November 7-15, 2011: Medeival & Kite Fests, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Veterans Day Parades, Park Night Hikes, Twilight Spoof, and Pilgrim Harvest Dinner

We’re now in the slump between Halloween and Christmas activities, but don’t just lay around! This is the warmest weather that you’ll get until March, so take advantage of it. There’s still one cornfield maze open, Davis MegaMaze, and I still have tickets if anyone wants them.

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I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!

-Johnny

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The Week in Weird
Before I Leave You – ticket giveaway & our review Boston Metro

Fri 10/14 – Sun 11/13
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

Profound and funny, this play set in Harvard Square, Cambridge features “four longtime friends facing too much past and too little future.” See our review and I’ve got 4 tickets to give away to the performance Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 7:30pm. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win! Calderwood Pavilion, BCA, Boston, MA. event website on twitter on facebook

Living Dead Uprising – Zombie Scavenger Hunt – tix giveaway Boston Metro

Thu 11/10
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

It’s a scavenger hunt where you dress like a zombie — makeup is included in the $15 — and stampede around Davis Square! Assembly at 6pm and Uprising at 7pm. Live music by FlowTribe until 9pm. It sounds like great fun, and I have 4 tickets to give away! Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win. Johnny D’s, Somerville, MA. event website on facebook on twitter

Jon Anderson & Rick Wakeman- Former ‘Yes’ Legends- Up Close & Acoustic Worcester

Tue 11/8
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

YES was arguably up there with RUSH and Pink Floyd. Now I have two pairs of tickets to give away to this performance of two of the original members, as they play music (including their hits) but also tell stories and joke with the audience. This is a chance to really ‘get to know’ these legends up close. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win! Hanover Theatre, Worcester, MA. event website on facebook

The Rat Pack straight from Las Vegas – tix giveaway! Boston Metro

Sun 11/13
Did you know that Ocean’s Eleven was a remake? The original Rat Pack was Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr, and they’ll be re-enacted in Waltham in this jazz and big band concert, backed by a seven-piece band. These impersonators are pros from Las Vegas, and I’ve got 6 tickets to give away! Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com. Robinson Theatre, 617 Lexington St, Waltham, MA.781-891-5600. event website on twitter on facebook
Twilight Spoof at Improv Boston Boston Metro

Wed Nov 9-Wed Nov 16
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

Whether you love it or love to hate it, the vampire emo movies, the Twilight series, are being spoofed at ImprovBoston, my favorite comedy club. I’ve got 4 tickets to give away to your choice of November 9 or 16! It’s all part of the “Comedy Lab” show that also features “The True-ish Hollywood Story”, a parody of E! Television, and a comedy about roommates. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win. ImprovBoston, Cambridge, MA. event website on twitter on facebook

A Day at the Court of Harun al-Rashid Boston Metro

Sat 11/12
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

The Society for Creative Anachronism is a medieval-ish re-enactment group. You’ll find history classes on cooking, warfare, and culture. Plus they’ll have a mock battle as well. Very few of the SCA events are this close to Boston. Check it out! Church, 495 Canton Ave, Milton, MA. event website

Boston Veterans Day Parade Boston Metro

Fri 11/11
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

Boston’s Veterans Day Parade begins at 11:30am from Charles St & Beacon St, up Boylston St, left onto Tremont st, ending at City Hall. Others in MA include Amesbury, Andover, Ashland, Attleboro, Bedford, Beverly, Brockton, Cambridge, Canton, Chelsea, Dudley, Holyoke, Medford, Melrose, Middleboro, Newburyport, Norwood, Rehoboth, Shrewsbury, Spencer, Springfield, Webster, Westfield, Westford, West Springfield, and Woburn. Boston Common, Boston, MA.617-635-4455. event website on twitter on facebook

Veterans Day Kite Day Boston Metro

Sun 11/13
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

The warm weather is not going to last much longer! Get OUTDOORS and enjoy it! I’m sure this kite festival will be worth seeing. No details are given about kite competitions or vendors, so I’m guessing basically it’s people flying kites in a park with no real scheduled ‘event’. Pope John Paul II Park, Dorchester, MA. event website on facebook

The Scarlet Letter [Abridged], Read by the Author Metro West

Mon 11/14
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

My favorite Boston re-enactor has two performances this week, both of New England author Nathaniel Hawthorne, who wrote the Scarlet Letter. In this one, he’ll read an abridged version of the book and presumably take questions. 7:30pm. First Parish, Concord, MA. event website on twitter on facebook

Nathaniel Hawthorne: In Person New Hampshire

Thu 11/10
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

And in this one he’ll read a couple of short works and take questions, too. A re-enactment is a fun and creative way to learn about history! 7pm. Leach Library, Londonderry, NH. event website on twitter on facebook

Re-enactment of Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird North Shore

Tue 11/15
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

And here’s this other re-enactor I found who portrays a fictional civil rights lawyer, from that book we all had to (um, got to) read in high school. 12:30pm. Saugus Council on Aging, Saugus, MA.508-869-6749. event website

Life in the Universe: Are We Alone? Boston Metro

Tue 11/15 – Tue 11/29
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

Let’s do some science lectures now. Here’s a series running for a month about scientists’ best guesses about whether life could exist beyond Earth. This one’s titled “Why Mars Matter”. MIT Museum, Cambridge, MA. event website on twitter on facebook

Allston/Brighton Open Studios (Boston Open Studios) Boston Metro

Sat 11/12 – Sun 11/13
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

An open studios is an excuse to walk around town, visiting artists in their studios or private homes. It’s interesting to chat directly with the artists rather than merchants, and of course they hope you’ll buy something. This one seems pretty small, being focused on just four buildings. 12-6pm. 1 Braintree Street, Allston, MA.617-254-3333-. event website

Brockton’s Veteran’s Day Parade South Shore

Fri 11/11
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

Among the many Veterans Day parades is this one in Brockton. 10am. Brockton, MA. event website

Colonial Military Exercises & Creating A Porcupine Hair Headress South Shore

Fri 11/11
November is a great time to visit the home of the original Thanksgiving, Plimoth Plantation, a re-enactment museum with dozens of live actors portraying pilgrims and native americans. This week is special because they’ll have old-timey military demonstrations, and the native americans show how headdresses are made. 137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA.508-746-1622. event website on twitter on facebook
Harvest Dinner with the Pilgrims at Plimoth Plantation South Shore

Sat 11/12
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

Also this week they’re doing a re-enactment of a 1621 harvest dinner. You’ll see all kinds of old-timey food preparation. And pilgrims. And native americans. 5:30pm. 137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA.508-746-1622. event website on twitter on facebook

An Evening of Illumination at OSV Worcester

Sun 11/13
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

Also re-enactment-tastic, Sturbridge Village is just as good as Plimoth Plantation, but bigger. They are continually having 1840s events and this one is at night using 19th century lights. I’m sure it’s beautiful. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA.508 347-3362. event website on facebook

ProustFest Rhode Island

Tue 11/15 – Fri 11/18
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

The first rule of ProustFest is that you do not talk about ProustFest. The second rule of ProustFest is that YOU DO NOT TALK ABOUT PROUSTFEST! That’s prounounced “proost” not “prowst” if you want to blend in with the literary elite. Providence Athenaeum Library,252 Benefit Street, Providence, RI.401-257-5939. event website on twitter on facebook

Artful Inventions Festival North Shore

Sun 11/13
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

There’s never a bad time to visit the Peabody-Essex Museum, except during the Salem Halloween crunch. But now that it’s post-crunch, they’ll have demonstrations and workshops about inventions, like stream-powered sculptures, yo-yo tricks, and oobleck (google it). Peabody-Essex Museum, Salem, MA. event website on twitter on facebook

Also Fun
Veterans’ Day Flag Retirement Metro West

Fri 11/11
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

A “retirement” means they burn flags, I think?!? It’s not as nice as a parade, but it’s outdoorsy and touching I’m sure. People with ratty old flags don’t dipose them into the trash. They “retire” them in this ceremony that’s unfortunately at 8am on a weekday. Concord, MA. event website

Full Moon Tour: Living in the Dark at Gore Place Boston Metro

Fri 11/11
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

For a small museum, this historic mansion in Waltham has a ton of creative events. This one is a special tour that shows how people used to live at night before electric lights. 7:30pm. 52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA.781-894-2798. event website on twitter on facebook

Full Moon Owl Prowl Metro West

Fri 11/11 – Sat 11/12
I love this!! Go on a tour at night in this wildlife park and spot some real owls in their natural habitat. It’s going to be a HOOT! (heh heh, get it — hoot? Get it? *tap tap* is this thing on?). Broadmoor, 280 Eliot Street, Natick, MA. primary website another on twitter on facebook
Beavers of Fisherville Under the Full Moon & Nighttime Natural Stroll Rhode Island

Wed 11/9 – Thu 11/10
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

This must be what my buddies are doing when they say they’re going out chasing beavers at night. Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI.401-949-5454 x3041. event website on twitter on facebook

Princess Party at the Fall River Carousel Southeast Mass

Sat 11/12
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

If only I had kids this would be so awesome! I mean, girl kids. Not boy kids. Girl kids who’d like to go next door and see the largest naval museum in the world, with a real World War II Battleship. And this carousel, while dressed as a princess. Reserve in advance. 5 Water St, Fall River, MA.508-678-1100 x 101. event website

Sweetbay Swamp Quest Fest North Shore

Sat 11/12
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

OoooO! This is a clue-based treasure hunt that leads you all around swamp trails. Just the word swamp is sort of spooky, especially when the event takes place in “Ravenswood Park”. But hey. It’s in the daytime, 1-3pm. What are the chances that you’ll get lost and stuck out there at night? :). Ravenswood Park, 481 Western Ave, Gloucester, MA.978-526-8687. event website on facebook

Norumbega Lodge Scandinavian Fair Metro West

Fri 11/11 – Sat 11/12
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

The Norse have a cultural festival? The Norse have a cultural festival!! Unfortunately, their vague description indicates it is mostly a crafts sale, with music. No events? No hamster throwing? You guys could learn a LOT about festivals from the Scots! 10am-3pm. High School, 500 Walden St, Concord, MA. event website

Mass Innovation Nights Boston Metro

Wed 11/9
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

Are you starting a company? Do you like technology? This local club for “innovators” hosts a bunch of demos, where entrepreneurs show off their recent inventions. This one’s the MassChallenge, a competition. 6-8:30pm. One Marina Park Drive 14th Fl, Boston, MA. event website on twitter on facebook

MIT Henge Boston Metro

Fri 11/11 – Mon 11/14
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

A couple of times a year the Sun and the Earth align just right to be seen down the length of MIT’s 1/4-mile corridor. They call that MIT Henge. I’ve never seen it, but it’s sure to be 20 minutes of joy. 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA. event website

Transcending Boundaries Springfield

Fri 11/11 – Sun 11/13
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

Here’s an LGBT conference where you can learn about or mingle with various liberals pushing social boundaries and making it okay to be gay, polyamorous, transgendered, and so forth! Springfield, MA. event website on twitter on facebook

Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair Boston Metro

Fri 11/11 – Sun 11/13
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

Here’s your last chance to see some original texts while children still know what books are. They’ll have talks by book collectors and serious workshops for hobbyists and professionals. Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA.617-954-2000. event website

Boston Asian American Film Festival: Ideas in Motion Boston Metro

Thu 11/10 – Sun 11/13
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

I’m not a big fan of sitting in the dark, but several actors and directors will show up for Q&A at this film event, making it a real festival! James Hong, the guy from Blade Runner and Big Trouble in Little China and Kung Fu Panda will be there. Various venues, Boston, MA. event website on twitter on facebook

Boston Jewish Film Festival Boston Metro

Wed 11/2 – Sun 11/13
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

This fest also features plenty of directors and celebrities coming to speak and take questions. So it’s not just sitting in a dark room idly watching movies. Just mostly. Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA. event website on twitter on facebook

Test Your Sleuthing Skills and Win Free Passes at the Museum of Science, Boston Boston Metro

Fri 11/4 – Wed 11/30
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

The Museum of Science, Boston has a scavenger hunt that gives you yet another reason to go to their world-class science museum in Boston. There’s no particular date or time. Just stop by sometime in November for this. Museum of Science, Boston, Boston, MA. event website on twitter on facebook

Denis Leary Hosts 40th Anniversary of Emerson College’s Literary Magazine Boston Metro

Mon 11/14
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

Apparently a lot of people love this presumably student-run magazine at Emerson College, because to celebrate their 40th anniversary they are pulling in Denis Leary, Alice Hoffman, Sebastian Judger, and Cam Neely. Having people read on stage is the best performance you can think of, eh? The Paramount Theatre, 120 Boylston St, Boston, MA. event website on twitter on facebook

Asteroid All Over

Tue 11/8
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

There’s an asteroid passing really really close to Earth this Tuesday… even closer than the Moon. But I couldn’t find any local events celebrating this or doing an astronomy night. If you know of one, please email me! All Over. event website

Performance
Comics Come Home Fundraiser Boston Metro

Sat 11/12
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

While he’s in town Denis Leary, along with other stand up stars, is doing a benefit for cancer research at BU’s enviable arena. 7:30pm. Agganis Arena, 925 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA.617-931-2000. event website on twitter on facebook

Boston Comedy Festival Boston Metro

Sat 11/5 – Sat 11/12
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

The Boston Comedy Festival was SO much fun the year I went. Highly recommended! The really big deal is finals night, the last night of the week. Various downtown venues, Boston, MA. event website

The Doctor and The Devils & Waltham Watch Day Boston Metro

Sat 11/12 – Sun 11/13
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

Commedia dell’ arte is an ancient form of theatre where actors ad-lib from a basic plot rather than memorize a script. It’s a comedy where two villainous temptresses stumble across a rich miser trying to raise the Devil. The CRMI always has fun events so this one’s bound to be good. Sunday 2pm. Also, you can learn about pocketwatches, Saturday 1-3pm. Charles River Museum of Innovation, Waltham, MA. event website on twitter on facebook

Ashpet: An Appalachian Cinderella Story Boston Metro

Sat 11/12 – Sat 11/19
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

Set just before the Civil War, here’s a re-imagining of the Cinderella tale, where an indentured servant girl (Ashpet) who, with the help of the Old Witch Woman on the mountain, falls in love with a newly-enlisted soldier, her Prince Charming. Proceeds go to benefit anti-bullying efforts, which I hope means more juvenile jail time for bullies. First Parish, 3 Church St, Cambridge, MA. event website on facebook

Australian Pink Floyd – our review Boston Metro

Wed 11/2
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

The Australian Pink Floyd is the biggest and best-loved tribune band of Pink Floyd’s music, and they have backing from some of the band’s original members. Click for our review of their recent show in Boston! Wang Theatre, Boston, MA. our review event website

Travel
NHRHTA Reunion Weekend Train Show Connecticut

Sat 11/12
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

Since I grew up playing with spaceship toys like Star Wars, I sort of don’t get model train enthusiasts. But there will be a lot of excitement no doubt at this show. 9am-3pm. North Haven, CT. event website

Bar Harbor Bed Races Maine

Sat 11/12
Boston Events INSIDER, by Johnny Monsarrat

Please let this be beds on wheels with people rolling them around in a big race. Please, please. I think maybe it is! And there’s a pajama parade. Bar Harbor, ME.207-288-5103 x112. event website on twitter on facebook

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