Feb 9-15, 2011: Chinese New Year, Darwin Day, Animal Tracking, Hawthorne & Poe, 10 Giveaways, and How to Spend or Avoid Valentine’s Day Creatively

02/09/11 by Johnny Monsarrat

Great news! I have just created the Events INSIDER Spring 2011 Guide, a heads up on my favorite Spring events and I list more than 700 off-beat attractions in New England, like where to go to see sled dog races or real dinosaur footprints. These ongoing attractions aren’t exactly “events” so you won’t see them in my regular blog. The only way to get them is to see this guide. Print it out and keep it in your car for serendipity. It is free to anyone who helps get the word out by going through the 9 steps in the checklist to tell friends about Events INSIDER.

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-Johnny

The Week in Weird
Tue 2/15Boston MetroFree movie preview tix – Just Go With It, Cedar Rapids
I have free movie preview tickets for Cedar Rapids, the comedy with Ed Helms and John C. Reilly, Feb 15 at 7pm in Cambridge, and Just Go With It, a comedy with Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler, TODAY, Wed Feb 9, 2pm in Boston. Email me at johnny@EVENTSinsider.com and let me know what you want to win! AMC Boston Common Theatre, Boston, MA. more
Tue 2/15Boston MetroEdgar Allan Poe: Love and Death – ticket giveaway
My favorite historical re-enactor plays 19th century horror author Edgar Allan Poe, reading some of his works about death and love in this anti-Valentine’s Day celebration. And I have tickets to give away! 7pm. Email me at johnny@EVENTSinsider.com and let me know what you want to win! Elizabeth Peabody House, 277 Broadway, Somerville, MA. more
Mon 2/14Boston MetroMortified – Doomed Valentine’s Day Show
Mortified is the spoken word performance where people read their past diaries, transforming past tragedy into catharsis and comedy. I have tickets to give away. Email me at johnny@EVENTSinsider.com and let me know what you want to win! 7:30pm. Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA. more
Sat 2/12Boston MetroThroat Singing Workshop with Huun Huur Tu – ticket giveaway
Although this event goes undescribed… throat singing workshop? I don’t care what it is. It just sounds AWESOME. And I have tickets to give away! Email me. 3pm. Church, 11 Garden St, Cambridge, MA. more
Sat 2/12Boston MetroNaked Girls Reading: Love Stinks – ticket giveaway
Yes, it’s just what you think. Naked women read for Valentine’s Day. 12am. Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA. more
Sat 2/12 – Sun 2/13WorcesterValentine’s Day at Old Sturbridge Village – ticket giveaway
My favorite re-enactment museum, Old Sturbridge Village, is holding an entire weekend of events to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Bring your ice skates! And email me to win tickets, johnny@eventsinsider.com. Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA. more
Thu 2/10 – Sun 2/27Boston MetroSunfish – ticket giveaway
In this musical Korean tale, a young girl goes on a quest to find a cure for her father’s blindness, exploring an undersea world. I have free tickets to give away and take a look at the creative extra events: food tastings and workshops! Stoneham Theatre, Stoneham, MA. more
Sat 2/12WorcesterAn Evening With Henry David Thoreau
Come see the famous 19th century New England writer re-enacted. I love re-enactment events! (Does being a re-enactor get you babes?). Worcester Friends Meeting House, 901 Pleasant St, Worcester, MA. more
Tue 3/1 – Mon 5/30EverywhereJohnny’s Spring 2011 Event Guide
Finally! As well as the 4,000 hand-picked, manually researched events that I track every year, I’ve also chosen 720 ongoing attractions, like where to see dog sledding or a butterfly museum, that I don’t get a chance to write about because they’re not really “events”. Invite your friends to Events INSIDER and get a copy of my Spring 2011 Guide, with all these attractions and a heads up on my favorite events through May. Click the link and go through the checklist, then email me for the guide. Everywhere. more
Wed 2/9 – Wed 2/23Boston MetroBoston’s Chocolate & Wine Night Tour – Free Tickets
Stuck on a Valentine’s Day gift? Diamonds. Can’t afford them? How about a chocolate tour! They run every Wednesday at 6pm and I have two pairs of tickets to give away. Email me at johnny@eventsinsider.com! Meet at 2nd floor of Godiva at 1 South Market Street in Faneuil Hall, Boston, MA. more
Sun 2/13Boston MetroChinese New Year Lion Dance Festival
Happy Year of the Rabbit! Chinatown events are poorly advertised, but I went once and expect there to be a full day of performances of music, dance, and martial arts. It’s wonderful, and free. 10am-5pm. Harrison Ave & Essex St, Boston, MA. more
Sat 2/12North ShorePeabody Essex Museum’s Lunar New Year
And it’s a great excuse to visit the Peabody Essex Museum and the attractions of Salem during an off-peak month for tourism. See a lion dance, martial arts, music, art activities, film, and learn some martial arts, too. Free with museum admission. East India Square, Salem, MA.978-745-9500 x3011. more
Sat 2/12Boston MetroChinese New Year Celebration
This is awesome. The local “latino arts center” is having a Chinese New Year celebration too. 3pm. And it’s free! 85 W. Newton St., Boston, MA.617-927-1737. more
Sun 2/13South ShoreAsian Lunar New Year
Quincy will have a lion dance and two stages of music and dance. Although the venue is a high school, the promotion is top rate and I would bet it’s worth a visit. And it’s free! 10:30am-4pm. High School, 316 Hancock St, Quincy, MA. more
Wed 2/9Boston MetroChinese New Year Celebration in Arlington
TODAY! The Fox Branch of Arlington’s libraries will have “crafts”, music, a parade, and food. Yum! 5-8pm. It says “bring a dessert to share”… I wonder if that means it’s free to attend. Fox Branch Library, 175 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA.781-316-3200. more
Sun 2/13South ShoreForbes House Museum Lincoln Celebration
There will be yet another lecture at the Forbes, with a birthday theme. It doesn’t look like anyone will re-enact Abraham Lincoln, but they’ll have Civil War re-enactors! That’s always interesting. Hey Georgia, sorry about Tara. Forbes House Museum, 215 Adams Street, Milton, MA. more
Sat 2/12 – Sun 2/13Boston MetroSundance Thriller on Atheism vs. Christianity Debuts on “Darwin Day”
Darwin Day is this week! It’s like Christmas for atheists, when we celebrate reason and knowledge instead of commercialism and faith. Speaking of that contrast, the Harvard Humanists will screen “The Ledge”, a thriller where a fundamentalist Christian and an atheist battle it out. It’s got Liv Tyler, that guy from The Watchmen, and that guy from Iron Man. And the writer & director will attend and do a Q&A! In other words, don’t miss this! The screening is Feb 12, 6pm at the Harvard Science Center Hall C. Did I mention it’s free and is going to be awesome?? Then Chapman will lead a debate on science in politics at the Harvard Humanist Student Center at 12 Eliot St. at 1:30pm on Sunday Feb. 13, as part of a “Humanist community meeting” also including yoga, meditation, live music, and potluck brunch. Also free! Harvard University, Cambridge, MA. more
Sat 2/12Boston MetroDarwin Day Party
After the movie, join non-believers for a “Cheers to Charles” celebration with free cake. They’ll also have a “Make-your-own Hopeful Monster activity”. (What is that?) RSVP to zbos@atheists.org. 8pm or later. Cambridge Common, Cambridge, MA. more
Sat 2/12Boston MetroDarwin Day Toast
And here’s another bar get-together. 8pm or later. Look for the people with the funny hats. The Connection, 560 Dorchester Ave (Andrew Square), South Boston, MA. more
Mon 2/14 – Fri 2/18Boston MetroSalem State College Darwin Festival
Also Salem State College will host a series of lectures and films. It’s definitely a festival, but looks very academic rather than social. Salem State College, Salem, MA. more
Tue 2/22Boston MetroStephen Fry
It’s the defining Boston celebrity event of the year! Stephen Fry, perhaps the greatest atheist media star after Brad Pitt, visits Harvard, which has the strongest humanist college group. Boston has plenty of academic superstars, but we get few from Hollywood. And when we do, they don’t have a cause, or they support a cause that’s well under steam. I love cancer research and Martin Luther King, but it’s not like those causes are going nowhere without Whoopi Goldberg. But non-belief — now that’s an edgy, interesting topic that’s just hitting the mainstream. Here’s a charity leverage point where a celebrity — and you — can make a real difference! If you’re a non-believer, come and be counted. It’s important to show that we are not alone. Or if you’re a believer who’s curious how the “other half” lives, check it out. You’ll find the community friendly, and we won’t feed you wafers and tell you later it’s Jesus. 8pm. Buy your tickets immediately. This will sell out. Memorial Church, Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA. more
Sun 2/13Southeast MassFrederick Douglass, New Bedford and the Civil War
Here’s another civil war re-enactment, with readings from the letters of African American soldiers and sailors, and from the writings of Frederick Douglass. Sadly, this is the only Black History Month event I could find this week. 2-4pm, with a reception following. Friends Meeting House, 83 Spring St, New Bedford, MA.508-979-8828. more
Sat 2/12North ShoreOceanside Campfire
I really want to see this! Warm yourself by a campfire at the beach, with marshmallows and hot cocoa. 6-8pm. Nahant Beach, Nahant, MA. more
Sat 2/12Northern MassMerrimack River Eagle Festival
Even though it’s the dead of winter, there are still festivals about! Come see live eagles and take a tour of a national park looking for wild ones. It’s free! 9am-4pm. Main Street, Amesbury, MA.978-388-3178. more more
Fri 2/11 – Sat 2/12New HampshireTown of Greenfield Winter Carnival
Only a 90-minute drive from Boston, this Southern New Hampshire town will have a pancake breakfast, cardboard sled races, including for adults, night hike, dancing, snow sculptures, and a chili cook-off. Greenfield, NH. more
Sat 2/12New HampshireIce Harvesting & Winter Festival
This one is small but creative and it’s associated with a museum, which means they’ll have both an indoors to warm up and educational bits too. 10am-2pm. Sleigh & sled dog rides, snowball throwing contest, snowshoe obstacle course, ice cutting, etc. Remick Museum, 58 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth, NH. more
Sat 2/12WorcesterMoonlight Snowshoeing for Adults
Oh snowshoeing. You had me at Moonlight! Wachusett Meadow, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton, MA. more
Sat 2/12South ShoreSundown Owl Prowl
Or you could go looking for owls in this guided tour. North River, 2000 Main St, Marshfield, MA. more
Sat 2/12 – Sun 2/13SpringfieldEagles at Quabbin
Or take a tour to find eagles. Boy! I wish I could go to see all this stuff. Arcadia, 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA. more more
Fri 2/11Rhode IslandOwl Prowl at Fisherville Brook
7-9pm. Bring a flashlight and go for a night hike to find owls in the wild. Register ahead. Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI.(401) 949-5454, ext. 3041. more
Sat 2/26 – Sat 3/12Metro WestSnowshoe Tours at the DeCordova Museum
The DeCordova, my favorite museum in New England, is giving a snoeshow tour. 10am and 12:30pm. Feb 12 is sold out so here is a heads up on the next two Feb 26 and Mar 12. Reserve in advance. 51 Sandy Pond Rd, Lincoln, MA.781-259-8355. more
Sat 2/12Boston MetroSnowshoeing
More snowshowing, this time in Boston. Subway accessible! Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St, Mattapan, MA. more
Mon 2/14WorcesterFlat Rock Walks-Valentine’s Day Snowshoeing
This event, despite the title, doesn’t seem to have anything to do with Valentine’s Day except the date it’s happening. Wachusett Meadow, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton, MA.978-464-2712. more
Tue 2/15Boston MetroInvented Here!
Did you know that New England is AWESOME? Well check out my New England Manifesto at http://bostonevents.org/nem, but also this lecture on local inventions. Museum of Science, Boston, Boston, MA. more
Wed 2/9Boston MetroNeandertals and Modern Humans: The Genetic Evidence for Interbreeding
We have their DNA. When are we going to make a Neanderthal baby? This lecture will answer whether Neanderthals and humans ever F-#$#$d. (Hint: yes, they did.) I think I sense the next wave of porn fetish coming. Harvard Museum of Natural History, Cambridge, MA. more
Valentine’s Day
Sun 2/13 – Mon 2/14Metro WestThe Art of Romance in the Austen Era
Without further ado, now on to Valentine’s Day! Guides dress up and act out 19th century characters in these special tours. Reserve in advance. Feb 13, 1 & 3pm. Feb 14: 7pm. 52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA.781-894-2798. more
Sat 2/12 – Sun 2/13Metro WestRomance at the Manse – Four Loves: True tales of love lost and found
See Nathanial Hawthorne re-enacted and hear four stories of love. Music, refreshments. Reserve in advance. 1pm and 3pm. The Old Manse, 269 Monument St, Concord, MA.978.369.3909. more
Sat 2/12Boston MetroStories + UnValentine’s Day at Lizard Lounge
Hear 5-minute stories on love’s accidents, with live music as well, through this spoken word program. 8:30-11pm. Lizard Lounge, 1667 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA. more
Fri 2/11Boston MetroGet Over It!
And here’s another celebration of overcoming lost love, through music and stories. 6pm dinner, 7pm performance. Ryles Jazz Club, 212 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA. more
Mon 2/14Boston MetroLove Letters to the A.R.T.
But for upscale entertainment, the American Repertory Theatre is holding a party! Its performers include best-selling author Ben Mezrich, reading a poem, singing a song, or acting a romantic scene. Cambridge, MA.617.496.2000 x8832. more
Mon 2/14Boston MetroAnti-Valentine’s Day Party
Wounded by love? Come decorate black heart cookies and get a tarot reading as an alternative to writing dark poetry about the people who’ve spurned you. 6-8pm. Robbins Library 700 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA.781-316-3200. more
Sat 2/12 – Sun 2/13Boston MetroValentine’s Day: Go Hunting for Cupid on a N*ked at the Art Museum Scavenger Hunt
Watson Adventures runs scavenger hunts without the annoying “send you to a commercial destination that is clearly a paid sponsor” angle. Here’s one at the MFA for V-Day! Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA. more
Mon 2/14Boston MetroBoston League of Women Wrestlers
Tired of wrestling with women on Valentine’s Day? Come see them wrestle each other in this hip, costumed-up, anime style performance that’s more for the literati than for WWF fans. It’s for charity. 8pm. Midway Café, Jamaica Plain. more more
Sat 2/12Boston MetroValentine Day FlirtFest
And if you really have to hit a drinking party or bar, this is my recommendation. It’s really meant for singles. Estate Boston, 1 Boylston Place, Boston, MA. more
Mon 2/14Boston MetroSkate Date at Kendall Square Ice Rink
For the 2nd or 3rd year in a row there will be no special Valentine’s day event at Kendall Square. But I called and the guy said they’re open and will play romantic music. Huh. 300 Athenaeum St, Cambridge, MA.(617) 492-0941. more
Also Fun
Tue 2/15Boston MetroIce Skating Party in Kendall Square
Wait, the skating is free and they’re serving hot cocoa and chili?? Count me in! 6:30-8:30pm. 300 Athenaeum St, Cambridge, MA.617-876-4444. more
Sun 2/13Boston MetroFrozen Fun at Reilly Memorial Skating Rink Chestnut Hill Reservation
Free public skating 2-3:50pm, and a winter hike 2:30-3:15pm. 355 Chestnut Hill Ave, Brighton, MA. more
Sun 2/13LowellWackmaster Ice Fishing Derby
Note to promoters who keep emailing me!! I will list ANYTHING with “wackmaster” in the title. :). Nuttings Lake, 4 Beaconcrest Ct., Billerica, MA. more
Fri 2/4 – Mon 2/14North ShoreSalem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival
This is not really a festival. You see, a festival has to have social events, preferrably outdoors. Downtown Salem will have ice sculptures around town and there are a few store events and promotions. Not really worth a listing except that there’s so much to do in Salem when there isn’t a festival it’s worth the trip any time of the year! Salem, MA. more
Sat 2/12Western MassAmerican Heritage Chocolate Festival
Gee, with a silversmith demonstration, horse drawn wagon rides, and museum stuff, this chocolate festival sounds not nearly so shallow as I’d expected! 10am-4pm. Deerfield, MA. more
Sat 2/12Western MassLincoln & the Civil War
No re-enactment, but an illustrated lecture at 3pm. Western Gateway Heritage State Park, North Adams, MA.413-663-6312. more more
Fri 2/11Boston MetroTweetup Under the Stars, Museum of Science
The Museum of Science has a free planetarium show for Twitter followers, but sign up immediately! It will fill up. Museum of Science, Boston, Boston, MA. more
Sun 2/13North ShoreTracking Predators on Averill’s Island
I love these park events where you can learn to track animals. I’ve never been to one! Ipswich River, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA. more
Sat 2/12Boston MetroBelle Isle Winter Tracking
9am-12pm. Where da mammals at? We be lookin’! Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, Bennington St., East Boston, MA. more
Sat 2/12New HampshireCampfire Dining – Full Moon Fiesta
This is insane. Restaurants bring food to outdoor campfires and you ski or snowshoe around eating it! Tomapo Farm, Lebanon,NH. more
Sat 2/12Western MassShelburne Falls ArtWalk – Art Under the Stars
This festival takes place all throughout the town and sounds like an Open Studios event plus hands-on activities, music, films, and trolley rides. I assume it’s real even though Shelburne Falls can’t be bothered to list it on their own town website. Shelburne Falls, MA. more
Sat 2/12 – Sun 2/13WorcesterCamellia Show at Tower Hill
They’ll give a tour and have flower judging. Camellias are the first flowers to bloom in the Spring. 10am-5pm. 11 French Drive, Boylston, MA.508-869-6111 ext. 111. more more
Fri 2/11Boston MetroBoston Sci-Fi Film Festival
Also geeky is an SF film festival in Somerville. I can’t tell from the website — which is terrible — if there will be anything interactive and social, or just the films. Guys!! Just list your schedule, with a clear menu button, and not in blog format, how about a table with times and dates! Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville, MA.617-625-5700. more more
Thu 2/10Boston MetroI Heart Women’s Rights!
I don’t list a lot of benefit events. I can barely afford to attend the events that aren’t trying to make a lot of extra money for charity. They’ll have a couple of Massachusetts state politicians and social mingling. Not bad, but I can find more creative events for my $35, even those with charities like seeing the Vagina Monologues (any college campus). 6-8pm. Middlesex Lounge, 315 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA. more
Sat 2/12MaineFreezin’ For A Reason – Portland, ME
Here’s a creative charity. Show up to watch people dip into the ocean. Now that’s dedication! Portland, ME. more
Sat 2/12Boston MetroWho Discovered Jackson Pollock? And Why?
Geez, good question? Amazing artist or child-like scribbler? What genius got the idea that throwing paint could mean ANYTHING? This lecture gives the answer. At HAH-vid. Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, MA. more
Sat 2/12Boston MetroFlood Relief Fundraiser for Australia
2-4pm. Wine reception, appetizers, music, an auction, and a cooking class with Australian chef Samuel Jackson. No, not Samuel L. Jackson! This fundraiser doesn’t seem over the top with creativity, but it’s one of the few Australian themed events I’ve ever seen, and for a good cause. British Consulate-General, One Broadway, Cambridge, MA. more
Sat 2/12 – Sun 2/13Boston MetroIrish Film Festival’s Pre-Fest Screenings
The Irish Film Festival is coming up in March! Here are a couple of films to whet your appetite. Perrier’s Bounty (Feb 12, 6:45 and 9 pm) a thriller with Gabriel Byrne and Cillian Murphy, and A Shine Of Rainbows (Feb. 13, 2pm) the extraordinary journey that brings a young orphan home. Paramount Theater, Boston, MA. more
Fri 2/11 – Sun 2/13Boston MetroBoston Globe Travel Show – ticket giveaway
If you’d like to travel but aren’t sure where to start, start here. I haven’t been but I bet it’s a real eye-opener about how to stretch your money, if you don’t need total luxury. And they’ll include celebrity chefs and live animal shows for God knows what reason. Boston Event Insider subscribers get free admission! Click on the Get Tickets Icon and use the special code BOSPR11. Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, MA. more
Thu 2/10Boston MetroIndia Pavilion
This is a shout out to what is becoming my favorite restaurant, India Pavilion. Click “Restaurant” in the top menu for the review. They combine an upscale atmosphere with low prices, the traditional foods you expect and an all-you-can-eat buffet, plus exotic new ideas like tandoori shrimp! India Pavilion, 17 Central Square, Cambridge, MA. more

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