Feb 13-21, 2012: Lincoln, Poe, Thoreau, Roosevelt re-enactments, Train & Fandom Fests, Campfires, 1812 Ball, Owl Tracking, & more!
02/13/12 by
Johnny Monsarrat
This Week in Review
Not bad! I managed to find you 50 things to do this week, even though it’s the dead of winter. Do me a favor and go to this Poe event. It’s inexpensive but you get a $50 performance… you really must see it. Hmm, what’s the the black images this week? Ignore that, please. 🙂
I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!
-Johnny
The Week in Weird
Edgar Allan Poe: Love and Death – t…
I’m an expert in awesome events, and trust me, the best thing you can do for Valentine’s Day is see Edgar Allan Poe rip it apart “in person”. I have 2 tickets to give away! Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win. Just $6, or $10 per couple. 7pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)I’m an expert in awesome events, and trust me, the best …
Elizabeth Peabody House, 277 Broadway, Somerville, MA
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Elizabeth Peabody House, 277 Broadway, Somerville, MA
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Isn’t it Romantic? – tix giveaway
Or more traditionally, how about hearing some of the best songs about love from Broadway. I have 2 pairs of tickets to give away. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win! 1pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Or more traditionally, how about hearing some of the best songs…
Reagle Music Theatre, 617 Lexington St, Waltham, MA
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Reagle Music Theatre, 617 Lexington St, Waltham, MA
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A Visit with Abraham Lincoln
I have a soft spot for historical re-enactments, especially when it’s Lincoln. Reserve immediately! 1-2pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)I have a soft spot for historical re-enactments, especially when it’s…
Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA
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Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA
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Meet Henry David Thoreau Winter Wal…
Ooh! And for this one, “Thoreau” himself will lead you on a winter walk to his old house site and tell tales of living deeeeeeeep in nature just 2 miles from the Concord town center. 1-3pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Ooh! And for this one, “Thoreau” himself will lead you on a winter walk to h…
Walden Pond, Rt. 126, Concord, MA
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Walden Pond, Rt. 126, Concord, MA
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Model Engineering Show
Personally I’d rather see the steam engines, aircraft engines, machinists tools, and trains at this engineer’s festival! It’s free with admission to the museum, which is great to visit any day. (Click ‘more’ for details)Personally I’d rather see the steam engines, aircraft engines,…
Charles River Museum of Industry, 154 Moody Street, Waltham, MA
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Charles River Museum of Industry, 154 Moody Street, Waltham, MA
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N-Scale Model Train Show
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This free museum is featuring a train show, too, perhaps less engineering and more hobby / artistic. I’ve always wanted to see it. It’s only $5 and the museum itself is free! (Click ‘more’ for details)This free museum is featuring a train show, too, perhaps less engineering and more hobby / ar…
33 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA
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33 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA
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Carnival in Venice
The Society for Creative Anachronism likes to re-enact the medeival era, and they’re holding a carnival with old-timey entertainment, mask-making, and even commedia dell’arte. (Click ‘more’ for details)The Society for Creative Anachronism likes to re-enact the medeival era, and they’re holding a …
Church, 495 Canton Ave, Milton, MA
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Church, 495 Canton Ave, Milton, MA
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Boskone
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Do you like Battlestar Galactica WAY too much? Did you miss Arisia? Here’s the other major science fiction convention in Boston. Their guest of honor is John Scalzi, a science fiction author whose first novel, Old Man’s War, is being made into a movie. Yeah, I’ve never heard of him, either. (Click ‘more’ for details)Do you like Battlestar Galactica WAY too much? Did you miss Arisia? Here’s the other major science fiction conv…
Westin Waterfront, Boston, MA
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Westin Waterfront, Boston, MA
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Newport Winter Festival
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This festival features a Beatles tribute band, ice sculpting, a scavenger hunt, a polar plunge, food cook-offs, a kids festival, and it’s a great excuse to visit Newport in the off-season. Make sure to tour the historic mansions, too. (Click ‘more’ for details)This festival features a Beatles tribute band, ice sculpting, a scavenger hunt, a polar plunge, f…
Various venues, Newport, RI
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Various venues, Newport, RI
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Free Star Parties
Yes, I love these outdoor astronomy events. I’ve even been to a few. Hint: always call in advance if it might be cloudy. 7-10pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Yes, I love these outdoor astronomy events. I’ve even been to a few. H…
Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill St, Sharon, MA
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Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill St, Sharon, MA
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Winter Campfire Fun!
Too bad it’s during the daytime, but you could do worse than an outdoor campfire, marshmallows, hot chocolate, and a hike! 12-2pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Too bad it’s during the daytime, but you could do worse than a…
Myles Standish State Forest, 194 Cranberry Road, South Carver, MA
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Myles Standish State Forest, 194 Cranberry Road, South Carver, MA
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Cedariver Winter Festival
Carnivals continue! If there’s snow, bring a sled or tube for sledding, or enjoy the campfire and learn to track animals! 9am-2pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Carnivals continue! If there’s snow, bring a sled or tube for sledding, or enjoy the …
Cedariver, 161 Forest Rd., Millis, MA
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Cedariver, 161 Forest Rd., Millis, MA
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Elm Bank Sledding Party
Also if there’s snow, go sledding! Whee! Bring something to sled on. 1pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Also if there’s snow, go sledding! Whee! Bring something to sled on. 1…
Elm Bank Reservation, 900 Washington St, Wellesley, MA
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Elm Bank Reservation, 900 Washington St, Wellesley, MA
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On the Prowl for Owls
They’ll also have a campfire on this guided hike to find owls. Aren’t owls all asleep during the day? Well, I guess the sun sets early in the winter. 4:30-6:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)They’ll also have a campfire on this guided hike to find owls. Aren’t owls all aslee…
Rocky Woods, Hartford Street, Medfield, MA
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Rocky Woods, Hartford Street, Medfield, MA
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Revenge of the Ice Weasel: Seven De…
Snow bear pits? What is the Society for Creative Anachronism up to now? Some kind of medeival combat re-enactment, I think. 10am-9pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Snow bear pits? What is the Society for Creative Anachr…
The Masonic Temple, 152 Columbus Drive, Fall River, MA
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The Masonic Temple, 152 Columbus Drive, Fall River, MA
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Let me build you a website!
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Need a website? I just built the official website for Liv Tyler’s new film. Hire me to build yours on the cheap! Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com. (Click ‘more’ for details)Need a website? I just built the official website for Liv Tyler’s new film. Hire me to build yours on the ch…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Come To The Otter Side: Otter And O…
Although I love to list these nature tours, I have never been on one. I think it would be great to see otters in the wild. At least, it “otter” be! Ha ha, I crack myself up. 4-5:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Although I love to list these nature tours…
Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, 345 Bone Hill Road, Barnstable, MA
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Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, 345 Bone Hill Road, Barnstable, MA
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Snowfest
Last year they called it “Snowfest”. This year, they call it “Winter Event at Barrett Park”. Great branding! This outdoor festival along Rt 2 will have snow sculptures, ice skating, hot drinks, music, and more. 11am-3pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Last year they called it “Snowfest”. This year, they call it “Winter Event at Barrett Park”…
Barrett Park, 40 Barrett Parkway, Leominster, MA
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Barrett Park, 40 Barrett Parkway, Leominster, MA
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Queen City Kamikaze
Are you a geek? It’s too cold to go outdoors, so why not meet people who also love anime and videogames? Yay! Hmm, they don’t give the hours for the festival. (Click ‘more’ for details)Are you a geek? It’s too cold to go outdoors, so why not meet people who also love anime a…
School, 1 Crusader Way, Manchester, NH
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School, 1 Crusader Way, Manchester, NH
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Presidents’ Family Festival Day
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The JFK Library and Museum is hosting a day long festival of presidential re-enactors! See Abraham Lincoln (played by Fritz Klein), Theodore Roosevelt (played by Gib Young), John and Abigail Adams (played by Thomas Macy and Patricia Bridgman), and participate in arts and crafts and a tour of the museum and a “”make your own sundae”” bar. Yum!! Kids activities 10:00am-3:00pm, and a presentation of the Love Letters of John and Abigail Adams from 3-4pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)The JFK Library and Museum is hosting a day long festival of preside…
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Boston, MA
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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Boston, MA
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Also Fun
Experience Economies 6: Innovate or…
Harvard’s techno-creativity arts center is organizing a tour of Boston that focuses on research venues and innovation laboratories. Everything that Lab at Harvard does is awesome; this will be, too. 5-10pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Harvard’s techno-creativity arts center is organizing a to…
Laboratory at Harvard, 52 Oxford St., Cambridge, MA
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Laboratory at Harvard, 52 Oxford St., Cambridge, MA
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Eyes on Owls at Mt. Auburn Cemetery…
This doesn’t seem to be a tour. It’s an owl lecture with some live caged owls present. Close to Boston and better than nothing! 1-5pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)This doesn’t seem to be a tour. It’s an owl lecture wi…
Mt. Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge, MA
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Mt. Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge, MA
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Into the Silence
Here’s another science lecture, this one about climbing Mount Everest. 7pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Here’s another science lecture, this one about climbing Mount Everest. 7pm.
Museum of Science, Boston, Boston, MA
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Museum of Science, Boston, Boston, MA
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The Life of Super-Earths
Have you heard that scientists have discovered planets orbiting in solar systems other than our own? Here’s a lecture on that at Harvard’s astronomical observatory. 7:30pm. Free! (Click ‘more’ for details)Have you heard that scientists have discovered planets orbiting in solar systems other than our own? Here’s …
Cambridge, MA
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Cambridge, MA
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Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival
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Also geeky is an science fiction 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, but I guess if you had to avoid real life locked in a dark room with flickering lights, February would be the month for it. Guys!! Maybe your schedule should include movie descriptions or links to IMDB. (Click ‘more’ for details)Also geeky is an science fiction film festival in Somerville. I can’t…
Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville, MA
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Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville, MA
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Joe Val Bluegrass Festival
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February is a great time of the year for a music festival, as long as it’s indoors. Otherwise the banjos freeze. I went to a bluegrass festival once and the repetitive chord structure made all the songs sound the same to me. Go figure! (Click ‘more’ for details)February is a great time of the year for a music festival, as long as it’s indoors. Otherwi…
Sheraton Hotel, Framingham, MA
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Sheraton Hotel, Framingham, MA
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The 1812 Ball
I love this! It’s an old-timey ball and there will be a lot of attendees dressed in the 1812 style. You can even show up early and take dance lessons. 8-11pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)I love this! It’s an old-timey ball and there will be a lot of attendees dressed in the…
Salem Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
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Salem Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
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Cajun & Zydeco Mardi Gras Ball
Here’s another ball, this one with a Mardi Gras theme. Lovely! 5-11:59pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Here’s another ball, this one with a Mardi Gras theme. Lovel…
Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston, RI
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Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston, RI
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Animal Tracking at Broadmoor by Sno…
I suppose if there’s no show, this animal tracking event will just be a hike. 10am-12pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)I suppose if there’s no show, this animal tracking even…
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St, Natick, MA
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Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St, Natick, MA
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RI: Presidents’ Day Weekend Prowl
Here’s another guided nature hike event. Do I have to show up at 7am or can I come later? 7am-4pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Here’s another guided nature hike event. Do I have to show up …
Stony Brook Sanctuary, 108 North Street, Norfolk, MA
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Stony Brook Sanctuary, 108 North Street, Norfolk, MA
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Tracking and Animals Signs at Laugh…
Hmm… More tracking, this one’s for kids… 10-11:30am. (Click ‘more’ for details)Hmm… More tracking, this one’s for kids… 10-11…
Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Road, Easthampton, MA
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Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Road, Easthampton, MA
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Owl Prowl
This one’s also kids-centric. Go walk and find some owls in the wild! 5-7pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)This one’s also kids-centric. Go walk and find some owls in the wild! …
Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton, MA
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Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton, MA
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Tavern Games
Before there was X-Box, people would play games in the local tavern. Experience this re-enactment for yourself, and they have other kids activities all week. (Click ‘more’ for details)Before there was X-Box, people would play games in the local tavern. Experience this re-enactment for yourse…
Old State House, Boston, MA
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Old State House, Boston, MA
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Marblehead Festival of Arts Film Fe…
The Marblehead Festival of Arts is several months away, but they’re holding an evening of short films. 7:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)The Marblehead Festival of Arts is several months away…
Marblehead Little Theatre, 12 School St, Marblehead, MA
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Marblehead Little Theatre, 12 School St, Marblehead, MA
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Film Director Bob Rafelson Lecture
Haven’t heard of Bob Rafelson? Well, he directed Easy Rider, The Postman Always Rings Twice, and Black Widow. And he’s lecturing. 7pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Haven’t heard of Bob Rafelson? Well, he directed Easy Rider, The Pos…
Modern Theatre, 525 Washington St, Boston, MA
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Modern Theatre, 525 Washington St, Boston, MA
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Miss Boston 2012 Pageant
Is it just me who feels some kind of injustice that in the 21st century we still have beauty pageants? Any argument about well-rounded ladies goes out the door when you have a swimsuit portion to your contest and your talent portion is limited to 90 seconds. And if you have kids or are married or divorced, don’t bother applying. 5pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Is it just me who feels some kind of injustice that in the 21st century we still have b…
Omni Hotel, 60 School St, Boston, MA
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Omni Hotel, 60 School St, Boston, MA
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Valentine’s Day
Passim Celebrates Valentine’s Day w…
Still don’t have plans for Valentine’s Day? Club Passim will serve up some high-quality lovey-dovey folk music. (Click ‘more’ for details)Still don’t have plans for Valentine’s Day? Club Passim will serve up…
Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Cambridge, MA
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Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Cambridge, MA
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Valentine’s Day Ball w/ Latin Danci…
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Here’s a dinner with latin ballroom dancing. It sounds very classy. In other words, not for me. :). (Click ‘more’ for details)Here’s a dinner with latin ballroom dancing…
Cambridge Performing Arts Center, 535 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA
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Cambridge Performing Arts Center, 535 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA
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Jane Austen Tours
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And here’s another special tour at a historic home by a host in period costume. (Click ‘more’ for details)And here’s another special tour at a historic home by a host in period costume.
52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA
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52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA
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Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, “A…
I always put the less interesting things at the bottom. If you really need to do a cocktail event for Valentine’s Day, this is the one, at the Gardner Museum. It always sells out. Maybe you could buy a ticket for next year now. (Click ‘more’ for details)I always put the less interesting things at the bottom. If you really need to do a …
280 The Fenway, Boston, MA
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280 The Fenway, Boston, MA
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Mortified Doomed Valentine’s Day Sh…
Don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day? Wish somebody would bury it? Join fellow mourners at this hilarious night of stand up comedy. The personal stories shared at Mortified are awkward but hilarious. 7:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day? Wish somebody would bu…
Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline, MA
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Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline, MA
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Performance
Radium Girls – our review
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A group of women, factory workers who paint radium on watches to make them glow, worry about glowing themselves in this play about labor law. Click for our review! (Click ‘more’ for details)A group of women, factory workers who paint radium on watches to make …
Curry Student Center, 346 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
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Curry Student Center, 346 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
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Time of My Life – our review
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Time of My Life by award winning playwright Alan Ayckbourn revolves around a family dinner at their favorite restaurant organized by successful businessman Gerry Stratton to celebrate his wife Laura’s 54th birthday. Click for our review! (Click ‘more’ for details)Time of My Life by award winning playwright Alan Ayckbourn revolv…
Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St, Boston, MA
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Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St, Boston, MA
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Travel
New Britain Winterfest
Clowns, inflatables, and more attract 3,000 people every year to this event. Hmm. Sounds like it’s outdoors. 11am-3pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Clowns, inflatables, and more attract 3,000 people every year to this e…
Stanley Quarter Park, 2179 Stanley St, New Britain, CT
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Stanley Quarter Park, 2179 Stanley St, New Britain, CT
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Mardi Gras in Ogunquit
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I can never find much on Mardi Gras near Boston, just bars that are basically doing nothing creative but want you to buy booze. This one looks real enough, with a parade, too! (Click ‘more’ for details)I can never find much on Mardi Gras near Boston, just bars that are basically doing nothing creative but want y…
Ogunquit, ME
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Ogunquit, ME
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Mardi Gras in Hallowell – 250th Cel…
I couldn’t get any details about this one, but it’s related to this town’s 250th anniversary. (Click ‘more’ for details)I couldn’t get any details about this one, but it’s related to this town’s 250th anniversary.
Hallowell, ME
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Hallowell, ME
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Brewer Waterfront Winterfest
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Ooo! I love off-season fireworks. (Click ‘more’ for details)Ooo! I love off-season fireworks.
Brewer, ME
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Brewer, ME
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Torchlight Parade & Fireworks -…
More fireworks… And a parade! (Click ‘more’ for details)More fireworks… And a parade!
Okemo Mountain, 77 Okemo Ridge Road, Ludlow, VT
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Okemo Mountain, 77 Okemo Ridge Road, Ludlow, VT
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Chester Winter Carnival
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Snow sculptures and sled races… (Click ‘more’ for details)Snow sculptures and sled races…
Chester, VT
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Chester, VT
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Island Pond Winter Carnival
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Broomball and hamburgers… (Click ‘more’ for details)Broomball and hamburgers…
Island Pond, VT
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Island Pond, VT
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Brattleboro Winter Carnival
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Um, this one features a quilt, but I guess when you’re stuck in Vermont in the winter you’ll take anything. (Click ‘more’ for details)Um, this one features a quilt, but I guess when you’re stuck in Vermont in the winter you’ll take anyth…
Brattleboro, VT
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Brattleboro, VT
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Lyndon/Burke Snowflake Festival
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A torchlight parade and snowmobile race… And more quilts.,,. (Click ‘more’ for details)A torchlight parade and snowmobile race… And more quilts.,,.
Lyndon, VT
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Lyndon, VT
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