Boston Events Insider - Overview: June 2009 Archives

June 2009 Archives

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

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.

By Johnny Monsarrat on June 29, 2009 7:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.

Boston Events Insider: What do to on July 4th (or just before)

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.

By Johnny Monsarrat on June 29, 2009 7:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.

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

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

By Johnny Monsarrat on June 29, 2009 7:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.

Boston Events Insider: This Just In: Queer Comedy, Rodeo, Carousel, Kite Festival

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.

By Johnny Monsarrat on June 26, 2009 1:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.

Boston Events Insider: Ren Fest, Block Party, Beach Festivals, Pow-wows, Steam Engines, & Air Show

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.

By Johnny Monsarrat on June 24, 2009 5:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.

Boston Events Insider: Outdoor Movies, Theater, Events

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

Outdoor Movies	Wed 6/24	Thu 6/25	Fri 6/26	Sat 6/27	Sun 6/28	Mon 6/29	Tue 6/30	Wed 7/1
Boston, MAOutdoor - Movies by Moonlight Outdoor films. Fridays. Free. Start at "dusk". 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA.617.439.7000. more			X
Boston, MANot Your Average Date Night" Movies Entertainment at 6pm, movies at sundown. Lawn at the Prudential Center, Boston, MA. more	X	X
Falmouth, MAMovies Under the Stars Peg Noonan Park, Main Street, Falmouth, MA.508-487-3424. more								X

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

By Johnny Monsarrat on June 24, 2009 5:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.

Boston Events Insider: This just in: Architectural Festival & Tours, Fireworks, Balloon rides, Free Zoo Day

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

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

-Johnny

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

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

By Johnny Monsarrat on June 18, 2009 6:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.

Boston Events Insider: Pirate, Chinatown, Beach, Music, Catholic, & Solstice Festivals, Scavenger Hunt, & Roller Derby

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

-Johnny

The Week in Weird
New England Pirate Faire	6/20 - 6/21	North Shore
The weird event of the week is the New England Pirate Faire! I've been to this and it's sort of a Pirate-themed Renaissance Faire, about 5% the size of King Richard's Faire but highly reecommended. They have a dozen live actors portraying pirates and doing a play (in segments) that lasts all day. There will be vendors of appropriately themed goods, with food and music. 10-5. Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA. more
Sand Sculpting Competition (Hampton Beach)	6/13 - 6/28	New Hampshire
Also in the northerly direction, the sand sculpture competition award ceremony is this weekend. You can sign up to take sand sculpting lessons. Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, NH.603-926-8718. more
Life is Good Festival	6/20	Boston Metro
They'll have live music, an ice cream eating contest, plenty of interactive games, and a Chinese lion dance. 11am-5pm. This year they're adding a walk, too. All for a kids charity. Boston Common, Boston, MA. more
Carousel on Boston Common	5/1 - 6/21	Boston Metro
While you're there, this is the last week for the carousel. Daily 11-9 through June 21. Only $2. Boston Common near Frog Pond, Boston, MA. more
Chinatown Main Street Festival	6/21	Boston Metro
The real lion dance action, though, will be in nearby Chinatown. I've been and it's wonderful, especially the cute kids doing the martial arts. Free. 11am-5pm. Near 2 Boylston St, Boston, MA.617-350-6303. more more
Banditos Mysteriosos Scavenger Hunt	6/20	Boston Metro
This local group runs pranks across the city, and this time it's a scavenger hunt, where instead of stealing traffic signs they'll ask you to take photos instead. 12:30pm. TBD, See Website, Boston, MA. more
Make Music Cambridge	6/21	Boston Metro
In nearby Cambridge, lots of semi-homeless musicians (and some great ones, I bet) will play outdoors for your donations. They're expecting 150 performers outdoors in and around Harvard Square. 1-10pm. Harvard Square area, Cambridge, MA. more
Music and Art Day Celebration at Old Sturbridge Village	6/20	Worcester
In a similar concept, 50 musicians will perform old timey style, with instruments from the 1830s. And you can learn 19th century dance. OSV is great! You need to go! 9:30am-5pm. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA.508-347-3362. more
Summer Revels	6/20	Boston Metro
More music! This indoor / outdoor festival has Irish stepdancing, world music, and more. Outdoors, morris dancing, a traditional Maypole, and more spiritual hoo ha. Boston, MA.617-972-8300. more
Jazz / Blues Festival	6/20	Boston Metro
There's also a music festival in Davis Square! And Powderhouse Park (near 136 College Ave). 1-9pm. Davis Square, Somerville, MA. more more
Printing Arts Fair	6/21	Northern Mass
Also old-timey, learn about printing and bookbinding. (For those of you in high school, this is what people did before the Internet.) 10am-4pm. The Museum of Printing, 800 Massachusetts Avenue, North Andover, MA. more
Animals All Around -- Opening Day of Trash Menagerie	6/20	North Shore
This arts event is the one to pick though. Besides, you need to check out the Peabody Essex Museum anyhow! Some artists from their new exhibition will come and do demonstrations about making recycled art. Make your own giant sea turtle! And a 12-foot long snake! East India Square, Salem, MA.978-745-9500. more
Summer Solstice Sunset: River Solstice Celebration on The Old Manse grounds	6/21	Metro West
The summer solstice is here, and there are a few events to mark the day. My favorite would probably be the Old Manse, with live music followed by a sunset paddle. Bring a flashlight! Old Manse, 269 Monument Street, Concord, MA. more
Nara Park Family Campout & Campfire	6/19	Metro West
Nearby, a local park is having a campground night. You have to register in advance to camp, but I have to believe that if you simply want to show up and enjoy the campfire, you probably can. Nara Park, Acton, MA. more
Summer Solstice by Candlelight	6/20	Southern Mass
OK, back to some more solstice events. I really like nighttime outdoor summer events! You'll make a candle lantern and go on a guided night hike. Copicut Woods, Indian Town Road, Fall River, MA. more
Summer Solstice Celebration	6/21	South Shore
This one's more for people who like to sit. World's End, 250 Martin's Lane, Hingham, MA. more
Summer Solstice Sunrise	6/21	Metro West
And this one's for insane people who want to get up at 5am. To entice you, no details are provided about music, food, hiking, etc. Half Moon Meadow Brook, Boxborough, MA. more
German Car Day @ Larz Anderson Museum	6/21	Boston Metro
Yet another auto show at the Museum of Transportation. (Just go!). 15 Newton Street, Brookline, MA.(617) 522-6547. more
Night at the Museum @ Harvard Museum of Natural History	6/18 - 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
Roller Derby	6/20	Northern Mass
And booties meet booties with everyone's favorite roller derby athletes. Ladies on wheels. 5pm. Also, an afterparty. Shriners Auditorium, Wilmington, MA. more
St. Peter's Fiesta	6/24 - 6/28	North Shore
They're also doing it in Gloucester, which is 90 minutes away, that's no short drive. Religious activities, music, food, sporting events, parade, culminating with the Blessing of the Fishing Fleet from the Boulevard (near Fishermen's Memorial Statue). Gloucester, MA. more
Day of Portugal Parade	6/21	Boston Metro
The Portuguese "festival" is a loosely connected series of events from April to June. There really is a parade June 21st though! Church, Cambridge St at Cardinal Medeiros Ave, Cambridge, MA. more
Also Fun
Hellenic Festival (Greek)	6/19 - 6/21	Boston Metro
But this one's much closer to home. Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 14 Magazine Street, Cambridge, MA. more
Boston Tango Festival	6/17 - 6/21	Boston Metro
Tango is the hardest of the dances to learn, but I called and they swear this festival is for beginners of all ages, even kids. 16 Bow St, 2FL, Somerville, MA. more
MFA Community Day (June)	6/21	Boston Metro
The MFA is free again. (Thanks!). Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA. more
Free day at the DeCordova	6/21	Metro West
Not to be left out, since it's Fathers Day, dad get free admission to the DeCordova Sculpture Museum today. But how are they going to verify that exactly? Bring a fake mustache (even you gals). DeCordova Sculpture Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln, MA.781-259-8355. more
Be Our Guest, free admission to Concord Museum	6/24 - 8/19	Metro West
The Concord Museum refuses to be left out of the rush. And July 23 and Aug 20. 200 Lexington Road, Concord, MA.978-369-9763. more
Annual Arts Fest Beverly	6/20	North Shore
OK! Here are some lesser festivals around New England, starting with this admittedly vendor-oriented street festival. Beverly, MA.978-922-8558. more
South Shore Art Center's Arts Festival	6/19 - 6/21	South Shore
Also another "juried" arts festival. Cohasset, MA. more
Hull-of-a-Day Celebration	6/20	South Shore
This one's much more real, with a parade at 11am from A Street & Nantasket Avenue to N St. 12pm Festivities with music, food, games, exhibits, activities for kids & adults, at the L Street Playground. Rain date the next day. L Street Playground, Hull, MA.(781) 925-2295. more
Taste of Cambridge	6/25	Boston Metro
5:30-8pm. Benefits Boston Area Rape Crisis Center & Transition House. MITAC discount. Buy tix in advance for discount. It's $50. Charles Hotel Courtyard in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA. more
Bird Park Annual Ice Cream Social	6/20	Metro West
More food, this time, it's ice cream!! And it's free, with music and storytelling. 4-6:30pm. Bird Park, Washington Street, Walpole, MA. more
A Wild Affair @ Stone Zoo	6/20	North Shore
Also expensive (fundraisers are like that!) here's a food tasting event, with live animals and music. $40 in advance, $50 at the gate. 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA.781-438-5100. more
Kink 101 Club Party	6/20	Boston Metro
Speaking of a 'wild affair', this one's for people with way too much gutter in the mind. Not that that's bad? Cambridge, MA. more
Lynn Carnival	6/24 - 6/28	North Shore
Yet another festival with Fiesta Show's traveling carnival. Lynn English High School, Lynn, MA. more
South End Garden Tour	6/20	Boston Metro
10am. An opportunity to see how the better half lives, and their gardens. Library, 685 Tremont Street, Boston, MA. more
Special Olympics - Summer Games	6/19 - 6/21	Boston Metro
I vounteered for this once, it was fun. On the campuses (campi?) of Harvard, MIT and Boston University. Various, Cambridge, MA. more
Boston Prostate Cancer Walk	6/21	Boston Metro
Yet another charity walk. Boston Common, Boston, MA. more
Provincetown International Film Festival	6/17 - 6/21	Cape Cod
Although I'm against film festival during warm weather, you'd never get me to Provincetown in January anyway, so sure, have it in June! Provincetown, MA.508-487-3456. more
Nantucket Film Festival	6/18 - 6/21	Cape Cod
Ditto with Nantucket, a great place to visit. (But it's Martha's Vinyard that has the big public beaches.). Nantucket. more
106 WCOD Cape Cod Chowderfest	6/21	Cape Cod
This is a live music event where you get to eat. I'm sold! Just $10. Cape Cod Melody Tent, 21 West Main Stree, Hyannis, MA. more
Charles River One Mile Swim	6/21	Boston Metro
There's some kind of race. Or thecharles.org. Arthur Fiedler Dock, Boston, MA. more
EurekaFest	6/24 - 6/27	Boston Metro
And the geeks at MIT will be creating giant robots to take over the planet. (Cool!!). MIT, Cambridge, MA. more
Earthdance SEEDS Festival	6/14 - 6/28	Western Mass
This organic festival is for the seriously green-hearted. Plainfield, MA.413-634-5678. more
Performance
Murder Mystery & Evening With the Astors @ Beechwood Mansion	6/18 - 10/31	Newport Area
The murder mystery events begin for the season in Newport. I really want to go someday! Every Thursday at 7pm. Reserve in advance. Also "Evenings with the Astors" events. Newport, RI.401-846-3772. more
Capitol Steps	6/20	Boston Metro
The singing, dancing, theatre troupe that parodies national and world news. For serious news junkies. Majestic Theatre, Cambridge, MA. more
Travel
Vermont Quilt Festival	6/19 - 6/21	Vermont
Finally, here are some events that may draw you to Vermont. First is New England's oldest and largest quilt event, so they say! Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, VT. more
Quechee Balloon Festival & Crafts Fair	6/19 - 6/21	Vermont
Book rides early for discount. Main Green, Route 4, Quechee, VT.800-295-5451. more
Ethan Allen Days	6/20 - 6/21	Vermont
Before the furniture store, there was a hero. Before there were mountain men, there were mountain boys. Bennington, VT. more

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

By Johnny Monsarrat on June 17, 2009 8:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.

Boston Events Insider: Outdoor movies, theatre, fireworks, & events

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

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

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

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

By Johnny Monsarrat on June 17, 2009 8:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.

Boston Events Insider: Ignore that last post (and some late-news events)

Whoops! For the first time in nearly 4 years (I think) I managed to confuse my blogs. Sorry about the last post. It was actually a post from my Wheel Questions project, where I take questions and write answers and post them all on cards on an outdoor structure.

Here's a little late-breaking news, some new events I hadn't found yet when I posted this week, as an apology.

This Just In
Wakefield Festival By the Lake	6/13	North Shore
Wakefield, MA.781-246-WCNA. more
Boston Harbor Islands Free Ferry Day	6/14	Boston Metro
One Long Wharf, Boston, MA.617-223-8672. more
Waltham Riverfest	6/12 - 6/13	Boston Metro
Free. open-air music near the river from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, etc. Moody Street, Waltham, MA. more

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

By Johnny Monsarrat on June 11, 2009 6:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.

Boston Events Insider: River, Renaissance, Scottish, & Ice Cream Festivals, Re-enactments, & James Joyce

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

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

-Johnny

The Week in Weird
Wheel Questions Opening Day	6/14	Boston Metro
This one is mine! I run a community project where people write questions on cards, I write answers on the backs, and they're all posted on an outdoor art installation. For opening day, the Harvard Square Business Association is sponsoring live music, street performing, and folk dancing by Red Herring Morris of Belmont. I'll give a very short speech, too. Come for the celebration and see what deep thoughts and life questions people are asking. One Brattle Square, Cambridge, MA.617-899-7794. more
Cambridge River Festival	6/12 - 6/13	Boston Metro
But the weird event of the week is the Cambridge River Festival. Dancing under the stars on Friday, then the festival Saturday with 5 different stages and a ton of artist demonstrations, vendor booths, and more. 12pm-6pm. Rain or shine. Along Memorial Drive b/w Harvard & Central Squares. Come see a preview of Wheel Questions, my community art project. Also, the hummus maker Sabra is putting together a mini-Mediterranean village complete with fountain and flowers. It's a promotional booth to give away samples, but sounds fun if you're in the area. Along the Charles River, between JFK Street and Western Avenue., Cambridge, MA.617-349-4380. more
DeCordova Museum's Art in the Park Festival	6/14	Metro West
The next day, everyone should get out to the DeCordova. I've been three times and it's wonderful. The museum itself always features new and different sculpture, accessible to the layman. And it's surrounded by a park that is itself inhabited by sculptures. During this festival, they'll pile on top of that 150 juried artists in tents selling their wares. 10am-5pm. 51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln, MA.781/259-8355. more
Super Secret Summer Surprise @ ICA	6/12	Boston Metro
This is the ICA's first outdoor party with Giant Twister and other great stuff. Just go. Everything at the ICA is fantastic. Get your tickets immediately. Institute for Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA.617-478-3100. more
MFA Summer Party & Masquerade	6/13	Boston Metro
But wait! The MFA is also having a summer party. This one's a masquerade, and from the 'black tie' dress code, will be classier and less wild. Which museum is more hip? You decide. Bring a mask. 8pm-12am. Get your tickets immediately. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA.617-267-9300. more
Boston Pride Week	6/5 - 6/14	Boston Metro
I mentioned this last week, but this week is the real high point for gay pride. June 13th is a parade, and festival on City Hall Plaza. Also block parties 6/14 and a bunch more. Various, Boston, MA. more
Boston Kite Festival	6/13	Boston Metro
This one is highly recommended! It's so much fun to see real professionals do choreographed 'dance' with their kites and have kite competitions. Artists will bring their own custom giant flying lobsters and box kites, and you can learn to fly a stunt kite with two strings. Free. 10am-5pm. No rain date. Pope John Paul II Park, Hallet St., Boston, MA.781.925.3277. more
Riverfest	6/13 - 6/14	Metro West
This 'festival' is really a loosely related series of events -- but a ton of them! -- from the Concord area, up to Billerica and Lowell. You'll find boat rides, sculpture walk, river walk, music, canoe trek, scavenger hunt, nature walks and a bunch more on their website. Various, Concord, MA.617-223-5225. more
Annual River Fest on the Old Manse grounds	6/13 - 6/14	Metro West
While you're there, stop by the Old Manse, a historic home, for this free mini-festival. 269 Monument Street, Concord, MA. more
Shelburne Falls Riverfest	6/13	Western Mass
Totally separate, I believe, is another river festival, this time in Shelburne. They'll have live music, environmental demonstrations, live birds of prey to see, and a kids parade that charitably they have invited adults to join. Shelburne Falls, MA. more
Sand Sculpting Competition (Hampton Beach)	6/13 - 6/28	New Hampshire
This competition is worth seeing, although the real 'meat' is towards the end. This year you can sign up to take sand sculpting lessons! They'll have fireworks at 9:30pm every Wednesday Jul-Aug, too. Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, NH.603-926-8718. more
Annual Scottish Highland Festival	6/13	Rhode Island
I haven't been to this one, but I've been to Scottish festivals and there's a fantastic level of energy and ethnic pride to be seen. You can expect tons of dancing, music, and odd athletics, such as a boot toss and sheep dog demonstrations. Washington County Fairgrounds, Richmond Townhouse Rd., Carolina, RI.401-596-5849. more
Town Meeting Re-Enactment & Music Show	6/13 - 6/14	Metro West
Re-enactors will demonstrate a town meeting (1:30, 3pm) and you get to add your opinion too. And they'll have old timey music and musket demonstrations all day. 10am-5pm. Hartwell Tavern, Rt 2A, Lincoln, MA. more more
Gaspee Days Colonial Encampment, Fireworks, Parade	6/13 - 6/14	Rhode Island
A colonial encampment is when re-enactors set up tents like a real military would have done in the field. That's all weekend, plus they'll have fireworks on Friday 6/12, a parade 6/13 at 10am. Sounds like a blast. Pawtuxet Park, Narragansett Parkway, Warwick, RI.401-781-1772. more
Quincy Flag Day Parade and Celebration	6/14	South Shore
It's my American right to be ignorant and proud of it. So I have no idea what Flag Day is, but I like parades, and I love fireworks! The parade starts at Coddington Street in Quincy and goes down Hancock Street to Merrymount Parkway. Pageant Field, Quincy, MA. more
Bunker Hill Day (Parade, Re-enactment)	6/14	Boston Metro
It's always the Sunday BEFORE 6/17. For info call 617-242-5652 Ethan, or Bill Casey 617-242-5628. Charlestown, MA. more
Bloomsday Boston	6/14	Boston Metro
This festival is a celebration of James Joyce's Ulysses. They will have a film, lecture, readings by actors, and live music. One organizer swore it was to help the mainstream understand this most complicated of authors. Another organizer said really only the literati will "get it". McMullin Art Museum, Devlin Hall, Boston College, Boston, MA. more
Corvette Day @ Larz Anderson Museum	6/14	Boston Metro
I have sweet spot in my heart for anything they do at the Larz Anderson Museum on the lawn. Go see some cars before General Motors becomes passe. 15 Newton Street, Brookline, MA.(617) 522-6547. more
Scooper Bowl (world's largest ice cream festival)	6/9 - 6/11	Boston Metro
Also the Scooper Bowl continues! As I mentioned last week, you pay one small donation for charity, and it's all-you-can-eat ice cream from the best vendors. 12-8pm daily. Boston City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA. more
Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival	6/6 - 6/14	Worcester
As I mentioned last week there's more than one renaissance festival in Massachusetts. Here's an alternative one just past Worcester. 120 Northside Rd, Charlton, MA. more
Not Your Average Date Night" Movies	6/11	Boston Metro
Summer outdoor movies are taking off slowly. This week there are just two, with one at the Pru. Soon more will come! Entertainment at 6pm, movies at sundown. Lawn at the Prudential Center, Boston, MA. more
Outdoor Movie Night at NARA Park, Acton	6/12	Metro West
The other is in Acton. NARA Park, Acton, MA.(978) 264-9608. more
Wizard of Oz Celebration	6/15	Boston Metro
The best indoor movie event is combined with a lecture illustrating the (supposed!) political and historic meaning behind the Wiz that Was. Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA.617-734-2500. more
Also Fun
New England Celebrates Israel	5/31 - 6/18	Boston Metro
Celebrating Israel continues, and I have to point out how awesome it is that they are combining Pride Week with Shabbat observance and a pre-pride-march bagel breakfast. Oy! Boston, MA.617-457-8500. more
Boom Town Festival	6/1 - 6/11	Boston Metro
This free festival is eclectic, with walking art tours, dance and music. Cambridge, MA. more
Burlington Discover Jazz Festival	6/5 - 6/14	Vermont
Do you like jazz? Do you like Vermont? Here ya go. Burlington, VT. more
Block Island Annual Music Festival	6/9 - 6/14	Rhode Island
This one I listed last week but it should have been this week. It's free and includes free barbecue. Sounds like a great excuse to check out the island. Captain Nick's, Ocean Avenue, Block Island, RI. more
Day of Portugal Festival Weekend	6/11 - 6/14	Southern Mass
Boston isn't the only place with a "North End". Visit New Bedford and learn about the history of the Portuguese, including a re-enactor who plays a military man from 1760 who became important in the American War of Independence. Make sure to buy some Portuguese Sweet Bread! No really!! Eat up! New Bedford, MA.508-997-7928 or 508-990-3703. more
Boston GuitarFest	6/10 - 6/14	Boston Metro
Workshops and guitar competitions. I really shouldn't list this one, since it's indoors and seems to be for real guitarists, not onlookers. Take a look at the video on their home page. They have 3 guitarists playing together and then you realize... It's just this one guy! He must have extra fingers hidden somewhere. New England Conservatory, 290 Huntington Ave.,, Boston, MA. more
New England Fiddle Contest	6/13	Connecticut
This one looks a little more layman-friendly. And it's outdoors, so it's a real festival. Manchester, CT.(860) 236-4445. more
World's End Rocks!	6/13	South Shore
It's free. You get to hunt for ancient volcanic rock. What more do you need? World's End, 250 Martin's Lane, Hingham, MA. more
Sommerfest	6/13 - 6/14	Metro West
The summer version of the German Oktoberfest. Ethnic food and polka music. Walpole, MA. more
Hadley 350th Celebration Parade	6/13 - 6/14	Western Mass
I'm told this is one of their two big weekends during the tri-sesqui-whatever-centennial, with a parade. A Hadley-sized parade, but no doubt fun. Hadley, MA. more
Bike to the Sea Day	6/14	Boston Metro
Meet in Malden, and bike to Nahant Beach. They have a shorter ride for kids, just 10 miles. Adults go 18 miles. Dockside Restaurant, 229 Centre St., Malden, MA. more
Fathers' Day Cookout and Concert in the Park	6/14	Metro West
Don't panic! Father's Day is actually June 21. But that's not stopping the forest rangers at Bird Park! Live music, barbecue. Bird Park, Washington Street, Walpole, MA. more
Earthdance SEEDS Festival	6/14 - 6/28	Western Mass
This organic festival is for the seriously green-hearted. Plainfield, MA.413-634-5678. more
Summer Solstice Celebration	6/16	Boston Metro
This special night of twilight tours and "trolley rides" honors the solstice, a few days early. Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave, Boston, MA.617-524-0128. more
Performance
Sexual Perversity in Chicago/The Duck Variations	6/11 - 6/18	Boston Metro
Everybody loves David Mamet, because his name rhymes with dammit. Zero Arrow Theatre, Cambridge, MA. more
Pirates! (Or, Gilbert and Sullivan Plunder'd)	5/28 - 6/14	Boston Metro
This looks so interesting! It's a reworking of Gilbert & Sullivan with the same music but a new, improved storyline. BU Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA. more
JP UnPlugged Annual Lawn Concert	6/13	Boston Metro
There's a totally free lawn concert in JP. Sweet. Bring a blanket. Watch out for the goose poop. Loring-Greenough house, 12 South Street, Jamaica Plain MA.617-524-3158. more
JAMN 94.5 FM Summer Jam	6/14	Southern Mass
The big annual event for radio 94.5 FM is this week. Comcast Center, Mansfield, MA. more

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

By Johnny Monsarrat on June 9, 2009 11:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.

Boston Events Insider: Outdoor Concerts and Events: June 10-17

You already know that Johnny's List of Weird Boston Events has the largest New England list of haunted houses, holiday lights, easter egg hunts, and outdoor movies. Now it also has the largest list of outdoor concerts. I'll be listing about 75 venues. Here are a few in the early season to start off with.

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

By Johnny Monsarrat on June 9, 2009 11:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.

Boston Events Insider: Festivals of Ice Cream, Dragon Boat, Ren Faire, Kites, Gay Pride, & British Cars

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

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

-Johnny

The Week in Weird
Scooper Bowl (world's largest ice cream festival)	6/9 - 6/11	Boston Metro
The event of the week is the Scooper Bowl! Listen up! First, you pay money. It all goes to charity. Then, you get to eat unlimited ice cream, until you pass out! "But Ma, I'm eating ice cream for charity!" Group discounts available. 12-8pm daily. Boston City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA. more
Boston Dragon Boat Festival	6/6 - 6/7	Boston Metro
Also the event of the week (they don't overlap) are these Dragony Canoe Races. But wait! That's not all. The festival along the Charles River also comes with a lion dance, martial arts demonstrations, Japanese drumming, live music, and Chinese yo-yo. So it's a real festival, not simply a boat race. Take that, Head of the Charles! 9am-5pm. Dance and music performances all day. Charles River, Cambridge, MA.617-426-6500 x78. more
Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival	6/6 - 6/14	Worcester
Can't wait for King Richard's Faire? Get your fix in Charlton, which is out in West past Worcester. They say "all manners of revelry await you". All manners? Now that I have to see. 120 Northside Rd, Charlton, MA. more
Boston Pride Week	6/5 - 6/14	Boston Metro
This is the largest gay pride event in New England. June 13th is a parade, and festival on City Hall Plaza. Also block parties 6/14 and a bunch more. Boston, MA. more
Annual KONE Regional Kite Competition	6/6	North Shore
Don't be fooled. This isn't just a bunch of guys and kites. OK, it is. But some of the kites are amazing! Like flying lobsters and seriously huge Chinese box kites. And they'll have competitions. It turns out that flying a cheap kite from the toy store is not that easy. Come and have one of the pros show you how it's done. 9:30am-4:30pm. Nahant and Lynn Beach (Long Beach Reservation), Lynn, MA. more
British Car Day @ Larz Anderson Museum	6/7	Boston Metro
The Larz Anderson Museum of Transportation continues to have lawn festivals. It's wonderful. 15 Newton Street, Brookline, MA.(617) 522-6547. more
Country Life Festival @ Enfield Shaker Museum	6/6	New Hampshire
Or go way into the past with the Shakers, who are a kind of Quaker, except they Shake rather than Quake. (It's complicated, but you get used to it.). 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH.(603) 632-4346. more
29th Annual Festival of Historic Houses	6/6	Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island has its own spot in history, and you can tour a number of old homes this week. Various locations, Providence, RI. more
Fort Adams Family Day	6/6	Rhode Island
And while you're in Rhode Island, stop by Fort Adams. They'll have fire trucks, kids music and games, a live reptile display, and a 12-foot robot meant to educate children as a prelude to global takeover. Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI. more
Dorchester Day Parade	6/7	Boston Metro
Details haven't been printed on Dot Parade, but it usually starts in Lower Mills and goes down Dorchester Avenue to Columbia Road, with a cookout after. Dorchester, MA.617-822-8296. more
World Oceans Day Festival	6/7	Boston Metro
This festival is basically live music and kids games on the plaza in front of the New England Aquarium. But a few vendors and eco-groups will have booths. 11am-4pm. New England Aquarium, Boston, MA. more
Summer Fest @ Elm Bank	6/7	Metro West
Personally I would bet on this one instead, in Wellesley. They claim to have an entire science fair, an art gallery, moon bounces, and lots of participatory stuff like dancing and movie making. 141 Linden Street, Wellesley, MA. more
Taunton River Festival	6/6	Southern Mass
This one's the best funded and has a sweet website. But a vague one. Come for live music, crafts, basically kids stuff. 10am-5pm. Weir Riverfront Park, Taunton, MA.508-821-9347. more
Not Your Average Date Night" Movies	6/4	Boston Metro
The summer season for outdoor movies is officially starting, with Ferris Bueller's Day Off, on the lawn at the Prudential Center. Lawn at the Prudential Center, Boston, MA. more
Also Fun
See New England Festival	6/6	Boston Metro
Warning! Commercial event posing as festival! However, it's all about great escapes in New England, so you might just learn something about fun or get a coupon for a great deal. It's free. They'll have live music. 10am-5pm. Boston City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA. more
New England Celebrates Israel	5/31 - 6/18	Boston Metro
And now for a series of small festivals. All over the citywide area, celebrate Israel. Boston, MA.617-457-8500. more
Coolidge Corner Arts Festival & Brookline Food Festival	6/6	Boston Metro
Also commercial, this "art festival" used to be a bunch of vendor booths on the sidewalk. But now they have moved it onto a school grounds and situated it next to a food festival. Sounding pretty good! Devotion School, 345 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA.617.739.9066.. more
Schweppes Great Chowder Cook-off	6/6	Rhode Island
Or check out this chowder festival. Basically, you show up, you eat chowder. It's like the Scooper Bowl, but no charity. Over 3000 gallons of chowder from 30 great chefs. 11am-6pm. Newport, RI. more
Newport International Film Festival	6/3 - 6/7	Rhode Island
Also in Newport, a film festival. Newport, RI. more
Boom Town Festival	6/1 - 6/11	Boston Metro
This free festival is eclectic, with walking art tours, dance and music. Cambridge, MA. more
JP First Thursday	6/4	Boston Metro
This is basically a gallery walk 6-8pm. And poetry reading. Every first Thursday of the month. Centre & South Streets, Jamaica Plain, MA. more
Concord Gardens Tour	6/5 - 6/6	Metro West
Your chance to visit private gardens without sneaking in. Various locations, Concord, MA. more
Concord Library Book Sale	6/6	Metro West
Enormous sale on the library lawn. I don't normally include library sales, but they'll have live music, poetry, kids stuff, thousands of books, carefully sorted and categorized. Rain date 6/13. Main Library, Concord, MA. more
Arlington Greek Festival	6/5 - 6/7	Boston Metro
They claim to draw "thousands of people". Could be! Cooking lessons, a market place, and Greek dancing, hopefully participatory. Church, 4 Appleton Street, Arlington, MA. more
Salem Arts Festival	6/5 - 6/7	North Shore
The Salem Arts Festival has a wide variety of dance, music, and art performance. Various locations, Salem, MA. more
Burlington Discover Jazz Festival	6/5 - 6/14	Vermont
I really have no interest in jazz. There doesn't appear to be a central outdoor festival grounds. Instead, several local venues open their doors (as they do all year?) to the ticket-buying public. Burlington, VT. more
Southbridge Fest	6/6	Worcester
Parade down Main Street, live music, vendor booths. 10am-5pm. Town Common, Southbridge, MA.508-347-2761. more
Dedham Square Music Fest	6/6	Boston Metro
OOo. Beatles tribute band, and Dr. Seuss musical. Dedham Community House Field, 671 High Street, Dedham, MA. more
Block Island Annual Music Festival	6/9 - 6/14	Rhode Island
I was originally skeptical of this 'festival', because it essentially is a one-venue event at a bar. However, it's free and includes free barbecue. Sounds like a great excuse to check out the island. Captain Nick's, Ocean Avenue, Block Island, RI. more
AIDS Walk Boston	6/7	Boston Metro
I'll tell you a secret. They'll take your money even if you don't walk... Boston, MA. more
Performance
Pirates! (Or, Gilbert and Sullivan Plunder'd)	5/28 - 6/14	Boston Metro
This looks so interesting! It's a reworking of Gilbert & Sullivan with the same music but a new, improved storyline. BU Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA. more
A Celtic Sojourn - The Boston Sessions Series	6/5	Boston Metro
My favorite folk group, Atwater-Donnelly (what an unfortunately boring name), is performing live at WGBH with invited guests 7-8:30 pm, for later broadcast. They hardly ever come into metro Boston so this would be a fairly unique opportunity for you to see them without traveling far. WGBH-FM, One Guest St., Boston, MA. more

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

By Johnny Monsarrat on June 4, 2009 1:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.