Johnny’s List of Quirky Boston Events: 08/13/08
08/13/08 by
Johnny Monsarrat
Hey-o,
This week I’m trying the blog in Web format, for easier scanning. Let me know what you think. If this doesn’t work you can see it at http://johnnyslist.blogspot.com
| The Week in Weird | ||
| Jaffrey NH Festival of Fireworks | Aug 16 Jaffrey, NH |
They’ll have live music, games for kids (what about us adults?), a skydiving performance at 6:30pm and then fireworks “”after dusk””. Jaffrey Airport Rte. 124, 190 Turnpike Road, Jaffrey, NH. more |
| East Boston Pride Day | Aug 16 East Boston, MA |
This is a novelty, a liberal festival in a (presumably) conservative neighborhood, and they’ll have steel drums and jugglers and more. Piers Park, East Boston, MA. more |
| Arlington Astronomy Night | Aug 23 Arlington, MA |
Next: April 2009. more |
| Dancing on the Charles | Jul 26 – Aug 23 Cambridge, MA |
It’s an outdoor dance in Cambridge. Sounds great. American Legion, 4 Gerry’s Landing, Cambridge, MA. more |
| Cambridge Discovery Days | Aug 9 – Aug 16 Cambridge, MA |
They give free walking tours featuring famous dead poets, etc. and other locals. Various, Cambridge, MA. more |
| Perseids Meteor Shower | Aug 12 – Aug 25 Everywhere |
I tried to see the Perseids but I chose a place with too many lights at night. You really need to get to a beach or a very large field with no streetlights. It’s too late to catch the peak but they do continue through August 25. more more |
| Beaux Arts Ball | Aug 13 Gloucester, MA |
I’ve never been to a masquerade ball and I bet this is worth seeing. The Studio Restaurant, 51 Rocky Neck Ave, Gloucester, MA.978-282-1346. more |
| Wild Wild West in Beverly | Aug 14 Beverly, MA |
This event is one of those that just leaves me speechless. What is it? Go find out. more |
| Carnival (Provincetown) | Aug 17 – Aug 23 Provincetown, MA |
Speaking of the Wild Wild West, it’s also this year’s theme for New England’s gay capital carnival. 800.637.8696. more |
| Beach Party Blast at NARA Park, Acton | Aug 14 Acton, MA |
This may be their biggest event of the year, with a sandcastle contest, a huge slip & slide, and a watermelon eating contest!. NARA Park, Acton, MA. more |
| Fisherman’s Festival (Madonna Del Soccorso) | Aug 14 – Aug 17 Boston, MA |
This is one of many North End Italian festivals, including a procession on Sunday. It’s free. North Street, Boston, MA.617.248.0343. more |
| Grease sing-a-long at Brattle Theatre | Aug 15 Cambridge, MA |
You’ve heard the musical. Now immerse yourself and sing along at the Brattle. Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA. more |
| Fly in a restored B17 Bomber – Show | Aug 15 – Aug 17 Lawrence, MA |
It’s just $5 to walk into a real WWII bomber. Or spend $400 to fly in one!. Lawrence Municipal Airport, Main Terminal, Lawrence, MA.800-359-6217. more |
| Great Falls Balloon Festival | Aug 15 – Aug 17 Lewiston, ME |
About 2.5 hours’ drive from Boston, featuring 30 balloons. Reserve ahead for your ride. 800-639-6331. more |
| The British Are Coming – Again! (Re-Enactment) | Aug 15 – Aug 17 Boston, MA |
I love re-enactments, and this is the first I’ve heard of that’s actually on Boston Common. Boston Common, Boston, MA. more |
| Revolutionary Water Gun Battle | Aug 16 Boston, MA |
The prank group Banitos Misteriosos is sponsoring a water gun fight on Boston Common. Register by Friday to attend. more |
| Celebrate Revere | Aug 16 Revere, MA |
I’m figuring out that “”family fun”” is code for “”sheer boredom unless you are a child””. I don’t know how parents stand it. Well, there’s a beach, that’s pretty good, even if you may not enjoy the puppet show and face painting. And then fireworks!. Revere Beach, Revere, MA. more |
| Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival | Aug 16 Lowell, MA |
They’ll have dragon boat races, tons of performances, including “”Monkey Dancers”” and rap in Khmer. Lowell Heritage State Park Esplanade & Sampas Pavilion, 500 Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell, MA. more |
| Maine Highland Games | Aug 16 Brunswick, ME |
I’ve been to this beach, it’s genuinely amazing. They’ll have athletics, all kinds of music and dance, and booths where you can join whichever Scottish “”clan”” you like. Thomas Point Beach, Brunswick, ME.207-688-4515. more |
| Sandcastle and Sculpture Day (Nantucket) | Aug 16 Nantucket Island, MA |
I’ve always wanted to check out this event, but it’s just very hard to actually get to Nantucket Island. How about flying: Cape Air, 800-352-0714, Nantucker Airlines 800-635-8787, Island Airlines 800-248-7779, or ferry from Cape Cod. 508-228-1700. more |
| The Long Arm of the Law | Aug 16 Lincoln, MA |
Hey, it’s a 1770’s courtroom! . Hartwell Tavern – Rt. 2A, Lincoln, MA. more |
| The Old Manse and the Civil War | Aug 16 Concord, MA |
2008: 11am-4pm. This should be a fantastic event, with re-enactments of drilling and firing and camping. Plus an ice cream social. Old Manse, 269 Monument Street, Concord, MA.978-369-3909. more |
| Partial Lunar Eclipse | Aug 16 Everywhere |
I was so excited to see the last lunar eclipse until my date, who I woke up at 4am, said “”doesn’t this just mean the moon goes through its phases, just like it does every month?””. She had a point. more |
| Gloucester Waterfront Festival | Aug 16 – Aug 17 Gloucester, MA |
They’ll have magic and tethered balloon rides! Rain or shine. Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA. more |
| Waterfront Festival @ Stage Fort Park | Aug 16 – Aug 17 Gloucester, MA |
They claim to be the largest waterfront festival on the North Shore. Over 200 artists. Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA.978-283-1601. more |
| Colonial Overnight @ Plimoth Plantation | Aug 16 Plymouth, MA |
Wow! Here’s your chance to dress retro (1650s) and sleep overnight with the Pilgrims. They have one at their Indian site too. 137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA.508 746 1622. more |
| Caribbean Carnival Parade | Aug 16 – Aug 23 Boston, MA |
The Boston Carnival parade is just the kind of “”local”” event where the enthusiasm of the performers is infectious. 2008: Parade 8/23 begins at 1:00pm at MLK Blvd &b Warren St. and ends at 7:00pm on Blue Hill Ave at Franklin Park. Various, Boston, MA. more |
| Chinatown August Moon Festival | Aug 17 Boston, MA |
2008: 10am to 5pm. I’ve seen this, and it’s a genuine treat. So many cute kids go on stage for martial arts and dance. They have dragon dances and so many vendors! A must see. Main Street, Chinatown, Boston, MA.(617) 350- 6303. more |
| Antique Tractor Pull & Show | Aug 17 North Andover, MA |
Tractor pulls, flea market, BBQ, hayrides, pick your own peaches & tomatos. 315 S. Bradford Street, North Andover, MA.978-682-6332. more |
| Bellydance Benefit for Jane Doe charity | Aug 17 Cambridge, MA |
1-5pm. $15. Proceeds go to benefit a charity that is not described. The Middle East Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA. more |
| India Day – Festival & Concert | Aug 17 Boston, MA |
I’ve been to this one. It’s at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade in Boston. They have performers and a huge crowd with dozens of booths. As the only India-themed event I know of in Boston, it’s definitely worth a trip. Esplanade, Boston, MA. more |
| Boston Carnival | Aug 17 – Aug 23 Dorchester, MA |
Kiddie Carnival Sunday, then full carnival the ending Saturday. Note, in 2005 17 people were arrested at the Caribbean Carnival at Franklin Park. 617-296-7083. more |
| Age of Victoria | Aug 18 – Aug 20 Wenham, MA |
It’s another re-enactment! I called up the Wenham to confirm that their re-enactment series, which is extensive, is open to the public as well as the summer camp kids. Wenham Museum, 132 Main Street, Wenham, MA.(978) 468-2377. more |
| Dance New England – Dance Camp | Aug 20 – Aug 31 Poland Springs, ME |
Enjoy dancing? Want to experience 11 days with no meat on the table? Here’s a retreat in Maine that will get your toes tapping. Omni Camp, Poland Springs, ME. more |
| Plum Island | All Year Newburyport, MA |
I recently tried going to the beach at Plum Island at night, and it was fantastic. Dark enough to be romantic but not scary dark. Very smooth sand. Even better than my 2nd favorite (which is closer to Boston): The Singing Beach in Manchester, MA. 978 465-5753. more |
| Water Country | All Summer Portsmouth, NH |
I love Water Country! I try to go every summer. It’s the largest water park in New England. 2300 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH. 603 427-1111. more |
| Mystery Lounge at the Hong Kong | Every Tuesday Cambridge, MA |
There’s a comedy club in Harvard Square, Cambridge that has the only regular magic night I know of in metro Boston. The lead-in was slow to get going but the last half of the show was definitely worth the trip. Every Tuesday at 8pm, all year. 1236 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA. 617-661-6507. more |
| Also Fun | ||
| Boston Restaurant Week – Summer | Aug 10 – Aug 15 Boston, MA |
Get cheap eats at the fanciest restaurants. A marketing ploy, a tourist event, what’s the difference?. Various, Boston, MA. more |
| Salem Jazz and Soul Festival | Aug 10 – Aug 17 Salem, MA |
This outdoorsy music festival is a good excuse to visit Salem and take in all the tourist attrations. more |
| Washington County Fair | Aug 13 – Aug 17 Carolina, RI |
It’s the largest agricultural fair in RI. Does that make it worth visiting? Yes, if you choose something else fun while you’re visiting the area. Washington County Fairgrounds, Richmond Townhouse Rd., Carolina, RI.401-782-8139. more |
| Field of Dreams at New England Aquarium IMAX | Aug 14 Boston, MA |
The aquarium is showing a movie and a Boston Globe sports writer will be present to chat with the audience. New England Aquarium, Boston, MA. more |
| Hardwick County Fair | Aug 15 – Aug 16 Hardwick, MA |
Beyond the usual sheep and cattle, they’ll have a lumberjack contest, hay rides, and frog jumping. Fri 5:30-10 pm, Sat 7am-5 pm. Free. Town Common, Rt 32A, Hardwick, MA. more |
| Provincetown Jazz Festival | Aug 15 – Aug 17 Provincetown, MA |
Although I have no interest in jazz whatsoever, perhaps this will inspire you to check out Cape Cod. more |
| Marshfield County Fair | Aug 15 – Aug 24 Marshfield, MA |
As well as the usual fair contests, they’ll have a demolition derby and a “”battle of the bands””. Route 3A at South River St., Marshfield, MA.(781) 834-6629. more |
| Essex Music Festival | Aug 16 Essex, MA |
This one caught my eye. Visitors are encouraged to bring along an instrument and play, but not if you’re really really bad. Centennial Grove, Route 22, Essex, MA. more |
| Dorchester Beach Festival | Aug 16 Dorchester, MA |
2008: 11am-4pm. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about moonbounces, it’s that 6’4″” guys are too big for ’em. This looks pretty creative, including an eco-scavenger hunt and kite decorating. Malibu Beach, Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester, MA. more |
| Verrill Farm Corn & Tomato Festival | Aug 16 – Aug 17 Concord, MA |
I haven’t been to Verrill Farm yet, but they’re continually having interesting events. This one includes hay & pony rides, and a petting zoo. 11 Wheeler Road, Concord, MA.978-369-4494. more |
| Free Admission @ Concord Museum | Aug 20 Concord, MA |
A free day at the Concord Museum may draw you into the numerous local museums. Try the National Heritage Museum in Lexington, which is free always, or the DeCordova Sculpture Museum in Lincoln, my personal favorite. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Road, Concord, MA.(978) 369-9763. more |
| Annual Peach Festival | Aug 15 – Aug 17 Wilbraham, MA |
While the peach sundaes, peach bread, and peach shakes will be special, the real draw of this event is Mr. Peach, a sad sad man in a huge peach costume. Fountain Park, Wilbraham, MA.413-599-0010. more |
| Latin American Festival @ Worcester City Hall | Aug 17 Worcester, MA |
This ethnic festival seems to be pretty same-old same-old. Worcester City Hall, 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA.508-798-1900. more |
| Outdoor Movies | ||
| Outdoor Movie Night at NARA Park, Acton | Jun 13 – Sep 13 Acton, MA |
Aug 15 & 22 are “”family movie night””, and Aug 15 they’re having some kind of Radio Disney Sweepstakes event. more |
| WBZ Free Friday Flicks @ Hatch Shell | Jun 20 – Aug 29 Boston, MA |
Aug 15: “”The Goonies””, at sundown. Call hotline for cancellation info. Esplanade, Boston, MA.617-787-7200. more |
| Wednesday Movies Under the Stars | Jun 25 – Aug 27 Falmouth, MA |
Aug 13: “”E.T.””, Aug 20: “”Polyanna””. Peg Noonan Park, Main Street, Falmouth, MA.508-487-3424 . more |
| Movies by Moonlight – Boston Harbor Hotel | Jun 27 – Aug 29 Boston, MA |
8/17 The Best Years of Our Lives; 8/24 Citizen Kane; 8/31 The Thin Man. or http://www.bhh.com/special_eventcal.htm, |
| Onset Bay Movie Co – Outdoor Movies Series | Jul 3 – Aug 28 Onset, MA |
Aug 14: “”Cars””. The Bandshell, behind 197 Onset Avenue, Onset, MA.508-295-9026. more |
| Neponset River Greenway Festival & Movie Series | Jul 3 – Aug 29 Dorchester, MA |
Aug 14: “”Men in Black””, at Pope John Paul ll Park, Dorchester. Aug 19: “”Goonies””, Martini Shell, Hyde Park. Pope John Paul II Park, Gallivan Blvd, Dorchester, MA.617-542-7696 . more |
| Movie Nights on Revere Beach | Jul 10 – Aug 14 Revere, MA |
Aug 14: Some movie, that even their dial-in line doesn’t say what it is. Nice. Revere Beach, Revere, MA.781-286-8190. more |
| Weymouth Summer Outdoor Movies | Jul 10 – Aug 21 Weymouth, MA |
Aug 14: Shrek the Third. more |
| City of Somerville Annual Movie Series | Jul 10 – Sep 4 Somerville, MA |
August 16 North By Northwest at Seven Hills Park, August 23 Viewer’s Choice at Seven Hills Park. Seven Hills Park or Community Growing Center, Somerville, MA.617-666-3311. more |
| Family Night in the Park (Cambridge movies) | Jul 16 – Aug 20 Cambridge, MA |
Aug 13: “”Bee Movie”” at Danehy Park, Aug 20: “”Legend at the Deep””, Glacken Field. All movies are preceded by a kids performance at 7pm. 617-349-6200. more |
| Winchester Movies on the Common | Jul 17 – Aug 14 Winchester, MA |
Aug 14: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Winchester Town Common, Winchester, MA. more |
| Scituate Recreation’s Outdoor Movie Night | Jul 18 – Aug 15 Scituate, MA |
Aug 15: “”High School Musical””. 781-545-8738. more |
| Movies on the Mystic @ Assembly Square | Jul 22 – Aug 17 Somerville, MA |
8/17 Back To The Future. Films start at dusk, approximately 8:30pm. Bring your beach or lounge chairs to the lot adjacent to Assembly Square (behind Assembly Square Marketplace parking lot. Assembly Square, Somerville, MA. more |
| Mayor Menino’s Monday Night Movies in Boston | Aug 4 – Aug 25 Boston, MA |
Aug 18: “”Flushed Away””. Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common, 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA. more |
| Salem Movie on the Common (part of Salem Heritage Days) | Aug 7 – Aug 30 Salem, MA |
Aug 16: “”Bee Movie””. more |
| Arlington Movie Night | Aug 15 Arlington, MA |
Aug 15: “”Ratatouille””, approx 8pm. Robbins Farm Park, Arlington, MA. more |
| Outdoor Concerts | ||
| Concerts on the Common, Framingham | Jun 1 – Aug 29 Framingham, MA |
Fridays 6:30pm. 508-532-5960. more |
| Sweet Summer Nights Music Series | Jun 6 – Aug 29 Upton, MA |
more |
| MFA Concerts in the Courtyard | Jun 11 – Sep 14 Boston, MA |
617-369-3189. more |
| Sunday Evening Concerts on the Common, Norwood | Jun 16 – Aug 20 Norwood, MA |
more |
| Special Live Concerts, Outdoors at the Boston Harbor Hotel | Jun 20 – Aug 29 Boston, MA |
70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA. more |
| Springfield CityBlock Concert Series | Jun 21 – Sep 20 Springfield, MA |
more |
| Southbridge Summer Concert Series | Jul 1 – Aug 20 Southbridge, MA |
more |
| Longfellow Family Sundays Art in the Park | Jul 6 – Aug 31 Cambridge, MA |
horn music, poetry at the Longfellow Historic Site. Participatory painting, drawing. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Every Sunday June-August, poetry & classical music. Most events 4-5pm but see website. 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA.617-876-4491. more |
| Landmarks Orchestra Festival at the Shell | Jul 9 – Sep 10 Boston, MA |
2008: 7pm. Free. Every Wednesday. Esplanade, Boston, MA. more |
| Art in the Parks, Needham | Jul 17 – Aug 14 Needham, MA |
more |
| Radio 92.9 CitySteps Concert Series | Jul 17 – Aug 21 Boston, MA |
The English Beat 8/21. Opens at 5pm and shows at 6pm, with local artists opening and vendor booths. City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA. more |
| Outdoor Theatre | ||
| Plays in the Park @ Georges Island | Jun 27 – Aug 29 Boston, MA |
Georges Island, Boston, MA.617-223-8666. more |
| Outdoor stage at the Publick Theatre | Jul 3 – Sep 14 Brighton, MA |
Publick Theatre at Christian Herter Park, 1175A Soldiers Field Road, Brighton, MA. more |
| Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park | Jul 8 – Aug 19 Boston, MA |
canceled in the event of rain. Franklin Park, Boston, MA.(617) 282-2881. more |
| Much Ado About Nothing | Aug 16 Lowell, MA |
It’s Shakespeare. It’s outdoors. Just go. more |
| Recurring Events | ||
| LEGO – Architecture of the Imagination | Mar 17 – Aug 17 Stamford, CT |
Although I mentioned this in March, the exhibit is closing August 17. This is your last chance to see it!. Stamford Museum & Nature Center, Stamford, CT. more |
| Waterfire | May 24 – Nov 11 Providence, RI |
Providence Place, Providence, RI.401 751-1221. more |
| Folk dancing in Copley Square | Jun 3 – Aug 26 Boston, MA |
2008: 7:30pm-10pm on Tuesdays. Copley Square, by the fountain, Boston, MA. more |
| Fireworks every Wednesday @ Hampton Beach | Jun 18 – Aug 31 Hampton, NH |
Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, NH.603-926-8718. more |
| George’s Island Kite Day (Go Fly a KITE Day) | Jun 22 – Aug 31 Boston, MA |
Kite experts give lessons on kite-flying, fre material to build kites. Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, MA.617-223-8666. more |
| Arts on the Arcade | Jul 9 – Aug 27 Boston, MA |
2008: Mondays & Wednesdays only, 11am-3pm. 617-635-3911. more |
| Murder Under Bones | Jul 15 – Aug 19 Somerville, MA |
The authors of mystery novels come to discuss their works at Red Bones, the BBQ place. 55 Chester Street, Somerville, MA. more |
| Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre @ Salem Cross Inn | Jul 25 – Sep 19 West Brookfield, MA |
Interactive murder mystery dinner theatre. 260 West Main Street, West Brookfield, MA.508-867-2345. more |
| Murder Mystery & Evening With the Astors @ Beechwood Mansion | Jul 3 – Oct 30 Newport, RI |
Come for the Murder Mystery Dinner, or for the Big Band Dance, with lessons beforehand. 401-846-3772. more |
| Civil War Re-Enactment on Georges Island | Jul 13 – Aug 24 Boston, MA |
Georges Island.Join the spirit of Dr. Charles Macgill of Hagerstown, Maryland, in a stroll through Fort Warren as he reminisces about his confinement here as a political prisoner during the Civil War. Dates: July 13, July 27, August 10, August 24. No civil war encampment in 2008. Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, MA.617-223-8666. more |
| Performance | ||
| The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee | Aug 12 – Aug 31 Beverly, MA |
It’s a musical about kids in a spelling bee. North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA.978-332-7200. more |
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-Johnny