConcerts on the Common @ Bedford Different genres of live music. Town Common, Bedford, MA. more		X
Metro WestMusic at the Manse Concert Series 2009: Concerts 2-4pm. Through the end of September. The Old Manse, 269 Monument Street, Concord, MA. more					X
Metro WestConcerts on the Common, Framingham 2009: Fridays 6:30pm. Edgell Green, Framingham Common, Rt 9, Framingham, MA.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 WestIce 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
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
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
New HampshireTown of Woodstock Free Concert Series Concerts from 6:30-8:30pm. Soldier's Park, North Woodstock, NH.603-745-8752. more				X
North ShoreSummer Concerts @ Beverly Fireworks Aug 9. Lynch Park (Sundays) or Common (Thursdays), Beverly, MA. more		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	X
North ShoreSummer Beach Concerts Red Rock Park on the beach at Lynn Shore Drive., Lynn, MA. more		X
North ShoreSalem Willows Concert 2009: Tuesdays 7-9pm. Band Shell @ Salem Willows, Salem, MA.978-745-4581. 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 IslandSummer Concert Series Concerts at 6:30pm. Memorial Square, Jamestown, RI.(401) 423-7260. more					X
Rhode IslandNorth Kingstown Free Library Outdoor Family Program (401) 294-3306. more								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						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 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
Southern MassCity Celebrates Summer Thursdays Free. 2009: 5-9pm. Downtown area, New Bedford, MA.508-996-8253 x205. more		X
Western MassSundays in the Park Concerts Greenfield Energy Park, Greenfield, MA.413-774-9949. more		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
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		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
WorcesterUniBank Community Concert Series Various, Various near Worcester. 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

This just in: Beach Boys, Free Zoo, Davis Farmland, Outdoor movies in Chelmsford & Boston.

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:35:35 GMT

Hi!

Some late-breaking news.

Beach Boys play the Esplanade for a Free Concert Saturday in Boston. http://www.mass.gov/dcr/hatch_events.htm

Two new summer outdoor movies series have been added: Chelmsford, Fridays, http://kidsinc.us. And Prudential Center, Saturdays, http://www.prudentialcenter.com/

The Carnival Project is an art show where all the art is games! Seems to be interactive!! Saturday, 7pm, free, Fitchburg, MA. http://www.therabbitholeusa.com/

Davis Farmland is fun anytime, but this weekend they're having their "olympics", so plenty of fun games for kids, as well as the usual petting zoo, hay rides, and water spray park. 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MA. Sat & Sun. http://www.davisfarmland.com

Franklin Park Zoo is free this Friday (tomorrow). 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA. 617-541-5466. http://www.franklinparkzoo.org

I would not normally list the Manchester Arts Festival this Saturday (too small & commercial, about 80 artists on the street selling). However!! They do have two live music stages, and my favorite beach, the Singing Beach is nearby, and it's MBTA accessible!! So give it a shot! http://www.capeannvacations.com/festival-event.cfm?id=44

Just a reminder, you can download my whole spreadsheet on recurring activies (like beaches, amusement parks, and where to go hiking or waterskiing) at http://WeirdBostonEvents.org/johnnys-list.xls

-Johnny

Water Boarding, Puerto Rican, Folk, Shark, Auto, Maritime, Celtic, Tibet, Catholic Fests.

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:16:32 GMT

This weekend's group trip is to the Lowell Folk Festival! Email me about your availability and if you can drive: johnny@weirdbostonevents.org

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

-Johnny

The Week in Weird
Water Board: A Play About Torture	7/23	Boston Metro
The weird event of the week is torture, live on stage. Amnesty International and theatre. Does it mix? Come find out at this show about torture. It's mainly satire and political fun, but they'll also demonstrate waterboarding. I'm told the part that's horrific is limited, but it's not for kids. 8pm. YMCA Theater, 820 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA.617-797-1981. more
Lowell Folk Festival	7/24 - 7/26	Northern Mass
Also the event of the week is the Lowell Folk Festival: the largest free folk festival in US. Lowell, MA.978-970-5000. more
Oak Bluffs Monster Shark Tournament	7/23 - 7/25	Southern Mass
And now time for some revenge on sharks for what happened in the documentary Jaws. Oh wait. That was fiction? Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vinyard, MA. more
Puerto Rican Festival	7/26	Boston Metro
I've been to this festival. They have a traveling carnival with tons of vendors, sort of corny but lots of ethnic pride and happy kids. Rain or shine, but it will be so muddy if it rains, skip it. Free. Parade on Sunday @ 12pm, from 55 Malcolm X Boulevard, down Columbus Ave, Seaver St, Blue Hill Ave, and into Franklin Park. Playstead Field, Franklin Park, Boston, MA.866.481.0695 or 617-635-3911. more
St. Joseph Feast Celebration	7/24 - 7/26	Boston Metro
The Italians in Boston's North End have a number of Catholic Festivals. This one's the biggest I believe. I've always been put off by the hammering religious nature of the events. Are the rest of us welcome? I suppose. Battery St & Hanover St, Boston, MA.617-720-1368. more
Blackstone Valley Celtic Festival	7/25	Worcester
The Irish have their priorities straight. Religion takes a back seat to parades, music, and dance. Indian Ranch, 200 Gore Rd, Webster, MA.508-943-3871. more
Merrimack River Maritime Festival @ Salisbury Beach	7/25 - 7/26	North Shore
Sailors have their day on the north shore. Fireworks Saturday @ 10pm. Salisbury Beach, Salisbury, MA.978-462-7274. more
Olde Ipswich Days	7/23 - 7/26	North Shore
They'll have a block party & an old time baseball game. Crafts fair on the South Village Green and a book sale on the library lawn. Opening of a new 17th restored home. Take shuttle at http://ipswichessexexplorer.com/. South Village Green, Ipswich, MA. more
Salem CultureFest	7/25 - 7/26	North Shore
Also on the North Shore, Salem is throwing what looks to be a slightly bigger festival. Salem, MA. more
Yankee Homecoming Festival	7/26 - 8/2	North Shore
But the real North Shore festival this weekend is in Newburyport. Printmaking, food & music & art, festival, historical tours, Irish & Greek performances. fireworks Aug 1, and a parade Aug 2. Various, Newburyport, MA. more
Day of Triumph @ Larz Anderson Museum	7/26	Boston Metro
Of course I can't resist the Museum of Transportation, again. I'm just going to keep posting these until you go! So don't fight it! Car show for people who own Triumph cars. 15 Newton Street, Brookline, MA.(617) 522-6547. more
Sol LeWitt Gallery Quest @ Mass MoCA	7/25	Western Mass
You don't really need an excuse to get out to the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, which is always amazing yet accessible. However, this scavenger hunt may give you an extra reason. 87 Marshall St, North Adams, MA.413-662-2111.. more
YAK Breakdancers	7/23 - 9/1	Boston Metro
I came across these breakdancers. They're genuinely amazing. Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, they perform all day from 1pm+ in front of the statue at Faneuill Hall. Faneiul Hall, Boston, MA. more
Also Fun
Barnstable County Fair	7/17 - 7/25	Cape Cod
There are tons of fairs all over New England. I only list the biggest but more are out there! Rt 28S to Rt 151E, 4.7 mi. Largest annual event on Cape Cod. Rt 151, East Falmouth, MA.508-563-3200. more
Canterbury Fair	7/25	New Hampshire
This one's much smaller but looks fun. Canterbury, NH. more
North Haverhill Fair	7/22 - 7/26	New Hampshire
Fiesta Shows will have their traveling carnival there. A rodeo & Guitar Hero tournament. North Haverhill Fairgrounds, North Haverhill, NH.603-989-3305. more
Family Fun Night Under the Canopy Tent	7/22	Metro West
The Ancient Order of Fife and Drum performs live & outdoors. Longfellow's Wayside Inn, 72 Wayside Inn Road, Sudbury, MA. more
Provincetown Rocks: The Festival	7/22 - 7/26	Cape Cod
5 days / 4 nights of rock, comedy, & burlesque. Provincetown, MA. more
Be Our Guest @ Concord Museum	7/23 - 8/19	Metro West
Free admission to the Concord Museum. And Aug 20. 200 Lexington Road, Concord, MA.978-369-9763. more
Woods Hole Film Festival	7/25 - 8/1	Cape Cod
Cape Cod can be excused for having a film festival in the summer. Because when else would you go there? Woods Hole, MA. more
Recurring
The Underpants	7/16 - 8/2	North Shore
A comedy written by Steve Martin. In Salem. Church, 316 Essex Street, Salem, MA.978-790-8546. 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
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
Travel
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival	7/23 - 7/26	Eastern NY
Its just over the border from Western, MA. This year includes The Strangelings w/ Chris Thompson. Dodds Farm, County Road 7D, Hillsdale, NY. more
County Bluegrass	7/24 - 7/26	Maine
Here's a festival you come camp over for. Fort Fairfield, ME. more
Tibet Fest	7/25 - 7/26	Connecticut
This one is totally unique and probably worth the trip! Rt 63, Goshen, CT.(860) 491-3655. 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.

Outdoor Movies, Theater, Events in Boston & New England... July 21-29, 2009

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:08:29 GMT

Once again, it's the largest list of outdoor theatre, movies, concerts, and other events in New England.

Outdoor Movies	Tue 7/21	Wed 7/22	Thu 7/23	Fri 7/24	Sat 7/25	Sun 7/26	Mon 7/27	Tue 7/28
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 MetroBrookline Outdoor Movies Series Shows start around "dusk" (8pm). Larz Anderson Park, Brookline, MA.617.730.2069. more							X
Boston MetroSummer in the City All movies are preceded by a kids performance at 6:30pm. Various parks, Cambridge, MA.617-349-6200. 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. Some events come with stunt kite demonstrations beforehand! Either Martini Shell, Hyde Park, or Pope John Paul II Park, Gallivan Blvd, Dorchester, Dorchester, MA.617-542-7696. more more	X		X					X
Boston MetroMovies on the Necklace In the bowl below and west of Perkins Street, between Jamaicaway and the Pond. Children's activities start at 6pm, then movie at dusk. Rain date: next day. Jamaica Pond, Jamaica Plain, MA.(617) 232-5374. 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
Boston MetroCity of Somerville Annual Movie Series Various locations, Somerville, MA.617-666-3311. more			X
Cape CodMovies Under the Stars Peg Noonan Park, Main Street, Falmouth, MA.508-487-3424. more		X
Cape CodOnset Bay Movie Co - Outdoor Movies Series The Bandshell, behind 197 Onset Avenue, Onset, MA.508-295-9026. more			X
Rhode IslandBig Screen Movie on the Beach @ Westerly Misquamicut Beach, Westerly, RI.401-596-7761. more	X							X
South ShoreWeymouth Summer Outdoor Movies Ralph Talbot Amphitheatre next to Town Hall, Weymouth, MA.781-682-6124. more			X
WorcesterFitchburg Free Friday Night Movies Thursdays at dusk, with a farmer's market 4-7 and entertainment at 7pm. Riverfront Park, Fitchburg, MA.978-833-1270. more			X

Outdoor Theatre, Music, & Events	Tue 7/21	Wed 7/22	Thu 7/23	Fri 7/24	Sat 7/25	Sun 7/26	Mon 7/27	Tue 7/28
Boston MetroDancing under the Stars 2009: 6-8pm. Esplanade, near the Hatch Shell, Boston, MA.Lessons & dance: salsa, swing, ballroom. more			X
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 MetroDancing on the Charles Outdoor dance in Cambridge. Sounds great. Buy tix in advance. American Legion, 4 Gerry's Landing, Cambridge, MA. more					X
New HampshireFireworks @ Hampton Beach Every Wednesday, plus holidays. 22 C Street, Hampton Beach, NH.603-926-8717. more		X
New HampshireFireworks @ Canobie Lake Park more					X
North ShoreTheater 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
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 IslandFireworks in Westerly Various, Westerly, RI.401-596-7909. more					X
Rhode IslandWaterfire 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
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	X	X	X	X	X		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
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	X
Boston MetroLandmarks Orchestra (not at the Hatch Shell) more			X			X
Boston MetroGarden Concert @ Prudential Center Prudential Center, South Garden, Boston, MA. more		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							X
Boston MetroDorothy Curran Wednesday Evening Concert Series City Hall Plaza, 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
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
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							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				X
Boston MetroSunday Parkland Games 2009: Sundays 2-5pm. By the Weeks Footbridge, near JFK Street, Cambridge, MA. more						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					X
Boston MetroSunday Evening Heritage Festivals 2009: All shows 6:15pm - 7:45pm. Newton Centre Green, 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
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 WestTribute to the 60's Concert Series Nara Park, Acton, 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. Edgell Green, Framingham Common, Rt 9, Framingham, MA.508-532-5960 ask for "Building Services".. more				X
Metro WestArts in the Park Concert 2009: 6:30pm. Rain location: town hall. Wood Park, Park St., Hudson, MA. 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							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 WestJuly Strawberry Concerts Start at 7pm. Chapel, Wayside Inn, Sudbury, MA.978-443-8846 or 978-440-9630. more	X							X
Metro WestOutdoor concert @ Gore Place Gore Place, 52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA.(978) 314-6403. more		X
Metro WestSummer Concerts @ Wellesley Concerts are 7-8:30pm. Town Hall Green, Wellesley, MA.781-235-2370. more		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
New HampshireTown of Woodstock Free Concert Series Concerts from 6:30-8:30pm. Soldier's Park, North Woodstock, NH.603-745-8752. more					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	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
Rhode IslandSummer Concert Series Concerts at 6:30pm. Memorial Square, Jamestown, RI.(401) 423-7260. more						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							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 ShoreWednesday Night Concerts Pilgrim Memorial Park, Water Street, Plymouth, MA. more		X
Southern MassLakeside Concert Series 2009: All shows start at 7pm. Memorial Park Beach Bandstand, Lake Massapoag, Sharon, MA. more		X
Southern MassCity Celebrates Summer Thursdays Free. 2009: 5-9pm. Downtown area, New Bedford, MA.508-996-8253 x205. more			X
Western MassSundays in the Park Concerts Greenfield Energy Park, Greenfield, MA.413-774-9949. more	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							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	X						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
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

Art, Lantern, Scottish, Sand Sculpture, Museum, Balloon Fests, Pie Eating, Auto Show!

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:12:09 GMT

This week I'm sponsoring two trips: to the Lantern Festival at Forest Hills Cemetery, this Thursday, 6-9pm, and Somerville ArtBeat, Saturday at 12pm. Email me to RSVP at johnny@weirdbostonevents.org!

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

-Johnny

The Week in Weird
Forest Hills Lantern Festival	7/16	Boston Metro
The event of the week is the Forest Hills Lantern Festival. It's simply amazing, one of my favorite events of the year. You write a message or japanese character on rice paper, wrap it around a wooden float with a candle, and they all get floated on a lake as the sun sets and music plays in this cemetery. 6-9pm. Rain date: 7 days later. Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston, MA.617-524-0128. more
Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival	7/18	Western Mass
Also the event of the week! 9am-9:30pm. Rain or shine. Look Park, 300 North Main St., Northampton, MA.(413) 862-8095. more
Somerville ArtBeat	7/17 - 7/18	Boston Metro
Also also the event of the week!! Somerville is having their annual art festival. I will be there shepherding my "Wheel Questions" installation, the community art project. Davis Square, Somerville, MA.617 625 6600. more
New England Sand Sculpting Festival	7/15 - 7/19	Boston Metro
Also not to be missed is this beach festival I've been to three times! Professionals come to make enormous sand sculptures, and they have a kids day Saturday & amateur adult day Sunday. Awards & entertainment Sunday for you to make your own sculptures, too. They'll have fireworks and vendors and live music as well! Revere Beach, 1 Beach Street, Revere, MA. more
Edaville Railroad Green Festival/Beach at the Bogs	7/18 - 7/19	South Shore
Edaville Railroad is having a sand sculpture demonstration as well. Since there's no beach, their professionals will truck in over 7 tons of sand! Edaville Railroad, Pine Street, Carver, MA.877-EDAVILLE. more
Surf’s Up! A PEM Beach Party	7/17	North Shore
The Peabody-Essex Museum, which is fantastic and everyone should visit anyway, which is in Salem, which is fantastic and everyone should also visit anyway, is having a "beach party" where you can learn to make a sand sculpture, a surfboard, and dance under the stars! And they're launching their new photography exhibition about surfing. 4-10pm. East India Square, Salem, MA.978-745-9500. more
Bastille Day Party & Dance in Boston	7/14	Boston Metro
Tonight! As I mentioned last week, 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
[SENSE]ation Day: Clay, Fire and Fun	7/18	Southern Mass
The Fuller Museum is having their annual celebration with lots of interactive art workshops. Don't be fooled by its location way out in Brockton. The Fuller is a world-class museum well worth the trip! 455 Oak Street, Brockton, MA.508-588-6000. more
Summer Sunset Party @ Fuller Museum	7/15	Southern Mass
The Fuller has another another party as well but I couldn't confirm it by phone. I do have the date written down though so I must have seen it at some point. I do know that every Wednesday night 5-9pm is free! 455 Oak Street, Brockton, MA.508-588-6000. more
Civil War Living History Weekend	7/18 - 7/19	Rhode Island
There are also re-enactments this weekend, like this one in a large park in Newport. Bring a kite to fly! Fort Adams State Park, 1 Lincoln Drive, Newport, RI.401-841-0707. more
Newport Black Ships Festival	7/16 - 7/19	Rhode Island
While you're in Newport, check out this totally unique Japanese festival, including drumming performance and ships. Newport, RI.401-846-2720. more
Abigail Adams Meets Captain William Smith	7/19 - 8/2	Metro West
You can meet the wife of former president John Adams re-enacted, as well. Preceded by "Colonial Tunes with the Hartwell Players". Captain William Smith House, Lexington, MA. more
American Independence Festival	7/18	New Hampshire
The 4th of July is not quite over yet, either! 1 Governors Lane, Exeter, NH.603-772-2622. more
The Long Arm of the Law	7/18	Metro West
And you can't keep the Minuteman National Park from re-enacting every weekend this summer. The "Long Arm of the Law" will introduce you to 18th century criminals and police. Hartwell Tavern, Rt 2A, Lincoln, MA. more
Verrill Farm Blueberry Pancake & Pie Eating Contest	7/18	Metro West
In nearby Concord, it's a pie-eating contest! With hayrides, live music, pony rides. 9am-12pm. 11 Wheeler Road, Concord, MA.978-369-4494. more
Annual Antique Auto Show	7/19	Metro West
Also nearby is a giant car show at the historic Codman Estate. I'm pretty sure Codman was the fellow who invented the codpiece. Codman Estate, 36 Codman Road, Lincoln, MA.(617) 529-1714. more
The Great American Car Show @ Larz Anderson Museum	7/19	Boston Metro
Another car show, even bigger I bet, will be at the Larz Anderson Museum of Transportation in Brookline. 15 Newton Street, Brookline, MA.(617) 522-6547. more
Green River Festival (Balloon Festival)	7/17 - 7/18	Northwest Mass
Two balloon festivals this week! It's always smart to call ahead to reserve your balloon ride. Off Rt 91 exit 26. Greenfield Community College, Greenfield, MA.413-773-9393. more
South County Hot Air Balloon Festival	7/17 - 7/19	Rhode Island
Rt 95S to ex 9. Rt 4S, 10.4mi joins Rt 1, then Rt 138W. URI Athletic Fields off Rt 138, Kingston, RI.401-783-1770. more
Festival Betances (Latino Festival)	7/17 - 7/19	Boston Metro
It's the oldest Latino festival in New England. It's free. And they have a big parade and a greased pole contest! Villa Victoria, South End?, Boston, MA. more
Bang on a Can Summer Music Festival & Mass MOCA	7/15 - 8/1	Western Mass
This is basically a music festival. And I don't think you get to bang on cans. 87 Marshall St, North Adams, MA.413-662-2111.. more
Boston Film Race	7/17	Boston Metro
Amateur directors are challenged to write, shoot, and edit a film all in one day. Then the films are screened at the Brattle. Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA.617-876-6837. more
Murder at the Science Museum - Watson Adventures	7/18	Boston Metro
Register in advance for this scavenger hunt (for clus, not stop signs!) that will have you racing around the museum of science. 4-6:30pm. Museum of Science, Boston, Boston, MA.877-946-4868 x11. more
Summer Nights @ Harvard Museum of Natural History	7/16 - 8/20	Boston Metro
The science museum at Harvard will be open late this Thursday, with a free lecture about biodiversity at 6pm & 7pm. 26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA.617-495-3045. more
Shakespeare in the Park	7/19	Boston Metro
And there's free Shakespeare in Arlington! 5pm. Robbins Farm Park, Eastern Avenue, Arlington, MA. more more
Awesome 80's Prom	7/18 - 8/15	Boston Metro
You really can travel back in time and go to prom all over again in the 1980s! This interactive performance puts you and your friends at an improv comedy show, a dance party, and a re-enactment to make memories. The Tremont St. Playhouse at Club Pearl, 275 Tremont Street, Boston, MA. more
Also Fun
Boston Harbor Islands Free Ferry Day	7/17	Boston Metro
Also fun, everyone should check out the Boston Harbor Islands, and they help by having free ferry days. One Long Wharf, Boston, MA.617-223-8672. more
MFA Community Day (July)	7/19	Boston Metro
And the MFA is free again. (Thanks!) Also every Wednesday late afternoon. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA. more
Prescott Park Folk Festival	7/18	New Hampshire
It's a park. It's folk music. It's a festival. 5-10pm. Portsmouth, NH. more
Ocean State Reggae Festival	7/18 - 7/19	Rhode Island
Because everyone knows that Rhode Islanders are big into reggae music. Ninigret Park, Rt 1A, Charlestown, RI. more
Uxbridge Art & Music Festival	7/19	Worcester
This looks small and possibly bad. But they'll have face painting! And canoeing! River Bend Farm, 287 Oak Street, Uxbridge, MA. more
Masterworks Chorale Summer Sings	7/14 - 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
Barnstable County Fair	7/17 - 7/25	Cape Cod
Rt 28S to Rt 151E, 4.7 mi. Largest annual event on Cape Cod. Rt 151, East Falmouth, MA.508-563-3200. more
Boston Harbor Swim	7/17	Boston Metro
It's a 22-mile swim. I think I'll just watch. 7am-4pm. Boston, MA. more
Brimfield Antiques Festival (Summer)	7/14 - 7/19	Springfield
If anyone cares, the largest antiquest 'festival' in New England is having their 3-times-a-year event again. Off of Rt 20. Rt 20 at Rt 19, Brimfield, MA.(413) 245 3209. more
Quincy Sidewalk Summer Festival	7/16 - 7/18	South Shore
Quincy is having a fairly commercial festival, with vendors on the street with live music. Quincy, MA.617-471-3232. more
Pittsfield Art Show	7/18 - 7/19	Western Mass
This one's commercial too, but still a fun excuse to get out & about. Pittsfield, MA. more
Ponkapoag Bog Walk	7/19	Boston Metro
Call ahead for foot gear. We're going hiking through a bog! 1pm. Boston, MA.617-698-1802 x212. more
A Tribute to Haydn	7/19	Boston Metro
Traditional old-timey instruments will fill out a concert on the lawn at the Longfellow Historic Site. I was just there last weekend! Quite interesting!! George Washington lived there. 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA.617-876-4491. more
Performance
The Underpants	7/16 - 8/2	North Shore
A comedy written by Steve Martin. In Salem. Church, 316 Essex Street, Salem, MA.978-790-8546. more
Circus Smirkus @ Wellesley	7/17 - 7/19	Metro West
And July 31 & August 1 at Revere, MA. Elm Bank Horticultural Center, Wellesley, MA. more
Sarah Silverman	7/19	New Hampshire
Everyone's favorite fake racist fake everything-ist pokes fun at the ones who aren't fake. Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH. more
Recurring
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
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
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
Travel
White's Beach & Campground Bluegrass Fest	7/17 - 7/19	Maine
Camp for the weekend. Listen to Bluegrass! Brunswick, ME. more
Middlebury Festival on the Green	7/12 - 7/18	Vermont
Their claiming this is "Vermont's Favorite Festival". Could be. Middlebury, VT. more
French Heritage Days in Vermont	7/17 - 7/18	Vermont
French music, dance, fencing demonstrations, antique vehicles, old timey games, lots of cultural fun! Vergennes, VT.800-733-8376. 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.

Outdoor Movies, Theater, Events... Week of July 14-21

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:08:32 GMT

Now covering 21 outdoor movie series and 86 outdoor music & theatre series!

Outdoor Movies	Tue 7/14	Wed 7/15	Thu 7/16	Fri 7/17	Sat 7/18	Sun 7/19	Mon 7/20	Tue 7/21
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 MetroBrookline Outdoor Movies Series Shows start around "dusk" (8pm). Larz Anderson Park, Brookline, MA.617.730.2069. more							X
Boston MetroSummer in the City All movies are preceded by a kids performance at 6:30pm. Various parks, Cambridge, MA.617-349-6200. 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. Some events come with stunt kite demonstrations beforehand! Either Martini Shell, Hyde Park, or Pope John Paul II Park, Gallivan Blvd, Dorchester, Dorchester, MA.617-542-7696. more more	X							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
Boston MetroCity of Somerville Annual Movie Series Various locations, Somerville, MA.617-666-3311. more			X
Boston MetroWinchester Movies on the Common Winchester Town Common, Winchester, MA. more			X
Cape CodMovies Under the Stars Peg Noonan Park, Main Street, Falmouth, MA.508-487-3424. more		X
Cape CodOnset Bay Movie Co - Outdoor Movies Series The Bandshell, behind 197 Onset Avenue, Onset, MA.508-295-9026. more			X
Rhode IslandBig Screen Movie on the Beach @ Westerly Misquamicut Beach, Westerly, RI.401-596-7761. more	X							X
South ShoreWeymouth Summer Outdoor Movies Ralph Talbot Amphitheatre next to Town Hall, Weymouth, MA.781-682-6124. more			X
WorcesterFitchburg Free Friday Night Movies Thursdays at dusk, with a farmer's market 4-7 and entertainment at 7pm. Riverfront Park, Fitchburg, MA.978-833-1270. more			X

Outdoor Theatre, Music, & Events	Tue 7/14	Wed 7/15	Thu 7/16	Fri 7/17	Sat 7/18	Sun 7/19	Mon 7/20	Tue 7/21
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
New HampshireFireworks @ Canobie Lake Park more					X
North ShoreTheater 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
Rhode IslandFireworks in Westerly Various, Westerly, RI.401-596-7909. 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	X	X	X	X		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
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
Boston MetroGarden Concert @ Prudential Center Prudential Center, South Garden, Boston, MA. more		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							X
Boston MetroTito Puente Latin Music Series Various, Boston, MA. more			X
Boston MetroJazz in July Outdoors. More events (not listed) are indoors. Various, Boston, MA. more		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
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							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					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					X
Boston MetroSunday Evening Heritage Festivals 2009: All shows 6:15pm - 7:45pm. Newton Centre Green, 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
Cape CodSummer Family Fun Fridays Outdoor concerts from 11am. Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich, MA. more				X
Metro WestTribute to the 60's Concert Series Nara Park, Acton, 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							X
Metro WestIce 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
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
Metro WestSummer Concerts @ Wellesley Concerts are 7-8:30pm. Town Hall Green, Wellesley, MA.781-235-2370. more		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
New HampshireTown of Woodstock Free Concert Series Concerts from 6:30-8:30pm. Soldier's Park, North Woodstock, NH.603-745-8752. more					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
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							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 ShoreWednesday Night Concerts Pilgrim Memorial Park, Water Street, Plymouth, MA. more		X
Southern MassLakeside Concert Series 2009: All shows start at 7pm. Memorial Park Beach Bandstand, Lake Massapoag, Sharon, MA. more		X
Western MassSundays in the Park Concerts Greenfield Energy Park, Greenfield, MA.413-774-9949. more	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							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							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
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
Rhode IslandSummer Concert Series Concerts at 6:30pm. Memorial Square, Jamestown, RI.(401) 423-7260. more						X

Fireworks, Bastille Day, Re-enactments, Scavenger Hunt, Auto Shows, Thoreau, Planes & Trains

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:30:29 GMT

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 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.

Outdoor Movies, Theater, Events... Week of July 8-15, 2009

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:57:13 GMT

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

Civil War / Lincoln re-enactment, Pow-Wow, Jello Wrestling, Hawks, Comedy Music & Teen Angst

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:30:42 GMT

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.

What do to on July 4th (or just before)

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:22:19 GMT

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.

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.

Outdoor Movies, Theater, Events... Week of Jun 29 - Jul 7, 2009

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:00:03 GMT

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

This Just In: Queer Comedy, Rodeo, Carousel, Kite Festival

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:08:06 GMT

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 Somerville	6/27	Boston Metro
Rides, cookout, games. Trum Field, Somerville, MA. more
Annual Penfield Beach Sand Sculpting Festival	6/25 - 6/28	Connecticut
Two grand masters make huge sculptures, plus an amateur competition. Fairfield, CT.203-254-8533. more
Birds of Prey @ Davis Farmland	6/27 - 6/28	Worcester
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 Fest	6/26 - 6/28	South 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 Greenway	6/1 - 10/31	Boston 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 @ Lawrence	6/27	Northern 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 Festival	6/25 - 6/28	Boston 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.

Ren Fest, Block Party, Beach Festivals, Pow-wows, Steam Engines, & Air Show

johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:21:17 GMT

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 Festival	6/27 - 6/28	Southern 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 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
Masterworks Chorale Summer Sings	6/30 - 8/4	Boston 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 Karaoké	6/25	Boston 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 Party	6/26	Boston 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 Pond	6/26	Boston 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 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
Boston Harborfest (includes Chowderfest)	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
Sandcastle Festival @ Yirrell Beach, Winthrop	6/27	Boston 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 - 6/28	New 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 Festival	6/27 - 6/28	North 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 Days	6/24 - 7/4	Northern 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 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
Provincetown Portuguese Festival	6/25 - 6/28	Cape 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 Days	6/27	New 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 Tale	6/26	New 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 Day	6/25	Cape 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 mansion	6/26 - 6/28	Newport 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 Inn	6/26 - 8/21	Worcester
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 Show	6/27 - 6/28	Western 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 Show	6/27 - 6/28	Rhode 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 Alcotts	6/26 - 7/9	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
Now We Are One: George Washington and the Birth of the Continental Army	6/27 - 6/28	Metro 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 Powwow	6/27 - 6/28	Northern 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 Tour	6/27 - 6/28	Metro 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 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
International Fair at Overlook Farm	6/27 - 6/28	Worcester
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 Show	6/27 - 6/28	New 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 @ 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
Lexington Lions Club Carnival	7/1 - 7/5	Metro West
... In more than one location at once! Center Playground, Worthen Rd., Lexington, MA. more
Lynn Carnival	6/24 - 6/28	North Shore
Yet another festival with Fiesta Show's traveling carnival. Lynn English High School, Lynn, MA. more
Phantom Gourmet BBQ Party	6/26 - 6/28	Boston 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 Cambridge	6/25	Boston 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 Takedown	6/28	Boston Metro
Basically, you show up, they compete, you eat! 3pm. Great Scott, 1222 Commonwealth Ave, Allston, MA. more more
Taste of Allston	6/28	Boston 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 Beasts	6/27	Rhode 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 Farms	6/20 - 6/28	Northern 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
EurekaFest	6/24 - 6/27	Boston Metro
Geeks continue to geek out this week. MIT, Cambridge, MA. more
Wakefield Awaken Festival	6/27	North 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 Fiesta	6/24 - 6/28	North 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 Day	6/27	New 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 Festival	6/14 - 6/28	Western 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 Week	6/25 - 6/28	Sweetwilliam 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 Festival	6/28	Worcester
Food, music, and traditional dances from all across Asia. 28 Mulberry Street, Worcester, 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
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 Fest	6/25 - 6/28	Rhode Island
And there's comedy comedy comedy! Comedy!! In Providence. Various Locations, Providence, RI. more
Queer Qomedy Festival	6/25 - 6/28	Boston 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.