Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, songwriter, and legendary guitarist Dave Mason teamed with Steve Winwood to form the band Traffic and has penned dozens of hits, working with Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, and The Rolling Stones. We’ve got 2 pairs of tickets to give away! Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com. Boston, MA, .more
Win: Heart & Sole
Professional dancers from around Boston are partnering up for a special evening of dance, from jazz and flamenco to tap and classical Indian. I’ve got 2 pairs of tickets to giveaway for the 5/18 show at 7pm! Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win. The Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St,Arlington, MA, .more
Johnny’s Picks
Boys and Girls Club Carnival
You’ll see this one coming as you ride along 128. Fiesta Shows is coming to Woburn with unlimited rides specials, and online coupons too. Showcase CinemasWoburn, MA, .more
African American Military Heritage Day
The 54th Regiment reenacts their famous service in the Civil War, and several other groups join in for a parade and other activities showcasing the strong military heritage of African Americans. 1pm. Dillaway Thomas HouseRoxbury, MA, .more
Zombie March IX
Join the walking dead of Boston and take South Station by storm. We’re not talking about late night T service – this one is for the zombies and brave survivors. 4-8pm. South StationBoston, MA, .more
Puppet Showplace Slam: Puppeteers of New England
The puppets performing for you in this show have puppet theater degrees. Highly skilled puppeteers will have you tied up as they bring their craft to a whole new level. 8pm. Puppet Showplace TheatreBrookline, MA, .more
Boston Bike Party
It’s the most fun you’ll have on two wheels. Join others who share your love of bicycling; pretty much anything goes as long as you’re having fun and being safe. 9pm. 2014: 9pm-2am. Savvor Restaurant and LoungeBoston, MA, –.more
Somerville PorchFest
It’s like spring cleaning for garage bands – Somerville is asking bands of every type to play live from their porch. Explore the city on a musical adventure, one porch at a time. 2014:12pm-6pm. Various Locations, All OverSomerville, MA, .more
Radio 92.9 EarthFest
Mother Nature is a big fan of this annual festival, headlined this year by Neon Trees and The Wailers. Enjoy the music and fun on the banks of the Charles. DCR Hatch Memorial Shell, 47 David G Mugar WayBoston, MA, .more
Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend
Wonderful isn’t enough for this weekend of family fun Wellesley has planned. Fireworks, music, art, pancakes, walks, and making your own Woodland Troll barely scratch the surface. Various Locations, All OverWellesley, MA, –.more
Cadillac Day at Larz Anderson Museum
There’s something magical about Cadillacs. That’s probably why Cadillac Day is always the kick-off event for car show season at The Larz Anderson Museum of Transportation 10am-3pm. 2014: 10-3pm. Larz Anderson Auto MuseumBrookline, MA, .more
Haitian-American Unity Parade
Everyone is invited to the Haitian-American Unity Parade. Celebrate the vibrant culture and spirit of the Haitian community. It starts from Mattapan Square. 1pm. 2014:1pm. Mattapan Square,Boston, MA, .more
Framingham History Center House Tour
Home is where the heart is, and it shows in this tour of contemporary and historical homes throughout Framingham. Music, food, and more await your arrival at the Amazing Things Art Center! 12-5pm. Various LocationsFramingham, MA, .more
New Hampshire Renaissance Faire
Get on your shiny armor and come to this renaissance faire. There’s comedy, magic and musical shows, sword fighting and more. The best thing, it’s just 1 hour drive form Boston. 10am-5pm. New Hampshire Food BankKingston, NH, –.more
Tow Show
Tow trucks have their own parade? What, so we can boo them for towing our illegally parked cars, or so we can cheer them for getting us out of that ditch we drove into? Well, you’ll also find BBQ and driving schools and a rodeo. That’s what I’d go for. The rodeo. Hampton Beach State Park, New Hampshire 1AHampton, NH, –.more
Hog Wild
I’ll make this simple for you: This event features a lawnmower race and a monster truck show. Nuff’ said. 11am. 2014: 11-6pm. Kimball FarmHaverhill, MA, .more
Civil War Living History Weekend
Military and civilian impressions are welcome at this modest Civil War gathering; whether you join the ranks or observe, it’s sure to make history come alive. West Dennis Graded SchoolhouseDennis, MA, –.more
Scrimshaw Weekend
Call me Ishmael! From an antiques show to detailed discussions on the history of scrimshaw, you’d be ready to set sail Monday if ivory weren’t illegal. New Bedford Whaling MuseumNew Bedford, MA, –.more
Emily Dickinson Poetry Walk
Celebrate the life and poetry of Emily Dickenson on the anniversary of her death by retracing her steps at you travel to important places in her life, ending at her grave. 2pm. Emily Dickinson MuseumAmherst, MA, .more
Pirate Festival
This pirate event is aimed at kids, but you can still come dressing like Blackbeard. After all, someone’s gotta keep an eye on the younger buccaneers. Food and crafts vendors. There will be live music as well. 11-3pm. Aptucxet Trading Post MuseumBourne, MA, .more
Find 16 New England Regions on Twitter
Hey! I’ve split my Twitter feed into 17 regions so that you can REALLY get just the events close to home, or pick what you like. Please check it out and add me to a ‘Twitter list’ too (google it). All Over, , –.more
Get the 2014 New England Guide
Mention my website to friends and get my 2013 New England Guide, with 1,200 off-beat destinations including dinosaur footprints, zoos, ziplines, where to go stargazing, and where to find an indoor water park in December! All Over, , –.more
Also Fun
Downtown Pittsfield Third Thursdays
On the third Thursday of the month, Pittsfield invites the Berkshires to a night of fun, art, music, and of course food. 5-8pm. Downtown PittsfieldPittsfield, MA, .more
Machine Learning
What in our modern lives is not tied into a machine? Come get all the facts on Machine Learning from the experts at Microsoft. 9am. Horace Mann Conference Room
First Floor Conference Center, One Memorial DriveCambridge, MA, .more
Massachusetts Farmers Markets
Not all food should be sugar coated. It is OK to eat healthy from time to time. Spring brings more than 30 farmers markets in Massachusetts. Click for the list! Copley Square, Boylston Street, Clarendon Street, St. James Avenue, and Dartmouth StreetAll Over, , .more
Bay State Bike Week
All through Massachusetts you will find more than 100 events that are bike related: Guided tours, races, pancake breakfasts, films, parades, and even classes about human powered 2-wheelers. Various Locations, All OverAll Over, , –.more
Party in the Park
This luncheon is certainly no picnic, but it does benefit Boston’s Emerald Necklace. Find your fanciest hat and party in the park at this elegant event. 11am. Pinebank PromontoryJamaica Plain, MA, .more
Casa dos Sonhos: the House of Dreams
This performance is designed to be socially aware and therapeutic to those who need it most. Take a peek at the healing power of theater, proceeds fund futher study of these ideas. 5:45pm. First ChurchCambridge, MA, .more
Beacon Hill Hidden Gardens Tour
Some things must not remain unseen, which is why on the 3rd Thursday of May multiple Beacon Hill Garden Club members open their gardens to the public. They’re hidden the other 364 days, so this is a one-in-a-year chance. 9-5pm. Beacon Hill Garden ClubBoston, MA, .more
Human Impacts Boston
If we are to understand climate change completely, we must support youth by providing opportunites for a strong education in the sciences. Part workshop, part performance art, Human Impacts Boston will impact most humans in attendance. Goethe-InstitutBoston, MA, .more
Full Moon Tour: What the Butler Said
A full moon tour of ‘the Monticello of the North’ would be enough, but you also get to hear all the dirt from the Gore family butler! 7:30pm. Gore PlaceWaltham, MA, .more
Le Grand Continental
You’ll be dancing in the streets along with everyone else if you check out this free outdoor extravaganza in Copley Square. Copley SquareBoston, MA, –.more
Winchester En Ka Fair
Lights, Camera, En Ka! This year, Winchester becomes Hollywood East during this themed fair featuring rides, games, shopping, food, and a Hollywood-inspired quilt to be raffled. Winchester, MA, –.more
Endangered Species Day at Stone Zoo
This is more of an event for kids, but adults can learn a couple things to help protect endangered species. Encounters with zookeepers and lifesized inflatable animals make this event stand out. All day. 2014: 10-2pm. Stone Zoo, tStoneham, MA, .more
Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival
In this long-flying Boston traditions, join thousands as they enjoy all things kite, snack, play, even cruise around on bikes provided for use at no cost. Fun for the whole family! 11am-4pm. Franklin Park, Seaver StreetDorchester, MA, .more
Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
This two-day fundraising walk will take you through some of Boston’s most interesting spots. The route has been marked for you but a team of awesome people will be there to help, should you need any assistance. University of Massachusetts Boston – Lot DBoston, MA, –.more
Bicycle Parade
The whole street becomes a bike lane when the police lead the way! Take part in this five-mile loop up and down this well known roadway, at a pace most will be able to handle. 1pm. Amory ParkBrookline, MA, .more
Brain Tumor Ride
Take to the pedals and bike one of four courses to support the needs of the Brain Tumor Community. Includes a BBQ and activities like a fun ride for little ones. Waltham, MA, .more
Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle
Herring don’t run! Or do they? Come to this 5K paddling and run/walk race. There will be kayaking classes for newbies so everyone can make a splash. 8am. Blessing of the Bay Boathouse,, n32 Shore Drive, .Somerville, MA, .more
The Raven’s Trail: A Walking Tour of Poe’s Boston
Whether you’re a frogpondian, Poe fan, or into the history of Boston, this walking tour through historic spots in Boston is likely to teach you something new. Boylston Street and Charles Street SouthBoston, MA, .more
Stow Spring Fest
Come to the exhibition of police cars, a fire truck and cranes. Inflatables for kids and workshops available. If this is not enough, there’s free cotton candy for all. 10am-3pm. Stow Community ParkStow, MA, –.more
Medway Pride Day
Local businesses take their products to the streets, including must-see crafts and collectibles. Kids have it made, with carnival games, face painting, and an obstacle course! 10-4pm. Medway Middle SchoolMedway, MA, .more
Tha Ka Dhi Mi Tha
An afternoon full of Indian music and dance sure to entertain, plus authentic jewelry, clothes, and food for sale,. 2pm. Keefe Tech AuditoriumFramingham, MA, .more
Relay for Life
The battle against cancer is far from being over. But we can walk and get closer to the goal. This is a fundraiser event, for money and awareness against cancer. 4pm. 2014:4pm. Bedford High School, 9 Mudge Way,Bedford, MA, .more
Wild About Wildlife
Are you wild about wildlife? Then you’ll love this day celebrating our native animal species Follow their tracks, get up close and personal, and even go behind the scenes. 10am. Drumlin FarmLincoln, MA, .more
Powisset Farm Spring Festival
This spring festival takes place at a farm, so everyone will have the chance of feeding some animals. There will be food and crafts for sale too, and guided tours around the place. 10am. Powisset Farm,Dover, MA, .more
The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden is not so secret anymore, but its story is always entertaining. This one is presented in the form of a musical play. Firehouse Center for the ArtsNewburyport, MA, –.more
Free Wheeling: Bike Night
You might expect a broomstick, but this Salem get-together is all about bikes. One of a kind bicycles will be on display. Get information and tips from bike safety to turning your ride into a piece of art, and discover local riding trails among new friends. 6-9pm. Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square (161 Essex St)Salem, MA, .more
Motif #1 5K Road Race and Festival
Start your day off with a 5k or fun run, and once you catch your breath, enjoy film, poetry, dance, music, and art-making activities, as well as historical presentations at this springtime festival. 9am. Rockport HarborRockport, MA, .more
Hoppin’ Mad Mud Match
Well, at least you won’t have to worry about makeup. Make friends and maybe more as you complete this obstacle course drenched in mud. Fun for couples and kids too! Amesbury Sports ParkAmesbury, MA, .more
Earth Port Film Festival
This Film Festival features productions that intend to increase awareness of environmental and community issues. More than just sitting and watching, this is about learning, understanding.. and getting involved. 6pm. Firehouse CenterNewburyport, MA, .more
Light Up The Night
Light up the night at this modern barn dance with music, a live auction, and incredible food. 7pm. South Shore Natural Science CenterNorwell, MA, .more
Nantucket Wine Festival
As far as wine festivals go, it’s hard not to feel like your glass is always half full with the world class scenery and food. 5-7pm. The White ElephantNantucket, MA, .more
Taunton Creates
This is an art expo on the streets of Tauton. There will be performances, activities, and of course, lots of art at this family friendly event. 12pm. 2014: 12-3pm. Downtown Taunton, All overTaunton, MA, .more
Mass Reptile Expo
Feel the heat (from the heatlamps) as you explore more than 100 vendors and enthusiasts celebrating all things reptile! Tip the scales by going home with a new reptilian friend! 2014:10am-4pm. The Shaw’s CenterBrockton, MA, .more
Brimfield Antiques Show (Spring)
There is something for everyone at this massive collection of antiques, collectibles, and everything else, INCLUDING the kitchen sink. BrimField Town Hall,Brimfield, MA, –.more
Asparagus and Flower Heritage Festival
Eating your vegetables has never been this fun. Face painting and fun for kids, over 100 local arts and crafts vendors, and of course – all the asparagus you can eat. 10-4pm. Town CommonWest Brookfield, MA, .more
A Night At The Museum
Ben Still had to work hard to survive his Night at the Museum; at the EcoTarium, you’ll be treated to a night of food, music, and amazing adventures! This is an event for adults. 6pm. 2014: 6-10pm. EcoTariumWorcester, MA, .more
Kiwanis Club Apple Blossom Festival
The Kiwanis Club Apple Blossom Festival is back with more fun than ever. With the pancake breakfast, ice cream social and lobster raffle, make sure to save some room for a hot air balloon ride, battle of the bands, and of course, carnival and fireworks. Various Locations, All OverWestford, MA, –.more
Lowell Cemetery Tour
Take in the art and history of this cemetery, and learn about early mourning rituals as you hear anecdotes about some of the dead. 10:00am. Lowell CemeteryLowell, MA, .more
Lowell Cemetery Memorial Day Remembrance
Take in the memorial parade, flag ceremony, and 21 gun salute. With a Blackhawk flyover and a helicopter landing for you to check out, this is more than your average parade. 12:30pm. Lowell CemeteryLowell, MA, .more
Antique & Classic Car Show
Come for the cars, stay for the afternoon of fun family activities! There will also be food, music, and trophies for the coolest cars! 9-3pm. Boothe Memorial ParkStratford, CT, .more
The Arbors Goes Pink! Races
Running is good for the body and the mind. This race aims to fund-raise for a good cause. The downside: They encourage you to wear pink. 9am. 2014:9am. Look Memorial ParkNorthampton, MA, .more
Cape Cod Restaurant Week
Taste the best of Cape Cod’s food during Restaurant Week. Your pockets won’t suffer, since most dishes are discounted. Not my fault if later on you have to add an extra hole to your belt. Various LocationsAll Over, , –.more
Restaurant Week & Gallery Stroll Provincetown
You’ll have a full week to taste top notch dishes from more than 20 of the greatest Provincetown restaurants. Your pocket won’t suffer, since everything will be offered at at discount. I couldn’t find updated 2014 information about this. Is it really happening? Various Locations, All OverProvincetown, MA, –.more
Cape Cod Maritime Festival
Take a tour in a kayak, explore lighthouses, and learn about the rich maritime history of Cape Cod! There is something for everyone in this month long adventure, from nautical art to boat building. Cape Cod Museum of Natural HistoryBrewster, MA, –.more
Art in the Garden Festival
Gardens are great places to showcase outdoor art. This Cape Cod festival has you covered with lots of art vendors and exhibitions, as well as crafts and stories for the kids. 10 – 4pm. Aselton ParkHyannis, MA, –.more
Rhododendron Festival
Celebrate this well-known flower by exploring over 100 varieties and taking part in fun activities. There will be a Rhododendron scavenger hunt, but I don’t think they will be hard to find. 10-5pm. Heritage Museums & GardensSandwich, MA, –.more
Long Meddowe Days
Based on the rich history of this colonial town, there are hundreds of years to explore, in addition to food, music, and lots of fun for the kids. 2014:10-4pm. All OverLongmeadow, MA, –.more
The Raid On Spell Hall Reenactment
This is a living story war reenactment of something that did not happen, but could have. I’d say it’s like being inside of a movie. Join the fun and learn more about the famous Spell Hall. Nathanael Greene HomesteadCoventry, RI, –.more
Rhode Island Sheep & Fiber Festival
Enjoy the hay rides, crafts, face-painting, and sheep shearing at Coggeshall Farm Museum. The rest of the activities are fiber workshops, probably best suited for people really into the textile world. 9am. 2014: 9am-5pm. Coggeshall Farm Museum,, Poppasquash Road off of Route 114Bristol, RI, .more
NH Drum Festival – Drum Fun 3
32 local drummers each take five minutes in the spotlight in this musical festival that most certainly has the beat. 12-8pm. Anheuser-Busch BreweryMerrimack, NH, .more
Children and the Arts Festival
Fairies, dragons, and other mythical creatures will be sure to excite not only children, but the young at heart. 9-3pm. Downtown PeterboroughPeterborough, NH, .more
Memorial Day
Newton Memorial Veterans Parade
This annual parade has a special route and a special mission this year: to rededicate Newton’s Civil War memorial. Many musical, historical, and veteran groups will march. Newton CemeteryNewton Centre, MA, .more
Memorial Day & Parade – Bedford, NH
Always honored-never forgotten is the message of this parade and gathering. After the march, there will be a flag ceremony, speakers, prizes, and food vendors. 2014:1pm. Parks & Recreation Department, 24 N. Amherst Rd,Bedford, NH, .more
Performance
Review: Good Television
This is an interesting play about Reality TV shows and how much they’re actually good/bad to society and their participants. Plaza Black Box Theater at the Boston Center for the ArtsBoston, MA, –.more
The Glass Menagerie
The Winchester Players take on the Glass Menagerie in their latest performance. 8pm. First Congregational Church of WinchesterWinchester, MA, –.more
Review: ASP’s As You Like It
One of Shakespeare’s most delightful comedies! Click for our review. The Springstep BuildingMedford, MA, –.more
Review: Sontag: Reborn
Whether or not you’re a fan of Susan Sontag, you will enjoy this journey through her iconic mind. Straight from her personal journals to the stage. Emerson/Paramount Center MainstageBoston, MA, –.more
Review: Lebensraum
While we realize that a life event can have numerous, if not infinite outcomes, how often do you see it on stage? The possibilities are endless in Happy Medium Theater’s final production of the season. Factory TheatreBoston, MA, –.more
Review: My Son, The Waiter
What could please a Jewish mother more than a boy who has a rich career being a waiter? Regent TheatreMedford, MA, –.more
Carrie The Musical
Carrie the Musical sounds macabre and thrilling! SpeakEasy Stage CompanyBoston, MA, –.more
Review: Into the woods
Your favorite fairy tale characters will get chewed up and spit out in this epic mashup, will there be a happy ending? The Lyric StageBoston, MA, –.more
The Tempest
This performance of a Shakespeare classic gets even better with the addition of magic straight from the secrets of Teller of Penn and Teller! Loeb Drama CenterCambridge, MA, –.more
Rain Dogs
Peter Mulvey & the Crumbling Beauties and Babes in Boinkland want you to get out of your mind during this performance with roots in Tom Waits’ critically acclaimed album. Oberon TheatreCambridge, MA, .more
Boston Handbell Festival
Hand bell music is fun to watch because performers tend to move around the stage. This event is more of a performance and less of a full festival, but the show is still great! Old South Church BostonBoston, MA, .more
Review: Hershey Felder in Abe Lincoln’s Piano
This one man show takes to the piano to explore a night at the theater that changed our country forever. Here’s our review! Cutler Majestic TheatreBoston, MA, .more
Review: On the Verge
Start with Happy Days, drop a group of Victorian women into the mix, and you’ve got a general idea of this hilarious time-travel fantasy. Charles Mosesian Theater at the Arsenal Center for the ArtsWatertown, MA, –.more
Review: The Complete History of Comedy (abridged)
A play that tries to cover the history of comedy from its very early stages to Jon Stewart’s Daily Show! Nancy L. Donahue TheatreLowell, MA, –.more
Review: In The Territories
The Great American West feels like the kind of place and time where a dramatic comedy can really shine! Sea Change Theatre Company, 10 Dane Street,Beverly, MA, –.more
Banjo Extravaganza and Banjo Camp
Come to listen, buy, learn, or jam until the sun comes up with a variety of musicians. I’d bring an extra banjo just in case. Did I mention unlimited desert? Prindle Pond Conference CenterCharlton, MA, –.more
Travel
Spring into Warner
A farmer’s market, all the arts and crafts you can imagine, ballet, authors and music, even antique horse and carriage rides. Something for everyone at this huge spring festival. 10am. KACC WarnerWarner, NH, .more
Paddle the Border
The Connecticut River is the largest river in New England, so it can hold lots and lots of friendly boat enthusiasts. Come paddle and learn more bout this wonderful area. 9am. Woodsville Community FieldWoodsville, NH, .more
Great River Park Car Show
Enjoy this car show’s live Classic Rock and Funk on the Connecticut River. Not to mention some of the sweetest rides around. Will yours win? 5-8:30pm. Great River ParkEast Hartford, CT, .more
Connecticut Tree Festival
Put your wallet away, as this festival is so focused on trees, fun and food is free for all. Celebrate trees while having fun and learning about their role in keeping the planet green. 11-3pm. Cranbury ParkNorwalk, CT, .more
Get A Clue! Tours
Clue! comes to life but this time with a twist – can you solve the murder mystery when Mark Twain’s classic characters get involved? 7pm. Mark Twain HouseFarmington, CT, .more
Milford Earth Day
Milford would love your help cleaning up some of its outdoor spaces. In return, they’re offering lunch and lots of fun activities. We call that a win-win. 8-3pm. Fowler Field, Wilcox ParkMilford, CT, .more
Hammonasset Kite Festival
Meet lots of friendly people who happen to be kite enthusiasts. There will be a kite display and all sorts of kite-flying fun!. 11am. Hammonasset Beach State Park CTMadison, CT, –.more
Scantic Valley Antique Engine & Tractor Club
Who said humans and machines cannot get along? Join this group of people and show your appreciation for machinery, especially old tractors. Four Town Fair GroundsSomers, CT, –.more
Historic Whaleship Charles W. Morgan Departure
73 years is too many to sit still, even for a historic whaleship. Watch the Charles W. Morgan take to the water as it travels the Mystic River with several other classic ships in its wake. Mystic Seaport and the Mystic RiverMystic, CT, .more
Goodies Beach Cruise Night
Cruise with other car lovers and share snacks and stories from the road! Weather permitting. 6pm-9pm. GoodiesMilford, ME, .more
HuzzahCon
War-gaming is not for everyone, but it’s still worth checking out. Huzzah! is 3 full fays of interesting historical board games controlled by experienced game masters. Come try this one, it’s something different. DoubleTree by Hilton HotelSouth Portland, ME, –.more
Wings Waves & Woods
This one’s for the birds! Take to the woods, water, and sky in this celebration of everything avian. Art, bird walks, and boat trips are just the beginning. Deer Isle, ME, –.more
Bug Light Kite Festival
Flying a kite is a relaxing yet fun activity. Come enjoy a day in the company of fellow enthusiasts. Also, Bug Light will open its doors to the public, and there will be a barbecue and lots of kids activities. All Day. Bug Light ParkPortland, ME, .more
Maine Comic Arts Festival
This is not your ordinary Comic convention. Meet and talk directly to writers, publishers and artists. There will no be middlemen involved. 1pm. 2014:10am-5pm. Portland Company Complex iPortland, ME, .more
Sugarloaf Marathon & 15K
While a mountainous marathon sounds daunting, this course is known to produce personal bests. Enjoy the surrounding beauty in Maine’s oldest continuous marathon, just don’t let it slow you down! Sugarloaf MountainCarrabassett Valley, ME, .more
Classic Car Cruise Night
Put the top down, crank the tunes, and drive off into the sunset during Classic Car Cruise Nights. An automatic time machine right there, ladies and gentlemen. 6pm-8pm. White River JunctionHartford, VT, .more
Woofstock: A Festival of Fidos
So.. Woofstock is all about dogs. There will be disc dog demos, agility shows, a costume parade and much more. The best part, you can bring your dog with you. 9am. 2014: 9-3pm. Basin Harbor ClubVergennes, VT, .more