Events INSIDER: Mar 9-17, 2015

03/09/15 by
Johnny’s Picks
Israeli Folk Dance Fest and Ice Cream Social
Groups from all over North America come to this Israeli folk dancing festival, so you know it must be a big deal. Israeli Folk Dance Fest and Ice Cream SocialKresge Auditorium @ MIT Cambridge, MA, .
Boston Flower & Garden Show
Been there once and they had amazing room-sized floral displays. Even if youre not into gardening, its a pretty pleasant experience. Boston Flower & Garden ShowSeaport World Trade Center Boston, MA, –.
Nautical Night
Nautical Night. Nautical NightMIT Museum Cambridge, MA, .
Hebron Maple Fest
Heres a massive maple sugar event. Theyll have a scavenger hunt, demonstrations of woodworking and blacksmithing, a silent action, an ice cream eating contest and a revolutionary war encampment besides the sap collecting. And its only a 2 hour drive from Boston. Hebron Maple Fest Hebron, CT, –.
Winterfest Weekends at Fruitlands Museum
The Fruitlands museum, Candy Lands healthier, slimmer, cousin, has a slope called the OMG Hill during its Winterfest festival! I mean, its not really a festival if it lasts until spring, but theyll have bonfires, sledding, ice skating, and snowshoeing, every weekend. It would be a good idea to call ahead, since there may be last-minute cancellations due to the weather. Winterfest Weekends at Fruitlands MuseumFruitlands Museum Harvard, MA, –.
Maple Sugaring
Ah, another maple sugaring that brings history into the picture! How has maple sugaring evolved since the days of Native Americans? Maple SugaringAudubon Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge Coventry, RI, .
Black Rose Ball XXXVI
Renaissance up for this fantastic ball. There will be ballroom dancing (dont worry if you dont know how to dance, theyll teach you there), damsels in distress, blokes in tights… and a lot of medieval fun. Black Rose Ball XXXVISt. Davids on the Hill Episcopal Church Cranston, RI, .
Novice Schola/Baronial Birthday: SCA Skills Day
The Society for Creative Anachronism heard you wanted to learn some medieval skills, and theyre so cool theyre willing to teach you. Might we recommend registering for the feast? Novice Schola/Baronial Birthday: SCA Skills DayChurch Springfield, MA, .
Kites over New England Kite Fly
Lets go fly a kite… indoors. While we arent sure on what indoor kite flyiing entails, it does sound neat. Go check it out! Kites over New England Kite FlyMotherbrook Arts and Community Center Dedham, MA, .
Also Fun
Evacuation Day Lecture by J.L. Bell
Go learn about Washingtons opinion on African-American soldiers in the Continental Army. Historian J.L. Bell does it much more justice than I just did. Evacuation Day Lecture by J.L. BellLongfellow Carriage House Cambridge, MA, .
Voyages en Francophonie
March is the month of La Francophonie, and there will be several events around NE to celebrate this magnificient language. This is one where you can learn a lot french-speaking cultures through workshops, performances, music and more. Voyages en FrancophonieJonas Clarke Middle School Lexington, MA, .
Boston Gangsters Who Pulled Off the Worlds Greatest Art Heist
Chances are if youre a Boston resident, youre fascinated by the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist. This discussion gets you up close and personal with facts unearthed by Stephen Kurkjian and includes a book signing. Boston Gangsters Who Pulled Off the Worlds Greatest Art HeistHarvard Book Store Cambridge, MA, .
Maple Sugaring Festival
Maple sugaring with colonial characters in costumes, plus everyone gets to taste the final product. Its a great time of year to be in New England. Maple Sugaring FestivalMoose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary Sharon, MA, –.
Boston Restaurant Week – Winter
I wouldnt call it an event as it is an excuse to go to live the foodie life for a week. Just remember that even with their special offers and discounts, most of these restaurants arent exactly cheap. Boston Restaurant Week - Winter Boston, MA, –.
Free Film Fridays at Museum of Science
All IMAX films in the Mugar Omni Theater each Friday in March (6, 13, 20, and 27) are free! Free Film Fridays at Museum of ScienceMuseum of Science Boston, MA, –.
Winter Dine Out Week
How many times can you justify eating out in a two week span? Sample Cambridges best during Winter Dine Out Week(s). Winter Dine Out WeekHarvard Square Cambridge, MA, –.
Boston Jewish Music Festival
Boston Jewish Music Festival promises wild music in concerts with seriously excited audiences. I went on a whim a couple of years ago and had a wonderful time. Definitely catch the return of Yemen Blues on Saturday, February 28. Boston Jewish Music Festival Boston, MA, –.
Icelandic Film Festival
Icelandic Film Festival. Icelandic Film FestivalKendall Square Cinema Cambridge, MA, .
Icelandic Menu at Tavern Road
Icelandic Menu at Tavern Road. Icelandic Menu at Tavern RoadTavern Road Boston, MA, –.
City to City Dialogue
City to City Dialogue. City to City DialogueMIT Media Lab, Multi-Purpose Room E14-674 Cambridge, MA, .
Mobster Movie Mystery
Dinner shows are fun – especially when theres a murder mystery to solve. Enjoy three courses with your fellow suspects. Mobster Movie MysteryLongfellows Wayside Inn Sudbury, MA, .
Dummy Big Air Contest
Home-built dummies get pushed down a slope for your amusement and entertainment. This is fun from the dummy-making process, until the very moment you see them crash not so gracefully against the trees. Dummy Big Air ContestMt. Sunapee Newbury, NH, .
Spring Carnival Day at Crotched Mountain
Crotched Mountain welcomes Spring with a cardboard sled race, pond skimming and other fun activities for all the family. Spring Carnival Day at Crotched MountainNickelodeon Bennington, NH, –.
Costume Parade
Everyone loves a costume parade, even more so when there are prizes. Costume ParadeKing Pine Ski Area Madison, NH, .
North Woods Sled Dog Challenge
If youve ever wanted to experience sled dog racing first-hand nows your chance. Theres also a St. Pattys Day breakfast and a warm bonfire to sit around. North Woods Sled Dog ChallengeColebrook Country Club Colebrook, NH, –.
Ski for the Cure
Skiing for a cure to Cystic Fibrosis is certainly a feel-good way to spend the weekend, but what if we told you there was also a fireworks display? Ski for the CureShriners Auditorium Wilmington, MA, –.
Salem Spring Restaurant Week
Restaurant Weeks are happening everywhere, and Salem isnt one to be left out. Salem Spring Restaurant Week Salem, MA, –.
Salem Film Festival
This the sixth edition of an all-documentary film festival, where the featured films will hopefully change the way you see the world. A lot of filmmakers attend this week long show, so its not just a regular movie screening. Salem Film FestivalCinemaSalem Salem, MA, –.
Plunge for Preemies
If you need a feel-good event check out this polar plunge and party to support premature babies. Plunge for PreemiesNarragansett Town Beach Narragansett, RI, .
Ireland in Story and Song
Ireland in Story and Song. Ireland in Story and SongProvidence Public Library, Grand Hall Providence, RI, .
Plimoth Plantation: Opening Day
The cold didnt stop pilgrims, and it shouldnt stop you from heading to Plimoth Plantation for Opening Day. Plimoth Plantation: Opening DayVarious Locations Plymouth, MA, .
Hand to Hand
March in Motions this months theme, featuring an obstacle race, historical tours and a lot of educational events. Hand to Hand Bedford, MA, .
Leprechaun Plunge
Crazy people will jump into the water and you get to watch and throw money at them so they have to dive to get it. Its not actually cruel, this event raises lots of money for a handful of worthy charities. Leprechaun PlungeBrunells Marina South Hadley, MA, .
Spring Bulb Show
Get the spring feeling blossoming early with Smiths Bulb Show. Spring Bulb ShowLyman Conservatory Northampton, MA, –.
Maple Days & Native American Traditions Weekend
This ones not just for collecting sap to turn it into delicious maple syrup; its a dive into the past to learn what Native Americans used to do during the winter time. Also, Old Sturbridge Village is the largest outdoor history museum in the northeast and its definitely worth checking it out. Maple Days & Native American Traditions WeekendOld Sturbridge Village Sturbridge, MA, –.
Maple Sugaring
Maple Sugaring Tours
All things maple, from tree to tongue. Make sure you wear boots. Maple Sugaring ToursIpswich River Wildlife Sanctuary Topsfield, MA, –.
St. Patricks Day
The Irish Balladeers
Authentic is the name of the game for this St Pattys Day event. Traditional dances and songs played on traditional instruments will enhance your Saturday morning. The Irish BalladeersJFK Library and Museum Boston, MA, .
St. Patricks Day Parade – South Boston
Southie has the countrys 2nd largest St. Patricks Day Parade! Just how cool is that? Sure, its televised, but its way better and louder in person. St. Patricks Day Parade - South Boston Boston, MA, .
Cambridge 5K – Craicfest
If youre looking for a physical way to spend St Patricks Day, weve found it. Cambridge 5K - CraicfestCambridgeSide Galleria Cambridge, MA, .
The Courthouse OPutnam 5K
A road race for St. Pattys Day where participants are encouraged to sport a cool costume too. Who knows, maybe going as a leprechaun will give you some extra luck. The Courthouse OPutnam 5K Putnam, CT, .
A St. Patricks Day Celtic Sojourn
Whether youre a fan of Brian ODonovans A Celtic Soujourn program, or youre simple ready to kick off St. Patricks Day with Irish music, this event will give your ears what theyre looking for. A St. Patricks Day Celtic SojournSanders Theatre Cambridge, MA, –.
St. Patricks Day Parade – Hartford, CT
Hartford promises their parade will be held rain or shine. St. Patricks Day Parade - Hartford, CT Hartford, CT, .
St. Patricks Day Parade – Milford
Theres not a lot of info on this one, but hey another St. Patricks Parade! Better than doing laundry or watching TV, no? St. Patricks Day Parade - MilfordSugarbush Farm Woodstock, VT, .
St. Patricks Day Parade – New London, CT
Parades continue in Connecticut. Its the state that connects New York to Boston. St. Patricks Day Parade - New London, CT New London, CT, .
St. Patricks Day Parade – New Haven, CT
The 6th oldest parade in the nation and one of the largest events in Connecticut. St. Patricks Day Parade - New Haven, CT New Haven, CT, .
St. Patricks Family Fun Day
One-up the leprechaun by finding the Pot of Gold hidden on Saddleback Mountain. If you cant find it first there will still be plenty of family activities to enjoy. St. Patricks Family Fun Day Rangeley, ME, .
Bath Blarney Days
You can thank Maine for the majority of those Kiss Me, Im Irish shirts and one of the largest St. Patricks Day parades. Bath Blarney Days Bath, ME, –.
St. Patricks Day Parade – Portland, ME
This is for the people in Maine or anyone who wants to drive up North to not run into people they know when theyre drunk chasing children theyve mistaken for leprechauns. St. Patricks Day Parade - Portland, ME Portland, ME, .
A Little Bit of Ireland
Harps, jokes, step dancing and of course, music. The Reagle does St. Patricks Day right. A Little Bit of IrelandReagle Music Theatre Waltham, MA, –.
Irish Festival at Patriot Place
Patriot Place wants to celebrate St. Patricks Day too. While they cant compete with huge parades, but theyll have irish step dancers and other fun activities such as petting a sheep. You cant say you get to do that in a normal weekend. Irish Festival at Patriot PlacePatriot Place Foxborough, MA, .
St. Patricks Day at Mount Sunapee Resort
Shamrocks will be hidden all over the mountain for St. Pattys Day. May the luck of the Irish be with you! St. Patricks Day at Mount Sunapee ResortGoosefeathers Pub Scituate, MA, .
St. Patricks Day Parade – Newport, RI
Newports holding a parade with bagpipes and marching bands, as usual but, guess what? Theyll have clowns too! St. Patricks Day Parade - Newport, RINewport City Hall Newport, RI, .
St. Patricks Day Celebration / Chorus of Westerly
This Chorus has just over 200 members, which means their volume must be epic. St. Patricks Day Celebration / Chorus of WesterlyGeorge Kent Performance Hall Westerly, RI, .
A St. Patricks Day Celtic Sojourn
Whether youre a fan of Brian ODonovans A Celtic Soujourn program, or youre simple ready to kick off St. Patricks Day with Irish music, this event will give your ears what theyre looking for. A St. Patricks Day Celtic SojournZeiterion Theatre New Bedford, MA, .
Essex go Bragh Irish Parade & Festival
Essex go Bragh means Essex Forever (can anyone confirm this?) and it looks like a very traditional parade; you know, kilts, green memorabilia and hopefully bagpipes. Essex go Bragh Irish Parade & Festival Essex, VT, .
Mount Snow St. Patricks Day Celebration
A St. Patricks day celebration on skis. Sure theres beer, but theres also a Pot of Gold scavenger hunt! Mount Snow St. Patricks Day CelebrationMount Snow West Dover, VT, .
Performance
The Muse & Morros
Unforgettable stories from experiences across America. The storytelling of Ric Salinas, Herbert Siguenza, and Richard Montoya is gritty and enjoyable. The Muse & MorrosThe Jackie Liebergott Black Box Boston, MA, –.
Big Fish
Based on the movie of the same name, Big Fish takes audiences on a seemingly larger-than-life tale as a former salesmans son takes off to duplicate his fathers life adventures. Speakeasy is sure to deliver a vivid and human production. Big FishWimberly Theatre Boston, MA, –.
Stave Sessions
Stave Sessions is not just one performance, but an entire week of genre-bending emerging artists. Bossa nova, throat singing… even good old pop music is on the schedule for your listening pleasure. Stave Sessions Boston, MA, –.
WGBH Presents Jesse Cook
A Canadian guitarist that specializes in flamenco! Go check out this talent-laden merge of cultures. WGBH Presents Jesse CookThe Wilbur Theatre Boston, MA, –.
Rock and Scroll
Two famous musicians share how spirituality has played into their careers and work. Entertaining and informative. Rock and ScrollLeventhal-Sidman JCC Newton, MA, .
The Turn of the Screw
The Turn of the Screw is a traveling production based on a Henry James ghost story of the same name. Follow Newton Nomadic Theaters production through an assortment of shops, villages, pubs and homes as the show occurs in a different place each weekend. The Turn of the ScrewNewton Nomadic Theater Newton, MA, –.
Sleeping Weazels Badass
Brand new works by theatre greats to celebrate Womens History Month. Sleeping Weazels BadassBoston Playwrights Theatre Boston, MA, –.
Grounded
Grounded. GroundedCentral Square Theatre Cambridge, MA, –.
Intimate Apparel
Intimate Apparel. Intimate ApparelThe Lyric Stage Boston, MA, –.
Simon Says
Simon Says chronicles a professor studying a young psychic who channels an all knowing being named Simon. Phew! When the duo meet a widow named Annie, the play finds its pace as thousand year old events find their resolution. If you like the beyond you will want to catch this show. Simon SaysBCA Plaza Theatre Boston, MA, –.
That Hopey Changey Thing
That Hopey Changey Thing places us in the midst of a family dinner on Election Day 2010. Bask in the familiarity of shared ideas, big or small, topically political to deeply personal in this production at Stoneham Theatre. That Hopey Changey ThingStoneham Theatre Stoneham, MA, –.
The Amish Project
This show is uplifting (promise) despite being inspired by a 2006 shooting at an Amish school. Just one actress takes on all seven characters, which is impressive. The Amish ProjectBlack Box Theater Watertown, MA, –.
Tristan & Yseult
This production promises to be the most visually glorious version of Tristan & Yseult youve ever seen. Go if not for the story, for the live music or magical visual effects. Tristan & YseultEmerson/Cutler Majestic Theatre Boston, MA, –.
Dance Northeast
Enjoy dance offerings from around the Rochester area in a beautiful opera house. An afternoon performance showcases younger talent, while the evening show features professional companies and special guests. Dance NortheastRochester Opera House Rochester, NH, .
City Center Ballet Reading and Dance with Alice
Alice in Wonderland turns 150, and she has certainly aged well. Go enjoy a retelling of her story complete with some dance. City Center Ballet Reading and Dance with AliceAbbot Room Woodstock, VT, .
Travel
ConnCon
ConnCon is all about board games, computer games and LOTS of Dungeons&Dragons. Oh, but its a lot of fun because its about actually playing the games, not just walking around and entering cosplay contests. ConnConSheraton Hotel Stamford, CT, –.
Pushing the Limits of Human Potential
Wild has been raved about through movie award season. Go take in an unscripted conversation with the author of the book the movie depicted, as well as a record-setting long distance swimmer and a National Geographic photojournalist to get your mind off dreary New England winter. Pushing the Limits of Human PotentialWilliam H. Mortensen Hall Hartford, CT, .
Spring Flower Show at Elizabeth Park
Elizabeth Park, the third largest in America, has over 80 types of roses waiting for your visit. Its great that a bunch of people work really hard to keep this 2.1 acre public space alive. Spring Flower Show at Elizabeth ParkElizabeth Park Hartford, CT, –.
Saint-Sans & Brahms
Welcome spring with Saint-Sans, Brahms and original composition. This orchestra features a talented father (conductor) and son (cellist) duo. Saint-Sans & BrahmsMaxwell M. & Ruth R. Belding Theater Hartford, CT, –.
Eagle Watch Boat Tours with the Connecticut River
As the bald eagle heads toward open waters, the eagle boat tour is there to take you on the journey to see them! Eagle Watch Boat Tours with the Connecticut RiverConnecticut River Museum Essex, CT, –.
Memphis
Straight from the underground night clubs of 1950s Memphis, to present-day Maine. Memphis guarantees high energy rock n roll! MemphisMerrill Auditorium Portland, ME, .
Wild West Festival
Been itching to throw on your cowboy boots? Head to Mt Abram where rumor has it there will also be a mechanical bull and country bands playing all day long. Wild West FestivalMt Abram Ski Resort Greenwood, ME, .
Maine Jewish Film Festival
A highlight of this festival is the restored silent film The Golem featuring live accompaniment by an organist extraordinaire. Maine Jewish Film Festival Portland, ME, –.
Hawaiian Weekend
Skiing and Hawaii seem to be a most unlikely pairing, but maybe its the hot tubs on the deck and reggae band that make Hawaiian Weekend at SkiNH such a hit. Hawaiian WeekendSkiNH Lincoln, NH, –.
Vintage Snowmobile Racing
If you dont know what it takes to consider a snowmobile vintage, check out this race. The photos sure look intense. Vintage Snowmobile RacingPittsburg Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club Pittsburg, NH, .
Jimmy Tingle: Making Comic Sense
Jimmy Tingle is hilarious and headed to Stowe to share his topical humor. Looks like Vermont is in for a good laugh! Jimmy Tingle: Making Comic SenseSpruce Peak Performing Arts Center Stowe, VT, .
Vermont Chili Festival
If chili is your thing go sample to your hearts content – attendees even get to vote to elect a Peoples Choice winner. Vermont Chili Festival Boston, MA, .
Womens Film Festival
Only four women have ever been nominated for a Best Directing oscar, and thats not gender balanced. Attend this womens film festival and get yourself energized. Womens Film FestivalNEYT Brattleboro, VT, –.

Boston’s concert season is rocking this year! Some of the concerts in Boston you can get tickets to online include John Legend at the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, Fleetwood Mac, teen superstar Justin Bieber and even Tom Petty at Fenway Park. Boston seems to always have lots of events going on, even stuff for the kids like Disney on Ice Frozen at the Fleet Center.