Bill Bellamy coined the phrase ‘booty call’ and is bringing ‘Bill Cosby type energy’ to his tour this week. And I’ve got 2 tickets to give away for this show! Email johnny@eventsinsider.com to win and let me know whether you want Boston, Providence, or Chicopee. Wilbur TheatreBoston, MA, Boston: .more
Win: The Hot & Heavy Cabaret
Wearing pasties, burlesque is harmless fun and this cabaret promises a night of music and ‘dance’, wink wink. I’ve got two pairs of ticket to give away for Friday, May 3. Email johnny@eventsinsider.com to win! Club CafBoston, MA, –.more
Win: Chroma at Boston Ballet
Although Chroma is a ballet first presented in November 2007, it is still one of the most relevant performances out there. And it has to be, since it was created by acclaimed choreographer Wayne McGregor. I’ve got two pairs of tickets to give away for opening night, Thu May 2! Email johnny@eventsinsider.com to win. The Boston Opera HouseBoston, MA, –.more
Win: Bill Bellamy (Providence)
Bill Bellamy coined the phrase ‘booty call’ and is bringing ‘Bill Cosby type energy’ to his tour this week. And I’ve got 2 tickets to give away for this show! Email johnny@eventsinsider.com to win and let me know whether you want Boston, Providence, or Chicopee. The Comedy ConnectionProvidence, RI, .more
Win: Bill Bellamy (Chicopee)
Bill Bellamy coined the phrase ‘booty call’ and is bringing ‘Bill Cosby type energy’ to his tour this week. And I’ve got 2 tickets to give away for this show! Email johnny@eventsinsider.com to win and let me know whether you want Boston, Providence, or Chicopee. The Comedy ConnectionChicopee, MA, .more
Get the 2013 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
Find 17 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
Johnny’s Picks
Seige the Day: Trebuchet Building at Higgins
Build a real working medieval trebuchet and then test it against others. Do I have to say more? 10am. Higgins ArmoryWorcester, MA, .more
Mayfair in Harvard Square
This is a huge vendor festival, it features train rides, hot-air balloon rides, 5 music/dance stages and 40 food stands. 12-6pm. Harvard SquareCambridge, MA, .more
Wake Up the Earth Festival and Parade
More than 10,000 people gather for this celebration of spring, friendship and community spirit. Puppet shows, live music, theatre shows and several other activities available to everyone. 11 am. StonyBrook T-stop ParkJamaica Plain, MA, .more
Lexington Muster
This year’s parade features 30 fife and drum corps. Musical performances, food vendors and encampment demos complete this entertaining event. Minuteman National Historic Park, #250 North Great RoadLincoln, MA, –.more
Chalk on the Walk
Come paint the streets with chalk. Write your name or create a masterpiece. The best ones will be awarded with prizes. 2013:. Harvard SquareCambridge, MA, .more
Darwin Day Panel
Yes, Darwin Day is originally celebrated in February but they had to re-schedule. Now you don’t have an excuse to miss this gathering, in honor of the Father of Evolution, of the best scientific, skeptic and atheists minds in Boston. 6pm. Harvard Hall 201Cambridge, MA, .more
Boston Lemonade Day
Kids get to learn the basics of running a business by managing their own lemonade stand. Not only fun, but inspiring and useful! All OverBoston, MA, .more
World Labyrinth Day: Walk as One at 1
Walk a labyrinth with a group of people to celebrate World Labyrinth Day. If you get lost, at least you’ll be around a lot of people. 1pm. Rose Kennedy GreenwayBoston, MA, .more
Samurai Saturdays
Samurai Saturdays feature Japanese Taiko Drumming, Japanese calligraphy demos, samurai related films and delicious bento boxes. Museum of Fine Arts BostonBoston, MA, –.more
Dedham Country Day Circus and Street Fair
This street fair features performances by Cirque du Soleil, Ringling Brothers, and Circus Smirkus artists. On top of that, rides, games and food fill the streets with fun. 10am. Dedham Country Day SchoolDedham, MA, .more
Somerville Open Studios
Artists are sometimes mysterious and distant, but not during Somerville Open Studios. Visit more than 200 artists and see where the magic happens. Various VenuesSomerville, MA, –.more
Needham Open Studios
The town of Needham offers the opportunity of getting pieces of art directly from the creative sources. Meet artists and their fabulous workplaces. Various VenuesNeedham, MA, –.more
Ragnar Relay Cape Cod
200 miles separate you and 11 of your friends from the Ragnar winning medals. This is the ultimate tag team running challenge, and it’s for you to conquer! Hull, MAProvincetown, MA, –.more
New England Gerbil Show
Watch gerbils compete in ham-track and tube chew races. Judges will choose the best ones. Bring yours and beat the competition. Middlesex Community CollegeBedford, MA, –.more
Sing-a-Long-a Grease
This is an interactive film that makes the audience become part of the story, especially during the musical bits. This is an unique event that celebrates the 40 years of Grease. 7pm. Firehouse Center for the ArtsNewburyport, MA, .more
Shelburne Falls ArtWalk – Art Under the Stars
Shelburne Falls becomes a giant open studio for artists, musicians and craft vendors to show their works. There are hands-on activities, films, and trolley rides too. But if there’s something you cannot miss, it’s the bridge of flowers. 4-8pm. Shelburne Falls, MA, .more
Sholan Farms Apple Blossom Festival
This festival returns for the 12th time, packed with fun shows like the ‘butterfly release’, a bagpipe procession and a couple choruses performing. Craft shows and lots of apples, for sure.10am. Sholan FarmsLeominster, MA, .more
Harlow Day Living History
Travel back in time and be part of this Civil War living history encampment, located really close to veteran Calvin ‘Frank’ Harlow’s house. 10am. Bridgewater CommonBridgewater, MA, .more
UMass Renaissance Festival
This year’s Renaissance Festival features juggling lessons, falconry shows and the usual feasting, singing and theatre. Did I mention the mud face painting? 11am. Renaissance Center MeadowAmherst, MA, .more
Arunah Hill Stargazing
Stars and constellations don’t look the same on paper. Come see the real thing, and put your hands on a telescope. Dusk. Notchview, Route 9Windsor, MA, .more
Northampton Pride Parade
The rainbow flag has been waving at this parade for the past 30 years. Join the fun and feel the great vibes the LGBT community shares. 12pm. Northampton, MA, .more
Superhero Mud Run
It’s time to show you do have super powers! Beat the 5K Superhero Obstacle Course and become the day’s hero. Six Flags New England, Route 159 1623 Main StreetAgawam, MA, .more
South Hawley Ghost Town Hike
This is an excursion to ghost village of South Hawley. Be ready for an interesting and maybe scary visit to the past. 10am. Mass Audubon’s Arcadia Wildlife SanctuaryEasthampton, MA, .more
Westborough Spring Festival
A car show, hot-air balloon rides and a Mexican night are just part of what Westborough Spring Festival has prepared for this year’s fundraiser celeb. Westborough High SchoolWestborough, MA, –.more
Also Fun
Co-Founders Wanted of Boston Meetup
Come meet people with great ideas waiting to be funded, or present your great idea to someone willing to fund it. It’s a win/win meet-up here, folks. 6:30pm. Harvard I-LabAllston, MA, .more
Food Truck Throwdown
Watch several food trucks battle to conquer the best food truck title. One thing’s for sure: There’s going to be tons of food! 11-9pm. The Greenway, between State & India StsBoston, MA, .more
Dance Complex Free Day of Classes
Free 20-minute dancing classes for everyone. Come find out how many left feet you have. 9:30am. Central SquareCambridge, MA, .more
Chocolate Madness
Join NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts on the celebration of the 30th anniversay of Chocolate Madness, which features meetings with top chocolate chefs, wine tasting and much more. I think it is safe to say that there will be TONS of chocolate, and that’s always a good thing, isn’t it? 7:30pm. CycloramaBoston, MA, .more
Ice Age Legacy of Mount Auburn
Chill out and come to this walking tour that deals with preserved glacial features found at Mount Auburn. 1pm. Mount Auburn CemeteryCambridge, MA, .more
Physical Matter: Three Perspectives
Art becomes more interesting when you have someone to discuss it with. This time, the talk is about the human form as presented by 3 different artists. 2pm. Arthur M. Sackler MuseumCambridge, MA, .more
Between the Lines: Children’s Literacy Benefit
This fundraising event aims to help low income children improve their literacy skills. 6pm. Microsoft N.E.R.D. CenterCambridge, MA, .more
Machine Learning
This presentation will introduce you to the world of machine learning and will present some of its real world applications. 6pm. Artisan’s AsylumSomerville, MA, .more
Free Comic Book Day
FCBD is every geek’s dream come true. Different offerings available from store to store. Check out the website for a list of goodies. Almost all Comic Stores across North AmericaAll Over, , .more
Beyond the Pattern: An Independent Designer’s Fashion Show
A fashion runway featuring the work of established local designers. It gets more interesting since Somerville Public High School students will model their own creations, proving that the fashion future looks bright. 7pm. Arts at the ArmorySomerville, MA, .more
SoWa Open Market Opening
An open market that focuses on art, local farmers’ products and vintage stuff. If you feel like grabbing a bite to eat, several food trucks will be there to help. 10am. SoWa Open MarketBoston, MA, .more
Kona Bicycles MTB Adventure
Discover the trails that Middlesex Fells have prepared for both amateur and pro bike riders. There will be bike riding demos too! 9am. Middlesex Fells – Flynn RinkStoneham, MA, .more
Revels Pub Sings & Sing
Revels music director George Emlen will make you sing like a real rebel. Enjoy a night full of music, singing and food. 6pm. Doyle’s CafeBoston, MA, .more
arsenalARTS Open Arts Day
Free performances and theatre workshops, live music and entertainment for both kids and adults. 11am. Arsenal Center for the ArtsWatertown, MA, .more
Boston Quantified Self & IDEO: Health & Wellness Innovation Night
Health self-tracking is changing the way we live our lives. Come learn about the newest tech there is. But remember, you still need go see your doctor once in a while! 6pm. Harvard Innovation LabAllston, MA, .more
Boston Cyberarts Gallery Presents: Poetic Codings
Interactive iPad artworks sound like lots of fun. Art you can touch and play with? Yes please! Boston Cyberarts GalleryJamaica Plain, MA, –.more
An Evening of Chocolate
Chocolate tasting! This event will let you know more about the history of chocolate and how it is obtained. But seriously, chocolate tasting! 7pm. Drumlin Farm Wildlife SanctuaryLincoln, MA, .more
Stephen Dupont: Papua New Guinea Portraits and Diaries
Stephen Dupont is presenting and signing his book, consisting of photographies and diaries from his travel to Papua New Guinea. Peabody Museum of Archaeology and EthnologyCambridge, MA, .more
2013 Massachusetts State High School Fair
The spirit of competition is always fierce at science fairs. It increases when there’s $500,000 in scholarships and prizes. Come appreciate the future, imagined by students today. MIT CampusCambridge, MA, –.more
Walk for Hunger
Join the nation’s largest hunger fundraiser and help them beat the 3.6 million mark from last year! Boston CommonBoston, MA, .more
Super Serious & Super Ridiculous at SOS 2013
This is just one of many little collections that several Somerville artists will display during the Somerville Open Studios weekend. Miller Street Artist StudiosSomerville, MA, –.more
Freedom Rising: The 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and African American Military Service
Several presentations, readings and performances celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and of the first black Civil War troops from the North. Multiple LocationsBoston, MA, –.more
Boston LGBT Film Festival
The best of LGBT media makers gather together at the largest LGBT Film Festival in New England. This year over 100 films will be presented, so you’ll have plenty to choose from. Various VenuesBoston, MA, –.more
May Day at Hayes Park
They got the drinks, you bring the cookies. Come have fun and dance at Hayes Park 2pm. Warren Avenue and West Canton StreetBoston, MA, .more
International Herb Day
Plenty of workshops will teach you about the many uses for herbs. Hint: One of them involves pizza. 9-4pm. Cedar Spring Herb FarmHarwich, MA, .more
Wellfeet Harbor Fest
Boats, boats, boats! And vendors at this town festival. Wellfleet Town PierWellfleet, MA, .more
Night Hayrides at Smolak Farms
Smolak Farms invite you to come for night hayrides. Enjoy magical landscapes, with the humming of the tractor’s engine on the background. Make it a perfect night by going to the campfire! Smolak FarmsNorth Andover, MA, –.more
Film Screening of The Economics of Happiness
The Economics of Happiness is a film that deals with the crisis of the spirit people face nowadays. 6:30pm. Lowell National Historical ParkLowell, MA, .more
Party for The Park
A dance party, live and silent auctions and an art show are part of this fundraising event. Definitely an eye catcher. 6:30pm. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond RoadLincoln, MA, .more
‘Spruce Up for Spring’ Gardens & Grounds Clean-Up for Volunteers
Orchard House, the home of ‘Little Women’ needs a bit of maintenance here and there. Visit this popular house, help a little and enjoy the refreshments prepared for volunteers. 8:30am. Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard HouseConcord, MA, .more
Stars, Moons and the Rings of Saturn
Saturn is coming for a visit, but we’ll still need a telescope to see it in all its glory. Venus and Mars might show up too! 8-10pm. Mass Audubon Broadmoor Wildlife SanctuaryNatick, MA, .more
Granite State Story Swap
Don’t ask, don’t tell is probably a rule you’ll never find at Granite State Story Swap. Enjoy storytellers performing, or go on stage too! 8am-5pm. The Seacoast Science CenterRye, NH, .more
The Spider & the Mouse
The MicMac people are known for their interesting and thoughtful stories. This presentation is about the sacred relationship us humans have with Mother Earth. Actors Studio of NewburyportNewburyport, MA, –.more
Spring Open House at Castle Hill
Castle Hill is a genuine mansion, which means lots of areas that are ‘treasure hunt compliant.’ Landscape tours are available for the ones looking for a calm day. 11am. Castle HillIpswich, MA, .more
Massachusetts Poetry Festival at the PEM
Two days dedicated to poetry. Participate on the workshops or enjoy the concerts, readings and presentations. Peabody Essex MuseumSalem, MA, –.more
Salem First Friday
Enjoy contemporary dance performances while you take advantage of the many discounts offered by more than 25 vendors. 5pm. Downtown Salem, Various LocationsSalem, MA, .more
Happy as a Clam Road Race
This 5K race is paired with flat-bread pizza vendors and local farmers selling their products. 5pm. Essex Elementary SchoolEssex, MA, .more
New England Gem and Mineral Show
Come and get beautiful and mesmerizing rocks at discount prices. The geode cutting show looks promising, don’t miss out! Topsfield Fairgrounds, Route 1 NorthTopsfield, MA, –.more
North Quabbin Arts in Bloom Fest
Live performances and food vendors complete this celebration, which features the traditional and popular May Pole dance. 11-5pm. Butterfield Park, East River StreetOrange, MA, .more
RI Cherry Blossom Festival
This festival features an antique car show, food truck vendors, bike tour rides and kayaking, all in the spirit of raising funds for landscape improvement in two communities. Blackstone River ValleyWoonsocket, RI, –.more
Smith’s Castle Bridge to the Past
Smith’s Castle was at some point an important trading post in the area. Come see how things used to be there on this history re-enactment. 2013:. Smith’s CastleNorth Kingstown, RI, –.more
Teetotallers
Three superstar musicians got together and are now presenting this Irish musical performance. This is a great musical show that features comedy bits. 8pm. Blackstone River TheatreCumberland, RI, .more
Navigant Credit Union Running Festival
This is a half marathon that features post race entertainment. If you like to run, this one’s for you. 8am. Roosevelt AvePawtucket, RI, .more
Derby Day at the Paragon Carousel
Betting on a carousel horse sounds a bit crazy, but lots of fun. Come try your luck at the ‘races’ of Paragon Carousel. Winners get prizes, and proceedings go to the Friends of the Paragon Carousel. 7pm. Paragon CarouselHull, MA, .more
Winslow Sprint
You’ll need a lot of energy to go through this 43 mile long fundraiser bike tour and then stay for the after-party. 7am. Historic Winslow House & Cultural CenterMarshfield, MA, .more
Women’s History on Burial Hill
Plymouth has seen many important women through the pass of time. Come find more about them and the role of women through history. 1pm. Burial Hill, Leyden StPlymouth, MA, .more
Race to Save a Species 5k and Fun Run
Whales are the biggest mammals on water, but they still need our help. Join this 5K race and help them. There’s a life-size inflatable whale, you gotta come check it out. 9am. Plymouth Memorial HallPlymouth, MA, .more
Two Nations Powwow
Come see how a tipi looks like from the inside. This Powwow features dancing, drumming and lots of native crafts and meals. 10am-5pm. Auburn Sportsmam’s ClubAuburn, MA, –.more
Worcester ALS Walk
You don’t need a sword and shield to help fighting ALS. All it takes is coming to their annual walk and support the cause. 10am. Commerce Bank Field at Foley StadiumWorcester, MA, .more
Performance
Review: Bill Bellamy
Bill Bellamy coined the phrase ‘booty call’ and is bringing ‘Bill Cosby type energy’ to his tour this week. Click for my review (to appear Monday evening)! (And see above where I have tix to give away.). Wilbur TheatreBoston, MA, .more
An Iliad
An Iliad is Lisa Peterson’s version of Homer’s famous poem, interpreted by the great Denis O’Hare. The play promises a refreshing and shoking approach to the story we’re all familiar with. ArtsEmersonBoston, MA, –.more
You Are___.
This show, performed by 20 dancers, features 6 new different works by 4 talented choreographers, all of them females. Boston University Dance TheaterBoston, MA, –.more
Beowulf: Epic Reading
This 70-minute song-play version of Beowulf features a live rock band on stage and punk, jazz and electronic music. An epic poem reading you cannot miss. Club OberonCambridge, MA, –.more
Folk and Blues Concert and Art Reception
Come for the Folk & Blues performance and then stay a little more for ‘4 under 24’ , a photography show created by young artists. 2pm. The Old Schwamb MillArlington, MA, –.more
Beowulf – A Thousand Years of Baggage
I love a good old dramatized reading of an epic poem, as long as the author makes it fun, has good reading and does a lot of sounds and expressions. And if you do too, this will be a blast! OberonCambridge, MA, –.more
She Kills Monsters
This will be the premiere of the story of a girl who kills monsters. Come watch Qui Nguyen’s beautiful imagery. Boston Center for the ArtsBoston, MA, –.more
Meszecsina
WOW, a band that sings in 7 different languages. You don’t get to see that everyday! Let Meszecsina fill your ears with beautiful experimental music. 8pm. Johnny D’sSomerville, MA, .more
Cuba! Music and Images From the Forbidden Island
Enjoy a concert dedicated to Cuban music, but not before the Cuban photography exhibition. The mix is completed by Cuban delicacies. 3pm. Andover Newton Theological SchoolNewton Centre, MA, .more
Pericles
Murder, incest, pirates, and famine in ancient Greece. Come see this play where Shakespeare dangles Pericles by his Testicles. The Modern Theatre at Suffolk UniversityBoston, 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 VenuesBoston, MA, –.more
Boston Hostel Takeover
Come enjoy multiple 30-minute performances by local musicians at HI-Boston, which will also show visual works by several artists from the area. 7pm. Hostelling International BostonBoston, MA, .more
FLIGHT
People dancing while being on a plane, during a flight? This is what you’ll see on this high-tech musical dancing performance. 3pm. Boston University Dance TheaterBoston, MA, .more
Travel
Milford Living Kite Fly
Enjoy the beach breeze while watching this flying kite show. It’s free for all, and you can bring your own kite too! 12-3pm. Walnut Beach, Viscount Dr & E BroadwayMilford, CT, .more
GOOD NEWS! A Musical Comedy
Music, dancing, singing and laughter are perfectly mixed by this full of energy GoodSpeed musical production. Goodspeed Opera HouseEast Haddam, CT, –.more
Happy Anniversary Theodate and John Riddle!
Famous people’s love stories are usually interesting, even if they’re from the past. Learn about John and Theodate’s relationship. Unfortunately, I can’t promise you’ll find any dirty bits. 1pm. Hill-Stead MuseumFarmington, CT, .more
Zagray Farm Spring Show
Come see old farm machinery from late 1800 working as it would’ve done back then. There’s going to be a tractor parade and free wagon rides! Zagray Farm MuseumColchester, CT, –.more
May 4th is Free Day
Visits to the museum become interesting when tickets cost ‘nada.’ Free Day is back and it features new exhibitions and activities for all visitors. 10-5pm. Florence Griswold MuseumOld Lyme, CT, .more
Foot in the Door
Foot in the Door is presenting for the last time this season and brings pieces written by Schoenberg and Beethoven. 7:30PM. The Hartt SchoolWest Hartford, CT, .more
Milford Duck Race
Join this rubber duck race. The winner could probably celebrate and sing with the Mariachi that’s coming all the day down from Mexico. 11am. Wepawaug RiverMilford, CT, .more
CAMA Spring Power-Up
If you don’t think an antique steam powered machinery show is cool, how about riding a 1925 steam locomotive? 10am. Kent, CT, .more
Northeast PEZ Collectors Gathering Public Show Day
Come get the PEZ dispenser you always wanted. PEZ swapping or bidding through silent auctions. 10am. Sheraton Stamford HotelStamford, CT, .more
Kennebunk May Day Celebration
Get your face painted, enjoy the free wagon rides, watch the parade and get some roast pig for lunch. 8am. Downtown KennebunkKennebunk, ME, .more
HuzzahCon
War-gaming is not for everyone, but it’s still worth checking out. Huzzah! is 3 full fays of interesting board games controlled by experienced game masters. Come try this one, it’s something different. DoubleTree by Hilton HotelSouth Portland, ME, –.more
Mayfair!
This citywide yard sale not only will let you buy that thing you’ve probably been looking for, but you’ll also find maypole dancing, a scavenger hunt and a farmers market. 8:30am. All OverBath, ME, .more
De-armament
Enjoy a full weekend of LARPing. De-armament is the perfect opportunity to be part of an epic medieval adventure. Claremont, NH, –.more
Rumford’s Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Festival
Become a lumberjack for a day! You will find log tossing contests, zip line rides, crosscut saw competitions and of course, lumberjack breakfast. 8am. Downtown Rumford, Congress StRumford, ME, .more
Steve Zemianek/Benning Road Race
This event honors Coach ‘Zem’. Featuring races that range from half a mile to 10K, everyone can enjoy this celebration. 9:30am. Historic Park McCullough HouseNorth Bennington, VT, –.more
Spring Milonga
Come dine and dance on the beautiful wooden floor of Community Hall. Beats provided by DJ Elizabeth Seyler. 8:30pm. North Hero Community Hall, U.S. Route 2North Hero, VT, .more
Lost Nation Theater present Ransome!
A musical that shows through acting and singing how people from Vermont dealt with Civil War. Inspired by letters written by soldier Ransom W Towle. City Hall Arts CenterMontpelier, VT, –.more
Vermont Restaurant Week!
Vermont Restaurant Week is awesome! Get amazing deals on the best dishes at great restaurants in Vermont. Simple as that. Various VenuesAll Over, , –.more