Events INSIDER: Aug 25 – Sep 2, 2014
Giveaways & Features
Win: King Richard’s Faire
King Richard’s Faire is New England’s largest and longest-running Renaissance Festival. We have two pairs of tickets to give away! Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win and say whether you need both pairs or could win only one. Carver, MA, –.more
Johnny’s Picks
King Richard’s Faire – Preview
King Richard and the rest of the royal court (plus some ligers and jousters!) will be previewing the Faire at the Hatch Shell Thursday! 12pm. Boston, MA, . more
Arunah Hill Days (Stargazing Weekend)
Enjoy a weekend of stargazing, nature walks, GPS treasure hunts, rocket building and launching, and science education at Arunah Hill! Cummington, MA, –. more
Boston Harbor Fireworks Labor Day Weekend
Come to Boston Harbor and enjoy the great view, then stay for the fireworks at dusk. 9pm. Boston, MA, . more
Boston Arts Festival
See Christopher Colombus Park turned into a vibrant cultural village featuring visual and performing arts exhibits, demonstrations, and more! Boston, MA, –. more
Laboring the Day Away
A sailor’s job is never done, and the USS Constitution Museum invites you to learn sailor tasks with fun outdoor exhibits! Honestly, they had me at alka seltzer cannon. Charlestown, MA, –. more
Mars and Beyond
What’s it like to design a space mission? Ask real rocket scientists at the Museum of Science, Boston! Boston, MA, –. more
Magic & Movie at Summer in the City
This is a magic and comedy show, mostly for kids. There’s a movie screening after the show. 10am. Cambridge, MA, –. more
Rhythm and Roots Festival
92 sets from 33 artists on 5 stages…now that’s a music festival. Feel the rhythm and get back to your roots before summer ends! Charlestown, RI, –. more
Wings of Freedom Tour
Take fun to new heights as this airplane show tours New England. You can walk through a historic aircraft, go for a flight, or learn to fly! Bridgeport, CT, –. more
Outdoor Theatre!
I list more outdoor theatre than anyone else in New England! I track 75 performance series. That’s more than 600 shows, some of which are free! To see them, go to Events INSIDER, select your region on the map, and then scroll all the way to the bottom to see them. more
Outdoor movies!
Nobody lists more outdoor movies in New England! I track 97 different series with more than 400 shows, and most of them are free! To see them, go to Events INSIDER, select your region on the map, and then scroll all the way to the bottom. more
Outdoor concerts!
Events Insider keeps track of all the outdoor concerts in New England. This is where you find the places and events you cannot miss.To see them, go to Events INSIDER, select your region on the map, and then scroll all the way to the bottom. more
Marlborough Labor Day Parade
Marlborough says this is the largest Labor Day parade in New England. Maybe they don’t have a whole lot of competition, but I bet it’s still fun! 12nn. Marlborough, MA, .more
Bread and Roses Festival
This music and dance festival celebrates a famous labor strike in American history with a day of musical, dance, and theatrical performances, plus food and fun for the kids. 12-5pm. Lawrence, MA, . more
Salem honors Robin Williams
Come to this community gathering and screening of Good Will Hunting to remember Robin Williams and raise money for suicide prevention programs. Salem, MA, . more
Downtown Brockton Arts and Music Festival
This family-friendly festival has music, poetry, food, games, crafts, artwork, face painting, finger painting, an art show, and more! 11am-7pm. Brockton, MA, . more
Seakonke Wampanoag Tribe Annual Pow-wow
This small native American festival takes place in my hometown and I’ve been. It’s at the corner of Rt 44 & Bay State Road. They have a ring of vendors and ethnic music and dance, including participatory. It’s small but a wonderful chance to learn. Rehoboth, MA, –. more
Rainforest Reptile Weekend
Davis Farmland combines birds of prey, reptiles and a corn maze! Irresistable! This particular event has reptiles, and you get to play with them! Sterling, MA, –. more
Family Fun Days at OSV
You shouldn’t need an excuse to visit my favorite re-enactment museum, but here is one! OSV invites you to play old-timey baseball, see a toy fire-balloon flight, catch a 19th century magic show, and more! Sturbridge, MA, –. more
Charlton Old Home Day Parade
Frog jumping contest, parade, fireworks, music, soap box derby and more! There’s a lot to see at this small town festival. 3:30pm. Charlton, MA, . more
Davis Mega Maze
It’s a corn maze with a treasure hunt mission. What will you find after 8 acres of corn and almost 3 miles of fun? Sterling, MA, –. more
Boston Tattoo Convention
If you’re into tattoos, don’t miss this opportunity to gawk and be gawked at. Just don’t get a tattoo you’ll hate when you’re 80! Make sure to catch the Circus of Marvels and tattoo contests! Boston, MA, –. more
Also Fun
Museum Free Fun Fridays
A number of local museums and destinations offer free admission, thanks to Highland Street! Every Friday through August, check the schedule! All Over, , –. more
Quincy Market Historical Tour: 188th Anniversary of Opening Day
Take a guided historical walking tour through Quincy Market to celebrate its 188th anniversary! 10am. Boston, MA, . more
Feast of St. Anthony
There is enough music, dance, and food in between religious observences to make this a fun Feast for everyone! Boston, MA, –. more
Author Event with Kara Weiss!
A youth-led discussion follows this talk with the author of Late Lights, a coming of age story set in Boston. 6pm. Boston, MA, . more
BIG FOOT – Rebels and Radicals Walking Tour
This three hour walking tour will teach you all about Boston’s greatest defenders of liberty! Boston, MA, . more
Hyde Park Jazz Fest
I have been to the Martini Shell and they do NOT serve martinis! But they DO have great outdoor concerts, including Sunday’s Jazz Fest! 2pm-6pm. Boston, MA, . more
If These Walls Could Speak
Get a detailed look at life for Jacob Whittemore and his family by examining original documents and touring their family home. 3pm-3:45pm. Lexington, MA, . more
Folk Dancing by the Fountain
Give folk dances a chance. They’re fun and easy to pick up. This participatory event is all about having fun, and they’ll even show you the steps. Tuesdays. 7:30-9:30pm. Boston, MA, –. more
Boston Restaurant Week – Summer
Dine Out Boston is back with great deals on fancy lunches and dinners. Dig in! Boston, MA, –. more
Restaurant Showcase Week
Similar to many other restaurant weeks. Pick two-course lunch or three-course dinner, at a fixed price. Lowell, MA, –. more
Newburyport Riverfront Festival
Come to Newburyport for a free afternoon of music by well-known acts, including Toad the Wet Sprocket. 12pm-7pm. Newburyport, MA, . more
Labor Day Festival BluesCruise
Take a relaxing sunset cruise with to the sounds of a blues legend – live on the ship. 7pm. Newburyport, MA, . more
August Wilson’s Fences
Catch a performance of this Pulitzer Pirze winning about relationships, baseball, and race. Gloucester, MA, –. more
Gloucester Schooner Festival
This festival has a lobster bake, fireworks, and races. Don’t miss the Boat ‘Parade of Lights’ on Saturday. Gloucester, MA, –. more
Day Out With Thomas
Edaville Railroad wants you to spend Labor Day weekend with Thomas the Tank Engine and Sir Topham Hat! Ask him nicely and he might take you for a ride! South Carver, MA, –. more
Deutsche Bank Championship
Come be part of the crowd that applauds politely right after each player hits the ball. Ah, professional golf! Norton, MA, –. more
Public Hanging Closing Reception
This reception marks the end of an annual community art show. Does that mean everyone is invited? I guess so! 7pm-10pm. New Bedford, MA, . more
Spencer Fair
The Spencer Fair has all sorts of agricultural exhibits demonstrations, plus a carnival, a demolition derby, and a truck tug of war! Spencer, MA, –. more
‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ – Movie Screening
Come to this free screening of the film classic ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,’ followed by a talk with industry professionals. 7pm. Clinton, MA, . more
Brimfield Antiques Festival (Fall)
Think antique shop on steroids. They have more than a mile of vendors. It’s the largest in New England and I’m sure it’s great if you’re an antique. Antique collector, I mean. Off of Rt 20. Bag pipers, DJ, fire truck rides, car show. Brimfield, MA, –. more
Three County Fair
A tradition since 1818, this fair features a demolition derby, monster trucks, racing pigs, enough live music to create a fest within the fair, carnival rides, and more! Northampton, MA, –.more
Spirit of Springfield – Spinning For A Great Cause
Sweat for a good cause and help raise money by spinning…or just drop by to support the cause. 11am – 2pm. Springfield, MA, . more
Blandford Fair
Find racing pigs, live music, dunk tanks, giant pumpkins, a demolition derby and much more at this major agricultural fest. Blandford, MA, –. more
Labor Day Canoe Trips
Take a guided tour of the Housatonic River in a canoe! Learn the history of the area and enjoy its beauty. 8:30-11am. Sheffield, MA, . more
Vineyard Artisans Festivals
This craft fair comes with pony rides, live music and blacksmithing and scarf weaving demos. Not to mention the beautiful arts and crafts! West Tisbury, MA, –. more
Great Provincetown Schooner Regatta
It’s described as a five day educational and sailing event. with lots of special events, boat tours, and of course, races! Provincetown, MA, . more
Dream Cruise Car Show
A parade with cars that were turned into art, or art turned into cars? Either way, it’s going to be fun! Falmouth, MA, . more
Cape Cod Festival of Magic
More than a series of performances, you can socialize with the performers and hear how to make your own magic! South Yarmouth, MA, –. more
Lion’s Club Clam Bake
Come to the Lion’s Club Clambake for a feast that includes lobster and much more! 1pm-4pm. Block Island, RI, . more
Performance
Goodbye Marilyn: A Love Letter
Get to know the ‘other’ Marilyn Monroe, a complex human being with sadness and grace. By the end of this letter, you’ll have fallen in love. 7-9pm. Boston, MA, . more
Unscripted Musical Project
With only one suggestion from the audience, a fully improvised one act musical is formed by Boston’s premiere and fastest growing musical improv group. 8pm. Boston, MA, . more
27 Tips for Banishing the Blues
One of the 27 Tips for Banishing the Blues should be seeing this play full of satire, laughs, and American life turned upside down! Boston, MA, –. more
Speakeasy Circus at OBERON
We’ve given the Boston Circus Guild a 5-star rating more than once! See this amazing show at OBERON. Cambridge, MA, –. more
George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion
Check out the classic Pygmalion at the Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown. Watertown, MA, –. more
Macbeth
. Boston, MA, –. more
Finding Neverland
Here’s a live adaptation of the movie Finding Neverland. Check it out through September at the American Repertoty Theatre! Cambridge, MA, –. more
Travel
Lancaster Fair
You’ll find a demolition derby, animal shows, train rides, food and live music. This fair’s been running for 144 years, so they know what they’re doing! Lancaster, NH, –. more
Hopkinton State Fair
Here’s a fair with carnival rides and a midway, plus arts, crafts, food, a maple sugarhouse, and a demolition derby. Contoocook, NH, –. more
Rubber Ducky Regatta
Enjoy the fun and games, then cheer on your duck in the big race! Lots of prizes up for grabs at this fun family event. 2014:10am. North Woodstock, NH, . more
Potluck and Open Mic Night
Bring a dish and a talent! Share a potluck dinner with the community and then stay for the Open Mic Night. 6pm-10pm. Dorchester, NH, . more
Just Ducky End of Summer Bash
Summer’s leaving us for the year. So these guys are throwing a party with music, fireworks, and a rubber duck race! Waterville Valley, NH, –. more
Summer Send-off Weekend
The Aerial Forest Adventure Park sounds like the perfect Summer Send-off. Add music and a hot dog extravaganza and call it a Weekend! Lincoln, NH, –. more
Antique Auto Show
You’ll find classic, antique hot rods and many other types of cars, plus parts and other fun goodies for sale at this auto show. Dawn. Amherst, NH, . more
Labor Day Weekend Craft Fair
This craft fair is held during Labor Day weekend. If nothing else, at least you’re by a beautiful bay. Alton, NH, –. more
Woodstock Fair
This fair has a bit of everything, from tractor and animal pulls to go carts, live music and unique contests. Awesome! Woodstock, CT, –. more
Enfield Pirate Festival
Check out pirate music, magic, games and even cannons at this fun Pirate Faire. Enfield, CT, –. more
Prudence Crandall Day
Everyone should play hoop rolling at least once. Here’s your chance of doing it! Also, a craft market on the museum’s lawn. 10am-4pm. Canterbury, CT, . more
Blues, Views and BBQ Festival
This festival has lots of great bands including the Spin Doctors, tons of barbecue, and a family fun area. Westport, CT, –. more
Irish Dance Competition at Quassy
Hundreds of dancers come to compete in Irish dancing at this awesome amusement park! Check it out! Middlebury, CT, –. more
Faulkner’s Island Lighthouse Open House
Free ferry rides to Faulkner’s Island, and an hour to explore. Donations are suggested, but it still sounds like a lot of fun! Guilford, CT, –. more
Blue Hill Fair
You will find animal shows, monster trucks, a midway and even fireworks. There won’t be time to be blue at the Blue Hill Fair! Blue Hill, ME, –. more
Springfield Fair
This fair has laser tag, a bubblegum blowing contest, a midway, fireworks, and so much more! Springfield, ME, –. more
Maine Salmon Festival
What do we want? Salmon! When do we want it? Now! This festival comes with a 5k, a mackerel derby and many delicious meals! Eastport, ME, –. more
Harmony Free Fair
This free fair is full of fun! Check out the demolition derby, kids and adults arm wrestling contest, fireworks, and much more! Harmony, ME, –. more
Camdem Windjammer Festival
This maritime festival has fireworks, but the REAL fun is at the boat building contest, crate race, and street dance! Camden, ME, –. more
North Country Inter-Tribal Pow Wow
Pow Wows are fun and full of energy and culture. Come and learn about the Native American ways through music, demonstrations, and more! Newport, ME, –.more
Vintage Motorcycle Meet and Antique Aeroplane Show
I’ve been to this transportation museum and I have to say it’s remarkable! They have many perfectly preserved old-timey airplanes and cars! Make this antique motorcycle and aeroplane festival your excuse to visit. Owls Head, ME, –. more
Mrs. Tuckers Supper
Apparently, this supper was so good, it’s still famous after 154 years. Come learn all about it (does that include the recipe?). 9am-11:00am. Wiscasset, ME, . more
School Around Us Fall Craft Fair
This craft fair features 65 juried artists and artisans, live music, and delicious homemade food. Now THAT’S a craft fair! 9am-4pm. Kennebunkport, ME, . more
Boothbay Region Labor Day Show
Okay, so we have a juried arts and craft show, which means ‘come buy stuff’. No music, no food, no nothing? At least every item is handmade! Boothbay, ME, –. more
Lincolnville Neighborhood Potluck
Show off your cooking skills, bring a dessert or a salad. Meat, beans and beverages will be provided. Lincolnville, ME, . more
Windsor Fair
Oh Windsor Fair, you had me a demolition derby! This one also has tractor pulls, animal shows, and gigantic pumpkins. Windsor, ME, –.more
Killington Classic
The Killington Classic is killer this year. Check out the agriculture activities, a large midway, 4-H exhibits, live music, and demolition derby! Killington, VT, –. more
Northfield Labor Day Celebration
This Labor Day weekend celebration has lots of live performances, and features a Roller Derby, car show, parade, and fun run. Northfield, VT, –. more
Vermont State Fair
This fair has a midway, live music, lots of agricultural goodness, and the VT State Championship Demolition Derby! Rutland, VT, –.more
Killington Hay Festival
Holy moley. They make sculptures out of hay bales and PAINT them! What will you find on the scavenger hunt? Killington, VT, –. more
New World Festival
Enjoy concerts, music and dance workshop sessions, children’s activities, and open dancing on five stages at this festival. 12pm-11pm. Randolph, VT, . more
Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival
It’s a free outdoorsy concert packed with Blues and Folk music. There will also be a classic car show and wagon rides and face painting for the kids! Plymouth Notch, VT, –. more
Guilford Fair
This fair has lots of live performances, an ice cream eating contest, and tons of agricultural exhibits! Guilford, VT, –. more
Southern Vermont Garlic and Herb Festial
I think vampires should stay away from this one. It’s a festival of all things garlic (and some other herbs too!). Ice-cream, for starters. Bennington, VT, –. more
Concert on the Green
Have a picnic on the ground, enjoy the outdoor concert and meet friendly people at Weston Village Green. 4pm. Weston, VT, . more
Champlain Valley Fair
The Champlain Valley Fair claims to be the biggest show in Vermont, and it includes a demolition derby, a tractor pull, and a ton of famous names, like the Goo Goo Dolls. Essex Junction, VT, –. more
Vermont Festival of the Arts
This festival lasts a whole month and has more than 100 quality art events. Find walks, interactive displays, music, kids activities and more! Waitsfield, VT, –. more
Outdoor Theatre
Outdoor Theatre & More – click map above to set region | Mon 8/25 | Tue 8/26 | Wed 8/27 | Thu 8/28 | Fri 8/29 | Sat 8/30 | Sun 8/31 | Mon 9/1 |
Salsa in the ParkBoston, MA | M | |||||||
Sunday Parkland GamesCambridge, MA | S | |||||||
Charles River Conservancy Parkland GamesAllston, MA | S | |||||||
Plays in the Park (for kids)Boston, MA | F | |||||||
Free outdoor folk dancingBoston, MA | T | |||||||
Fort Independence Twilight Skyline ViewingBoston, MA | R | |||||||
Waterfront Performing Arts SeriesBoston, MA | T | |||||||
WBAF Summer Theatre: CabaretWest Boylston, MA | W | |||||||
OrpheusNewburyport, MA | S | S | ||||||
Prescott Park Arts FestivalPortsmouth, NH | W | |||||||
Momentum Theatre TroupeNew London, NH | T | |||||||
Flock TheatreNew London, CT | W | R | F | S | S | |||
Ocean Beach Park Classic Car Cruise NightNew London, CT | M | M | ||||||
Elm Shakespeare’s PericlesNew Haven, CT | T | W | R | F | S | S |
Outdoor Movies
Outdoor Movies – click map above to set region | Mon 8/25 | Tue 8/26 | Wed 8/27 | Thu 8/28 | Fri 8/29 | Sat 8/30 | Sun 8/31 | Mon 9/1 |
Summer in the City at the Boston Harbor HotelBoston, MA | F | |||||||
Magic 106.7 Family Film FestivalBoston, MA | S | |||||||
Mayor Walsh’s Movie NightBoston, MA | M | W | ||||||
Clove Movie NightBoston, MA | W | |||||||
Summer in the City MoviesCambridge, MA | R | |||||||
Kendall Movie SeriesCambridge, MA | R | |||||||
Summer Concerts on the CommonNorwood, MA | S | |||||||
Salem Movie in the ParkSalem, MA | S | |||||||
Movies at Hingham ShipyardHingham, MA | R | |||||||
Movies on the BlockProvidence, RI | R | |||||||
Newport FilmNewport, RI | R | |||||||
Movies in the ParkWolfeboro, NH | F | |||||||
Movies on the GreenNorth Conway, NH | T | |||||||
Monday Night Movies on the BeachHampton Beach, NH | M |
Corn Field Mazes
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.
Outdoor Music
Outdoor Music – click map above to set region | Mon 8/25 | Tue 8/26 | Wed 8/27 | Thu 8/28 | Fri 8/29 | Sat 8/30 | Sun 8/31 | Mon 9/1 |
Downtown Boston Brass strolling musiciansBoston, MA | T | W | F | |||||
Club Passim Summer Concert SeriesCambridge, MA | R | |||||||
WODS Summer Concert SeriesBoston, MA | W | |||||||
Summer Music Series in Norman Leventhal ParkBoston, MA | T | |||||||
Kendall Square Concert SeriesCambridge, MA | T | R | ||||||
Concerts in the Courtyard at Boston Public LibraryBoston, MA | W | F | ||||||
Titus Sparrow Park Summer Concert SeriesBoston, MA | W | |||||||
Summer in the City Entertainment at Boston Harbor HotelBoston, MA | M | T | W | R | F | |||
Summer Concerts at The Greenway SessionsBoston, MA | F | |||||||
MFA Concerts in the CourtyardBoston, MA | W | |||||||
Landmarks Orchestra Summer ConcertsBoston, MA | W | |||||||
Arts on the Arcade Concert SeriesBoston, MA | F | |||||||
Summer Concerts on the Common, NorwoodNorwood, MA | S | |||||||
Summer Concert SeriesLexington, MA | F | |||||||
Outdoor Concert at the Sampas PavillionLowell, MA | M | M | ||||||
Summer Band Concerts & Children’s ShowsNorth Andover, MA | S | |||||||
Summer Concert Series at DanversDanvers, MA | M | W | ||||||
Castle Hill Summer Picnic ConcertsIpswich, MA | R | |||||||
Summer Concert Series at PeabodySalem, MA | S | |||||||
The Summer of BrewsterPlymouth, MA | S | |||||||
Acoustic Nights Concert SeriesPlymouth, MA | S | |||||||
Summer Concert Series at DartmouthDartmouth, MA | W | |||||||
Foxboro Jaycees ConcertsFoxboro, MA | R | |||||||
Westport Rivers Winery Concert SeriesWestport, MA | F | S | ||||||
Grille on the HillWorcester, MA | R | |||||||
Sterling Summer ConcertsSterling, MA | M | |||||||
Alternatives’ Summer Concert SeriesWhitinsville, MA | R | |||||||
Musical Moments In Amelia’s GardenWestfield, MA | T | |||||||
Concerts at the ClarkWilliamstown, MA | T | |||||||
Summer of Love ConcertsOnset, MA | W | |||||||
Concerts in the Park at Buzzards BayBuzzards Bay, MA | R | |||||||
Concerts in the ParksGardner, MA | S | |||||||
Library Summer Concert SeriesProvidence, RI | T | |||||||
Summer Concerts at the GazeboNarragansett, RI | F | |||||||
Keene Music FestivalKeene, NH | S | |||||||
Waterville Concert SeriesWaterville Valley, NH | S | |||||||
Merrimack Concert AssociationMerrimack, NH | W | |||||||
Saint-Gaudens Summer Concert SeriesCornish, NH | S | |||||||
New Boston CONCERT on the CommonGoffstown, NH | T | |||||||
Canobie Talent Search at Canobie Lake ParkSalem, NH | R | |||||||
Bandstand ConcertsHampton Falls, NH | M | |||||||
River House Restaurant Concert SeriesPortsmouth, NH | W | |||||||
The Summer Music Series at The Governor’s InnRochester, NH | R | F | ||||||
Sounds on the Souhegan Summer Concert SeriesMilford, NH | W | |||||||
Savina Hartwell Memorial Free Summer ConcertTilton, NH | S | |||||||
Sea Shell Stage at Hampton BeachHampton Beach, NH | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | M |
Ocean Beach Park Music SeriesNew London, CT | M | |||||||
Music on the GreenSouthington, CT | W | |||||||
Summer Concerts at the Sherman Green GazeboFairfield, CT | W | |||||||
Music Under the StarsNorth Haven, CT | T | |||||||
Music Under the StarsNorth Haven, CT | T | |||||||
Summer Concerts at TrumbullTrumbull, CT | T | |||||||
Norwalk Parks Concert ScheduleNorwalk, CT | F | |||||||
Summer Music FestivalNew Britain, CT | M | W | ||||||
Levitt PavilionWestport, CT | R | |||||||
Summer Music SundaysMystic, CT | S | |||||||
Summer Concert Series at Wells Harbor ParkWells, ME | S | |||||||
Poland Spring Annual Summer Concert SeriesPoland Spring, ME | T | |||||||
Mill Creek Park Summer ConcertsSouth Portland, ME | W | |||||||
Summer in the Parks ConcertsPortland, ME | R | |||||||
L.L. Bean Summer in the Park Concert SeriesFreeport, ME | S | |||||||
Waterfront ConcertsBangor, ME | F | S | S | |||||
Summer Bandstand Concert SeriesBethel, ME | S | |||||||
Island Pond’s Friday Night LiveIsland Pond, VT | F |