Events INSIDER: March 17-24, 2015

03/17/15 by
Johnnys Picks
The Persian New Year Festival
There are plenty of Chinese New Year celebrations and not enough Persian (Iranian) events. This is a culture worth knowing. The Persian New Year FestivalMuseum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, .
Cupid Splash
You get into the water dressed like Cupid (although I think thats optional…) and raise money to save our beloved beaches. Just make sure your wings are waterproof. Cupid Splash Boston, MA, .
GrubStreet Launch Lab: Family and Friends; Expect the Unexpected
Three authors, three interesting new books. Join David Marshall Hunt, Alice Locicero, and Lori Reisenbichler as they share their work that ranges from imaginary friends to terrorism. GrubStreet Launch Lab: Family and Friends; Expect the UnexpectedHarvard Book Store Cambridge, MA, .
Vericon
Video games, board games, even a masquerade ball. This convention is all sci-fi and fantasy and features special guests all weekend long. VericonSever Hall Cambridge, 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 - SpringShriners Auditorium Wilmington, MA, –.
Balkan Music Night & Belly Dance Extravaganza
The wonderful Klezwoods, among other local groups, will take the stage for Balkan Music Night! This features Balkan music, obviously, but also a lot of bellydancers. Join them and dance or just admire the way they can move, because damn, its hard. Balkan Music Night & Belly Dance Extravaganza Concord, MA, .
Winterfest Weekends at Fruitlands Museum
The Fruitlands museum, Candy Lands healthier, slimmer, cousin, has a slope called the OMG Hill during its Winterfest festival! I mean, its not really a festival if it lasts until spring, but theyll have bonfires, sledding, ice skating, and snowshoeing, every weekend. It would be a good idea to call ahead, since there may be last-minute cancellations due to the weather. Winterfest Weekends at Fruitlands MuseumFruitlands Museum Harvard, MA, –.
Torchlight Parade & Fireworks
Torchlight Parade & Fireworks. Torchlight Parade & FireworksGates Intermediate School Scituate, MA, .
Easter Egg Hunts
Easter Egg Extravaganza – Maine
Hey, this Easter Egg Hunt has a parade! Will there be bunny marching and playing the trumpet? Doubtful, but it still looks like a lot of fun. Easter Egg Extravaganza - MaineLoranger Middle School Old Orchard Beach, ME, .
Eggciting Egg Hunt
Never had I seen an Egg Hunt where they offer over 75k in prizes. Guess it makes all the other Egg Hunts look kinda cheap! Eggciting Egg Hunt Candia, NH, –.
Saint Patrick’s Day
Mystic Irish 5k
Organizers are holding their first ever 5k before this established parade. Mystic Irish 5k Mystic, CT, .
St. Patricks Day Parade – Mystic, CT
Mystic also celebrates St. Patricks day a few days later. This parade is the most renowned in Eastern CT. St. Patricks Day Parade - Mystic, CT Mystic, CT, .
St. Patricks Day Parade – Greenwich, CT
More St. Patricks Day celebrations! St. Patricks Day Parade - Greenwich, CT Greenwich, CT, .
St. Patricks Day Parade – Meriden, CT
Another Parade for late celebrators. Dont forget to bring a canned good to this one. St. Patricks Day Parade - Meriden, CT Meriden, CT, .
St. Pats Race – Providence, RI
Another St. Pattys race followed by the traditional parade. St. Pats Race - Providence, RIRhode Island State House Providence, RI, .
St. Pats Parade – Providence, RI
A St. Patricks parade preceded by a 5k. St. Pats Parade - Providence, RIRhode Island State House Providence, RI, .
St. Patricks Day Parade – Abington
Not much info on this one, but I guess you can expect the usual. St. Patricks Day Parade - AbingtonAbington Center Abington, MA, .
St. Patricks Day Parade and Road Race – Holyoke, MA
In Holyoke they celebrate St. Patricks Day with a Road Race that looks like a lot of fun. It might also help you get in shape for their parade the day after. Clever guys! St. Patricks Day Parade and Road Race - Holyoke, MAKMart Plaza Holyoke, MA, .
St. Patricks Day Parade – Bennington, VT
Another St. Ps parade – this ones at 1pm. St. Patricks Day Parade - Bennington, VT Bennington, VT, .
Also Fun
Discussion Panel: Arts & Social Engagement
Discussion Panel: Arts & Social Engagement. Discussion Panel: Arts & Social EngagementCollege of Fine Arts Concert Hall Boston, MA, .
WAM! Boston Film Festival
A film festival with the work of women or about women. There will also be Q&As and a lot of feminists, though you certainly dont need to be a female to attend. WAM! Boston Film FestivalBrattle Theatre Cambridge, MA, .
UHF at Coolidge Center After Midnight
A classic Weird Al flick at Coolidge Corner Theatre, this sounds like a foolproof plan for fun. UHF at Coolidge Center After Midnight Brookline, MA, –.
The Boston Tea Party – Swing Dance Festival
Interesting name for a swing dance festival that has no tea and no politics. The Boston Tea Party - Swing Dance FestivalMarriott Hotel Newton, MA, –.
Boston Turkish Film Festival
23 films, some of them screened for the first time, and Turkish music are just a part of the 14th anniversary of this now traditional Film Fest. Boston Turkish Film FestivalMuseum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, –.
Maple Sugaring Festival
Maple sugaring with colonial characters in costumes, plus everyone gets to taste the final product. Its a great time of year to be in New England. Maple Sugaring FestivalMoose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary Sharon, MA, –.
Design week
Design is everywhere from the clothes on our bodies to our workplaces. Celebrate the art form that ranges from architecture to jewelry. Design week Boston, MA, –.
Irish Film Festival Boston
The Irish Film Festival returns! Ive been and was really impressed by the selections, which come with social afterparties and plenty of celebrity and director Q&As. Irish Film Festival BostonSomerville Theatre Somerville, MA, –.
Craftboston Spring
Craftboston features both showing and shopping in the beautiful Cyclorama. Meet the artists behind the work you want to buy. Craftboston SpringThe Cyclorama at The Boston Center for the Arts Boston, MA, –.
Harvard Intercollegiate Kendo Tournament
Kendo is the closest thing 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, –.
Free Film Fridays at Museum of Science
All IMAX films in the Mugar Omni Theater each Friday in March (6, 13, 20, and 27) are free! Free Film Fridays at Museum of ScienceMuseum of Science Boston, MA, –.
Fly Tying event
A free day of fly tying demos at the Wayside Inn, with lots of other experts on hand to talk about rods, fish, insects and more. Fly Tying eventLongfellows Wayside Inn Sudbury, MA, .
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. Taste of MetrowestSheraton Framingham Hotel Framingham, MA, .
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 afternoon of treats and scavenger hunting? March Maple MadnessMount Washington Valley North Conway, NH, .
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! King Pine Cardboard Box DerbyKing Pine Ski Area Madison, NH, .
Retro 80s Day and Old School Duel
Retro 80s Day at Cannon Mtn gives you an excuse to dress up while you do you best ski tricks. Retro 80s Day and Old School DuelSkiNH Lincoln, NH, .
Cardboard Box Race
A race down Loon Mtn in a cardboard box of your own design. Artistic and athletic! Cardboard Box RaceLoon Mountain Lincoln, MA, .
Governors Cup
Race your family and friends down Loon Mountain for end of season bragging rights and a chance to win the Governors Cup. Governors CupLoon Mountain Lincoln, MA, .
Chip Gilroy T-Shirt Race
Another ski race for a noble cause. Go enjoy the last of ski season. Chip Gilroy T-Shirt RaceSkiNH Lincoln, NH, .
Creature Feature: Amphibians at Ravenswood Park
This is a guided tour at night to discover wild animals. Its a lot of fun for the kids and also for adults; Ive been there and its fantastic. This edition includes a nighttime hike to a vernal pool. Creature Feature: Amphibians at Ravenswood ParkRavenswood Park Gloucester, MA, .
Artopia
Celebrate Salems local art scene with films, dance, music, impromptu sketching and more. Salem residents (with ID) and museum members can even go for free. ArtopiaPeabody Essex Museum Salem, MA, .
Salem Spring Restaurant Week
Restaurant Weeks are happening everywhere, and Salem isnt one to be left out. Salem Spring Restaurant Week Salem, MA, –.
Spring Bulb Show
Get the spring feeling blossoming early with Smiths Bulb Show. Spring Bulb ShowLyman Conservatory Northampton, MA, –.
Closing Party and Pond Skim at Wachusett Mtn
Snow is slowly melting away and while this makes a lot of us happy, some arent willing to let it go so easy. Guys in wacky costumes will try to make it across a pond with their skiis on. Sure, its great when they make it, but its so much better when they fail. Closing Party and Pond Skim at Wachusett MtnWachusett Mountain Ski Area Princeton, MA, .
Performance
ICCA Semi Finals
If you love a capella music or have watched Pitch Perfect one too many times check this out. Its the very best of New England brought together to one concert. ICCA Semi FinalsKresge Auditorium, MIT Cambridge, MA, .
Revels Spring Sing
Spring makes you wanna sing? The Revels are a professional group that allow the community to sing along at some of their shows. This event is meant for the whole family to enjoy. Revels Spring SingGrace Vision Church Watertown, MA, .
PuppetSLAM
Heres a puppet show meant for adults! Take over the stage and feela bit like Lemony Snicket controlling these wondeful and innocent puppets at your will. PuppetSLAM Brookline, MA, .
Newfest: On My Honor
Newfest is a month long celebration of creativity at Emerson College. This years winning play, On My Honor, is all about the dark side of Girl Scouting. Newfest: On My Honor Boston, MA, –.
Stave Sessions
Stave Sessions is not just one performance, but an entire week of genre-bending emerging artists. Bossa nova, throat singing… even good old pop music is on the schedule for your listening pleasure. Stave Sessions Boston, MA, –.
Grounded
Grounded. GroundedCentral Square Theatre Cambridge, MA, –.
Big Fish
Based on the movie of the same name, Big Fish takes audiences on a seemingly larger-than-life tale as a former salesmans son takes off to duplicate his fathers life adventures. Speakeasy is sure to deliver a vivid and human production. Big FishWimberly Theatre Boston, MA, –.
The Turn of the Screw
The Turn of the Screw is a traveling production based on a Henry James ghost story of the same name. Follow Newton Nomadic Theaters production through an assortment of shops, villages, pubs and homes as the show occurs in a different place each weekend. The Turn of the ScrewNewton Nomadic Theater Newton, MA, –.
The Amish Project
This show is uplifting (promise) despite being inspired by a 2006 shooting at an Amish school. Just one actress takes on all seven characters, which is impressive. The Amish ProjectBlack Box Theater Watertown, MA, –.
The Muse & Morros
Unforgettable stories from experiences across America. The storytelling of Ric Salinas, Herbert Siguenza, and Richard Montoya is gritty and enjoyable. The Muse & MorrosThe Jackie Liebergott Black Box Boston, MA, –.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Alvin Ailey American Dance TheaterWilliam H. Mortensen Hall Hartford, CT, .
Rhythm in the Night Irish Dance
Created by a former Lord of the Dance performer, this Irish dance extravaganza will let you keep celebrating St. Patricks Day just a smidge longer. Rhythm in the Night Irish DanceRochester Opera House Rochester, NH, .
Travel
Leprechaun Leap
I guess if youre going to get into the icy water, nows probably a better time than last month. This plunge supports the Literacy Center of Milford. Leprechaun Leap Milford, CT, .
Playing with Food 3
The Hartford Symphony Orchestra accompanied by live cooking. Thats a combination you dont see all the time! Playing with Food 3William H. Mortensen Hall Hartford, CT, .
4B Fest
Bourbon, bacon, beer, barbeque represent the 4Bs featured in the name of this festival. Besides the massive amounts of sampling, live bands and judged competitions will happen throughout the day. 4B FestThe Old Swimsuit Factory New Haven, CT, .
Spring Flower Show at Elizabeth Park
Elizabeth Park, the third largest in America, has over 80 types of roses waiting for your visit. Its great that a bunch of people work really hard to keep this 2.1 acre public space alive. Spring Flower Show at Elizabeth ParkElizabeth Park Hartford, CT, –.
Maine Maple Sunday
Maple Sunday is an exciting day for Mainers. Celebrate all things syrup on the fourth Sunday in March. Maine Maple Sunday Searsmont, ME, .
Eat the Heat Chili Cookoff & Firefighters Race
Teams of firefighters in full gear with a fire hose will race down the mountain, followed by a chilil cook off featuring all types of the spicy substance. Eat the Heat Chili Cookoff & Firefighters Race Newry, ME, .
Cardboard Box Race
Ha! This cardboard race is nursery rhyme themed! Hopefully you fare better than Humpty Dumpty… Cardboard Box Race Rangeley, ME, .
Maine Ski-A-Thon
This Ski-A-Thon at Sunday River raises 70% of the operating budget for Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation. Impressive! Maine Ski-A-ThonSunday River Newry, ME, .
Maine Jewish Film Festival
A highlight of this festival is the restored silent film The Golem featuring live accompaniment by an organist extraordinaire. Maine Jewish Film Festival Portland, ME, –.
Maple Museum Grand Opening
Get some insight into one familys maple sugaring history. The added incentive is the free sugar on snow and maple pizza! Maple Museum Grand Opening Waterbury Center, VT, .
Cabot Maple Fest
You can probably guess what Maple Fest entails, but we promise it will still be fun. Cabot Maple FestCabot School Cabot, VT, .
Spring Fling
Celebrate the official start of spring with pond skimming, a duct tape derby, even some rides! Spring FlingBromley Mountain Peru, VT, .
Bromley Rando Race
Rando is this context means both asending and descending a mountain while on skis. This race is not for the (literally) weak. Bromley Rando RaceBromley Mountain Peru, VT, .
Green Mountain Film Festival
Nine days of films, old and new, discussions with directors and more. Green Mountain Film Festival Montpelier, VT, –.
24 Hours of Stratton
Ski as much as youd like from noon on Saturday through noon on Sunday while raising money for a variety of worthy causes. 24 Hours of Stratton Stratton Mountain, VT, –.
Womens Film Festival
Only four women have ever been nominated for a Best Directing oscar, and thats not gender balanced. Attend this womens film festival and get yourself energized. Womens Film FestivalNEYT Brattleboro, VT, –.

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.