Events INSIDER: April 14 – 22, 2014

Giveaways & Features
Win: Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra Benefit Concert
URO’s benefit concert aids The One Fund this year. Come enjoy the greatest rock songs by one of Boston’s most important tribute bands. We have tickets to give away! Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win! 8pm. Win: Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra Benefit ConcertRegent Theatre Arlington, MA, .
Win: ASP’s As You Like It
One of Shakespeare’s most delightful comedies and we have 5 pairs of tickets to give away for previews on Friday 4/18 at 7:30pm; Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win! click for our review on 4/22. Win: ASP's As You Like ItThe Springstep Building Medford, MA, .
Johnny’s Picks
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! Get the 2014 New England Guide All Over, , .
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). Find 16 New England Regions on Twitter All Over, , .
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
A Longfellow impersonator will help the young and not so young learn how to understand poetry better. 1-4pm. Henry Wadsworth LongfellowThe Paul Revere House Boston, MA, .
Clay Center’s Public Observatory Nights
Public observatory nights: get your hands on an awesome telescope with the help of an astronomer. The best part is it’s free. Clay Center's Public Observatory NightsClay Center Observatory Brookline, MA, .
Big Ideas for Busy People
I’ve been to this and highly recommend it! It’s a series of lectures, like TED, but without the pompous admission requirements. You hear an expert talk briefly about a BIG idea, you have 5 minutes to discuss it and ask questions and open the door for a million possibilities the rest of the day. 7:30-9:30pm. Big Ideas for Busy PeopleFirst Parish Church Cambridge, MA, .
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! Cambridge Science FestivalVarious venues Cambridge, MA, .
Bunny Bonanzoo at Stone Zoo
The Stone Zoo also celebrates Easter! This time the only guest is the Easter Bunny, but surely you can make some time to visit all the other animals and enjoy the workshops while you’re there. 10am. Bunny Bonanzoo at Stone ZooStone Zoo Stoneham, MA, .
Science Carnival and Robot Zoo
Maybe you like real animals, maybe you don’t, but who doesn’t like robots, seriously? Visit the Robot Zoo in their 2nd annual edition and get your hands on those ‘droids! Oh yeah, and it’s free! 12-4pm. Science Carnival and Robot ZooCambridge Public Library Cambridge, MA, .
Faneuil Hall Marketplace Sidewalk Sale
Shop your favorite brands in this now traditional sidewalk sale. Merchants include Nine West, Origins, Boston Harley Davidson, Funusual, and much more! Faneuil Hall Marketplace Sidewalk SaleFaneuil Hall Boston, MA, .
Boston Marathon and Post-Race Dance Party
Did you know that there’s an afterparty to the Boston Marathon? And if you get there early you can see the wheelchair racers zip past? I’m not into watching sports myself (I hate sitting idle) but it’s actually really fun rooting on the joggers. It starts in Hopkinton and goes through Wellesley into Boston. Or better yet, check out one of the many historical re-enactments and other events for Patriot’s Day! 7:30pm. Boston Marathon and Post-Race Dance PartyFenway Park Boston, MA, .
Battle of Lexington Re-enactment and Patriots Day Parades
I love re-enactments! Instead of watching the marathon, how about taking part in the history that made Patriots’ Day a holiday? I list a ton of them below and this one’s my favorite, the battle that began the American Revolutionary War. Crazy people march from 4am-5:45am. Then 2,000 show for the re-enactment in Lexington at 5:30am. Arrive an hour early or bring a stepladder for a good view. Then at a pancake breakfast and a kids parade, Paul Revere’s ride, concerts, etc. and afternoon parade. 5:30am-4pm. Battle of Lexington Re-enactment and Patriots Day ParadesLexington Green Lexington, MA, .
The Cambridge Science Festival @ the MIT Museum
Workshops, discussions and lectures for lovers of science of all ages! Check out the itinerary. The Cambridge Science Festival @ the MIT MuseumMIT MUSEUM Building Cambridge, MA, .
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. Earth Day Observation of Lyrid Meteor ShowersAll Over Boston, MA, .
Greendale Mall Carnival
It’s a big one! 10 days of Spring carnival! And they have unlimited ride specials, too. Greendale Mall CarnivalGreendale Mall Worcester, MA, .
Patriots Day
Paul Revere Ride Re-enactment
Here’s Paul Revere riding a horse. So, what is this event, exactly? I mean, I know that you stand there and Paul Revere rides by, but does he stop and give a speech? Is there music or food? 10am-1pm. Paul Revere Ride Re-enactmentHancock-Clarke House Lexington, MA, .
Roxbury Patriots’ Day
FREE pancake breakfast and a historical trolley tour. 8am. Roxbury Patriots' DayUU Urban Ministry/First Church in Roxbury Boston, MA, .
Patriot’s Day Handbell Concert
While you are there, definitely check out the handbell festival! There are two: the dress rehearsal and then the actual concert on Patriot’s Day. Patriot's Day Handbell ConcertHancock Church on Lexington Green Lexington, MA, .
Patriot’s Day at Minute Man NHP – Battle Road
Lexington and nearby towns are doing a ton of re-enactments all week. I’ve been and they’re really fantastic and such a fun way to learn history. Please check these mock combats! Highly recommended! 9.30am. Patriot's Day at Minute Man NHP - Battle RoadHartwell Tavern Concord, MA, .
Concord Museum’s Patriots’ Day
The Concord Museum also celebrates Patriot’s Day with several activities for people all ages and an amusing collection of treasures from the days when our ancestors fought for this land of the free and the brave. Concord Museum's Patriots' DayConcord Museum Concord, MA, .
Patriots Day Open House at the Old Manse
This historic home will celebrate Patriot’s Day with free admission to their first floor. Patriots Day Open House at the Old ManseThe Old Manse Concord, MA, .
Concord Patriot’s Day Parade
Concord is holding a variety of events for Patriots’ Day too, including an entire parade that begins at 9am. Who’s awake on a weekend at 9am? Concord Patriot's Day ParadeConcord Armory, Stow St at Everett St Concord, MA, .
Patriots Day at Old Sturbridge Village
My favorite re-enactment museum, Old Sturbridge Village, has re-enactments all year, but this weekend they focus on musket demonstrations and marching and drilling with the Militia. If you haven’t been, this would be a FANTASTIC time to go, and they have kids activities all week, too, because of school break. Patriots Day at Old Sturbridge VillageOld Sturbridge Village Sturbridge, MA, .
Easter Egg Hunts
Easter Egg Hunt
Easter egg hunt! 10-11am. Easter Egg HuntFaneuil Hall Marketplace, 4 South Market Building, Boston, MA, .
Spring Egg Hunt
Egg hunt, Egg Toss contest, Egg Spoon Races, and coloring contest! 12-2pm. Spring Egg HuntTanger Outlets Westbrook, CT, .
Heckscher Farm Egg Hunt
10am. Heckscher Farm Egg HuntStamford Museum & Nature Center – Heckscher Farm Stamford, CT, .
LFA Bunny Bonanza
Easter Egg Hunt in a historic home! 10am. LFA Bunny BonanzaCodman Carriage Lincoln, MA, .
Easter Scavenger Hunt
10:30am. Easter Scavenger HuntNormandy Farms Foxborough, MA, .
Eggciting Egg Hunt
What kind of Easter egg hunt has thousands of dollars in prizes? I would strap my kid to a drone, fly her to all the eggs, and win at this family farm! Various morning times. Eggciting Egg HuntCharmingfare Farm Candia, NH, .
Ocean Commotion: Easter Egg hunt
This is no ordinary egghunt! Bring your kids for a fun day learning about nature. Don’t forget to sign up first! Ocean Commotion: Easter Egg hunt Rye, NH, .
Egg Hunt – New London, NH
9:30am. Egg Hunt - New London, NHNew London Town Common New London, NH, .
Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch
Look for the colored eggs, get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny and enjoy a delicious brunch. This events sells out every year, so don’t wait too much! Easter Egg Hunt and BrunchRosecliff Newport, RI, .
Visit with the Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny joins you through the installation and takes you to different locations where you can enjoy the miniworkshops created for this holiday. Visit with the Easter BunnyRoger Williams Park Zoo Providence, RI, .
Easter Egg Hunt — Winslow Farm
Winslow Farm has perhaps the most interesting secular Easter egg celebration because they are a working farm with forest trails. Easter Egg Hunt -- Winslow FarmWinslow Farm Norton, MA, .
Spring Into Easter
More than just looking for Easter Eggs, Springfield’s Museum welcomes Spring with the visit of the Easter Bunny, real live animals from across the globe and a puppet show that’ll keep you in the edge of your seat. All Day. Spring Into EasterSpringfield Museum Quadrangle Springfield, MA, .
EGGstravaganza Egg Hunt
One of the most favorite parks in the region will be packed with over 10,000 Easter Eggs – find the special eggs and redeem them for cool prizes under the tent. Egg Hunt separated by age group. Starts 1pm. EGGstravaganza Egg HuntLook Memorial Park Florence, MA, .
Easter Egg Hunt – Colchester, VT
BYOB: Bring your own basket! and a non-perishable or canned item to help the Colchester Community Food Shelf. 10am. Easter Egg Hunt - Colchester, VTBayside Park Colchester, VT, .
NOR’BEASTER :: Easter Sunrise Service & Egg Hunt
Egg Hunt starts at 8am! NOR'BEASTER :: Easter Sunrise Service & Egg HuntKillington Resort Killington, VT, .
Earth Day
Earth Day at Garden in the Woods
Celebrate Earth Day by helping restore the Arthur Morency Woods in Framingham. Earth Day at Garden in the Woods Framingham, MA, .
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! Celebrate eARTh Day!The Discovery Museums Acton, MA, .
Earth Days at Salem State University
Salem State celebrates Earth Day with what seems to be a very serious-minded event, with a career fair, a historical tour, and films. Earth Days at Salem State UniversitySalem State University Salem, MA, .
Also Fun
Boston International Film Festival
BIFF, the biggest and most important movie festival for independent movies in New England is waiting for the lovers of the 7th art again this year. 10 years of local, national and international work + many QA’s. Boston International Film FestivalLoews Theatre Boston Common Boston, MA, .
Tinis and Tulips Preview Party
You don’t always see flower exhibits with scavenger hunts and live music. Tinis and Tulips Preview PartyMuseum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, .
Boston International Film Festival
BIFF, the biggest and most important movie festival for independent movies in New England is waiting for the lovers of the 7th art again this year. 10 years of local, national and international work + many QA’s. Boston International Film FestivalLoews Theatre Boston Common Boston, MA, .
Weird Twist on Historic House Tour
Walk through the Mansion trying to look for items that DON’T belong in an early 19th century house. 3pm. Weird Twist on Historic House TourGore Place Waltham, MA, .
Art on Tour at Pittsfield City Hall
Art on Tour at Pittsfield City Hall. Art on Tour at Pittsfield City HallPittsfield’s City Hall Pittsfield, MA, .
SoundScience Fun!
What’s that sound? Explore and understand the magic behind the sound of strings through interactive performances and songs. 5:30pm and 6:30pm. SoundScience Fun!Museum of Science Boston, MA, .
Parker’s Revenge Commemoration
Lots of interesting historic events happened here in New England. That’s why it is not surprise that you will be able to watch the Minute Men as they do another, very exciting re-enactment. This time is Parker’s Revenge. Ready to march? 10am. Parker's Revenge CommemorationLexington Battle Green, Lexington Common Lexington, MA, .
Tower Park Battle
This will be an exhiting battle re-enactment! 4-5pm. Tower Park BattleMunroe Tavern and Tower Park Lexington, MA, .
Boston Marathon
Over 20,000 participants and more than 50,000 people watching: Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon! Boston MarathonMain Street to John Hancock Tower in Copley Square Boston, MA, .
3rd U.S. Infantry – The Old Guard
1-2pm. 3rd U.S. Infantry - The Old GuardNorth Bridge Concord, MA, .
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! Carnivore Explore during April School Vacation Week!Stone Zoo Stoneham, MA, .
A Paul Revere Walking Tour
This will be a great walk to learn about our favorite midnight riders of all time! 2pm.. A Paul Revere Walking TourThe Paul Revere House Boston, MA, .
Caryl Churchill’s FAR AWAY
It’s kind of hard to describe this play but here’s an attempt: Imagine a world where the stuff you see in your nightmares is real. Do I have you attention know? Better read the full description then. Caryl Churchill's FAR AWAYCharlestown Working Theater Charlestown, MA, .
Brown Bag Poetry Lunch
Get together every Thursday in April to discuss the 19th century poetry with other equally enthusiastic folks! This is a great excuse for good conversation and enjoying the weather outside. 12-1pm. Brown Bag Poetry LunchLongfellow Carriage House, 105 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA, .
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. Unsung Black Veterans in US History: ReceptionNewton City Hall Gallery Newton, MA, .
Movement at the Mills: Open Call
Movement at the Mills is a series of dance exhibitions. This session features local companies, Jessie Jeanne & Dancers in a cross-disciplinary work inspired by Henri Matisse and Reject Dance Theatre as they explore the territory of human psyche, gender and animal movement. Movement at the Mills: Open CallMills Gallery at the BCA Boston, MA, .
To Boston With Love Community Day
The MFA opens its doors for free in this day to welcome Bostonians and people from all over the world to enjoy art and contribute to the America 4 Boston Prayer Canvasa national art project offering a way for people to rally together after the Boston Marathon events of 2013. 10am-4:45pm. To Boston With Love Community DayMuseum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, .
Spring Concert
2 great local bands performing for free at Faneuil Hall Marketplace to welcome Spring! This year’s performers: The Sugarbabies Band & Reverse Order. 12-5pm. Spring ConcertFaneuil Hall Marketplace, 4 South Market Building, Boston, MA, .
The Whodunnit Family Scavenger Hunt
Find the killer! Follow the clues and solve the mysterious happenings in the museum! The Whodunnit Family Scavenger HuntMuseum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, .
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. Appearances - Provincetown Green Arts FestivalDunes’ Edge Campground Provincetown, MA, .
Wicked Plants – Exhibit Opening
Okay, the description sounds a little creepy but also very exciting. This is the place to get to know different plants, along with their signature wicked characteristics, mysteries, and other engaging activities. Don’t worry, no risks of intoxication or being eaten by a huge plant here. 10am-6pm. Wicked Plants - Exhibit OpeningHeritage Museum & Gardens Sandwich, MA, .
Trad Stroll Woods Hole
Celtic music and dance all day long! You also switch locations throughout the day, in case you get bored of being in the same spot, and best of all is it’s free! 3-10pm. Trad Stroll Woods HoleSpohr Gardens, 45 Fells Rd, Falmouth, MA, .
Driven to Collect Exhibit Opening
Ahhhh, dreamy antique and classic automobiles everywhere. What drives people to collect and restore such beauties? Learn it all in this great exhibition. Driven to Collect Exhibit OpeningHeritage Museums & Gardens’ Automobile Gallery, 67 Grove St, Sandwich, MA, .
NERVE Center Open House for National Robotics
Come learn about robots if you have the NERVE! Check out the robot demos from iRobot and other local robotics companies. 6pm. NERVE Center Open House for National RoboticsUMass Lowell NERVE Center Lowell, MA, .
Lincoln Kite Fly
Make your own or take a look at others’. Whatever makes your kite fly! Lincoln Kite FlySchool Lincoln, MA, .
A Celebration of Colonial Music and Dance
Love history and music with the same intensity? Well, this is THE event for you then. 8pm. A Celebration of Colonial Music and DanceLexington Depot Lexington, MA, .
The Lincoln Salute: A Concert of 18th Century Fife & Drum Music, Alarm & Muster of the Lincoln Minute Men
Pretty simple: bring your picnic blanket and enjoy the music of numerous fife and drum corps from New England and beyond. The Lincoln Salute: A Concert of 18th Century Fife & Drum Music, Alarm & Muster of the Lincoln Minute MenPierce Park Lincoln, MA, .
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! Plumfield Fun Week!Orchard House Concord, MA, .
Angels in America: Millenium Approaches
The great play that turned into a TV series is here! Angels in America: Millenium ApproachesEmerson Umbrella Center for the Arts Concord, MA, .
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. Party for the PlanetRoger Williams Park Zoo Providence, RI, .
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. SENE Film, Music & Arts FestivalVarious locations Providence, RI, .
Free Friday Forest Walks
Walk around the forest and greet the myriads of species that dwell in it. Do it for FREE the third Friday of each month from October through to April. Free Friday Forest WalksGreat Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Great Neck Rd Wareham, MA, .
Right Whale Celebration Day
The right whale needs our help to survive. The best way to help this endangered species is learning more about them and preventing any and all activities that lead to its extinction. Right Whale Celebration DayNew Bedford Whaling Museum New Bedford, MA, .
Performance
Stupid F**king Bird
This hilarious stage show parodies the popular play, ‘The Seagull’. Contains nudity and adult content, so you’ve been warned. Stupid F**king BirdChelsea Theatre Works Chelsea, MA, .
Review: ‘In Between’ at New Repertory Theatre
The son of a Palestinian-Muslim father and a Jewish-Israeli mother, Ibrahim Miari recalls his childhood in Acco, Israel. Click for our review on 4/8! Review: 'In Between' at New Repertory TheatreBlack Box Theater at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA, .
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. Michael Aman's 'The Unbleached American'Stoneham Theatre Stoneham, MA, .
Three Days of Rain by Richard Greenberg
A modern-day masterpiece by Tony Award winning playwright Richard Greenberg. Three Days of Rain by Richard GreenbergFirst Church in Boston Boston, MA, .
FAR AWAY by Caryl Churchill
While staying with her aunt and uncle in the country, young Joan wakes in the night and sees the stuff of nightmares. Or does she? FAR AWAY by Caryl ChurchillCharlestown Working Theater Charlestown, MA, .
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’. Where the Mountain Meets the MoonWheelock Family Theatre Boston, MA, .
Diamond in the Sky
Stories, poems, and music by and about women who have changed the world. Diamond in the SkyCalderwood Pavilion at the BCA Boston, MA, .
Travel
Earth Week at The Dinosaur Place
Celebrate Earth Day with a few of its first inhabitants: dinosaurs! Earth Week at The Dinosaur PlaceThe Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Oakdale, CT, .
Take-A-Hike Week
Now that the weather’s so lovely it’s time to put on your hiking gear and embrace nature! For a week, several outdoor activities will be going on around here; check out their extensive list of activities and pick your favorite. Take-A-Hike WeekStamford Museum & Nature Center Stamford, CT, .
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. Earth Week Celebration at Mystic AquariumMystic Aquarium Mystic, CT, .
Duke Balfar’s Challenge
These teams may not be slaying dragons, but they will be fighting each other with the honorable and ancient martial arts of fencing and arching. Tis most exciting! 9am. Duke Balfar's ChallengeMountain Mist Outdoor Center Meriden, CT, .
Downtown Culinary Tours: On 9
Try the food from 9 of the best restaurants in New Haven. Check the itinerary in the full description. This is a walking tour. Downtown Culinary Tours: On 9Downtown New Haven New Haven, CT, .
Maine in the Civil War: The Military Art of J. Thomas Leamon
After 150 years, the Civil War is still one of the historical events that matter the most to us. This day long symposium will deal with the causes, constituencies, politics, and personalities of the Civil War era. 12pm. Maine in the Civil War: The Military Art of J. Thomas LeamonMaine Historical Society Portland, ME, .
Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race
Finally! A competition that will let you show everyone how fast you are on a canoe. If you don’t win, at least you won’t be eating anyone’s dust. 8:30am. Kenduskeag Stream Canoe RaceTown of Kenduskeag Bangor, ME, .
Jehan’s Fencing and Fighting at the Fort
Protect Fort Knox or chill and play your favorite game while others participate in the various tournaments. This is a day long celebration that takes you back in time for the time of your life! Jehan's Fencing and Fighting at the FortFort Knox Historic State Park, US Route 174 Prospect, ME, .
Journaling from Nature
Come hunt for wildflowers at Niquette Bay State Park. This walk/tour encourages you to keep a nature journal that can be whatever you want it to be: a sketchbook, a place to write memories of your hike… anything really. A pretty relaxing activity for those looking for a quiet time out there. 10am. Journaling from NatureNiquette Bay State Park Colchester, VT, .
Billings Farm’s Baby Animal Day
A great opportunity to learn the cares and needs of baby animals! Also, receive advice on how to start your own garden and even get a few heirloom seeds to start it with. 10-4pm. Billings Farm's Baby Animal DayBillings Farm & Museum Woodstock, VT, .