Events INSIDER: Feb 24 – Mar 4, 2014

Giveaways & Features
URO Xtravaganza
One of my favorite shows, hands down. They’ll be paying tribute to the best 70s Brit Rock icons this time. 8pm. We’re giving away 2 pairs of tickets! Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com. URO XtravaganzaRegent Theatre, 7 Medford Street, Arlington, MA, .
Equally Divided
In this comedy, two sisters fight over a will, and we’re giving away a pair of tickets to the March 2 show! Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win. Equally DividedThe Nancy L. Donahue Theatre Lowell, MA, .
Johnny’s Picks
InterCon N
How about being part of your favorite horror or fantasy story? Join others in this massive LARP weekend that spans an entire hotel. It’s completely unique and the biggest of its kind in our region. InterCon NRadisson Hotel Chelmsford, MA, .
Black Rose Ball XXXVI
Renaissance up for this fantastic ball. There will be ballroom dancing (don’t worry if you don’t know how to dance, they’ll teach you there), damsels in distress, blokes in tights… and a lot of medieval fun. 9am-12pm. Black Rose Ball XXXVISt. David’s on the Hill Episcopal Church Cranston, RI, .
IHOP National Pancake Day
FREE PANCAKES ALERT!! 7am to 10pm, any IHOP. IHOP National Pancake DayIHOP Cambridge, MA, .
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, , .
Oscars
Oscar Gala at Brattle Theatre
The Brattle Theatre’s hosting their annual Oscar Party, RSVP by February 24th! Oscar Gala at Brattle TheatreBrattle Theatre Cambridge, MA, .
Glitz Glam Give: Oscar experience
Didn’t get your invitation to the Oscars? Be treated like a star as you mingle with local celebrities, civic leaders, film buffs and philanthropists at this fundraising event. Glitz Glam Give: Oscar experienceThe State Room Boston, MA, .
Oscar Night Hartford
This one’s for charity, too. 6pm VIP reception, 7pm general entrance. Oscar Night HartfordSpotlight Theatres Hartford, CT, .
Also Fun
New England Boat Show
Who needs Miami’s Boat Show when New England’s having one? Yeah, we’re not afraid of the Winter! New England Boat ShowBoston Convention & Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St, Boston, MA, .
Boston Loves Impressionism
It isn’t too often when a Museum lets the audience decide what works of art will be a part of their exhibitions, so if you love expressionism make your vote count! The top 30 paintings will be featured in the upcoming MFA’s exhibition ‘Boston Loves Impressionism’. Boston Loves ImpressionismMuseum of Fine Arts, Boston Boston, MA, .
Fire & Ice: A Winter Festival
Not related to GoT’s ‘A song of fire and ice’, this event celebrates the end of Winter with ice sculptures and gives a warm welcome to Spring with fire spinners. 3-6pm. Fire & Ice: A Winter FestivalUnion Square Plaza Somerville, MA, .
Wolfs Mardi Gras Ball
This Mardi Gras party is now old enough to drink! Celebrate the 21st NOLA-style ball with lots of musical performances and costumed mayhem at TT the Bear’s in Central Square. The money goes to support health care for local musicians. Wolfs Mardi Gras BallTT the Bear’s Place Cambridge, MA, .
World Music/CRASHarts presents Agnes Obel
Her voice is ‘celestial’ hence why it’s held in a church. No, I really don’t know, but this is concert with philarmonics and Agnes is widely praised. 8pm. World Music/CRASHarts presents Agnes ObelFirst Church in Cambridge Congregational Cambridge, MA, .
Boston Massacre
For New England’s history lovers: Here’s a chance to be a part of the reenactment of the Boston Massacre. Boston MassacreOld State House Boston, MA, .
Somerville Builds: A Hands-On Kids Maker Event
Ok, the crafting and engineering activities are design for kids in this one but imagine seeing your kid making his own LED pop up book? Somerville Builds: A Hands-On Kids Maker EventFringe Union Square Somerville, MA, .
The MOuTH with Chion Wolf ‘Sex & Lust’
This isn’t a competition, just a good excuse to practice your storytelling skills in the home of one of the best American storytellers of all time. Oh, and you’ll probably blush during this one. Chion Wolf, CT’s radio star will be hosting the evening. 7:30pm. The MOuTH with Chion Wolf 'Sex & Lust' Hartford, CT, .
Quinni-Con
A two-day celebration of Japanese culture with movie screenings, dancing, music and crafts. Quinni-ConYork Hill Campus, 305 Sherman Avenue, Hamden, CT, .
Western Avenue Open Studios
The first Saturday of every month, this amazing building devoted to art opens its doors to the public for free. 12-5pm. Western Avenue Open Studios Lowell, MA, .
‘Super Saturday’: Making Cool Stuff!
Free admission to the American Textile History Museum which offers a lot of crafty indoor activities not just for the kids. 10am @ 4pm. 'Super Saturday': Making Cool Stuff!American Textile History Museum Lowell, MA, .
Can-Am Crown 250 International Sled Dog Races
The title says it all: International Sled Dog races and I suppose some hot cocoa. Can-Am Crown 250 International Sled Dog Races Fort Kent, ME, .
Maine Restaurant Week
Because eating is also a Winter sport. Maine Restaurant WeekVarious locations All Over, , .
Break the Sound Barrier Ski Race
Here’s a race that sounds like much more than just fun: this fundraiser helps people who suffer from hearing loss have a better life. Break the Sound Barrier Ski Race Bridgton, ME, .
Sculpture Park Snowshoe Tour
The deCordova has a beautiful sculpture garden so if you’re tired of indoor activities, get your snow shoes on and enjoy their magnificent collection. 10am and 12:30 pm. Sculpture Park Snowshoe TourdeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Road Lincoln, MA, .
Chilly Chili Cook-off
Over 40 unique chili recipes! Just how much stuff can you throw into a chili mix, you guys? Chilly Chili Cook-off North Conway, NH, .
Maple Sugar Madness
If you haven’t already, this is a great way to learn each of the steps to transform sap into delicious Maple syrup. Maple Sugar MadnessPrescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, NH, .
New Hampshire Special Olympics
It’s not Sochi but Winter Olympics are super fun! There’ll be Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snowshoeing competitions. New Hampshire Special OlympicsWaterville Valley Ski Resort Waterville Valley, NH, .
Dr. Seuss Breakfast
This makes me wish I was a kid again. A special breakfast for all the family to enjoy and share with Dr. Seuss’ characters. Proceeds go to supporting The Community Kitchen. 8am-11:30am. Dr. Seuss Breakfast Keene, NH, .
Winter Film Festival
13 mini films, all great stories.Frequently, local filmmakers are in attendance and are available for discussion after the screening. Winter Film FestivalMarblehead Little Theatre Marblehead, MA, .
Winter Wonder Days at the Roger Williams Park Zoo
Nothing to do? How about the zoo? Roger Williams Park offers half price admission January through February thanks to its ‘Winter Wonderdays’ promotion. Winter Wonder Days at the Roger Williams Park Zoo Providence, RI, .
Narragansett Restaurant Week
Another excuse to not put the fork down. Narragansett Restaurant WeekAll over Narragansett, RI, .
Cajun and Zydeco Mardi Gras Ball
Here’s another Mardi Gras party; this one promises non-stop music from 6pm ’til midnight. Cajun and Zydeco Mardi Gras BallRhodes on the Pawtuxet Cranston, RI, .
Black Rose Ball XXXVII
You have an entire day to learn how to ballroom dance and then get ready for the major ball and dinner. Black Rose Ball XXXVIISt. David’s on the Hill Cranston, RI, .
The Flower and Patio Outdoor Living Show
Essentially, a trade show for gardeners (and you’re probably thinking ‘Where’s the fun in that?’) but I went there once and it was really cool. There are some amazing flowers and plants on display and you might also come across a really cool idea for your garden. Park at Worcester Municipal Garage at 30 Worcester Center Blvd. The Flower and Patio Outdoor Living ShowDCU Center Worcester, MA, .
Camellia Show at Tower Hill
Did you know Camellias are the first flowers to bloom in the spring? See them are their best in this indoors exposition that includes private collections of amazing flowers 9am-5pm. Camellia Show at Tower HillTower Hill Boylston, MA, .
Maple Days & Native American Traditions Weekend
This one’s not just for collecting sap to turn it into delicious maple syrup; it’s a dive into the past to learn what Native Americans used to do during the winter time. Also, Old Sturbridge Village is the largest outdoor history museum in the northeast and it’s definitely worth checking it out. Maple Days & Native American Traditions WeekendOld Sturbridge Village Sturbridge, MA, .
Performance
Review: The Flick
A heartwarming story for his fast-paced world. It’s been widely praised and, well, February is the best month for this kind of story. The FlickSuffolk Theatres Boston, MA, .
Horton Footes’ ‘The Traveling Lady’
Another one for theater lovers. This one is from the same writer of ‘How to kill a mockingbird’. Horton Footes' 'The Traveling Lady'Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA Boston, MA, .
Kate Weare Company: Garden
Where words fails, music and body language make up. Kate Weare’s Company dancing show is poetry in motion. 7:30pm. Kate Weare Company: GardenInstitute of Contemporary Art/Boston Boston, MA, .
The Joshua Show by Joshua Holden
An existentialist puppet? Yupp. And somehow this story involves tap dancing and original songs, too. 8pm. The Joshua Show by Joshua HoldenPuppet Showplace Theatre Brookline, MA, .
The Cherry Orchard
Although they lived in different times, Chekhov and Shakespeare shared a thorough understanding of human nature and emotions. This beautiful and deep play captures the tragedy of our missed connections and opportunities — so don’t miss it. Presented by Actors’ Shakespeare Project. The Cherry OrchardThe Dane Estate at Pine Manor College Chestnut Hill, MA, .
Death of a Salesman
An American classic presented by The Lyric Stage Company of Boston. Death of a SalesmanThe Lyric Stage, 140 Clarendon Street, Copley Square Boston, MA, .
Peggy Pickit Sees the Face of God
Got a of tix to give away for Fri. Feb. 14 . Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win! Peggy Pickit Sees the Face of GodApollinaire Theatre Company, Chelsea Theatre Works, 189 Winnisimmet St., Chelsea, MA, .
Moonbox Lights of Roberts with Sondheim’s Company
Moonbox Lights of Roberts with Sondheim’s Company. Moonbox Lights of Roberts with Sondheim's CompanyThe Nancy and Edward Roberts Studio Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, .
Peter M. Floyd ‘s Absence
Peter M. Floyd ‘s Absence. Peter M. Floyd 's AbsenceBoston Playwrights’ Theatre, 949 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA, .
Review: Witness Uganda
Press Opening is on Wednesday, February 12 @ 7:30pm. Witness UgandaLoeb Drama Center Cambridge, MA, .
Literary Death Match
WE MISSED THIS. Four literary erudites will read their work for 7 minutes or less. They’ll be judged without mercy. In the end, only two will battle with the most powerful of weapons: Words. Also: You KNOW you want to go to an event called Literary Death Match. 2013: 7:30pm. Literary Death MatchLaugh Boston, 425 Summer St, Boston, MA, .
Something’s Afoot
This is a satirical spoof of great mystery tales. Think of an Agatha Christie story played by comedians. Something's AfootStoneham Theatre Stoneham, MA, .
Shen Yun Performing Arts
This over-the-top revue presents traditional Chinese music and dance. Seems like an excellent bet for a good show, whether you have a soft spot for Asian arts and culture or you are a new spectator. Shen Yun Performing ArtsCiti Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre Boston, MA, .
Massachusetts Poetry Recitation Semi-Finals
If you cold read and perform your favorite poem, which would it be? These high schoolers do it and are pretty good at it. Massachusetts Poetry Recitation Semi-FinalsCalderwood Pavilion at the BCA Boston, MA, .
Death of a Salesman
. Death of a SalesmanThe Lyric Stage Company, 140 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA, .
‘Baaje Tori Paayaliya: Divas of Dance’
This fundraiser celebrates Bollywood’s greatest dancers and the money gathered goes to cancer research and patients. 'Baaje Tori Paayaliya: Divas of Dance'Keefe Technical School Framingham, MA, .
The Irish Comedy Tour
‘Clover’ men telling jokes in a pub. Some of the guest comedians are Mike McCarthy, Derek Richards and Damon Leibert. 8pm. The Irish Comedy TourShowcase Live Foxborough, MA, .
Travel
Mardi Gras in Ogunquit
Who knew Ogunquit was such a party town? And they celebrate all weekend long with a hat and mask parades, fire jugglers and beads, I suppose. Mardi Gras in Ogunquit Ogunquit, ME, .
Black Mountain’s Winter Fest
Enjoy a torchlight parade, skiing, raffles, sledding, fireworks and a lot more winter goodness at Black Mountain’s 4th Annual Winter Fest. Black Mountain's Winter FestBlack Mountain Ski Resort Rumford, ME, .
Freezin’ For A Reason – Portland, ME
Portland’s edition of the now very popular ‘polar plunges’. People get into the freezing water and help a charity by doing so. Better than running a 10k marathon under the desert sun, I suppose. Freezin' For A Reason - Portland, MEEast End Beach Portland, ME, .
Murder Mystery at The Governor’s Inn
Why are Gonzo’s hands covered in blood? Be a part of a very intriguing musical evening. This year, the Mystery Dinner is also a tribute to the Muppets Show! All Fridays-Saturdays 6:30pm until March 23. Murder Mystery at The Governor's Inn Rochester, NH, .
Wolfeboro Winter Carnival
The typical Winter Carnival: bonfires, dogs sled races and curling. Good ol’ snowy fun. Wolfeboro Winter CarnivalAbenaki Ski Area Wolfeboro, NH, .
Lyndon/Burke Snowflake Festival
A torchlight parade, a snowmobile race, and quilts… Lyndon/Burke Snowflake Festivalvarious locations in Lyndonville and Burke Burke, VT, .
Magic Hat Mardi Gras Weekend + Parade
This Mardi Gras celebration is a super fun fundraiser with tons of hats, floats, a parade and other great activities for everyone! Families are welcome so ou don’t have to worry about anybody flashing grandma. Magic Hat Mardi Gras Weekend + ParadeDowntown Burlington Burlington, VT, .
Killington Winter Pride Festival
Some celebrate Mardi Gras this weekend but Killington’s throwing their second Winter PRIDE weekend, an LGBT event with on and off the snow activities to have a fabulous time! Killington Winter Pride FestivalKillington Resort, 4763 Killington Road, Killington, VT, .
Ben & Jerry’s Winter Festival
Ben & Jerry’s now traditional Winter Festival includes free ice cream, tours and indoor activities. Admission is free. Ben & Jerry's Winter Festival Waterbury, VT, .
Ben and Jerry’s Winter Festival
Ben & Jerry’s headquarters are located in Vermont and they offer some pretty cool tours inside them. Who’d have known? I can’t tell if it’s anything like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but it’s still worth giving it a try, if anything for the delicious ice cream. 11-4pm. Ben and Jerry's Winter FestivalBen & Jerry’s Factory Waterbury, VT, .
Cardboard Box Race
Ready… Set… GO! Build your own boxcar racer and hit the slope! If you don’t win, there’s still BBQ for everyone else afterwards. Cardboard Box RaceNortheast Slopes East Corinth, VT, .
Mountain Mardi Gras
Why have just a parade when you can celebrate Mardi Gras for an entire week? This resort will have different fun activities like making your own silly hat and twisting baloons but they’ll also offer a wide variety of super yummy food in case you’re just interested in relaxing while wearing a party hat. Mountain Mardi GrasJay Peak Resort, 830 Jay Peak Rd, Jay, VT, .