6/21-6/30: Free movies, Block Parties, Ren, Pirate, Sand Sculpture, Food, Steam Engine Fests, Ham Radios, Rodeo, & Diplomacy

06/20/10 by Johnny Monsarrat

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-Johnny
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The Week in Weird
Free Movie Preview: Grease, Knight and Day, & Cyrus		6/22	Boston Metro
I have free movie preview tickets for Knight & Day (Tue, I just have one!), Cyrus (Wed), and the Grease Sing-A-Long (Thu). Knight and Day is the new comedy/action with Tom Cruise. Cyrus is another comedy. I’ve seen the Grease Sing-A-Long and it’s really fun! 7pm Boston Common each day. Boston Common Theatre, Boston, MA. more
Cambridge City Dance Party		6/25	Boston Metro
I’ve been to this one twice and it is to die for. No really, you have to go to this! It’s an outdoor block party with colored lights on City Hall. What better to celebrate that the people own the government, not the other way around. 7-11pm. Massachusetts Avenue in front of City Hall. 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA.617-349-4301. more
Winslowshire Renaissance Festival		6/26 – 6/27	Southern Mass
The event of the week is this summer festival in Norton, Massachusetts. Your first thought is going to be: Norton? Do I even know where Norton is? But I went once and it was fantastic, definitely worth a visit. More than 30 vendors selling crafts and 6 different stages with music, weapons demonstrations, and magic. 11am-5pm. 37 Eddy Street, Norton, MA.508-285-6451. more
New England Pirate Faire		6/19 – 6/27	North Shore
Also old-timey, as I mentioned last week, this is a Pirate-themed Renaissance Faire, about 5% the size of King Richard’s Faire but highly reecommended. They have a dozen live actors portraying pirates and doing a play (in segments) that lasts all day, and an action-comedy show called: “Pirate Vs. Ninja”! There will be vendors of appropriately themed goods, with food and music. Sat & Sun only, 10am-5pm. Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA.781-346-1028. more
Salisbury Beach Sand & Sea Festival, with Pirates!		6/25 – 6/27	North Shore
But wait! There are more pirates on the North Shore. And fireworks! This beach festival features live music, water races, a professional surfing demo, a pirate encampment, pet parade, really a ton of creative dance and party stuff! Pirates Ball, Friday 7:30pm-12am. Fest Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-5pm, with fireworks Sat @ 10pm. Salisbury Beach, Salisbury Beach, MA.978-462-7274. more
New England Wild West Fest		6/26 – 6/27	South Shore
You don’t see many rodeos in Boston! This one comes with a Civil War re-enactment, BBQ and chili contest, and um, country music. Marshfield Fairgrounds Rt. 3A, Marshfield, MA.781-710-9222. more
Yankee Engine-uity Steam Engine Show		6/26 – 6/27	Western Mass
Are you interested in cars? How about tractors? Airplanes? Tanks? Well, they might not have any tanks, but you can find a variety of old timey steam engines and new fangled machines at this festival. Notice how I classify Orange, MA as “Western Massachusetts”, as though anything further west than Worcester is “here there be dragons!”. Orange Airport, Orange, MA.978-544-5295 or 413-253-9574. more
Boston Massacre (Diplomacy Competition)		6/26 – 6/27	Boston Metro
Pandemonium, the sci-fi/fantasy book store and roleplaying headquarters, will have a tournament of Diplomacy, the best board game ever. Starts at 9am both days. Pandemonium Books, 4 Pleasant St, Cambridge, MA.617-547-3721. more more
Summer Splash & Olde New England Days at Whales Tale		6/25 – 6/27	New Hampshire
Discounted admission and live music at this opening-day festival for a major water park, and a street festival and BBQ in town. Buy tix in advance, event will sell out! Whale’s Tale Waterpark, Lincoln, NH. more more
Gilsum Rock Swap & Mineral Show		6/26 – 6/27	New Hampshire
While you’re in New Hampshire, here’s your chance to pan a stream for minerals and see lots of rare stones get swapped. They’ll have a rock climbing wall, too. Rain or shine. School, 640 Route 10, Gilsum, NH. more
Master Sand Sculpting Competition @ Hampton Beach		6/18 – 6/30	New Hampshire
Or step down from rocks to sand at Hampton Beach. While I mentioned this last week, the sculpture festival really gets going THIS week. Sign up to take a sand sculpting lesson 6/26 and there’s a fireworks display Saturday evening 6/26. Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, NH.603-926-8718. more
FBRA Sand Sculpting Festival		6/25 – 6/28	Connecticut
Or, if you live nearer to Connecticut, watch two grand masters make huge sculptures, or join in the amateur competition. Penfield Beach, Fairfield, CT.203-254-8533. more more more
Town Meeting Re-enactment		6/26	Metro West
Something’s wrong with the MIMA website, but they’re having another re-enactment, this time of a town festival. Lexington, MA. more
Opening Day @ Frog Pond		6/30	Boston Metro
Every year Frog Pond opens for wading with a big festival. They’ll have vendors, jugglers, live music, storytellers, and the ubiquitous face painting. Boston Common, Boston, MA.617-635-4505 or 617-854-7667. more more more
ARRL Radio Field Day (Brookline)		6/26 – 6/27	Boston Metro
Get this! Ham radio operators are having a festival, showing how their long-range radios provide communication whenever there’s an emergency. They’ll show off Morse code, solar power, and even try to contact a passing satellite overhead. This one’s in Brookline… 2-6pm. Brookline, MA.617-484-1089. more more
ARRL Radio Field Day (Worcester)		6/26 – 6/27	Worcester
… And this one’s in Worcester…. National Guard Building, 55 Skyline Drive, Worcester, MA. more more
ARRL Radio Field Day (Marlborough)		6/26 – 6/27	Boston Metro
… And in Marlborough, from 2pm Sat to 2pm Sun. Central Fire Station, 215 Maple St. (Rt 85)., Marlborough, MA. more more
Lowell African Festival		6/26	Lowell
This looks like a small festival, but there aren’t many African themed events in New England, so check it out! Sampas Pavilion, Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell, MA. more
Endicott Park Day		6/26	North Shore
Also North of Boston, Danvers will have a pie contest and a chili contest, unspecified “rides”, and hopefully they’ll do their tug of war and fireman-style competitions again. 11am-3pm. Danvers, MA.978-777-0001 or 978-335-3484. more
Amesbury Block Party		6/23	North Shore
I think I’d prefer to go to Amesbury, which is having a block party with live music, hay rides, pony rides, and it’s just part of an entire summer of Amesbury events. 5:30-7:30pm. Upper Main Street by Library, Amesbury, MA.978-388-3178. more
Maplewood’s Second Annual Carnival		6/27	North Shore
For example, this carnival, which features a dunk tank! I really want to see this! Maplewood Care and Rehab, 6 Morrill Place, Amesbury, MA.978-388-3500. more
Rhode Island Open Air Show		6/26 – 6/27	Rhode Island
It’s going to be hard for them to compete though with the airplanes in this air show! Wow! Take a look at some of the photos on this one! Quonset State Airport, Minuteman Way, North Kingstown, RI.401-886-1342. more
Newport Flower Show at the Rosecliff mansion		6/25 – 6/27	Rhode Island
While you’re in Rhode Island, stop by the Newport mansions and cliffwalk, and see this flower show. No mention of the butterfly house they had last year…. 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI. more
Chicopee Fest-Of-All		6/24 – 6/27	Springfield
Let’s be frank. I see tons of festivals and I’m not impressed easily. This one I’m impressed by! They have a cell phone toss, a vintage baseball game, kids karaoke “idol” competition, a car show, and astronomy events both day & night. Rain or shine, with fireworks 6/26 (rain date 6/27). Free! Szot Park, Chicopee, MA. more
Summerfest in Monson		6/26	Springfield
Events details haven’t been posted, but on the plus side, they’ll have fireworks 6/26 (rain date next day). On the minus side, a Neil Diamond tribute band is schedule to play. In the past, they’ve had a parade, a soap box derby, a frog jumping contest, and a BMX show. Quarry Hill School, Monson, MA.413-267-9118 or 413-267-3649. more
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre @ Salem Cross Inn		6/25 – 8/20	Worcester
This murder mystery dinner series takes place June 25, July 23, August 20. They’ll talk about “CSI” methods like in the TV show. 260 West Main Street, West Brookfield, MA.508-867-2345. more
Overnight Charity Walk		6/26 – 6/27	Boston Metro
Boston has too many charity walks. Yes, yes, they’re all for good causes, but they’re mostly pretty boring. This one’s quite interesting because it takes place at night, an 18-mile walk with thousands. Start & end at Boston City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA. more
Common Boston festival		6/17 – 6/27	Boston Metro
I still can’t figure out Common Boston, but this week it seems to be mostly architectural tours and talks. Various, Boston, MA.617-244-3171. more
Provincetown Portuguese Festival		6/24 – 6/27	Cape Cod
Perhaps you’re looking for an excuse to visit Cape Cod. Here’s one. Provincetown, MA.508-487-3298. more
Summer Solstice Revels at the Old Manse		6/21	Metro West
As I mentioned last week, the summer solstice is here, and there are a few events to mark the day. My favorite would probably be the Old Manse, with live music followed by a sunset paddle. Bring a flashlight! 6:30pm. Old Manse, 269 Monument Street, Concord, MA.978.369.3909. more
Also Fun
Summer Solstice Celebration at Dell Rock Urban Wilds		6/21	Boston Metro
7-9pm. Come celebrate the long days of summer, join the Friends of Dell Rock and BNAN for an evening of music, food and summer evening revelry! Dell Rock, Hyde Park Ave between Dell Ave and Harvard Ave, Hyde Park, MA.617-542-7696. more
World’s End Summer Solstice		6/21	South Shore
This one’s more for people who like to sit. It’s an outdoor concert and picnic. 6-8:30pm. $5. World’s End, 250 Martin’s Lane, Hingham, MA.781.740.7233. more
Hull-of-a-Day Celebration		6/26	South Shore
This street festival started with a parade at 11am from A Street & Nantasket Avenue to N St. Weirdly, it doesn’t seem to be advertised anywhere on the Web. Rain date the next day. L Street Playground, Hull, MA.781-925-2295. more
106 WCOD Cape Cod Chowderfest		6/27	Cape Cod
This is a live music event where you get to eat. I’m sold! Just $12. 12pm. Cape Cod Melody Tent, 21 West Main Stree, Hyannis, MA.508-775-5630. more
Taste of Cambridge		6/24	Boston Metro
This ones closer and more expensive. 5:30-8pm. Benefits the YMCA, City Sprouts, and a group whose nonsensical name really needs to change: The Cambridge Prevention Coalition Trainings Harvard/MIT Collaborative. Charles Hotel Courtyard, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA. more
Taste of Allston		6/27	Boston Metro
Also in Allston, a festival with you can eat for $20. Or buy in advance for just $15. 2010: 12-3pm. Profits benefit notably poorly named Allston Village Main Streets, a non-profit revitalization effort. Revitalizing what? Work on your elevator pitch, guys! How about this. “We’re helping gentrify Allston and turn this student-ruled urban chaos into a family village with community. Harvard Athletic Complex, 65 North Harvard Street, Allston, MA. more
Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Party		6/25 – 6/27	Boston Metro
This one comes with free Ferris Wheel rides! Make sure to buy in advance. I showed up to one of these once and wasn’t able to get in. It’s free on Friday and just $5 Saturday and Sunday, but food is not included. However, it does include “Kin Experience”. (What is that??). Suffolk Downs, Boston, MA. more
Zoobilee: Feast with the Beasts		6/26	Rhode Island
Probably the strangest food festival is where you can see live animals, and eat dead ones. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI.401-785-3510. more
South Berwick Strawberry Festival		6/26	Maine
Let’s face it. If you won’t travel to Maine in the summer, when will you go? This ultra-small festival is just an excuse. 9am-4pm. 197 Main Street, South Berwick, ME. more
Grecian Festival @ Watertown		6/25	Boston Metro
This festival is also about food! At least, I hope it is! Church, 25 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, MA. more
Asian Festival		6/27	Worcester
Food, music, and traditional dances from all across Asia. 12-6pm. 28 Mulberry Street, Worcester, MA. more
St. Peter’s Fiesta Carnival		6/23 – 6/27	North Shore
Fiesta Shows comes to Gloucester, but this festival holds a lot more, including a parade, live music, sporting events, and the Greasy Pole Walk, which is where people in costume try to walk 20′ along a pole over the water that’s all greased up to grab a flag at the end! Gloucester, MA. more
Lions Club Town Fair @ Acton		6/23 – 6/27	Metro West
Let’s see the Lions Club top that when Fiesta Shows comes to Acton! Acton, MA. more more
Carnival Weekend @ Davis Farmland		6/26 – 6/27	Worcester
Davis Farmland will feature their own smaller carnival, with an inflatable obstacle course and all their regular stuff like hay rides, water spray park, and they seem to have added a mini-car racing course. The only trick is, adults can’t get in without a kid in tow. 11-3pm. 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MA.978-422-8888. more
Tinkerbell Tea & Captain Hook Picnic		6/26	New Hampshire
This one’s just for kids too, but it’s so cute that I couldn’t resist including it. It includes an outdoor performance of portions of Peter Pan! Prescot Park, Marcy St at Mechanic St, Portsmouth, NH. more
Matchbox Car Race Day!		6/29	North Shore
This is just what you think it is. Kids (and adults?? Please??) racing miniature cars! Rt 1A, Wenham, MA.978-468-2377. more
An Old-Fashioned Saturday		6/26	North Shore
Also at the Wenham, a day of 19th century crafts demos and live music. Rt 1A, Wenham, MA.978-468-2377. more
Boston Tango Festival		6/23 – 6/27	Boston Metro
Tango is the hardest of the dances to learn, but I called and they swore this festival is for beginners of all ages, even kids. 16 Bow St, 2FL, Somerville, MA. more
Joe’s Jazz and Blues Festival		6/19 – 6/27	Boston Metro
There’s also a music festival in Somerville! It starts with a free concert at Powderhouse Park (near 136 College Ave), June 19 from 12-8pm. Davis Square, Somerville, MA. more
Worcester Group Sings June 26th at Howe Park		6/26	Worcester
I think I’d rather join a singing group. 1:30 – 4pm. Meet up at the lake. Howe State Park, 51 Howe Road, Spencer MA.508-792-1499. more
Stories in the Stars		6/25	Rhode Island
Further out, this is a nighttime lecture about constellations. I’d love to see that! 7:30-8:30pm. Also August 27. To register call (401) 949-5454, ext. 3041 or email programs@asri.org. Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI. more
International Festival of Arts and Ideas		6/12 – 6/26	Connecticut
Even further out from Boston, this is a series of idea lectures, tours, music, theatre, and gee, Phillp Glass will be there. New Haven, CT. more
Wooden Boat Show		6/25 – 6/27	Connecticut
So what is this? Well, there’s a remote-controlled boat contest, and a mini-boat race… and food… plus tons of demonstrations of how to build your own boat. Like bronze casting. And it’s closer than New Haven. 9am-5pm. Mystic, CT.207-359-4651. more
Vermont History Expo		6/26 – 6/27	Vermont
Even further out!! Over 150+ historical societies gather for a huge New Englandy goodness festival complete with book learnin’. Tunbridge Fair Grounds, Tunbridge, VT. more
Vermont Quilt Festival		6/25 – 6/27	Vermont
And this is New England’s oldest and largest quilt event, so they claim. Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, VT. more
Cape Cod “Quahog Day		6/21	Cape Cod
As I mentioned last week, they’re doing a ceremony at 4pm and will have live music on the beach, followed by a quahog eating contest and lots of silly beachy New Englandy stuff. Beach at Hemisphere Restaurant, 98 Town Neck Road, Sandwich, MA. more
Science Fiction Film Series @ Harvard Film Archive		6/18 – 6/28	Boston Metro
And at Harvard, check their calendar for a series of science fiction films that I believe is free. Carpenter Center, 24 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA. more
FAC Pinewoods Weekend and FolkDays		6/24 – 7/1	South Shore
You have to register for this one if you want to camp out and learn folk dancing. But I bet that if you don’t plan to stay overnight, they’d allow you to just stop by unannounced. Pinewoods Camp, Plymouth, MA.781-662-7475. more
July 4th Carnival @ Wilmington		6/28 – 7/4	Northern Mass
And finally, it’s not quite too soon for July 4th! I’ll bring you the Largest July 4th List in New England next week!! Yay! Town Common, Church St., Wilmington, MA. more
Performance
Providence Improv Fest		6/23 – 6/27	Rhode Island
There’s comedy in Providence. Various Locations, Providence, RI. more
Capitol Steps		6/26	Boston Metro
The singing, dancing, theatre troupe that parodies national and world news. For serious news junkies. I’ve seen it — the group’s parodies are excellent, but their staging and production value is college theatre level. For this kind of money, please build some sets and fancy costumes. Wilbur Theatre, Boston, MA. more

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