A play that tries to cover the history of comedy from its very early stages to Jon Stewart’s Daily Show! I’ve got 2 pairs of tickets for the Sunday, May 4, 7:00 pm show to give away. Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win. Nancy L. Donahue TheatreLowell, MA, –.more
Johnny’s Picks
Fiestaval: Festival of the LARPs
Live roleplaying is like a play but with ‘no audience’ because everyone’s a part of it! This weekend at Brandeis promises to be filled with several LARPs where you can finally play a prince or a murder mystery detective or a unicorn with laser eyes, who knows. Brandeis UniversityWaltham, MA, –.more
Gore Place Sheepshearing Festival
Sheepshearing and herding dog demos are just 2 of the amazing things you will find at the Sheepshearing festival. 10am. Gore PlaceWaltham, MA, .more
Boston Sailing Center – Open House
The Boston Sailing Center is having a Free Sailing Open House. Pst pst, I heard they’re actually letting people sail the boats!. 1-5pm. Boston Sailing CenterBoston, MA, –.more
Lexington Open Studios
Dress your home with unique masterpieces created by more than 70 different local artists living in Lexington. Visit the places artits draw inspiration from, which could be their own houses. Isn’t it cool? Various Locations, Various locationsLexington, MA, –.more
Cambridge Science Festival
The largest science fest in the US continues and it’s free! Keep reading for my favorite of the dozens of events, or just click through to their website schedule. Over 150 events! Various venuesCambridge, MA, –.more
The Cambridge Science Festival @ the MIT Museum
Workshops, discussions and lectures for lovers of science of all ages! Check out the itinerary. MIT MUSEUM BuildingCambridge, MA, –.more
Earth Day Observation of Lyrid Meteor Showers
Unsure how to look for a meteor shower? Just look up, silly! Or join a hobbyist astronomers at this event. Wow! 10-11:59pm. All OverBoston, MA, –.more
Spring Fair at Gilbert Stuart Birthplace / Fish on the Run
View the river herring migration up the fish ladder, corn grinding in the gristmill, jonnycakes, demonstrations of spinning, weaving, and rug hooking, if you’re in the mood for that kind of historical thing. 1pm. Gilbert Stuart MuseumSaunderstown, RI, .more
Swordsmanship Symposium
If you like shiny, pointy, long and sharp objects, you cannot miss this conference about European swords. Just make sure you keep yours at home. University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherst, MA, .more
Greendale Mall Carnival
It’s a big one! 10 days of Spring carnival! And they have unlimited ride specials, too. Greendale MallWorcester, 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
Patriots’ Day Revolutionary Muster and Parade
Deerfield is historic in the sense that any place that people have lived is historic, because — hey! — people have lived there. But lived they did, and you’ll find 11 old-timey historic home museums. For Patriots Day, they’ll have a parade, and a minuteman gathering, with live music and drums. 10am. Visitor Center at Hall TavernDeerfield, MA, .more
Earth Day
Massachusetts Statewide Volunteer Day
16 different wildlife sanctuaries across Massachusetts need your help to tackle their spring ‘to do’ list. A great way of celebrating Earth Day is actually helping preserve it, don’tcha think?. 9am. All Over MassachusettsAll Over, , .more
Party for the Planet at the Franklin Park Zoo
The zoo celebrates Earth Day too with a scavenger hunt and great advice from the Girl Scouts on how to keep the planet neat. 10-3pm. Franklin Park ZooBoston, MA, .more
Artists For Humanity’s ‘Greatest Party on Earth’
Gotta be 21+ to attend this party. Dancing, music and ‘insipired’ cuisine. Don’t know exactly what that is but sounds best-party-of-the-world good!. 7:30pm. Artists For Humanity EpiCenterBoston, MA, .more
Serve the Fells for DCR Park Serve Day
Time to step outside and help The Fells Reservation stay gorgeous: trail cleanups, habitat restoration, and trail maintenance hikes at various sites throughout the place. 9am. Flynn RinkMedford, MA, .more
Woodbury Earth Day
Keeping the planet green is hard work. Let’s celebrate with this middle school festival with arts & crafts, live music, and live demonstrations!. 11am. Woodbury Middle SchoolWoodbury, CT, .more
Earth Day at Garden in the Woods
Celebrate Earth Day by helping restore the Arthur Morency Woods in Framingham. Framingham, MA, .more
Celebrate eARTh Day!
How much do you know about the environment and how to take good care of our planet? Planting a tree is a good start, but you can also learn how to clean oil spills, recycle properly and lots more ins this fantastic Earth Day event. And it’s free! The Discovery MuseumsActon, MA, .more
Monadnock Earth Day Festival
The Monadnock Earth Day Festival, presented by Antioch University New England, celebrates the region’s commitment to healthy community and healthy planet. Workshops, seminars, and community service projects in and around Keene, New Hampshire. 11am. Antioch UniversityKeene, NH, .more
Also Fun
Bernstein Festival of the Creative Arts
Every year, Brandeis University becomes one of the best places to enjoy the work of American artists. Be part of the great creativity and community spirit that is the soul of this great festival. Also, one of this year’s highlights is the Alloy Orchestra, a brilliant three-man musical ensemble that accompanies classic silent films live with an outrageous assemblage of peculiar objects. Brandeis UniversityWaltham, MA, –.more
Waltham Food & Wine Festival
Just two and a half hours of food and wine don’t seem enough but we’ll have to make the best of it and try the samples of Waltham’s best restaurants. 6-8:30pm. The Westin Waltham HotelWaltham, MA, .more
Charlie Kelleher Fun Run/Walk
This is a 5k run held every spring to raise money for the Italian Home for Children. 9am. Historic Forest Hills CemeteryJamaica Plain, MA, .more
Art in Bloom
Nature itself is pure art, but that does not mean us humans cannot play a little with it and create beautiful arrangements with flowers. Meet popular floral designers and be amazed by floral expos full of color and fun. Museum of Fine ArtsBoston, MA, –.more
Cambridge Arts Open Studios
Explore Cambridge’s diverse collection of public art and experience the myriad of styles and genres that the artists in Cambridge have to offer as you get an inside look at artists’ studios, writers’ workshops, theater prop rooms. Various locations, Various locationsCambridge, MA, –.more
StoriesLive High School Story Slam
It’s Story Slam time! 10 participating schools. The winner will be crowned as the absolute storyteller, and the others will be sent to the lions pit. just kidding! There will be pizza for all participating students. 1pm. Boston Public LibraryBoston, MA, .more
Brookline Open Studios
Getting a piece of art directly from the artist creates a special link between both parties. This is a great chance to meet artist’ studios and homes, which happens just once a year. Various Locations, Various LocationsBrookline, MA, –.more
Old Colony Hospice Memorial Walk and Inaugural 5K
This is a great walk and race. Proceeds will go to help veterans. 11am. Irish Cultural Centre (ICC)Canton, MA, .more
Dizzy Fingers @ Piano Pyrotechnics and Delectable Ditties
Classic piano song in the hands of piano virtuosos. Listen to some of you favorite songs, like ‘Come On-a My House’ by Ross Bagdasarian and William Saroyan and ‘Whistle While You Work’ by Frank Churchill and Larry More from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. 3pm. Pickman Concert Hall, Longy School of Music 27 Garden Street,,Cambridge, MA, .more
Birth Story Slam
I know someone who was born in the middle of a Tornado! But that’s as far as I get with that kind of stories. You can enjoy ten stories of reproduction in five minutes or less, nfrom home to hospital and back. nnContributions by both seasoned and novice tellers. 5:30-8pm. The BurrenSomerville, MA, .more
Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart Conducting Lessons
WTF? Learn to conduct an orchestra from Keith Lockhart. 6-8pm. Symphony HallBoston, MA, .more
Taste of the Nation Boston
Yea, yea, pay too much for food because it’s a fundraiser. But then you get to socialize with celebrity chefs and rich people! Oh, and help a good cause. 6-10pm. Cruiseport BostonBoston, MA, .more
Carnivore Explore during April School Vacation Week!
Come and meet a great variety of carnivores that live at this zoo! Come on, there will be nothing greater for kids on this week! Stone ZooStoneham, MA, –.more
Bio-IT World Conference & Expo
Life and technology go together like horse and carriage; and luckily there’s people devoting their entire life to lead that carriage into the discovery of the next big thing in the field of medicine and drugs. Hear and know what’s new and what’s coming in biotechnology. World Trade CenterBoston, MA, –.more
Unsung Black Veterans in US History: Reception
Meet the artists that depict the untold stories of black military men and women, over the decades. All the paintings were made by high school students and pretend to give recognition to all the veterans whose name has been forgotten or never mentioned. This is the reception party for the exhibition that will be on display until May 2nd. Newton City Hall GalleryNewton, MA, –.more
A Paul Revere Walking Tour
This will be a great walk to learn about our favorite midnight riders of all time! 2pm. The Paul Revere HouseBoston, MA, –.more
Earth Day in Concord
Giant puppets, Earth floats. it’s an earthly celebration by the river to enjoy Mother Nature’s gifts!. 10am. Concord, MA, .more
Walk the Walk for Autism
Walking is good for your health, and in this case it also helps raising awareness of autism. Join the walk or enjoy any of the different activities sports, lawn games, face-painting, jewelry-making, dancing, raffles, and more for a great cause. 11am. Stony Brook Middle School TrackWestford, MA, .more
Run of the Charles Canoe & Kayak Race
With an average of 1400 racers, this is the largest flat bottom boat race in New England and a major event in Greater Boston, kicking off the canoe and kayak season! Charles RiverWeston, MA, .more
Kite Day at Bose Mountain
If you love flying kites and like to volunteer for good causes, this is the event for you! Bring your own kite!. 12pm. Bose Mountain, 100 The Mountain Rd,Framingham, MA, .more
Plumfield Fun Week!
Wow! This is for all those Little Women, Louise May Alcott fans! Join her and her sisters for a week of fun with workshops and other activities just like each of the sisters would’ve! Orchard HouseConcord, MA, –.more
Newburyport Literary Festival
Newburyport’s Literary Festival chose to honor local writer Andre Dubus III this year, but he’s not the only big author that will be there. Check out the Festival’s conferences and remember the buffet dinner is the perfect chance to meet your favorite authors, and maybe share a snack with them. Various Venues, Various VenuesNewburyport, MA, –.more
Walk Like MADD
Walk for the victims of DUI accidents. Every step you take helps MADD take a stand for victims who have unjustly lost their lives. 10am. Lake QuannapowittWakefield, MA, .more
Game Time at the Phillips House Museum
What games were popular at the beginning of the 20th century? This is your chance to travel through time and learn some old popular games!. 2-3pm. Phillips House MuseumSalem, MA, .more
Free Star Parties 3
Trust me, few things beat spending a night outdoors gazing at the stars — specially if pro and amateur astronomers share their knowledge with you too. 7pm. Moose Hill Wildlife SanctuarySharon, MA, .more
NEFFA: The New England Folk Festival Association
Wow, they’ve been doing this festival for 70 years? The NEFFA is an exquisite mix of music, dance and food from all over the world. Mansfield High SchoolMansfield, MA, –.more
Nantucket Daffodil Festival
Nantucket is the home to over 3 million daffodils and a wonderful festival that draws everyone to enjoy the beauty of its colors. Be it the daffodils or the Antique Car Parade, theTailgate Picniic, or the Daffy Hat Dog and Children’s Parade that grabs your attention, why not spend the weekend surrounded by beauty and fun? Zero Main StreetNantucket, MA, –.more
Celebrate Earth Day with Groundwork Lawrence!
Start the day with a community breakfast and continue to the spots in Lawrence that need volunteer hands to keep it looking amazing!. 8am. Campagnone Common, Common StreetLawrence, MA, .more
Fiber + Fashion
Heading further out west, this is a wool spinning demonstration. There may be some kind of open studios, too. You guys know that when I say ‘Northern Mass’ I mean Route 2, right?. 10am. Greenfield High School, 1 Lenox Ave,Greenfield, MA, –.more
USAF Heritage of America Concert Band
The U. S. Air Force Heritage of America Band, which was one of the original Army Air Corps bands created by order of the Secretary of War on October 1, 1941, will perform a mix of patriotic, classical and jazz favorites (including the Star Wars Trilogy, Symphonic Suite from Star Trek, Norah Jones’ American Anthem, America the Beautiful, Stars and Stripes Forever, and many, many more) in this FREE concert!. 7-9pm. Springfield Symphony HallSpringfield, MA, .more
Noble 5K Run and Walk
This is their 30th edition! This 5k run welcomes people all ages. Registration 7:30am, Race 9am. Stanley Park, Gillett RdWestfield, MA, .more
Art on Tour at Pittsfield City Hall
Art on Tour at Pittsfield City Hall. Pittsfield’s City HallPittsfield, MA, –.more
Eyes on Owls
Owls are fascinating creatures and this is a fantastic opportunity to get to know this fantastic species up close. 10:30am. Heald CenterSandwich, MA, .more
Stomp!
Stomp is all about dancing and having fun. Stay for the week on P-town and enjoy the 2 dances and 5 workshops that have been organized. Various LocationsProvincetown, MA, –.more
Daffodil Festival
10,000 daffodils and many activities are waiting for you there. This is also your chance to Ask a Master Gardener what’s up with those tomato plants that just refuse to grow in your garden. 10am. Oak Crest Cove ParkSandwich, MA, .more
Appearances – Provincetown Green Arts Festival
‘Appearances’, an eco-artistic exhibition, brings awareness to the majesty and fragility of our environment. Artist will expose their work in the pine covered areas and let nature/the weather have an impact on their pieces. A really interesting and worthy art exhibition like no other. Dunes’ Edge CampgroundProvincetown, MA, –.more
Owls are Awesome!
Looks like this is Owl Week – here’s another event for getting to know this cool species, their adaptation, which kind live around here and of course, meet a few live specimens. 2pm. Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife RefugeGreenville, RI, .more
Wild and Scenic Film Festival
This is the largest environmental film festival in North America. This year’s theme: ’emPOWERment’. 7pm. The Historic TheaterPortsmouth, NH, .more
Pawtucket River Duck Race
Yeah, that’s 20,000 rubber ducks being dumped en masse in the Pawcatuck River! There’s games and other activities surrounding the race too. 11:30am. Downtown WesterlyWesterly, RI, .more
Great Swamp Walk
Here’s a great walk around the Great Swamp to appreciate all the migrating birds and animals that are slowly awakening from this long and awfully cold Winter!. 2:30pm. Great Swamp Management AreaWest Kingston, RI, .more
Imagine Walk and Family Fund Day
Join this fundraising walk and then take part on the karaoke, face painting and other family activities that have been planned for kids and teenagers with autism. 9am. Goddard Memorial State ParkWarwick, RI, .more
Blithewold Gardens Fairy Festival
Spring is here and the Daffodils that live at Blithewold Mansion are ready to celebrate it. Come experience the smells, sounds and sights of Blithewold’s gardens. Also, it’s a Fairy Festival so all girls are encouraged to bring their Fairy costumes and enjoy the various activities around the place. 9:30am. Blithewold Mansion Gardens & ArboretumBristol, RI, .more
Providence Running of the Bulls
No real bulls are used for this fun activity across Providence, worry not! But make sure to wear comfortable shoes to make it to the end of this race and celebrate with your friends and family. Downcity Providence, Waterplace PlazaProvidence, RI, .more
Party for the Planet
It was about time someone threw a party for our beloved Planet. Get involved in the green outdoorsy activities that will available in your community. Check the details here. Roger Williams Park ZooProvidence, RI, –.more
SENE Film, Music & Arts Festival
There’s nothing better than an event that brings together several artforms and people who loves them! So come if you love music, cinema or any other artform! 6.30pm. Various locationsProvidence, RI, –.more
Performance
Review: Angels in America: Millenium Approaches
The great play that turned into a TV series is here! Emerson Umbrella Center for the ArtsConcord, MA, –.more
Massmouth Story Slams Finale
Friendship, love, betrayal, serendipity, family drama. MassMouth’s competition finalists tell stories as they are all in hopes to make you cry, laugh or give them that standing ovation that will make them get to first place. 7pm. Coolidge Corner TheaterBrookline, MA, .more
Legally Blonde: The Musical
Needs no big introduction: If you loved the movie you’ll probably go head over heels for the musical. 7:30pm. Berklee Performance CenterBoston, MA, .more
123
123 is a dark, funny drama about a rift between sisters and what it takes to grow up when they’re separated from their parents and have to go into foster homes. The Factory TheatreBoston, MA, –.more
JazzBoston Jazz Week
It’s 10 full days of Jazz music. Public performances, home concerts and jazz ensembles will make this celebration the best one yet! Various LocationsBoston, MA, –.more
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
International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella – Semifinal
If you love a capella music or have watched Pitch Perfect one too many times check this out. It’s the very best of New England brought together to one concert. 8pm. Kresge Auditorium, 48 Massachusetts Ave.,Cambridge, MA, .more
oneMIC – One Moment Inspiring Creativity
As part of ArtWeek Boston, Citi Center is partnering with LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston and Community Auditions to offer guests memorable artistic experiences within one of the City’s most historic performing arts venue. This event won’t be all about LEGO’s but it’s a rather great opportunity to be inside this wonderful historic venue!. 10am. Citi Wang TheatreBoston, MA, .more
White Rabbit, Red Rabbit
White Rabbit, Red Rabbit has no director, no set and a different actor for each performance. The actors don’t get to see the script until they arrive on stage to perform this utterly wild, original play. 7:30pm. Plaza Black Box Theater at the Boston Center for the ArtsBoston, MA, –.more
Three Days of Rain by Richard Greenberg
A modern-day masterpiece by Tony Award winning playwright Richard Greenberg. First Church in BostonBoston, MA, –.more
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
A wonderful story and American classic come to life in this adaptation of ‘Where The Mountain Meets The Moon’. Wheelock Family TheatreBoston, MA, –.more
Michael Aman’s ‘The Unbleached American’
Here’s a play about Ernest Hogan, the ‘father of ragtime’ and the first African American to perform on Broadway, last days. Stoneham TheatreStoneham, 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
Diamond in the Sky
Stories, poems, and music by and about women who have changed the world. Calderwood Pavilion at the BCABoston, MA, –.more
Stupid F**king Bird
This hilarious stage show parodies the popular play, ‘The Seagull’. Contains nudity and adult content, so you’ve been warned. Chelsea Theatre WorksChelsea, MA, –.more
URO’s ‘BAND IN BOSTON!’
The Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra gets 5 stars every time we review it. Come see their show! Regent TheatreArlington, MA, .more
Dance Spot
Sculptures can dance, apparently they normally do this while nobody’s watching, but today and for just 4 times only, they will dance for you!. 11am. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond RoadLincoln, MA, .more
Travel
Upcycled Sweaters Back to Basics
Turn your old wool sweaters into cool new hats, mittens. pretty much whatever you can think of! Don’t worry, you’ll have two great instructors to guide your way into UPcycling!. 6pm. Denison Pequotsepos Nature CenterMystic, CT, .more
Connecticut Storytelling Festival
Storytelling for all ages; literally all ages as they have a concert for kids, a rapping grandma (oh, yeah!) and conferences on storytelling! Connecticut CollegeNew London, CT, –.more
Gas & Steam Engine Show
Here’s an antique gas and steam-powered equipment exhibition, including restored machines being demonstrated for spectors. 8-3pm. Firemen’s Field at Salmon River State Forest, Salmon River St. (Rte. 16)East Hampton, CT, .more
Writers’ Weekend
It’s a rare opportunity to be able to spend a weekend in the house of one of America’s most famous writers, even more so when other great authors and aspiring authors like yourself share the space on what could be the best writing retreat in the area. Mark Twain House & MuseumHartford, CT, –.more
Earth Day Celebration at Ansonia
This center offers free natural history lectures, hikes, plantings, crafts, live animals, and more to celebrate this year’s Earth Day!. 10am. Ansonia Nature and Recreation CenterAnsonia, CT, .more
Quassy Season Open
Quassy Amusement & Waterpark opens its doors again so you can finally cure yourself and your family from this long Winter and cabin fever! Quassy Amusement ParkMiddlebury, CT, .more
Pirate Party
How to hold a silent auction in the middle of a pirate party is a mistery to me. Why don’t you go and then let me know how it went? The ticket to enter the party includes all food and beverages and helps a good cause. 7pm. Mystic Arts CenterMystic, CT, .more
Meriden Daffodil Festival
3,000 people marching, 650,000 flowers blooming and 100,000 spectators on the Meriden Daffodil Festival. Now that’s something you cannot afford to miss. Hubbard ParkMeriden, CT, –.more
Phenology Walk at Coogan Farm
Not just a hike, but one that includes Phenology observations. That’s the study of periodic plant and animal life cycle events and how they are affected by seasonal variations in climate and habitat, in case you didn’t know what Phenology is (I didn’t!). 2pm. Denison Pequotsepos Nature CenterMystic, CT, .more
Iron Chef Elm City
An Iron Chef show is always fun to watch, specially if its live and you’re part of the on site public. Hint: The public has a chance of tasting the food cooked on the show. 11:45am. HADCOWallingford, CT, .more
Hartford/Springfield Kidney Walk
There are many ways to help fight kidney disease. One of them is by attending to the Hartford/Springfield Kidney Walk. Check in 9:30am, start 10:30am. Wickham ParkManchester, CT, .more
Cherry Blossom Festival
Commemorate the historic plantation of the Cherry Blossom Trees with jazz, opera, and activities for all the family. And you can bring your pets too!. noon-5pm. St Michael’s Church on the Park, Wooster PlaceNew Haven, CT, .more
Earth Week Celebration at Mystic Aquarium
Why celebrate Earth just a day when you can do it for a whole week? Enjoy the many sandsculptures around the premises and even create your own with scrap materials. There will also be special programs throughout the week, except for Easter Sunday. Mystic AquariumMystic, CT, –.more
Fisherman’s Festival
There’s so many things going on in this festival that is hard to pick a highlight! But trust me, if you love boats/fishing, you can’t miss it. And if you aren’t, you’ll still have a good time with the races, the pageant contest.. there’s so much you can do it’s overwhelming! The Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of CommerceBoothbay Harbor, ME, –.more
World Tai Chi & Qigong Day
Practitioners around the world gather in their communities for a global celebration of T’ai Chi & Qigong and Maine’s no exception! This is the largest Tai Chi gathering in the state. 10-11:30am. Bowdoin College Quad, 3725 College St,Brunswick, ME, .more
Norway Earth Day parade
Norway’s Earth Day sidewalk parade and party at the garden are a great way excuse to get together and join the green-life party. 10am. Norway, ME, .more
St. Johnsbury World Maple Festival
Did you know St. Johnsbury is the world’s Maple center? That’s what they claim and they have over a 100 different craft and food vendors + many activities throughout the course of 2 days to convince you. 8am. St. Johnsbury, VT, , –.more
Vermont Maple Festival
For all I know, Maple syrup goes well with pretty much anything, so I’m happy they have this festival in Vermont. Experience parades, cooking shows and much more. All over VermontAll Over, , –.more
Vermont Restaurant Week!
Vermont Restaurant Week is awesome! Get amazing deals on the best dishes at great restaurants in Vermont. Simple as that. All over VermontAll Over, , –.more
Everything Equine & Canine
Everything Equine features demonstrations, seminar and a variety show! An equine variety show, that is. 10am. Champlain Valley ExpositionEssex Junction, VT, .more