Also involving real robots, here’s another competition! MIT Room 26-100Cambridge, MA, –.more
New Years Day Walk
Not sure why they’re still calling this a ‘New Year’s Day’ walk, even though it’s on the 5th! But it’s a conveniently located place for a nice jaunt. Go out and get some exercise. Boston, MA, .more
Acton, Winter Carnival at NARA Park
This one’s in Acton, with a cardboard sled race, human sled dog race, snowball toss, model rocket launches, snowball toss competition, and a lot more. 12-4pm. NARA ParkAll Over, , .more
Quadrantids Meteor Shower
Meteor showers aren’t always easy to see, but this one should be great! Go someplace without any city lights, like a large field or lake, and bring someone you can chat with while waiting, because the Quadtrantids are unpredictable. All Over, , –.more
Christmas Tree Bonfire
Salem’s residents will burn their holiday trees in a huge bonfire. It will smell great and the pine sap tends to pop! 6:30pm. Dead Horse Beach at Salem WillowsSalem, MA, .more
Moby Dick – The Marathon
Here’s a gem. People gather and listen to a nonstop reading of Herman Melville’s classic, Moby Dick. It takes 25 hours and there is a buffer and lecture beforehand. New Bedford Whaling MuseumNew Bedford, MA, –.more
Giveaways & Features
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
Get the 2013 New England Guide
Mention my website to friends and get my 2013 New England Guide, with 700 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
Boston’s Largest High-Tech / Business Calendar
Do you network? Find Boston’s largest calendar of high-tech and business networking events in my free mobile app! Boston, MA, –.more
Also Fun
Fetes De Rois (Feast of the Kings)
This centuries old French tradition is basically a party for kids, and they’ll have a cake and lots of French culture. There’s limited space, so RSVP. 1:30-3:30pm. The French Library and Cultural CenterBoston, MA, .more
‘Objectified’ Opening Night Reception
Over 100 artist alumni from Lesley’s MFA program display their work in this popular annual show. Tonight is the opening reception, from 6-9. Brattle CampusCambridge, MA, .more
The Tin Drum
One of the best, most bizarre films you’ve never seen. Check out the Palme D’or and Oscar winner in a newly restored version with 20 minutes of excised material this weekend at the Brattle. 8pm. The Brattle TheatreCambridge, MA, .more
Drawn to Nature
Are you a nature lover who also loves art? This week a four-part class teaches you the basics of drawing wildlife or helps you brush up. 1-4pm. Ipswich River WildlifeTopsfield, MA, –.more
Open call to artists!
Hey, Rhode Island artists! Want to be featured in a gallery? This one is having an open call this weekend. Check out their website to see if your work meets their criteria. Hope GalleryBristol, RI, –.more
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. Providence, RI, –.more
First Birds of 2013
Get a jump on your bird watching this new year at the Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary between 8 and 10am today. NB: Pre-registration is required. Marshfield, MA, .more
Haitian Independence Day Gala
This is a classy sit-down gala with serious keynote speakers and awards. Lombardo’sRandolph, MA, .more
REI: Introduction to Snowshoeing
I really want to go snowshoeing! I’ve never tried it. And I guess I won’t this week, since there won’t be any snow. But you can learn animal tracking. 10am-2pm. Notchview ParkWorcester, MA, .more
Build Your Own Monster Puppet at Puppet Showplace
Puppets don’t get enough love. They’re not just for kids, you know! This intro class for adults will teach you how to make your very own moving-mouth puppet with rod arms, like the ones on the Muppet Show. The Puppet Showplace TheatreBrookline, MA, –.more
Performance
33 Variations
If you’re a classical music enthusiast, this is the play you can’t miss. The Lyric Stage CompanyBoston, MA, –.more
A Revels Twelfth Night Celebration @ Watertown, MA
Are you sad that Christmas is over? It isn’t quite yet! Join the dancing and singing, make crafts, and they’ll have Mumming and sword dancing too. Note: Looks like the 2013 show is sold out! You can always call last minute to see if there are a few stray tickets or cancellations. ChurchWellesley, MA, .more
Invisible Man
. The BU Theatre on Huntington AvenueBoston, MA, –.more
Marry Me a Little
As far as musical theatre goes, Stephen Sondheim probably has the best pedigree. His compositions are complex and challenging and his plays are exciting and memorable- even for people who don’t like most musicals. So check this one out! Looks promising. New Repertory TheatreWatertown, MA, –.more
Beauty and the Beast
The popular Broadway musical comes to Worcester for one day only. Performances at 1 and 6:30pm. The Hanover TheatreWorcester, MA, .more
Performance`
Spank: A 50 Shades of Grey Parody
When it comes to 50 Shades of Grey, I guess the joke isn’t over: Here’s a whole parody about it. Looks promising! The Wilbur TheatreBoston, MA, –.more
Travel
Please support Johnny’s Big Diet
I’m employing peer pressure to help me with a new diet, but nobody’s written me lately. In early December I held steady and lately I’ve been gaining weight. All Over, , –.more
Free First Saturday at Lyman Allyn Art Museum
This children’s event features a Dinosaur-scultping workshop to coincide with their current paleontology-meets-art exhibit. They’re also showing Jurassic Park today. Lyman Allyn Art MuseumNewburyport, MA, .more
Westbrook Winter Festival
Pretty much exactly what you’d expect: Dog sleds, sleigh rides, ice sculptures, food, winter sports, and more. Westbrook, ME, –.more
