Events INSIDER: March 17-25, 2014

03/16/14 by
Giveaways & Features
Win: MRT presents ‘Talley’s Folly’
The Pulitzer Prize-Winning American Classic! I’ve got 2 pairs of tix to giveaway, one pair each for 3/30 and 4/6. Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win; click for our review on 3/25. Win: MRT presents 'Talley's Folly'MRT Theatre, 50 East Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA, –.
Win: Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
It’s the story of America’s first political maverick. I’ve got 2 pairs of tix to giveaway. Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win; click for our review on 3/22. Win: Bloody Bloody Andrew JacksonEmerson Umbrella Center for the Arts Concord, MA, –.
Johnny’s Picks
Nowruz, the Persian New Year
There are plenty of Chinese New Year celebrations and not enough Persian (Iranian) events. This is a culture worth knowing. 10-4:30pm. Nowruz, the Persian New YearMuseum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, .
VERICON
Harvard’s geek convention, that should be enough to grab your attention but if you need more info about the event: There will be a few LARPs, conferences, a Smash Bros tournament and much more! VERICONSever Hall, Harvard University Cambridge, MA, –.
Evacuation Day Ceremony (Revolutionary War)
During the American War of Independence, the British loyalists — mainly rich Bostonians — were pushed into Boston proper and then fled for Britain in boat. That’s ‘Evacuation Day’ and this event in Dorchester is a re-enactment. There will be singing, a musket firing demo, a proclamation by local politicians, and ranger tours. 9 am. Evacuation Day Ceremony (Revolutionary War)Dorchester Heights National Monument Roxbury, MA, .
MFAs Opening Day of ‘Permission To Be Global/ Prcticas Globales’
Massive Latin American art display at the Museum of Fine Arts; this is the opening party. 5-9:45pm. MFAs Opening Day of 'Permission To Be Global/ Prcticas Globales'MFA Boston, MA, .
Greenberg Toy and Train Show – Spring
Hey, is March also the month of Model Shows? This one looks pretty cool too. Greenberg Toy and Train Show - SpringShriner’s Auditorium Wilmington, MA, –.
New Hampshire Maple Weekend
There are 65 sugar houses in New Hampshire, and they’re joining in a festival that includes an obstacle course, tours, and tastings! It’s all over the state, but the central parade is in North Woodstock. New Hampshire Maple WeekendStatewide Woodstock, NH, –.
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, , –.
St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day Weekend
There’s an event marked as all-day-long but no details so we’re thinking it’s a parade or street fair? St. Patrick's Day WeekendAll over town Provincetown, MA, –.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Greenwich, CT
More (late) St. Patrick’s Day celebrations! 2pm. St. Patrick's Day Parade - Greenwich, CTTown Hall Greenwich, CT, .
Mystic Irish Parade
Here’s a big Irish parade in case you missed the major ones. Parade 1pm. Mystic Irish ParadeMystic Seaport to Water Street Mystic, CT, .
Bath Blarney Days
You can thank Maine for the majority of those ‘Kiss Me, I’m Irish’ shirts and one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades. 10:30 am. Bath Blarney DaysVarious venues in Portland and Bath Bath, ME, –.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Portland, ME
This is for the people in Maine or anyone who wants to drive up North to not run into people they know when they’re drunk chasing children they’ve mistaken for leprechauns. 10:30 AM. St. Patrick's Day Parade - Portland, MECommercial Street from the Fish Pier to the State Pier Portland, ME, .
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Longfellow’s Wayside Inn!
Irish food and music, in case you’re not feeling festive enough for a parade. St. Patrick's Day Celebration at Longfellow's Wayside Inn! Sudbury, MA, .
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Road Race – Holyoke, MA
In Holyoke they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a Road Race, a great way to get in the mood for their parade the day after. Clever guys! St. Patrick's Day Parade and Road Race - Holyoke, MAKMart Plaza Holyoke, MA, –.
Mount Snow St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
If you find the hidden pot of gold you get free tickets for a year! Mount Snow St. Patrick's Day CelebrationMount Snow West Dover, VT, .
Also Fun
The Great American Meat Out
These guys are really serious about eating their vegetables and they want you to join their anti-meat forces. There will be several events before March 20th to educate people and convince them to go vegan. The Great American Meat OutVarious Places All Over, , .
Forty Shades of Green: Celebrating Ireland & Irish Culture
March is the month o the Irish but you don’t have to travel to Ireland to dive into their culture. This fenomenal traditional art exhibition includes photography, painting, sculpture, craft, and audiovisual installations A public reception for the show will be held Sunday, March 16 from 1pm to 4pm, featuring live Irish music and refreshments. Forty Shades of Green: Celebrating Ireland & Irish CultureLichtenstein Center for the Arts Pittsfield, MA, –.
Bay State Winter Games
The last bit of Winter sports before the snow goes away. Bay State Winter Games Woburn, MA, –.
Boston Restaurant Week – Winter
I wouldn’t call it an event as it is an excuse to go live the foodie life for a week. Just remember that even with their special offers and discounts, most of these restaurants aren’t exactly cheap. Boston Restaurant Week - WinterVarious Locations Boston, MA, –.
Free Film Fridays
Enjoy the IMAX experience for free! Each Friday in March (7, 14, 21, and 28). Free Film FridaysMuseum of Science Boston, MA, –.
Boston Turkish Film Festival
19 films, some of them screened for the first time, and Turkish music are just a part of the 12th anniversary of this now traditional Film Fest. Boston Turkish Film FestivalMuseum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, –.
Anime Boston
This year’s there is Magic & Mischief — the program is not available yet but it’s probably going to be as good as the previous years. Anime BostonHynes Convention Center Boston, MA, –.
Vinfen’s Film Festival
A mini festival of films and documentaries about brain injuries. 9am-5pm. Vinfen's Film FestivalJoseph B. Martin Conference Center, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, .
Season V: Club Passim — semifinals
Finals are just around the corner; have you been following MassMouth’s events this season? Season V: Club Passim -- semifinalsClub Passim, 47 Palmer Street, Cambridge, MA, .
Harvard Intercollegiate Kendo Tournament
Kendo is the closest we have to lightsaber fighting and it is so awesome it makes you not even think about lightsabers anymore. Harvard Intercollegiate Kendo TournamentMAC Mezzanine, Harvard University Cambridge, MA, –.
Season V: Ryles — Audience Choice Semifinals
The audience pick their favorites in this MassMouth’s semifinals gig. Season V: Ryles -- Audience Choice SemifinalsRyles Jazz Club, 212 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA, .
Taste Quincy Restaurant Week
Another week of food goodness! Yumm! Taste Quincy Restaurant WeekVarious Establishments in Quincy Quincy, MA, –.
What Once We Felt
Science-fiction meets drama and an ever human struggle. This play sounds equally profound as exciting. What Once We FeltThe Davis Square Theatre Somerville, MA, –.
Bound Together by Athena Moore
OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday, March 8, 7-10pm. Bound Together by Athena MooreWashington St Gallery Somerville, MA, –.
Irish Film Festival
There’s an Irish celebration for pretty much everyone and this is for film lovers: been to this one and was really impressed by the selections, which come with social afterparties and plenty of celebrity and director Q&As. Irish Film FestivalSomerville Theatre Somerville, MA, –.
Art on the Marquee – Opening Reception
Time to renew the art displayed on the Marquee and this is the opening party! 6-8pm. Art on the Marquee - Opening ReceptionBoston Convention & Exhibition Center Boston, MA, .
Franklin Park History Tour
Now that the park isn’t crowded is the best time to appreciate its architectural features. Join Frederick Law Olmsted in a historical walk through this beautiful park and learn the story behind it. Franklin Park History TourFranklin Park Shattuck Picnic Grove, Forest Hills Drive & Jewish War Veterans Memorial Hwy, Boston, MA, .
‘Witness’ a Concert in the Dark
Ooh, you have to be blindfolded for the duration of the concert — I’ve heard that enhaces your other senses, like taste and hearing. Sounds like a cool experience. 8pm. 'Witness' a Concert in the DarkGallery 263, 263 Pearl Street, Cambridge, MA, .
‘I Can’t Stop’ Solo Exhibition of Brenton Barnes
Instead of an opening, they’ll celebrate the end of this great art exhibit with live music, a comedian and of course, the works of Brenton Barnes. 3-5pm. 'I Can't Stop' Solo Exhibition of Brenton BarnesThe Middle East Cambridge, MA, .
The Saxyderms
Sax is sexy and if you still need proof here’s a wonderful band that will clear all your doubts. The SaxydermsLily Pad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Sq., Cambridge, MA, .
Mark Twain Takes Washington
Did you know Mark Twain had a love/hate relationship with Washington, D.C? What can his writings tell us about the time and politics of his time (and even ours)? Historian and journalist John Muller guides the way. 7pm. Mark Twain Takes WashingtonMark Twain House & Museum Hartford, CT, .
Taste of Metrowest
This is simple: Over 60 exhibitors will serve traditional or ethnic dishes and you get to vote for the best in different categories. I advice you to go on an empty stomach and wear extra comfy pants that day. 5-8 pm. Taste of MetrowestSheraton Framingham Hotel Framingham, MA, .
King Pine Cardboard Box Derby
This cardboard race is specially cool because you pick your own theme and even the music you want to play when your racer is going downhill! 12pm. King Pine Cardboard Box DerbyKing Pine Purity Spring Resort, 1251 Eaton Rd, Madison, NH, .
March Maple Madness
Ah, they call it what it really is. March arrives and everyone up here goes bonkers over Maple. But really, how could we resist such a delicious treat? March Maple MadnessMount Washington Valley All Over, , .
Danvers Pancake Festival
It doesn’t say if it’s an ‘all-you-can-eat’ pancake festival, but they’ll probably have lots of yummy stuff to top your pancakes. It’s a fundraiser too, so you can eat without guilt. 7am-1pm. Danvers Pancake FestivalDanvers High School Danvers, MA, .
Creature Features: Live Animal Presentations
This is a guided tour at night to discover wild animals. 5-7pm. Creature Features: Live Animal PresentationsRavenswood Park Gloucester, MA, .
The Boston Tea Party – Swing Dance Festival
Interesting name for a swing dance festival that has no tea and no politics. Check out their over 80 workshops. 2014:. The Boston Tea Party - Swing Dance FestivalMarriott Hotel Newton, MA, –.
Spring Restaurant Week
Salem holds its restaurant week at the same time as Boston. Spring Restaurant Weekvarious locations Salem, MA, –.
Fort Adams’ Tour the Fortress
12-2pm. Fort Adams' Tour the Fortress Newport, RI, –.
Performance
Bully Dance by David Valdes Greenwood
This play sounds strangely fascinating. There’s tragedy, a crime to solve, and the search for forgiveness – pretty intense, huh? Bully Dance by David Valdes GreenwoodBoston Playwrights’ Theatre Boston, MA, –.
Kirsten Knisely’s Soul Mates
Do you believe in soul mates? This play explores 9 different vignettes surrounding love and this very romanticized concept. Kirsten Knisely's Soul MatesThe Plaza Black Box Theater Boston, MA, –.
Bridge Repertory Theater – Hello Again
Hello Again follows ten different characters as they weave through ten different intimate encounters, each one set in a different decade of the 20th century. Bridge Repertory Theater - Hello AgainBoston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St., Boston, MA, –.
Review: Kirsten Knisely’s Soul Mates
click for our review on 3/10. Review: Kirsten Knisely's Soul MatesThe Plaza Black Box Theater, 527 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, –.
The Whale
With his health failing, Charlie makes one last desperate attempt to connect with his estranged teenage daughter in this big-hearted, humorous, and emotionally wrenching play. The WhaleCalderwood Pavilion at the BCA Boston, MA, –.
Deconstructing Beatles’ White Album at the Coolidge
7pm. Deconstructing Beatles' White Album at the CoolidgeCoolidge Corner Theatre Brookline, MA, .
PuppetSLAM: International Edition
PuppetSLAM means you get the puppeteer! Mwahaha! This is the International Edition of the show – does it mean we get the puppets to curse in German? 8pm. It’s PG-13 or R-rated. PuppetSLAM: International EditionPuppet Showplace Theatre Brookline, 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, –.
Revels Spring Sing
Seeing the Revels perform is just magical; everyone in the audience is smiling all the time and their tunes are fantastic. So welcome Spring with their classy selection of traditional music. 2:30pm. Revels Spring SingGrace Vision Church (formerly St. John’s), 80 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA, .
Review: Cinderella
Here’s our review for ‘Cinderella’, as presented by the Boston Ballet Company. Review: Cinderella Boston, MA, .
Travel
Hartford Jewish Film Festival
This festival features creations of Jewish New Englanders and portraits several aspects of the Jewish community, now and throughout history. Hartford Jewish Film FestivalVarious venues Hartford, CT, –.
Cinderella
The all time classic presented by the Russian National Ballet Theatre. Over 50 dancers on stage! 2 & 8pm. CinderellaShubert Theater, 247 College St, New Haven, CT, .
Patterson & Gillette Exhibits Gallery
Here’s the opening reception to this brilliant exhibition with works by Michael Patterson and Bryn Gillete, who gives us a different perspective on what life is like in Haiti nowadays. The exhibition will only be up for a week. RSVP for this one. 5:30pm. Patterson & Gillette Exhibits GalleryGallery @287 Danbury, CT, –.
Maine Maple Sunday
Just a special date when most Maine sugar houses open their doors to the public. Maine Maple SundayStatewide All Over, , .
Maple Syrup Festival and Irish Celebration
Okay, St. Patrick’s Day has passed already BUT it’s still the month of the Irish – here’s a mashup of two celebrations: maple sugaring with Irish music and food ;). Maple Syrup Festival and Irish CelebrationCurran Homestead Living History Farm and Museum Orrington, ME, .
Owls Head Midcoast Model Festival
Engines, cars, planes and trains – from boxes or entirely hand-crafted. This is a big and exciting model show. Owls Head Midcoast Model FestivalOwls Head Transportation Museum Owls Head, ME, –.
Maine Jewish Film Festival
‘You don’t have to be Jewish to love this films’ and they’re right! Check out their ‘Hitler and Hollywoood’ conference. Maine Jewish Film FestivalVarious locations Portland, ME, –.
Saddleback Cardboard Box Race
Create your own ride using only cardboard and duct tape! Original designs are always encouraged and this year’s theme is SUPERHEROES! Saddleback Cardboard Box RaceSaddleback Maine Ski Resort, 976 Saddleback Mountain Rd, Rangeley, ME, .
Maple Festival
Here’s a week long celebration of all things maple! From tastings to the making process, this town that supposedly produces more maple than any other celebrates like no other. Maple Festivalvarious locations Skowhegan, 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, –.
Life is good NOR’BEASTER Festival
Another festival to kiss the Winter good-bye. Lifts are 10% off and there’ll be live music playing all day long. Life is good NOR'BEASTER FestivalResort-wide Killington, VT, .
Lunenburg Maple Festival
This festival will be held at a school and they’ll have a little exhibition on the whole sugaring process and a quilt workshop! 8am-4pm. Lunenburg Maple FestivalLunenburg Primary School Lunenburg, VT, .
Green Mountain Film Festival
The idea of this documentary and film festival is to fuel discussions afterwards. Social and historial issues are usually presented. So, if you’re opinionated — this is the place. Green Mountain Film Festival Montpelier, VT, –.
Whitingham Vermont Maple Festival
Whitingham is a very important sugaring town. Learn the process and ‘magic’ of sugaring in all or any of their open sugaring houses. Whitingham Vermont Maple FestivalAll Over Whitingham town Whitingham, VT, –.
Bromley Mountain Rando Race
Rando @ short for randonne @ ski racing hearkens back to skiing’s early years, when skiers challenged the mountain both up and down, without the help of chairlifts – sounds like a whole lot of effort and a whole lotta fun. Bromley Mountain Rando RaceBromley Mountain Winhall, VT, .
Shamrock Scavenger Hunt and Aprs-ski Party
Find one of the shamrocks and get a bag full of cool prizes! There will also be live Irish music. Shamrock Scavenger Hunt and Aprs-ski PartyOkemo Mountain Resort Ludlow, VT, .
Poultney Maplefest 5k
Well I’m glad not all Maplefest events are just eating pancakes. This is a 5k run & walk. Poultney Maplefest 5kBehind Highschool Furnace St. Poultney, VT, .