Events INSIDER Nov 24 – Dec 2, 2014
11/24/14 by
Johnny Monsarrat
Johnny’s Picks
Friday After Thanksgiving Chain Reaction
I’ve seen this and it was surprisingly good for an amateur competition! Hobbyists build elaborately complicated machines called Rube Goldberg devices. That’s when the candle heats the air going into the balloon, which bursts, surprising the bird who tips over a bucket, sending water onto a cat, who yowls and pulls a string, releasing a bowling ball to roll.. you get the idea. Register to join in, or show up close to the end to watch. 1pm. Cambridge, MA, .more
Sing-a-Long Mary Poppins
I love events that are participatory. Here’s another. Mary Poppins, the classic musical, is being shown in Arlington along with printed lyrics so you can sing along. There’s also a ‘march along’ and ‘play along’ to ensure the most interactive moviegoing expierence since that time you threw popcorn at the ending of The Dark Knight Rises . Pick your day. Arlington, MA, –.more
Nantucket Cold Turkey Plunge
And here’s the worst exercise possible. There’s nothing like exposing your body to extremes to break down your health. Insane people will be dipping into the ocean at Nantucket Island and running right back out! Apparently it benefits charity. Vice President Biden usually comes to Nantucket for Thanksgiving and usually attends! 10am. Nantucket, MA, .more
Lowell City of Lights Parade and Holiday Art Stroll
And Lowell has a parade too! Various merchants and museums will be open — these events are typically driven by the chamber of commerce — and you’ll find trolley rides, a parade, Santa Claus, a hot chocolate competition, street performers, theatre, and more. Plenty of free parking! 10am. Lowell, MA, .more
LEGO Extravaganza at Acton
Pop in at any time during the day to participate in Science Discovery Museum’s LEGO Zone. Cool! Acton, MA, –.more
Harvest Dinner with the Pilgrims at Plimoth Plantation
Don’t miss this weekend’s re-enactment of a 1621 harvest dinner. You’ll see all kinds of old-timey food preparation. And pilgrims. And Native Americans. 5:30pm. Plymouth, MA, –.more
The Greater Brockton Holiday Parade
Food, fun, and a big parade are set for Saturday in Brockton. Don’t miss it! 9am. Brockton, MA, .more
America’s Thanksgiving Dinner at Plimoth Plantation
Plimouth Plantation (with an ‘i’ fancy!) presents its delicious Thanksgiving event. The full course meal features delectable delights like creamed onions, wood pressed apple cider, harvard beets (none of those ninny Yale beets for us, thank you!), and Turkey. Sold out this year. register early for next year! 11am. Plymouth, MA, .more
Tower Square Parade of the Big Balloons
The city that brought you the world’s largest pancake brings you some really big balloons the day after Thanksgiving, in parade form! Eat that, Macy’s. 11am. Springfield, MA, .more
Ho Ho Holidays
Christopher Columbus Park Holiday Trellis Lighting
Tired of giant, lit-up holiday trees? Well, here’s a trellis lighting for you, then! Expect music, fun, snacks, and the Mayor himself. 5:15pm. Boston, MA, .more
BLINK! At Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Don’t Blink! Ok, ok, you can blink. The lights will be on through January 4th but the fun gets going on November 22rd with all day fun including musical and dance performances. 2-9pm. Boston, MA, –.more
Peabody Square Tree Lighting Celebration
Caroling, refreshments; they flick a light and the tree turns on. It’s tree lighting time in Dorchester! 7pm. Dorchester, MA, .more
TubaChristmas Concert at Fanueil Hall
There are a lot of Boston tree lightings, but here’s my favorite: a concert with over 200 tubas! 2pm. Boston, MA, .more
Winthrop Holiday Lighting Festival
Community music and dance performances, Santa himself, and lots of other holiday fun at this lighting festival. 3pm. Winthrop, MA, .more
ZooLights
Stroll lit up tree-lined paths, meet real reindeer, and maybe even see Santa! It’s ZooLights, through January 4th. 5pm. Stoneham, MA, –.more
Glassblowers Christmas
See the beauty of hundreds of glass ornaments all the way through christmas. Ornaments are a great way to honor memories and this event could be a great way to make some new ones! Sandwich, MA, –.more
Gardens Aglow
Music, dance, a model train and more compliment this holiday lighting event. Fun for everyone! 4:30pm. Sandwich, MA, .more
Lantern Light Tours
This is a walking play inspired by A Christmas Carol, with small groups making for a truly unique experience. 5pm. Mystic, CT, –.more
Tree Lighting Festival at Smolak Farms
This farm open to the public has a train ride, carolers, the ubiquitous face painting, free hot chocolate, kids crafts, apple cider donuts (or apple cider AND donuts, the jury’s out) and Santa lights the tree. 2pm. North Andover, MA, .more
Gingerbread House Classes
This has a chef, A CHEF – who went to school for years – teaching you to make Gingerbread houses. That’s like Tom Brady teaching 4th grade gym class, folks. If you (or your kid) have a fastidious eye for art, cooking, confections, and architecture *and* won’t eat the dang thing the moment you get home, this may be the one of the coolest craft events in town. Medfield, MA, –.more
Holiday Pops Features The Cape Ann Symphony Chorus
Sunday’s concert is sold out, but you can still get your fill of holiday music Saturday in Manchester-by-the-Sea! Manchester, MA, –.more
Thanksgiving Day Artisan Festival
Meet the artists at this festival that’s full of hand made gifts including soap, sweaters, vintage leather bags, *and* your 2.00 parking fee goes to a scholarship fund. 10am. West Tisbury, MA, –.more
Thanksgiving Weekend
You should never need an excuse to visit my favorite re-enactment museum, Old Sturbridge Village, which is holding some authentic 1830s style Thanksgiving dinners. There’s also a shooting match and an 1830s wedding. Sturbridge, MA, –.more
Holidays at Worcester Art Museum
WAM, the Worcester Art Museum, isn’t kidding around. Expanded Cafe Hours, seasonal decorations, changing programming for the kiddies, if you’ve never been, now’s the time to go, and and if you have, why not check out what changed! Worcester, MA, –.more
Also Fun
Science and Cooking 2014 Lecture Series
If they’re going to talk about foams and molecular gastronomy, I am so in. See great chefs and food experts talk about their trade! Cambridge, MA, –.more
Goya – Order and Disorder
A major exhibition of the works of Spanish master Francisco Goya opens this week at the MFA. Don’t miss it! Boston, MA, –.more
Bridge and Tunnel
Check out the Opening Reception on 11/8 or just stop by to see amazing photos of the urban landscape just to tthe north of Boston. Chelsea, MA, –.more
Boston Turkish Festival: Colors of Anatolia
Here’s a six-week long festival to celebrate the beauty of the Turkish culture. This years theme, ‘Colors of Anatolia’ embodies the diversity and richness of the Turkish culture. There will be something for everyone – art exhibits, musical performances, film screenings and more! Boston, MA, –.more
Corn Maze: An Eye For An Ear
Did you know there was a metaphysicality to corn mazes? Check it out in this photo collection! Somerville, MA, –.more
Boston Volvo Village 5k Road Race
This road race raises money for MS. Think of it as pregame for your Turkey Day nap! 7:30am. Brighton, MA, .more
Half-Price Day at Franklin Park Zoo
The day after Thanksgiving is half-price at these two zoos. The Franklin Park Zoo especially is nice in the winter, open all year ’round, with both indoor and outdoor locations. Jamaica Plain, MA, .more
Turkey Trot 5k
Raise money for good community causes and work off your turkey feast first thing in the morning at this Turkey Trot 5k! 9am. Dorchester, MA, .more
Half-Price Day at Stone Zoo
The day after Thanksgiving is half-price at these two zoos. The Franklin Park Zoo especially is nice in the winter, open all year ’round, with both indoor and outdoor locations. Stoneham, MA, .more
Gobble Gobble Gobble Road Race
This one’s a 4-mile road race for charity, which begins and ends in Davis Square. If you want to join in, you must sign up in advance. Sounds fun! 9am. Somerville, MA, .more
Medway Turkey Trot
Yet another Thanksgiving road race. Don a turkey costume if you wish and get ready to run at 7:30 AM. Medway, MA, .more
Concord Turkey Trot
This Thanksgiving day 5K race is for all ages and benefits theOpen Table Food Bank. 8:30am. Concord, MA, .more
Winner’s Circle Running Club Wild Turkey Trot
At this race, walkers are welcome, so everyone can get out and exercise before feasting with family! 8:30am. West Newbury, MA, .more
Wild Turkey 5 Mile Run
This 5-mile ‘Wild Turkey’ run promises to be a haunting good time in Salem, MA. with some of the proceeds benefiting the Boys &Girls Club of America. Also it’s something to do in Salem that doesn’t involve Halloween, so there’s that. 8am. Salem, MA, .more
Maudslay Turkey Trot
Joppa Flatts running club is putting on this 1100 hundred strong Thanksgiving day race! Joppa Flatts is also a legendary blues-man of the future. 8:20am. Newburyport, MA, .more
Family Gratitude Turkey Trot 5K
Make sure to bring a bag of non-perishable food for charity to this Thanksgiving road race! 7:15am. Dedham, MA, .more
Alternative House’s 5k Run/Walk
This Thanksgiving day run in Lowell will have raceday registration, so if you’re in a running mood on Thanksgiving, head over as early as 6:30am! 8am. Lowell, MA, .more
Edaville’s Christmas Festival of Lights
All Holiday season long you can head to Edaville USA to see their light display. This might be a great thing to check out after you visit their Polar Express adventure. Plus, you get to see beautiful lights from a warm, dry train…now that is ideal! Carver, MA, –.more
National Day of Mourning
Since the American Indian Movement of the 1970s, Native American Rights activists gather in Plymouth to protest the Thanksgiving holiday and raise awareness about the continued plight of the Native population in this country. Regardless of how you choose to observe this holiday (or not), it’s good to be aware that this is happening! Plymouth, MA, .more
Fall Festival at Felix Neck
Come early at 9am for a bird walk, then stay for a day of fun family outdoor activities! 11am. Edgartown, MA, .more
Mythbusters: Behind the Myths
The Mythbusters are in town with a one of a kind show sure to amaze and educate the audience! 7:30pm. Worcester, MA, .more
Bright Nights in Springfield
Bright Nights appears to be a drive-through safari, but instead of wild animals, you’re checking out thousands of Holiday lights. And if the website is to be believed, there’s a ‘Dr. Seuss’ land. Springfield, MA, –.more
Lighting of the Lobster Pot Tree at Lopes Square
I don’t know what a lobster pot tree is but it’s getting lit up. Enjoy a fun night in Provincetown! Provincetown, MA, .more
Lighting of the Pilgrim Monument
Celebrate the Pilgrims’ first landing in the New World with this unique lighting ceremony. This event also celebrates Provincetown fishing heritage. Meet at the Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum(PMPM). 5pm. Provincetown, MA, .more
Thanksgiving Weekend
Here is a whole weekend of Thanksgiving fun in Provincetown, including the lighting of the Lobster Pot Tree! Provincetown, MA, –.more
Dreamcatcher Classic Road Race
Here’s one of the few turkey trots on the South Shore, bright and early fun at 8am! Don’t miss it. 8am. Weymouth, MA, .more
Traditional Shaker Supper
Gastronomical time travel takes place at this Shaker musuem, with a tour by re-enactors, an authentic dinner, and acappella Shaker music from the 1830s. 4pm. Hancock, MA, .more
Taste of Rhode Island
Enjoy some of Rhode Island’s most famous foods on this culinary adventure in Providence. Yum! 11am. Providence, RI, –.more
National Novel Writing Month
Do you want to write a book? Join other procrastinators and break through by doing it all in just one month. (Don’t worry, you can revise it later.) They’ll have several local events for writers to meet each other, be inspired, and even work side-by-side in a ‘you can do it’ environment. All Over, , –.more
Performance
Review: Awake and Sing!
Anyone who has ever dreamt of a brighter future for their family will identify with Awake and Sing! Follow this unique family on their journey to happiness. Boston, MA, –.more
Review: Bad Jews
Here’s a scathingly funny family drama that ought to prepare anyone for holidays at home! Boston, MA, –.more
Review: Evita
Argentina’s controversial First Lady is the subject of this dynamic musical masterpiece. As an illegitimate fifteen year old, Eva escaped her dirt-poor existence for the bright lights of Buenos Aires. Driven by ambition and blessed with charisma, she was a starlet at twenty-two, the president’s mistress at twenty-four, First Lady at twenty-seven, and dead at thirty-three. Eva Peron saint to the working-class, reviled by the aristocracy and mistrusted by the military’ was destined to leave a fascinating political legacy unique in the 20th century. Told through a compelling score that fuses haunting chorales with exuberant Latin, pop and jazz influences, EVITA creates an arresting theatrical portrait as complex as the woman herself. Concord, MA, –.more
The Little Prince
In this new take on the classic story of the Little Prince, enchanting music and heartfelt lyrics will make you experience the tale like never before. Watertown, MA, –.more
Review: The Trip to Bountiful
There is no home like your childhood home. Join one woman on her quest to see it one last time in The Trip to Bountiful. Boston, MA, –.more
Phdre by Jean Racine
A classic Greek tragedy full of drama, lust, passion, and of course, consequences opens Wednesday in Boston! Boston, MA, –.more
Review: Tale of the Allergist’s Wife
See the tale of an allergist’s wife unfold on stage in…The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife. Promise it’s better than going to the allergist! Boston, MA, –.more
The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!)
The Musical of Musicals lends from the best of the best to create one amazing show! Boston, MA, –.more
SLAMBoston Winter Edition
Sixteen plays. Three nights. One winner. Which performance will take home the gold? Boston, MA, –.more
Aerosmith Legacy Show
Relive the legacy that is Aerosmith. They had some really great hits, no one can really deny that. The band Draw The Line will perform some of their greatest hits at Brighton Music Hall! 8pm. Allston, MA, .more
Still on the Levee Band Tour
This blues and folk icon performs with The Motivators in this afternoon show at the Sinclair. 2pm. Cambridge, MA, .more
13 Things About Ed Carpolotti
A devoted widow starts to question her husband when debtors begin calling in this comic musical. Lowell, MA, –.more
A Christmas Carol
Don’t be a Scrooge! Catch a showing of this Christmas Classic through the end of the year at the Chace Theater in Providence. Providence, RI, –.more
Barefoot In The Park
Here’s a fast-paced and witty romantic play that sounds great for a date night. What are you waiting for? Providence, RI, –.more
Signature Sounds 20th Anniversary Concerts
Three days, four shows and over seventeen artists? Now that’s a 20th anniversary celebration! Northampton, MA, –.more
Travel
Moonlight Magic
Moonlight Magic in Shelburne Falls has become a traditional event across the region. It’s the kick-off to the holiday season that includes Lighting of the Village, the Parade of Lights, Santa’s Workshop, carolers, and street performers. 4pm. Shelburne Falls, MA, .more
Golden Dragon Acrobats
Instead of Black Friday madness, enjoy a different kind of crazy – 20+ acrobat craziness. Fun! Stowe, VT, .more
Xmas Lights & Santa Events
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.
































































