Boston Events Insider - Overview: August 2008 Archives

August 2008 Archives

Boston Events Insider: Johnny's List of Quirky Boston Events: 08/27/08

Hi!

You can now subscribe by email or RSS feed, directly from the home page of Johnny's List. Just type in your email address at http://johnnyslist.blogspot.com, where you'll also find this week in weird for August 27. :)

That's the place to go if the below seems poorly formatted and unreadable in LiveJournal.

-Johnny

This is the last week before Labor Day, and while the warm weather will continue, this may be your last chance to catch an outdoor movie or enjoy some of the outdoor concerts in New England!

The Week in Weird
Dancing on the Charles	Jul 26 - Sep 20 Cambridge, MA	Aug 23 and Sep 20 are next! It's an outdoor dance in Cambridge. Sounds great. Buy tix in advance. American Legion, 4 Gerry's Landing, Cambridge, MA. more
Swim with luminous jellyfish off the Cape	Aug 1 - Aug 31 Falmouth, MA	or Woods Hole, http://www.whoi.edu. National Marine Life Center, www.nmic.org. 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 thereâ€™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. more
Dance New England - Dance Camp	Aug 20 - Aug 31 Poland Springs, ME	Enjoy dancing? Want to experience 11 days with no meat on the table? Here's a retreat in Maine that will get your toes tapping. Omni Camp, Poland Springs, ME. more
Kimball Farm Corn Maze	Aug 23 - Sep 1 Haverhill, MA	Trying to compete with Davis Farmland and the Davis MegaMaze, the Kimball Farm is hosting its own corn maze. Kimball Farm Corn Maze, 780 East Broadway, Haverhill, MA.978 521-3990. more
Feast of St. Anthony	Aug 29 - Aug 31 Boston, MA	Opening ceremonies Fri 7 pm. Sat & Sun 9am-11pm, with parades Sunday 12pm and Monday 3pm. Free. Confetti, sing-a-longs, religious mass, and two "Iron Chef" competitions. Endicott St, Boston, MA.617.523.7024. more
Kimball Farm Corn Maze -- Night Maze!	Aug 29 - Aug 31 Haverhill, MA	7pm-10pm. Last ticket at 9pm. Kimball Farm Corn Maze, 780 East Broadway, Haverhill, MA.978 521-3990. more
Art EnCAMPment on Bumpkin Island	Aug 29 - Sep 1 Boston, MA	It's an arts festival that's essentially an excuse to visit the Boston Harbor Islands while the weather's still warm!. Bumpkin Island, Boston, MA. more
Gloucester Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks	Aug 30 Gloucester, MA	Be on the north/east side of the bay, not the south. more
Seakonke Wampanoag Tride Annual Pow-wow	Aug 30 - Aug 31 Rehoboth, MA	This small native american festival takes place in my hometown and I've been. It's at the corner of Rt 44 & Bay State Road, call 401-723-1563. They have a ring of vendors and ethnic music and dance, including participatory. It's a wonderful chance to learn. Also see www.500nations.com/Massachusetts_Events.asp. Redway Plains, Bay State Road at Winthrop Street, Rehoboth, MA.401-723-1563. more
Newport Waterfront Irish Festival	Aug 30 - Sep 1 Newport, RI	I've been to this event, and with 5 music stages, it's worth a visit, but doesn't go much beyond the typical music and vendors that many fairs feature. However, it's the largest Irish event of the year in New England. Newport Yachting Center., Newport, RI. more
Rock, Rattle, & Drum Pow Wow & Spirit on the Mountain Music Festival	Aug 30 - Sep 1 Lenox, MA	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
King Richard's Faire (Ren Faire)	Aug 30 - Oct 19 Carver, MA	Rt 3 S to Rt 44 W to Rt 58 S. Weekends and Holidays only. This is the region's largest Renaissance Festival. It's worth a visit, especially to see the jousting, although they don't pay their stage acts much and it shows. So you'll see lesser jugglers, musicians, and stuntpeople performing, and lots and lots of vendors. (508) 866-5391. more
Buskers Festival	Aug 31 - Sep 1 Newburyport, MA	I've been to this one and it was fun although rather small. They have two stages for unusual street performers and plenty of music and vendors. 978-462-6680. more
Bread and Roses Festival	Sep 1 Lawrence, MA	This music and dance festival celebrates a famous labor strike in American history, with what level of seriousness I do not know. I have mixed feelings about unions, but I do like street festivals!. more
Also Fun
Gloucester Schooner Festival	Aug 29 - Sep 1 Gloucester, MA	As best I can figure out, this is a typical waterfront festival, dominated by a ship race. They'll have live music and fireworks. more
Spencer Fair (Agriculture Fair)	Aug 29 - Sep 1 Spencer, MA	Largest agricultural fair in central Massachusetts. more
Nantucket Arts Festival	Aug 29 - Sep 5 Nantucket Island	It's yet another arts festival, this time on one of the region's island paradises. more
New England Arts & Crafts Festival	Aug 30 - Sep 1 Topsfield, MA	Topsfield Fairgrounds, RT 1, Topsfield, MA.603-332-2616. more
Outdoor Movies
Outdoor Movie Night at NARA Park, Acton	Jun 13 - Sep 13 Acton, MA	Aug 28 is a free outdoor concert. more
WBZ Free Friday Flicks @ Hatch Shell	Jun 20 - Aug 29 Boston, MA	Aug 29: "Hair Spray". Call hotline for cancellation info. Esplanade, Boston, MA.617-787-7200. more
Wednesday Movies Under the Stars	Jun 25 - Aug 27 Falmouth, MA	Aug 27: Harry Potter. Peg Noonan Park, Main Street, Falmouth, MA.508-487-3424 . more
Movies by Moonlight - Boston Harbor Hotel	Jun 27 - Aug 29 Boston, MA	8/29: The Hustler (1961). or http://www.bhh.com/special_eventcal.htm, Boston, MA.617-439-7000. more
Onset Bay Movie Co - Outdoor Movies Series	Jul 3 - Aug 28 Onset, MA	Aug 28: Surf's Up. The Bandshell, behind 197 Onset Avenue, Onset, MA.508-295-9026. more
Neponset River Greenway Festival & Movie Series	Jul 3 - Aug 29 Dorchester, MA	Aug 28: "Grease", at Pope John Paul ll Park, Dorchester. Aug 26: "Grease", Martini Shell, Hyde Park. Pope John Paul II Park, Gallivan Blvd, Dorchester, MA.617-542-7696 . more
City of Somerville Annual Movie Series	Jul 10 - Sep 4 Somerville, MA	Aug 21: We Are Marshall, Prospect Hill Park, Munroe St, Somerville. Various locations, Somerville, MA.617-666-3311. more
Salem Movie on the Common (part of Salem Heritage Days)	Aug 7 - Aug 30 Salem, MA	Aug 30: "Curious George. more
Movies on the Necklace	Aug 21 - Aug 28 Jamaica Plain, MA	Aug 28: Fields of Dreams. In the bowl below and west of Perkins Street, between Jamaicaway and the Pond. . Jamaica Pond, Jamaica Plain, MA.(617) 232-5374. more
TripAdvisor Traveling Movie Tour	Aug 27 - Aug 28 Boston, MA	8/27: "Roman Holiday", 8/28: "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common, 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA. more
Family Movie Night Under the Stars	Aug 29 - Sep 19 Sandwich, MA	Movies begin at 7:30pm. 8/29 The Spiderwick Chronicles, 9/5 Bee Movie, 9/12 The Wizard of Oz, 9/19 Hook. Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich, MA. more
Outdoor Concerts
Concerts on the Common, Framingham	Jun 1 - Aug 29 Framingham, MA	Fridays 6:30pm. 508-532-5960. more
Sweet Summer Nights Music Series	Jun 6 - Aug 29 Upton, MA	more
MFA Concerts in the Courtyard	Jun 11 - Sep 14 Boston, MA	617-369-3189. more
Special Live Concerts, Outdoors at the Boston Harbor Hotel	Jun 20 - Aug 29 Boston, MA	70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA. more
Springfield CityBlock Concert Series	Jun 21 - Sep 20 Springfield, MA	more
Longfellow Family Sundays Art in the Park	Jul 6 - Aug 31 Cambridge, MA	horn music, poetry at the Longfellow Historic Site. Participatory painting, drawing. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Every Sunday June-August, poetry & classical music. Most events 4-5pm but see website. 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA.617-876-4491. more
Landmarks Orchestra Festival at the Shell	Jul 9 - Sep 10 Boston, MA	7pm. Free. Every Wednesday. Esplanade, Boston, MA. more
Sri Lankan Drummers - Pancha Thurya	Aug 30 Somerville, MA	It's an outdoor performance of drummers from Sri Lanka, the first Sri Lankan themed event I've ever heard of in New England. Somerville Community Growing center, 22 Vinal Avenue, Somerville, MA.508-476-1573. more
Outdoor Theatre
Plays in the Park @ Georges Island	Jun 27 - Aug 29 Boston, MA	Georges Island, Boston, MA.617-223-8666. more
Outdoor stage at the Publick Theatre	Jul 3 - Sep 14 Brighton, MA	THE SEAGULL, by Anton Chekhov, to Sep 7, HAY FEVER by Noel Coward, to Sep 30. Publick Theatre at Christian Herter Park, 1175A Soldiers Field Road, Brighton, MA.617-454-1444. more
Recurring Events
Waterfire	May 24 - Nov 11 Providence, RI	Providence Place, Providence, RI.401 751-1221. more
Fireworks every Wednesday @ Hampton Beach	Jun 18 - Aug 31 Hampton, NH	Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, NH.603-926-8718. more
George's Island Kite Day (Go Fly a KITE Day)	Jun 22 - Aug 31 Boston, MA	Kite experts give lessons on kite-flying, fre material to build kites. Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, MA.617-223-8666. more
Murder Mystery & Evening With the Astors @ Beechwood Mansion	Jul 3 - Oct 30 Newport, RI	Come for the Murder Mystery Dinner, or for the Big Band Dance, with lessons beforehand. 401-846-3772. more
Arts on the Arcade	Jul 9 - Aug 27 Boston, MA	Mondays & Wednesdays only, 11am-3pm. 617-635-3911. more
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre @ Salem Cross Inn	Jul 25 - Sep 19 West Brookfield, MA	Interactive murder mystery dinner theatre. 260 West Main Street, West Brookfield, MA.508-867-2345. more
Performance
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee	Aug 12 - Aug 31 Beverly, MA	It's a musical about kids in a spelling bee. North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA.978-332-7200. more
Marc Cohn & Suzanne Vega	Aug 28 Barnstable Town, MA	Get your tickets early! About 90 minutes from Boston. Cape Cod Melody Tent, 21 W Main St, Barnstable Town, MA. more
Tanglewood Jazz Festival	Aug 29 - Aug 31 Lenox, MA	The Boston Symphony Orchestra hosts a music series every summer in Western Massachusetts, including this. Seiji Ozawa Hall, Lenox, MA. more
Annual Rhythm & Roots Festival	Aug 29 - Aug 31 Charlestown, RI	This festival seems to have a real soul, including 4 stages of music. Ninigret Park, 4813 Old Post Road, Charlestown, RI. more
Road Trip
Champlain Valley Fair	Aug 23 - Sep 1 Essex Junction, VT	A distant but good fair, they will feature Garrison Keillor recording A Prarie Home Companion, a demolition derby, Ted Nugent, a tractor pull, and more. Champlain Valley Exposition, 105 Pearl St., Essex Junction, VT.802-878-5545. more
Maryland Renaissance Festival @ Silver Springs	Aug 23 - Oct 19 Crownsville, MD	I'm told it's the best Renaissance Faire on the east coast and worth a trip. Crownsville Road, Crownsville, MD. more
Connecticut River Valley Astronomers Conjunction	Aug 29 - Aug 31 Northfield, MA	One of the two big Massachusetts astronomer gatherings (The other is Aruna Hill). During the day, hear lectures and look safely at solar spots. During the night, see the stars under guidance by hobbyists and pros. Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center, Northfield, MA. more

Like this blog? Type your email to get it weekly here and see my spreadsheet of 2000 New England Activities. Send me encouragement and ideas at JohnnysAlwaysOn@yahoo.com. Get inspired at Cross Into The Abyss, my other blog.

That ought to keep you for a week. :)

-Johnny

By Johnny Monsarrat on August 27, 2008 11:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.

Boston Events Insider: Johnny's List of Quirky Boston Events: 08/21/08

The Week in Weird
Dancing on the Charles	Jul 26 - Sep 20 Cambridge, MA	Aug 23 and Sep 20 are next! It's an outdoor dance in Cambridge. Sounds great. Buy tix in advance. American Legion, 4 Gerry's Landing, Cambridge, MA. more
Swim with luminous jellyfish off the Cape	Aug 1 - Aug 31 Falmouth, MA	or Woods Hole, http://www.whoi.edu. National Marine Life Center, www.nmic.org. 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 thereâ€™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. more
Caribbean Carnival Parade (Boston Carnival)	Aug 16 - Aug 23 Boston, MA	The Boston Carnival parade is just the kind of "local" event where the enthusiasm of the performers is infectious. Parade 8/23 begins at 1:00pm at MLK Blvd &b Warren St. and ends at 7:00pm on Blue Hill Ave at Franklin Park. Various, Boston, MA. more
Carnival (Provincetown)	Aug 17 - Aug 23 Provincetown, MA	New England's gay carnival continues. 800.637.8696. more
Dance New England - Dance Camp	Aug 20 - Aug 31 Poland Springs, ME	Enjoy dancing? Want to experience 11 days with no meat on the table? Here's a retreat in Maine that will get your toes tapping. Omni Camp, Poland Springs, ME. more
New England Boogie - Skydiving Festival	Aug 21 - Aug 24 Pepperell, MA	It's the largest skydiving event in New England. And up to 300 attend. 165 Nashua Road, Pepperell, MA.978 433-9222. more
Schemitzun - Native American Festival	Aug 21 - Aug 24 North Stonington, CT	Native American arts & crafts, dancing, bull-riding, singing, Nearby to the Pequot Museum. It's about 2 hours and as close as you can get to Boston and be in Connecticut. Wintechog Hill Road, North Stonington, CT. more
Fireworks at Ocean Park	Aug 22 Oak Bluffs, MA	Fireworks and concert on Martha's Vinyard, a good excuse to visit. 2007: music starts at 8pm. Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs, MA.508-693-5380. more
Pi-Con Science Fiction Convention	Aug 22 - Aug 24 West Springfield, MA	A smallish science fiction convention with the usual panels, workshops, guests, and costuming. Best Western Sovereign Hotel, West Springfield, MA. more
Arlington Astronomy Night	Aug 23 Arlington, MA	Aug 23 at about 9pm. Last event April 2009. more
Project MUM	Aug 23 Somerville, MA	9pm-1am. It's an outdoor dance party!. Under the McGrath Highway, at the intersection of Washington Street in Somerville, MA, Somerville, MA. more
Revere Beach Kite Festival	Aug 23 Revere, MA	9am-4pm. Rain date Aug 24. They'll have kite making for kids and a moon bounce. I've been to many events like this and it's always fun to see professionals and learn about kite flying, which is not as easy as it looks. Revere Beach, Revere, MA. more
Seaside Pow Wow and Festival	Aug 23 - Aug 24 Gloucester, MA	Intertribal American Indian event featuring dancing, story telling and arts and crafts. 10am-5pm. Free. Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA.978-281-2978. more
Butterfly Fest @ Garden in the Woods	Aug 23 - Aug 24 Framingham, MA	It's the height of butterfly season, come see the butterflies and all the big bug sculptures they have. Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA.508-877-7630. more
Kimball Farm Corn Maze	Aug 23 - Sep 1 Haverhill, MA	Trying to compete with Davis Farmland and the Davis MegaMaze, the Kimball Farm is hosting its own corn maze. Kimball Farm Corn Maze, 780 East Broadway, Haverhill, MA.978 521-3990. more
Quincy August Moon Festival	Aug 24 Quincy, MA	11am-5pm. Did you miss the Chinese August Moon Festival in Boston last week. 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
Cambridge Carnival Internationale	Aug 24 Cambridge, MA	12-7pm. Or cambridgecarnival.com . Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA.617-492-2518. more
1774 Town Meeting	Aug 24 Concord, MA	The Minuteman National Park is very active with re-enactments. This one, based in 1774, is a town meeting that has just heard of the Boston Tea Party rebellion, with live re-enactors. North Bridge, Concord, MA. more
Also Fun
Marshfield County Fair	Aug 15 - Aug 24 Marshfield, MA	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
Winslow Farm Anniversary Celebration & Treasure Hunt	Aug 23 Norton, MA	Every year they have an anniversary celebration at this farm and petting zoo. This year they encourage guests to dress in pirate clothing and they'll have a treasure hunt (kids only, boo hoo!). Winslow Farm, 37 Eddy Street, Norton, MA.508-285-6451. more
Ice Cream Social & Barbershop Performance	Aug 23 Quincy, MA	10:00a to 3:00p. I don't generally record small church events but this one's going to have a barbershop quarter performance, and I love that stuff. Plus ice cream, yum!. Hough's Neck Congregational Church 310 Manet Ave. , Quincy, MA. (617) 479-8778. more
Antique and Classic Boat Festival	Aug 23 - Aug 24 Salem, MA	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
Gloucester New Arts Festival	Aug 23 - Aug 24 Gloucester, MA	Theatre, improv music jamming and dance, sounds small but very creative. more
Plymouth Waterfront Festival	Aug 23 - Aug 24 Plymouth, MA	Street festival not worth much but a great excuse to visit Plimoth Plantation and stop by. more
South Coast Rhode Island Open Studios	Aug 23 - Aug 24 Tiverton, RI	Rhode Island is getting into the "Open Studios" craze. Artists open their private homes and work studios to the public. . 401-816-0000. more
Outdoor Movies
Outdoor Movie Night at NARA Park, Acton	Jun 13 - Sep 13 Acton, MA	Aug 22 is "family movie night", and Aug 28 is a free outdoor concert. more
WBZ Free Friday Flicks @ Hatch Shell	Jun 20 - Aug 29 Boston, MA	Aug 22: "Grease", at sundown. Call hotline for cancellation info. Esplanade, Boston, MA.617-787-7200. more
Wednesday Movies Under the Stars	Jun 25 - Aug 27 Falmouth, MA	Aug 27: Harry Potter. Peg Noonan Park, Main Street, Falmouth, MA.508-487-3424 . more
Movies by Moonlight - Boston Harbor Hotel	Jun 27 - Aug 29 Boston, MA	8/24 Citizen Kane; 8/31 The Thin Man. or http://www.bhh.com/special_eventcal.htm, Boston, MA.617-439-7000. more
Onset Bay Movie Co - Outdoor Movies Series	Jul 3 - Aug 28 Onset, MA	Aug 21: Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End. Aug 28: Surf's Up. The Bandshell, behind 197 Onset Avenue, Onset, MA.508-295-9026. more
Neponset River Greenway Festival & Movie Series	Jul 3 - Aug 29 Dorchester, MA	Aug 21: "Goonies", at Pope John Paul ll Park, Dorchester. Aug 26: "Grease", Martini Shell, Hyde Park. Pope John Paul II Park, Gallivan Blvd, Dorchester, MA.617-542-7696 . more
Weymouth Summer Outdoor Movies	Jul 10 - Aug 21 Weymouth, MA	Aug 21: Open Season. more
City of Somerville Annual Movie Series	Jul 10 - Sep 4 Somerville, MA	Aug 21: We Are Marshall, Prospect Hill Park, Munroe St, Somerville. Various locations, Somerville, MA.617-666-3311. more
Mayor Menino's Monday Night Movies in Boston	Aug 4 - Aug 25 Boston, MA	Aug 18: "Flushed Away. Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common, 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA. more
Salem Movie on the Common (part of Salem Heritage Days)	Aug 7 - Aug 30 Salem, MA	Aug 30: "Curious George. more
Arlington Movie Night	Aug 23 Arlington, MA	Aug 23: Astronomy Night. Robbins Farm Park, Arlington, MA. more
Audubon Society - A Night Outdoors at the Movies	Aug 21 Bristol, RI	â€œFlipperâ€ the classic 1960â€™s TV show and the original â€œMutual of Omahaâ€™s Wild Kingdom.â€ . Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street (Route 114), Bristol, RI.401-245-7500. more
Outdoor Concerts
Concerts on the Common, Framingham	Jun 1 - Aug 29 Framingham, MA	Fridays 6:30pm. 508-532-5960. more
Sweet Summer Nights Music Series	Jun 6 - Aug 29 Upton, MA	more
MFA Concerts in the Courtyard	Jun 11 - Sep 14 Boston, MA	617-369-3189. more
Special Live Concerts, Outdoors at the Boston Harbor Hotel	Jun 20 - Aug 29 Boston, MA	70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA. more
Springfield CityBlock Concert Series	Jun 21 - Sep 20 Springfield, MA	more
Longfellow Family Sundays Art in the Park	Jul 6 - Aug 31 Cambridge, MA	horn music, poetry at the Longfellow Historic Site. Participatory painting, drawing. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Every Sunday June-August, poetry & classical music. Most events 4-5pm but see website. 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA.617-876-4491. more
Landmarks Orchestra Festival at the Shell	Jul 9 - Sep 10 Boston, MA	7pm. Free. Every Wednesday. Esplanade, Boston, MA. more
Arlo Guthrie	Aug 23 Lowell, MA	Part of the Lowell Summer Music series. more
Outdoor Theatre
Plays in the Park @ Georges Island	Jun 27 - Aug 29 Boston, MA	8/22: The Apartment (1960). 8/29: The Hustler (1961). Georges Island, Boston, MA.617-223-8666. more
Outdoor stage at the Publick Theatre	Jul 3 - Sep 14 Brighton, MA	THE SEAGULL, by Anton Chekhov, to Sep 7, HAY FEVER by Noel Coward, to Sep 30. Publick Theatre at Christian Herter Park, 1175A Soldiers Field Road, Brighton, MA.617-454-1444. more
Outdoor performance of Romeo & Juliet	Aug 21 - Aug 24 Waltham, MA	Free, at a historic mansion. Gore Place, 52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA.(978) 314-6403. more
Recurring Events
Waterfire	May 24 - Nov 11 Providence, RI	Providence Place, Providence, RI.401 751-1221. more
Folk dancing in Copley Square	Jun 3 - Aug 26 Boston, MA	7:30pm-10pm on Tuesdays. Copley Square, by the fountain, Boston, MA. more
Fireworks every Wednesday @ Hampton Beach	Jun 18 - Aug 31 Hampton, NH	Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, NH.603-926-8718. more
George's Island Kite Day (Go Fly a KITE Day)	Jun 22 - Aug 31 Boston, MA	Kite experts give lessons on kite-flying, fre material to build kites. Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, MA.617-223-8666. more
Murder Mystery & Evening With the Astors @ Beechwood Mansion	Jul 3 - Oct 30 Newport, RI	Come for the Murder Mystery Dinner, or for the Big Band Dance, with lessons beforehand. 401-846-3772. more
Arts on the Arcade	Jul 9 - Aug 27 Boston, MA	Mondays & Wednesdays only, 11am-3pm. 617-635-3911. more
Civil War Re-Enactment on Georges Island	Jul 13 - Aug 24 Boston, MA	Georges Island.Join the spirit of Dr. Charles Macgill of Hagerstown, Maryland, in a stroll through Fort Warren as he reminisces about his confinement here as a political prisoner during the Civil War. Dates: July 13, July 27, August 10, August 24. No civil war encampment in 2008. Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, MA.617-223-8666. more
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre @ Salem Cross Inn	Jul 25 - Sep 19 West Brookfield, MA	Interactive murder mystery dinner theatre. 260 West Main Street, West Brookfield, MA.508-867-2345. more
Perseids Meteor Shower	Aug 12 - Aug 25 Everywhere	I tried to see the Perseids but I chose a place with too many lights at night. You really need to get to a beach or a very large field with no streetlights. It's too late to catch the peak but they do continue through August 25. more more
Performance
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee	Aug 12 - Aug 31 Beverly, MA	It's a musical about kids in a spelling bee. North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA.978-332-7200. more
Marc Cohn & Suzanne Vega	Aug 28 Barnstable Town, MA	Get your tickets early! About 90 minutes from Boston. Cape Cod Melody Tent, 21 W Main St, Barnstable Town, MA. more
Road Trip
Champlain Valley Fair	Aug 23 - Sep 1 Essex Junction, VT	A distant but good fair, they will feature Garrison Keillor recording A Prarie Home Companion, a demolition derby, Ted Nugent, a tractor pull, and more. Champlain Valley Exposition, 105 Pearl St., Essex Junction, VT.802-878-5545. more
Maryland Renaissance Festival @ Silver Springs	Aug 23 - Oct 19 Crownsville, MD	I'm told it's the best Renaissance Faire on the east coast and worth a trip. Crownsville Road, Crownsville, MD. more

Like this blog? Join the weekly mailing list
and see my spreadsheet
of 2000 New England Activities. Send me encouragement and ideas at
JohnnysAlwaysOn@yahoo.com.
Get inspired at Cross Into The Abyss, my other blog.

-Johnny

By Johnny Monsarrat on August 21, 2008 11:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.

Boston Events Insider: Johnny's List of Quirky Boston Events: 08/13/08

Hey-o,

This week I'm trying the blog in Web format, for easier scanning. Let me know what you think. If this doesn't work you can see it at http://johnnyslist.blogspot.com

The Week in Weird
Jaffrey NH Festival of Fireworks	Aug 16 Jaffrey, NH	They'll have live music, games for kids (what about us adults?), a skydiving performance at 6:30pm and then fireworks ""after dusk"". Jaffrey Airport Rte. 124, 190 Turnpike Road, Jaffrey, NH. more
East Boston Pride Day	Aug 16 East Boston, MA	This is a novelty, a liberal festival in a (presumably) conservative neighborhood, and they'll have steel drums and jugglers and more. Piers Park, East Boston, MA. more
Arlington Astronomy Night	Aug 23 Arlington, MA	Next: April 2009. more
Dancing on the Charles	Jul 26 - Aug 23 Cambridge, MA	It's an outdoor dance in Cambridge. Sounds great. American Legion, 4 Gerry's Landing, Cambridge, MA. more
Cambridge Discovery Days	Aug 9 - Aug 16 Cambridge, MA	They give free walking tours featuring famous dead poets, etc. and other locals. Various, Cambridge, MA. more
Perseids Meteor Shower	Aug 12 - Aug 25 Everywhere	I tried to see the Perseids but I chose a place with too many lights at night. You really need to get to a beach or a very large field with no streetlights. It's too late to catch the peak but they do continue through August 25. more more
Beaux Arts Ball	Aug 13 Gloucester, MA	I've never been to a masquerade ball and I bet this is worth seeing. The Studio Restaurant, 51 Rocky Neck Ave, Gloucester, MA.978-282-1346. more
Wild Wild West in Beverly	Aug 14 Beverly, MA	This event is one of those that just leaves me speechless. What is it? Go find out. more
Carnival (Provincetown)	Aug 17 - Aug 23 Provincetown, MA	Speaking of the Wild Wild West, it's also this year's theme for New England's gay capital carnival. 800.637.8696. more
Beach Party Blast at NARA Park, Acton	Aug 14 Acton, MA	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
Fisherman's Festival (Madonna Del Soccorso)	Aug 14 - Aug 17 Boston, MA	This is one of many North End Italian festivals, including a procession on Sunday. It's free. North Street, Boston, MA.617.248.0343. more
Grease sing-a-long at Brattle Theatre	Aug 15 Cambridge, MA	You've heard the musical. Now immerse yourself and sing along at the Brattle. Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA. more
Fly in a restored B17 Bomber - Show	Aug 15 - Aug 17 Lawrence, MA	It's just $5 to walk into a real WWII bomber. Or spend $400 to fly in one!. Lawrence Municipal Airport, Main Terminal, Lawrence, MA.800-359-6217. more
Great Falls Balloon Festival	Aug 15 - Aug 17 Lewiston, ME	About 2.5 hours' drive from Boston, featuring 30 balloons. Reserve ahead for your ride. 800-639-6331. more
The British Are Coming - Again! (Re-Enactment)	Aug 15 - Aug 17 Boston, MA	I love re-enactments, and this is the first I've heard of that's actually on Boston Common. Boston Common, Boston, MA. more
Revolutionary Water Gun Battle	Aug 16 Boston, MA	The prank group Banitos Misteriosos is sponsoring a water gun fight on Boston Common. Register by Friday to attend. more
Celebrate Revere	Aug 16 Revere, MA	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
Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival	Aug 16 Lowell, MA	They'll have dragon boat races, tons of performances, including ""Monkey Dancers"" and rap in Khmer. Lowell Heritage State Park Esplanade & Sampas Pavilion, 500 Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell, MA. more
Maine Highland Games	Aug 16 Brunswick, ME	I've been to this beach, it's genuinely amazing. They'll have athletics, all kinds of music and dance, and booths where you can join whichever Scottish ""clan"" you like. Thomas Point Beach, Brunswick, ME.207-688-4515. more
Sandcastle and Sculpture Day (Nantucket)	Aug 16 Nantucket Island, MA	I've always wanted to check out this event, but it's just very hard to actually get to Nantucket Island. How about flying: Cape Air, 800-352-0714, Nantucker Airlines 800-635-8787, Island Airlines 800-248-7779, or ferry from Cape Cod. 508-228-1700. more
The Long Arm of the Law	Aug 16 Lincoln, MA	Hey, it's a 1770's courtroom! . Hartwell Tavern - Rt. 2A, Lincoln, MA. more
The Old Manse and the Civil War	Aug 16 Concord, MA	2008: 11am-4pm. This should be a fantastic event, with re-enactments of drilling and firing and camping. Plus an ice cream social. Old Manse, 269 Monument Street, Concord, MA.978-369-3909. more
Partial Lunar Eclipse	Aug 16 Everywhere	I was so excited to see the last lunar eclipse until my date, who I woke up at 4am, said ""doesn't this just mean the moon goes through its phases, just like it does every month?"". She had a point. more
Gloucester Waterfront Festival	Aug 16 - Aug 17 Gloucester, MA	They'll have magic and tethered balloon rides! Rain or shine. Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA. more
Waterfront Festival @ Stage Fort Park	Aug 16 - Aug 17 Gloucester, MA	They claim to be the largest waterfront festival on the North Shore. Over 200 artists. Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA.978-283-1601. more
Colonial Overnight @ Plimoth Plantation	Aug 16 Plymouth, MA	Wow! Here's your chance to dress retro (1650s) and sleep overnight with the Pilgrims. They have one at their Indian site too. 137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA.508 746 1622. more
Caribbean Carnival Parade	Aug 16 - Aug 23 Boston, MA	The Boston Carnival parade is just the kind of ""local"" event where the enthusiasm of the performers is infectious. 2008: Parade 8/23 begins at 1:00pm at MLK Blvd &b Warren St. and ends at 7:00pm on Blue Hill Ave at Franklin Park. Various, Boston, MA. more
Chinatown August Moon Festival	Aug 17 Boston, MA	2008: 10am to 5pm. I've seen this, and it's a genuine treat. So many cute kids go on stage for martial arts and dance. They have dragon dances and so many vendors! A must see. Main Street, Chinatown, Boston, MA.(617) 350- 6303. more
Antique Tractor Pull & Show	Aug 17 North Andover, MA	Tractor pulls, flea market, BBQ, hayrides, pick your own peaches & tomatos. 315 S. Bradford Street, North Andover, MA.978-682-6332. more
Bellydance Benefit for Jane Doe charity	Aug 17 Cambridge, MA	1-5pm. $15. Proceeds go to benefit a charity that is not described. The Middle East Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA. more
India Day - Festival & Concert	Aug 17 Boston, MA	I've been to this one. It's at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade in Boston. They have performers and a huge crowd with dozens of booths. As the only India-themed event I know of in Boston, it's definitely worth a trip. Esplanade, Boston, MA. more
Boston Carnival	Aug 17 - Aug 23 Dorchester, MA	Kiddie Carnival Sunday, then full carnival the ending Saturday. Note, in 2005 17 people were arrested at the Caribbean Carnival at Franklin Park. 617-296-7083. more
Age of Victoria	Aug 18 - Aug 20 Wenham, MA	It's another re-enactment! I called up the Wenham to confirm that their re-enactment series, which is extensive, is open to the public as well as the summer camp kids. Wenham Museum, 132 Main Street, Wenham, MA.(978) 468-2377. more
Dance New England - Dance Camp	Aug 20 - Aug 31 Poland Springs, ME	Enjoy dancing? Want to experience 11 days with no meat on the table? Here's a retreat in Maine that will get your toes tapping. Omni Camp, Poland Springs, ME. more
Plum Island	All Year Newburyport, MA	I recently tried going to the beach at Plum Island at night, and it was fantastic. Dark enough to be romantic but not scary dark. Very smooth sand. Even better than my 2nd favorite (which is closer to Boston): The Singing Beach in Manchester, MA. 978 465-5753. more
Water Country	All Summer Portsmouth, NH	I love Water Country! I try to go every summer. It's the largest water park in New England. 2300 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH. 603 427-1111. more
Mystery Lounge at the Hong Kong	Every Tuesday Cambridge, MA	There's a comedy club in Harvard Square, Cambridge that has the only regular magic night I know of in metro Boston. The lead-in was slow to get going but the last half of the show was definitely worth the trip. Every Tuesday at 8pm, all year. 1236 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA. 617-661-6507. more
Also Fun
Boston Restaurant Week - Summer	Aug 10 - Aug 15 Boston, MA	Get cheap eats at the fanciest restaurants. A marketing ploy, a tourist event, what's the difference?. Various, Boston, MA. more
Salem Jazz and Soul Festival	Aug 10 - Aug 17 Salem, MA	This outdoorsy music festival is a good excuse to visit Salem and take in all the tourist attrations. more
Washington County Fair	Aug 13 - Aug 17 Carolina, RI	It's the largest agricultural fair in RI. Does that make it worth visiting? Yes, if you choose something else fun while you're visiting the area. Washington County Fairgrounds, Richmond Townhouse Rd., Carolina, RI.401-782-8139. more
Field of Dreams at New England Aquarium IMAX	Aug 14 Boston, MA	The aquarium is showing a movie and a Boston Globe sports writer will be present to chat with the audience. New England Aquarium, Boston, MA. more
Hardwick County Fair	Aug 15 - Aug 16 Hardwick, MA	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
Provincetown Jazz Festival	Aug 15 - Aug 17 Provincetown, MA	Although I have no interest in jazz whatsoever, perhaps this will inspire you to check out Cape Cod. more
Marshfield County Fair	Aug 15 - Aug 24 Marshfield, MA	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
Essex Music Festival	Aug 16 Essex, MA	This one caught my eye. Visitors are encouraged to bring along an instrument and play, but not if you're really really bad. Centennial Grove, Route 22, Essex, MA. more
Dorchester Beach Festival	Aug 16 Dorchester, MA	2008: 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
Verrill Farm Corn & Tomato Festival	Aug 16 - Aug 17 Concord, MA	I haven't been to Verrill Farm yet, but they're continually having interesting events. This one includes hay & pony rides, and a petting zoo. 11 Wheeler Road, Concord, MA.978-369-4494. more
Free Admission @ Concord Museum	Aug 20 Concord, MA	A free day at the Concord Museum may draw you into the numerous local museums. Try the National Heritage Museum in Lexington, which is free always, or the DeCordova Sculpture Museum in Lincoln, my personal favorite. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Road, Concord, MA.(978) 369-9763. more
Annual Peach Festival	Aug 15 - Aug 17 Wilbraham, MA	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
Latin American Festival @ Worcester City Hall	Aug 17 Worcester, MA	This ethnic festival seems to be pretty same-old same-old. Worcester City Hall, 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA.508-798-1900. more
Outdoor Movies
Outdoor Movie Night at NARA Park, Acton	Jun 13 - Sep 13 Acton, MA	Aug 15 & 22 are ""family movie night"", and Aug 15 they're having some kind of Radio Disney Sweepstakes event. more
WBZ Free Friday Flicks @ Hatch Shell	Jun 20 - Aug 29 Boston, MA	Aug 15: ""The Goonies"", at sundown. Call hotline for cancellation info. Esplanade, Boston, MA.617-787-7200. more
Wednesday Movies Under the Stars	Jun 25 - Aug 27 Falmouth, MA	Aug 13: ""E.T."", Aug 20: ""Polyanna"". Peg Noonan Park, Main Street, Falmouth, MA.508-487-3424 . more
Movies by Moonlight - Boston Harbor Hotel	Jun 27 - Aug 29 Boston, MA	8/17 The Best Years of Our Lives; 8/24 Citizen Kane; 8/31 The Thin Man. or http://www.bhh.com/special_eventcal.htm, Boston, MA.617-439-7000. more
Onset Bay Movie Co - Outdoor Movies Series	Jul 3 - Aug 28 Onset, MA	Aug 14: ""Cars"". The Bandshell, behind 197 Onset Avenue, Onset, MA.508-295-9026. more
Neponset River Greenway Festival & Movie Series	Jul 3 - Aug 29 Dorchester, MA	Aug 14: ""Men in Black"", at Pope John Paul ll Park, Dorchester. Aug 19: ""Goonies"", Martini Shell, Hyde Park. Pope John Paul II Park, Gallivan Blvd, Dorchester, MA.617-542-7696 . more
Movie Nights on Revere Beach	Jul 10 - Aug 14 Revere, MA	Aug 14: Some movie, that even their dial-in line doesn't say what it is. Nice. Revere Beach, Revere, MA.781-286-8190. more
Weymouth Summer Outdoor Movies	Jul 10 - Aug 21 Weymouth, MA	Aug 14: Shrek the Third. more
City of Somerville Annual Movie Series	Jul 10 - Sep 4 Somerville, MA	August 16 North By Northwest at Seven Hills Park, August 23 Viewerâ€™s Choice at Seven Hills Park. Seven Hills Park or Community Growing Center, Somerville, MA.617-666-3311. more
Family Night in the Park (Cambridge movies)	Jul 16 - Aug 20 Cambridge, MA	Aug 13: ""Bee Movie"" at Danehy Park, Aug 20: ""Legend at the Deep"", Glacken Field. All movies are preceded by a kids performance at 7pm. 617-349-6200. more
Winchester Movies on the Common	Jul 17 - Aug 14 Winchester, MA	Aug 14: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Winchester Town Common, Winchester, MA. more
Scituate Recreation's Outdoor Movie Night	Jul 18 - Aug 15 Scituate, MA	Aug 15: ""High School Musical"". 781-545-8738. more
Movies on the Mystic @ Assembly Square	Jul 22 - Aug 17 Somerville, MA	8/17 Back To The Future. Films start at dusk, approximately 8:30pm. Bring your beach or lounge chairs to the lot adjacent to Assembly Square (behind Assembly Square Marketplace parking lot. Assembly Square, Somerville, MA. more
Mayor Menino's Monday Night Movies in Boston	Aug 4 - Aug 25 Boston, MA	Aug 18: ""Flushed Away"". Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common, 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA. more
Salem Movie on the Common (part of Salem Heritage Days)	Aug 7 - Aug 30 Salem, MA	Aug 16: ""Bee Movie"". more
Arlington Movie Night	Aug 15 Arlington, MA	Aug 15: ""Ratatouille"", approx 8pm. Robbins Farm Park, Arlington, MA. more
Outdoor Concerts
Concerts on the Common, Framingham	Jun 1 - Aug 29 Framingham, MA	Fridays 6:30pm. 508-532-5960. more
Sweet Summer Nights Music Series	Jun 6 - Aug 29 Upton, MA	more
MFA Concerts in the Courtyard	Jun 11 - Sep 14 Boston, MA	617-369-3189. more
Sunday Evening Concerts on the Common, Norwood	Jun 16 - Aug 20 Norwood, MA	more
Special Live Concerts, Outdoors at the Boston Harbor Hotel	Jun 20 - Aug 29 Boston, MA	70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA. more
Springfield CityBlock Concert Series	Jun 21 - Sep 20 Springfield, MA	more
Southbridge Summer Concert Series	Jul 1 - Aug 20 Southbridge, MA	more
Longfellow Family Sundays Art in the Park	Jul 6 - Aug 31 Cambridge, MA	horn music, poetry at the Longfellow Historic Site. Participatory painting, drawing. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Every Sunday June-August, poetry & classical music. Most events 4-5pm but see website. 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA.617-876-4491. more
Landmarks Orchestra Festival at the Shell	Jul 9 - Sep 10 Boston, MA	2008: 7pm. Free. Every Wednesday. Esplanade, Boston, MA. more
Art in the Parks, Needham	Jul 17 - Aug 14 Needham, MA	more
Radio 92.9 CitySteps Concert Series	Jul 17 - Aug 21 Boston, MA	The English Beat 8/21. Opens at 5pm and shows at 6pm, with local artists opening and vendor booths. City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA. more
Outdoor Theatre
Plays in the Park @ Georges Island	Jun 27 - Aug 29 Boston, MA	Georges Island, Boston, MA.617-223-8666. more
Outdoor stage at the Publick Theatre	Jul 3 - Sep 14 Brighton, MA	Publick Theatre at Christian Herter Park, 1175A Soldiers Field Road, Brighton, MA. more
Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park	Jul 8 - Aug 19 Boston, MA	canceled in the event of rain. Franklin Park, Boston, MA.(617) 282-2881. more
Much Ado About Nothing	Aug 16 Lowell, MA	It's Shakespeare. It's outdoors. Just go. more
Recurring Events
LEGO - Architecture of the Imagination	Mar 17 - Aug 17 Stamford, CT	Although I mentioned this in March, the exhibit is closing August 17. This is your last chance to see it!. Stamford Museum & Nature Center, Stamford, CT. more
Waterfire	May 24 - Nov 11 Providence, RI	Providence Place, Providence, RI.401 751-1221. more
Folk dancing in Copley Square	Jun 3 - Aug 26 Boston, MA	2008: 7:30pm-10pm on Tuesdays. Copley Square, by the fountain, Boston, MA. more
Fireworks every Wednesday @ Hampton Beach	Jun 18 - Aug 31 Hampton, NH	Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, NH.603-926-8718. more
George's Island Kite Day (Go Fly a KITE Day)	Jun 22 - Aug 31 Boston, MA	Kite experts give lessons on kite-flying, fre material to build kites. Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, MA.617-223-8666. more
Arts on the Arcade	Jul 9 - Aug 27 Boston, MA	2008: Mondays & Wednesdays only, 11am-3pm. 617-635-3911. more
Murder Under Bones	Jul 15 - Aug 19 Somerville, MA	The authors of mystery novels come to discuss their works at Red Bones, the BBQ place. 55 Chester Street, Somerville, MA. more
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre @ Salem Cross Inn	Jul 25 - Sep 19 West Brookfield, MA	Interactive murder mystery dinner theatre. 260 West Main Street, West Brookfield, MA.508-867-2345. more
Murder Mystery & Evening With the Astors @ Beechwood Mansion	Jul 3 - Oct 30 Newport, RI	Come for the Murder Mystery Dinner, or for the Big Band Dance, with lessons beforehand. 401-846-3772. more
Civil War Re-Enactment on Georges Island	Jul 13 - Aug 24 Boston, MA	Georges Island.Join the spirit of Dr. Charles Macgill of Hagerstown, Maryland, in a stroll through Fort Warren as he reminisces about his confinement here as a political prisoner during the Civil War. Dates: July 13, July 27, August 10, August 24. No civil war encampment in 2008. Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, MA.617-223-8666. more
Performance
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee	Aug 12 - Aug 31 Beverly, MA	It's a musical about kids in a spelling bee. North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA.978-332-7200. more

Like this blog? Join the weekly mailing list and see my spreadsheet of 2000 New England Activities. Send me encouragement and ideas at JohnnysAlwaysOn@yahoo.com. Get inspired at Cross Into The Abyss, my other blog.

-Johnny

By Johnny Monsarrat on August 13, 2008 11:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.

Boston Events Insider: Johnny's List of Quirky Boston Events: 08/06/08

Hi all,

There's plenty of weird this week in New England!

Tonight! The Special Fireworks Show at Canobie Lake Park, Aug 6 at 9:30pm. http://www.canobie.com/events.php

Perseids Meteor Shower. Aug 12. It's the largest meteor shower of the year, and your chance to see some "falling stars". Starting around 1am. That's Tuesday morning, or late late Monday evening. http://skytour.homestead.com/met2008.html

Fall River Celebrates America, Aug 8-10. This is the small town celebration of the week, and it takes place in Battleship Cove, right next to a World War II battleship which is now a museum, and a carousel. They'll have fireworks, to! http://www.fallrivercelebrates.com/

Crane Beach Sandblast! Aug 9. Ipswich, MA. I'm not sure how I feel about this one. They allow anyone to join in, note it takes several hours to make a sculpture, so arrive early! But one year they listed it and it didn't happen at all. Rain date Aug 10. Make sure to tour the nearby Castle Hill as well. http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/5973sandblast2008.cfm

Also, why not stop by Wolf Hollow and howl with the wolves? Also in Ipswich, MA. 114 Essex Rd, Ipswich, MA. Saturdays and Sundays -- one show per day at 1pm only. 978 356-0216. http://www.wolfhollowipswich.com

Pirates or Patriots? Aug 9-10. It's a pirate-themed historical play at Strawbery Banke, a re-enactment museum in Portsmouth, NH. It's just like Plimoth Plantation and Sturbridge Village, except they focus around the year 1900. http://www.strawberybanke.org/museum/calendar.html and http://www.harborlightstage.org

While you're in Portsmouth, NH, make sure to go to Water Country! You can get coupons at Friendlys. It's the largest water park in New England, and I was just there -- it's fantastic. 2300 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH. 603 427-1111. http://www.watercountry.com

1774: The Gathering Storm. Aug 9-10. This one's probably the better bet, since Pirates and Patriots is not a total festival but more of a play production. A number of Revolutionary War re-enactment groups will be present. http://www.nps.gov/mima/

Midnight Seduction. Aug 9. The fetish flirting party. Cambridge, MA. http://bostonseduction.org

Boston by Bike at Night. Aug 9. Feel like riding around the city when all the automobiles are safely parked? Meet at Trinity Church, 206 Clarendon St. Boston, MA. 617-522-0259. Meet at 11:15pm, goes to dawn. Bring something for breakfast Sunday in Christopher Columbus Park. Run by the Back Bay Midnight Pedalers.

Storytelling Campfires. Aug 9. What's better than biking at night? Ghost stories and smores! Ames Nowell State Park, 739 Linwood St., Abington, MA. 7pm. http://www.andrealovett.blogspot.com/

Boston Area Sport Kite Championships. Aug 9-10. I've been to this event and it's so much fun! They have kite competitions and stunts and all sorts of vendors and fancy kites like a dragon. Millenium Park, 1205 VFW Pkwy West Roxbury, MA field "C". Near Charles Park Rd. Daily 9am-4pm. Address is approximate. http://www.seasidekites.com/local-events/info10.html

CRRC Soar-In (Model airplanes). Aug 9-10. This is one of two big local model airplane events of the year, and it's strange, so I'm listing it. I went once, it was really fun. Davis Field, Sudbury, MA. (978) 897-1750. Off Rt 117. Call Mark Drela at 617 253 0067, or drela@mit.edu. Lunch included in admission. Register ahead for discount. Directions, see http://www.charlesriverrc.org/fieldsdavis.htm. http://www.charlesriverrc.org

Dominican Festival & Parade @ Franklin Park. Aug 8-10. Or maybe just August 10? I was just at this location for the Puerto Rican festival and it was so much fun! I think this is the one where somebody got shot a couple of years ago. Ramsey Park Boston, MA 617.201.2909 Domican, Haitian, and Jamaican food, music, dance. Carnival rides, face painting. 12pm-10pm. Free. http://www.franklinparkcoalition.org/calendar-of-events/

Carnival in Beverly. Aug 8. They're going to have a dunk tank. Need they say more? Apparently not, their description is tiny. http://www.bevrec.com/programs/SMEvents.html

Dr. Who Film Festival. Aug 8-10. The British, not satisfied with Star Trek, have their own sci-fi TV mania. Come see some of the best at the Brattle Theatre, Aug 8-10. It's free but you must RSVP, and they ask $5 donation. http://www.brattlefilm.org/brattlefilm/moviedetail/080808.html

Family Concert & Workshop of American Folk Music and Dance. Aug 9. This is a folk festival that I'm listing because it's the first time that my favorite group, Atwater-Donnelly has been in metro Boston in a long time. Springstep, 98 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, MA. 10:30am-12pm, (781) 395-0402. http://www.springstep.org

Cambridge Discovery Days. Aug 9 and Aug 16. Cambridge, MA. Free walking tours featuring famous dead poets, etc. and other locals. http://www.cambridgema.gov/historic/walks.html

Dinosaur I.D. Aug 10 Aug 10 http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/37271dinosaurid.cfm
Boston Restaurant Week - Summer Aug 10 Aug 15 Boston, MA Get cheap eats at the fanciest restaurants. A marketing ploy, a tourist event, what's the difference? Aug 13-18, 20-25. http://www.restaurantweekboston.com
Salem Jazz and Soul Festival Aug 10 Aug 17 Salem, MA 12:30-2:30pm Eric Reardon & Friends, Derby Square - Front Street http://www.salemjazzsoul.com/
Beaux Arts Ball Aug 13 Aug 13 Gloucester, MA 978-282-1346 masquerade ball http://www.rockyneckartcolony.org/events.html

Rehoboth Fair. Aug 7-10. There are dozens of agricultural fairs in Massachusetts, but this one takes place in the town where I grew up, so I'm listing it. Almeida Road, Rehoboth, MA. Petting zoo, live stock exhibits, tractor pulls, Horse Show, and Demolition Derby. http://www.therehobothfair.com/

Neighborhood Night @ The Gardner Museum. Aug 7. 280 The Fenway Boston, MA (617)566-1401. Lion dancing! http://www.gardnermuseum.org

Lowell Quilt Festival. Aug 7-10. Lowell, MA. It's the 2nd largest annual quilt festival in the Boston area http://www.lowellquiltfestival.org/

Newport Jazz Festival (or JVC Jazz Festival). Aug 8-10. Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI. Yet another excuse to visit Newport, RI. http://www.festivalproductions.net/jvcjazz/newport/sched.php?ID=19

Nashua Valley Folk Festival. Aug 10. Pierce Homestead, 153 Packard Street, Lancaster, MA. A good place for your small town fix this week. http://lancastercoffeehouse.com/

JP 1st Thursdays. Aug 7. Jamaica Plain, MA. Galleries stay open 6pm-8pm to entice you to buy buy buy. Oh, and live music. http://www.jpcentresouth.org/

Essex Street Fair. Aug 9-10. This is on Essex Street in Salem, MA. It's yet another merchant event, the main differnce being that Salem is a regular tourist destination with plenty to do. http://www.salem-chamber.org

Film festivals:

-- Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival, Aug 6-Aug 9. http://www.mvaaff.com/

-- Rhode Island International Film Festival, Aug 5-Aug 10. Providence, RI 401-861-4445 http://www.film-festival.org

Outdoor movies:

-- Acton, MA. Aug 8. Date movie night. Unspecified! http://acton-ma.gov/uploadedFiles/Departments/Recreation/ConcertSeries/Date%20Movie%20Night%20Aug.%208.pdf

-- Boston, MA. Movies by Moonlight at the Boston Harbor Hotel. August 1. "Rio Bravo (1959)". At dusk. 617-439-7000. http://www.bhh.com/specialeventcal.htm

-- Boston, MA. Mayor Menino's Monday Night Movies in Boston, Aug 4. "Hairspray". At "dusk". Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common, 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA. Franklin Park - The Playstead. http://www.cityofboston.gov/calendar/

-- Boston, MA. WBZ Free Friday Flicks @ Hatch Shell. Aug 8. "Men in Black". At sundown. 617-787-7200. Call hotline for cancellation info. http://www.mass.gov/dcr/hatchevents.htm

-- Cambridge, MA. Family Night in the Park. Aug 6. "10,000 BC", with a juggler beforehand. Sennott Park (Rain site: Area Youth IV Center). Then Aug 13, "Bee Movie", Danehy Park. 617-349-6200. 7pm preshow then 8pm movie. http://www.cambridgema.gov/CityOfCambridgeContent/documents/FamilyNights.pdf

-- Dorchester, MA. Neponset River Greenway Festival & Movie Series. "Surfs Up". August 7 at Pope John Paul II Park, Dorchester. August 12, "Men in Black", Martini Shell, Hyde Park. 617-542-7696. All movies begin at sunset, around 7:30-8pm. http://www.bostonnatural.org

-- Revere, MA. Aug 7. "Spiderwick Chronicles". Movie night on Revere Beach. Postponed a week if rain. http://www.myrecdept.com/ma/revere/default2.asp

-- Beverly, MA. Aug 9. "The Wizard of Oz". 8:15pm. http://www.beverlyhomecoming.com/calendar.html

-- Salem, MA. Aug 7. Movie on the Common, after dark, 8:30 p.m., Salem Common. Title TBD, http://www.cityofsalem.net/departments/scserv/recreation/outdoorfilms.pdf (which doesn't list Aug 7) and http://salemnews.com/punews/localstory211225740.html (which does)

-- Scituate, MA. Scituate Recreation's Outdoor Movie Night. Aug 15. Unknown. Scituate, MA. 781-545-8738. http://www.town.scituate.ma.us/rec/summer08.pdf

-- Somerville, MA. City of Somerville Annual Movie Series. Aug 7. "Spiderman 3". At "dusk". Seven Hills Park, Davis Square, Somerville, MA. 617-666-3311. http://www.somervillema.gov/coscontent/documents/SomerMovie%20Poster%2020081.pdf

-- Someville, MA. Movies on the Mystic @ Assembly Square. Aug 10: "Jumanji". Free hot dogs while supplies last! Films start at dusk, approximately 8:30pm. Bring your beach or lounge chairs to the lot adjacent to Assembly Square (behind Assembly Square Marketplace parking lot. http://www.assemblysquare.com

-- Weymouth, MA. Weymouth Summer Outdoor Movies. Aug 7. 6:30pm. "Curious George". http://www.weymouth.ma.us/news/news.asp?id=10117

-- Winchester, MA. Winchester Movies on the Common. Aug 14. (No movie in the week of Aug 7.) Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. 781-721-0906. Winchester Town Common Winchester, MA Every other Thursday http://www.winyc.com/

-- Falmouth, MA. Wednesday Movies Under the Stars. Aug 6, "Surfs Up", and Aug 13, "E.T.". Peg Noonan Park, Main Street, Falmouth, MA. 508-487-3424. At dusk. http://www.falmouthchamber.com/more/calendar/event/909

-- Onset, MA. Onset Bay Movie Co. Aug 7, "Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer". The Bandshell, behind 197 Onset Avenue, Onset, MA. 508-295-9026. http://www.myspace.com/obmco

Outdoor theatre:

-- Shakespeare on the Common - As You Like It. Jul 16-Aug 3. Boston Metro. Boston Common. Boston, MA. 617-532-1252. Free. I saw it this year and it was great!! Please go! At the Parade Grounds on Boston Common, near Beacon & Charles. Rent a chair for $5. http://www.freeshakespeare.org

-- The Seagull, by Anton Chekhov, to Sep 7, and Hay Fever, by Noel Coward, July 24 - Sep 14. Boston MA. http://www.publicktheatre.com

-- New England Shakespeare - The Comedie of Errors, to Aug 16. Sturbridge, MA. Sturbridge Town Common. 2pm, and Revere on the lawn of the American Legion Building, Thu 8/9, Fri 8/10 @ 6pm. And Robbins Farm Park, Arlington, 8/12 @ 5pm. http://www.newenglandshakespeare.org

-- Free Shakespeare in Forest Park - As You Like It. Aug 8-10. This is the same production that was on Boston Common, now moved out west to Forest Park, Springfield, MA. Highly recommended. http://www.citicenter.org/shows/lists/details.php?showID=438

-- Much Ado About Nothing, to Aug 16, Lowell, MA. http://www.newenglandshakespeare.org/summerperformanceschedule.htm
Yet more outdoor music series:

-- Improv on the Bricks. Aug 9-10. Improv comedy. Salem Theatre Company Free Outdoor Performance, 3:30-4:30p.m., Derby Square. 978-790-8546. http://www.salemtheatre.com

Continuing events:

-- Salem Heritage Days, to Aug 10. http://salemnews.com/punews/localstory211225740.html

-- Beverly Homecoming Days, to Aug 10. They'll have fireworks at 9pm on Aug 10. http://www.beverlyhomecoming.com

-- The Fantasticks, a musical, Aug 6-Aug 9, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont Street, Boston, MA. Journeymen Theatreworks.

-- George's Island Kite Day, to Aug 31, http://www.bostonislands.org/events_results.asp

-- Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at the Salem Cross Inn, to Sep 19, West Brookfield, MA, http://www.salemcrossinn.com

-- Waterfire, to Nov 11, Providence Place, Providence, RI. 401 751-1221. http://www.waterfire.com

-- Longfellow Family Sundays Art in the Park, Sundays to Aug 31, 1-4pm, Cambridge. http://www.nps.gov/long

-- Folk dancing in Copley Square, to Aug 26, 7:30pm-10pm on Tuesdays, http://www.facone.org/programs/program/bythefountain.htm

-- Murder Mystery & Evening With the Astors @ Beechwood Mansion, to Oct 30, http://www.astorsbeechwood.com

Although this site lists the August Moon festival as August 10, I still believe it is August 17! http://www.hotelcalendars.com/bhh/calendar/

Good luck this week! This is the 3rd anniversary of Johnny's list!! I haven't missed a week yet! If you like what you're reading, please tell your friends to check out http://johnnyslist.blogspot.com

You can also get this as a weekly email at http://tiny.cc/uYULq and see my huge list of 2000 New England Activities updated fresh at http://www.crossintotheabyss.org/johnnys-list.xls

-Johnny

By Johnny Monsarrat on August 6, 2008 11:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.