June 1-7, 2011: Art & River Fests, Tons o’ Parades, Soapbox Derby, Fireworks, Quilt Show, and 3 Awesome Giveaways
05/31/11 by
Johnny Monsarrat
Oh my god! Oh my god! Guys guys guys! This week I’m giving away must-have tickets to 3 different places, and finally, we have tons of awesome summer stuff. And I list more outdoor music, theatre, and movies than anyone else by a factor of five. I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!
-Johnny
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| The Week in Weird | ||||
| Wed 6/1 – Thu 9/1New HampshireCanobie Lake Park – tix giveaway |
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| Canobie Lake Park is my favorite amusement park in New England. It’s not as big as Six Flags New England but it’s a real park with trees and shady spots to relax as well as the thrill rides. You can take a boat ride around their lake or get the birds eye view from the gondola. And I have 4 tickets to give away this week for Canobie Lake Park! Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win. 85 N. Policy Street, Salem, NH.603.893.3506. more |
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| Wed 6/1 – Thu 9/1New HampshireWhitewater Rafting Giveaway |
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| Are you totally sad to have missed the giveaway last month for whitewater rafting? I have 4 tickets to give away for a different provider, RaftNH! Their prices are lower and they have dog sledding in the summer (think “sleds” with wheels.) It sounds fantastic and I hope to go there myself and do a review. Gorham, NH. more |
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| Sun 6/5Boston MetroRock and Blues Concert Cruise: Carbon Leaf and Enter the Haggis |
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| Check this out! It’s a music concert on a boat that sails around Boston hahbah. I’m giving away 4 tickets for this cool concert cruise! It boards at 2 PM and departs at 3 PM. Ticket holders must be 21+. World Trade Center Pier in the Seaport District at 200 Seaport Blvd, Boston., Boston, MA. more |
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| Sat 6/4Boston MetroCambridge River Festival |
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| Definitely the highlight of the week, this is an arts fest that’s got everything: A parade kicking off from Harvard Square at 11:30, puppets, street performers, food, music, performances by local theatres, dance, demonstrations, artists, and more. 12-6 PM, rain or shine. I’ve been twice and it’s GINORMOUS. Along Memorial Drive, between JFK Street and Western Avenue., Cambridge, MA.617-349-4380. more |
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| Sat 6/4 – Sun 6/5Boston MetroFIGMENT Festival |
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| So… this is some kind of poorly described art festival, but it’s not a row of vendors selling merchandise. Instead it’s more like 80 participatory art activities. The event is free & family friendly, and you’re invited to bring something to share. Features a “wandering carnival” of sculptures. It sounds like summer! 11 AM- 7 PM Saturday and 11 AM- 6 PM Sunday. Rose Kennedy Greeway, Boston, MA. more |
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| Mon 6/6Boston MetroAncient and Honorable June Day Parade |
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| What is June Day? I really don’t know! It’s like something important happened once long ago in June, and they forgot what it was, but still call it June Day! Anyway, it’s celebrated with a big parade with re-enactors starting at 12 PM from Boston City Hall. Features the National Lancers and the Salem Zouaves. City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA. more |
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| Sat 6/4Boston MetroArlington Soapbox Derby Race Day |
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| OMG! I really want to see this! They’ll be racing homemade cars in Arlington, old-timey style! Starts at 9 AM, when normal people are sleeping. Eastern Avenue, Arlington, MA. more more |
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| Sun 6/5Boston MetroDay of Portugal Parade |
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| The season-long Boston Portuguese Festival continues with its annual parade, held a few weeks early this year. Starts at 2:0 PM in Somerville and ends up with a block party in Cambridge. Church, Cambridge St at Cardinal Medeiros Ave, Cambridge, MA. more |
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| Sun 6/5Boston MetroDorchester Day Parade |
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| This parade with no details listed starts at 1pm up Dorchester Avenue, from Lower Mills to Columbia Road. Last year there was a cookout afterwards. Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA.617-822-8296. more |
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| Sun 6/5Boston MetroSomerStreets June Event- Carnaval! |
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| Somerville is getting into the street festival spirit with a “motion parade”, music, a drum circle, the ubiquitous “facepainting” and “kids activities” that never bear describing, and a road race! 12- 4 PM on Broadway from Temple Street to Lombardi Intersection. Various, Somerville, MA. more |
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| Sat 6/4Boston MetroWinchester Town Day |
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| A parade can’t compete with fireworks though! (9:15 PM) There will also be a pancake breakfast, a downtown street fair, pony rides & petting zoos, live music, food, walking tours, workshops, and more. 8 AM – 10 PM. Winchester, MA.339.221.6658. more |
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| Sat 6/4Southeast MassTaunton River Festival |
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| Here’s a competing festival! Come for live music, crafts, kids’ stuff. 10 AM- 5 PM; rain date is Sunday. FREE. The event features moonwalks. Moonwalks? You mean moonbounces, right? Weir Riverfront Park, Taunton, MA.508-821-9347. more |
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| Sat 6/4North ShoreSwampscott Parade |
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| A Veterans day Parade and Field Day featuring re-enactments by the National Lancers, some re-enactors. The day’s events will start on Humphrey Street at 10 AM, crossing over Paradise Road and turning on to Essex Street ending at the Swampscott High School. Swampscott, MA. more more |
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| Fri 6/3 – Sun 6/5Boston MetroQuilters’ Connection Annual Quilt Show |
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| Don’t underestimate this one. I’m a manly man — at least I *think* I’m a manly man — and I was actually quite impressed with the quilt show when I went a few years ago. This is the biggest quilting event in New England. The quilts are genuine works of art, and over 200 are on display. Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA. more |
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| Fri 6/3 – Sun 6/12Boston MetroBoston Pride Week |
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| Boston LGBT Pride kicks off this weekend! Highlights this week are the Flag Raising, Friday at 12 PM at City Hall Plaza, and Pride Day at Faneuil Hall on Saturday from 10 AM- 5 PM. The main “stuff” of Pride Week is next week, though. Various, Boston, MA. more |
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| Sun 6/5Boston MetroWUMB Music Fest |
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| The Boston Folk Festival, held on the campus of UMass Boston, always seems to be a Very Big Deal. 12- 7 PM. UMass Boston, Boston, MA.617-287-6911. more |
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| Sun 6/5Boston MetroWorld Oceans Day Festival |
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| This festival is basically live music and kids games on the plaza in front of the New England Aquarium. But a few vendors and eco-groups will have booths. 11am-3pm. New England Aquarium, Boston, MA. more |
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| Also Fun | ||||
| Sat 6/4Western MassAntique Car Rally at Old Sturbridge Village |
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| I love Old Sturbridge Village – it’s my favorite re-enactment village in New England, with tons of live actors presenting history. Although you don’t need an excuse to go, they provide one just about every weekend, all year ’round. This week they’ll have antique cars from 11am-4pm, with a parade at 3pm. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA.508-347-3362. more |
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| Sat 6/4Boston MetroCharles River One Mile Swim |
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| Did you know that Boston has the cleanest urban waterway in the United States? The Charles River Swimming Club holds their annual 1-mile swim this weekend at 8 AM. Rain date June 19th. Arthur Fiedler Dock, Boston, MA. more |
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| Fri 6/3 – Sun 6/5Boston MetroSaint Athanasius Greek Festival |
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| The largest cultural festival in Arlington, this annual celebration of Greek culture offers food, dancing, live music, kids’ games, wine tastings, and more. Friday & Saturday: 11 AM- 10 PM. Sunday: 11 AM- 8 PM. 4 Appleton Street, Arlington, MA.(781) 646-0705. more |
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| Fri 6/3Boston MetroFlash Mob Anniversary |
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| The Boston Society for Spontaneity is holding thier 8th annual “flash mob.” You show up in a big mob, and then do something. Hmm. I’m sure it’ll be fun, but it’s ridiculous to add a layer of mystery for no reason. Take me to a festival I can read about in advance instead. Time & location will be announced 24 hours before the event on their facebook page. TBA, Boston, MA. more |
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| Sat 6/4WorcesterSouthbridge Fest |
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| This would be just another small town festival, but they’re having a parade down Main Street as well as the usual live music and vendors. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Town Common, Southbridge, MA.508-764-5402. more |
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| Sat 6/4Rhode Island29th Annual Festival of Historic Houses |
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| Rich people let you tour a number of old homes this week in Providence, Rhode Island. I guess that’s good? The tour starts at Lincoln School, 301 Butler Avenue, Providence, RI 02906. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 on the day. On and around Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, RI. more |
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| Fri 6/3 – Sat 6/4Metro WestConcord Garden Affairs Tour |
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| Or you could stick around the Boston area and do the same, but with gardens! 9 AM- 4 PM both days. Various locations, Concord, MA. more |
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| Wed 5/25 – Sun 6/5LowellLowell Carnival |
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| This is the last week to check out the annual carnival in Lowell. Regatta Field, Pawtuckett Blvd., Lowell, MA. more |
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| Wed 6/1 – Sat 6/4Southeast MassOld Home Days Family Fair |
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| Or you could check out this one down in Pembroke. First Church of Pembroke, 105 Centre Street, Pembroke, MA. more |
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| Thu 6/2 – Sun 6/5Southeast MassHazelwood Park Fair |
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| Or this one in New Bedford. Woo! Woo! Car-nee-VAL!! Who’s got some love beads for me? Hazelwood Park, New Bedford, MA. more |
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| Sat 6/4North ShoreHistoric New England Open House and Ice Cream Social |
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| Salem is full of interesting historic homes, and while these two aren’t the biggest, it could make a good excuse to visit. The Phillips House and the Gedney House will be open for free tours, 11am-5pm, and they’ll have an ice cream social 2-4pm. mMmMMmmM! I want some! Phillips House, 34 Chestnut St, Salem, MA. more |
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| Fri 6/3 – Sun 6/5North ShoreSalem Arts Festival |
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| While you’re there, check this out. It isn’t just your usual row of street vendors. There’s an open studios, where you can walk around and meet local artists in their native habitat, plus dance, music, and arty events. Various locations, Salem, MA.(978)744-0004 (x15). more |
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| Sat 6/4Boston MetroCoolidge Corner Arts Festival & Brookline Food Festival |
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| Whereas this one, which I’ve seen, really is just a bunch of vendor booths on the sidewalk. But now they have moved it onto a school grounds and situated it next to a food festival. 10 AM- 6 PM. Devotion School, 345 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA.617-739-9066-. more |
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| Sat 6/4Rhode IslandFort Adams Family Day |
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| I’m always put off by the word “family” in an event name. It’s like code for saying “fun for kids, but boring for adults!” This event is free and they’ll have giant vehicles to touch and explore, and unspecified activities and vendors. I’ve been to Fort Adams – it’s like a giant park that’s good for kiting, plus an old timey fort. 11 AM- 4 PM. Rain date is Sunday. Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI. more |
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| Sat 6/4Rhode IslandChowder Cook-off |
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| And while you’re there, stop by this event too! Basically, you show up, you eat chowder. It’s like the Scooper Bowl, but no charity. Over 3000 gallons of chowder from 30 great chefs. 12- 6 PM. Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport, RI. more |
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| Sat 6/4New HampshireChowder Fest |
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| This one is slightly closer to Boston, in Portsmouth, NH, and claims to be the oldest and largest in New England. 11:30 am ’til the chowder is gone. Prescott Park, Portsmouth, NH. more |
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| Sat 6/4WorcesterShear Fun Fest at Davis Farmland |
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| This one, sadly, is for kids, too, although if you’ve got a kid along with you, you can go too and watch the sheep get their coats sheared. 11 AM- 3 PM. 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MA.978-422-8888. more |
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| Sat 6/4New HampshireGoffstown Old Home Day |
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| Don’t discount small town festivals. What they lack in size and money they make up for with charm. This could be a real get away for you, maybe do some hiking too. This old-timey town festival includes a lip synch contest, a biggest smile contest, a chicken wings cook-off, book and bake sales, and other quaint and homey stuff. 8 AM- 5 PM. Main Street, Goffstown, NH.(603) 497-9933. more |
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| Sun 6/5Boston MetroTraditional Early American Music |
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| Did you know that the Museum of Fine Art (as in “Yo! You be lookin’ FIIIIIINE!”) has a new wing called The Art of the Americas. So to celebrate they’re having a free performance of early American settlers. The early American settlers had music? 12-3 PM. It’s free and you can come & go as you like. But it looks like the MFA itself not is free? Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA. more |
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| Sat 6/4SpringfieldSpringfield Jerkfest |
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| I couldn’t find a website, but someone handed me a flyer, so it must really be happening. It’s an outdoor food festival with Jerk chicken and Jerk Ice Cream and everything else that can be jerked, I suppose, live music, and the ubiquitous face painting. 11 AM- 11 PM. 55 State Street, Springfield, MA. more |
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| Sat 6/4 – Sun 6/5Metro WestStatewide Free Fishing Weekend |
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| Don’t need a fishing license to try your hand this weekend! (I had no idea that you needed a fishing license…). State-wide, Massachusetts. more |
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| Sun 6/5Boston MetroA Conversation with Judge Nancy Gertner |
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| Judge Nancy Gertner discusses her new book, In Defense of Women: Memoirs of an Unrepentant Advocate, with Boston Globe columnist Brian McGrory. June 5, 2011 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM. You must register for this event, which is likely to sell out. And they’ve got a Boston Pullitzer Prize event the following week. Columbia Point, Boston, MA.617-514-1600. more |
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| Sun 6/5Cape CodAnnual Spring Antique Show and Sale |
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| I’m only listing this because it’s a good excuse to visit the Heritage Museum and Gardens. They have extensive grounds, an art museum, a carousel, and an auto museum all in one spot. It’s seriously awesome. 67 Grove Street, Sandwich, MA.508.888.3300. more |
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| Sun 6/5Boston MetroAIDS Walk Boston |
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| I’ll tell you a secret. They’ll take your money even if you don’t walk… Hatch Shell, Esplanade, Boston, MA. more |
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| Sun 6/5Western MassWestern Mass Kidney Walk | ||||
| This 2-mile walk to help combat kidney disease begins at 10:30 AM, with registration beginning at 9:30. Forest Park, Springfield, MA.800-441-1280. more |
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| Thu 6/2 – Sun 6/5Western MassBerkshire International Film Festival |
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| I’ll say it again. Please do NOT schedule film festivals during the summer. This is outdoor time! Well, fine. While you’re there, check out Barong Imports, also in Great Barrington. They sell imported art and have a whole warehouse of weird wonderful stuff. Great Barrington, MA. more |
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| Performance | ||||
| Fri 6/3 – Sat 6/11Boston MetroBoston Circus Guild presents Reign of Revelry |
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| Hmm, $21 for a circus, BUT they have 18+ shows. That means no kids for those of you who can’t count. That’s pretty sweet. Oh, but they have kids shows too! The Center for Arts at the Armory, Somerville, MA. more |
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| Sat 6/4Southeast MassJAMN 94.5 FM Summer Jam |
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| The big annual concert for radio 94.5 FM is this week, featuring Chris Brown, Lupe Fiasco, The New Boyz, Waka Flaka, Fabolous, Jeremih and Big Sean. 5 PM. Comcast Center, Mansfield, MA. more |
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| Travel | ||||
| Thu 6/2 – Sun 6/5ConnecticutStrawberry Park Bluegrass Festival |
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| This festival only has one stage, but they’ll have participatory dancing! Strawberry Park, Preston CT. more |
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| Fri 6/3 – Sun 6/12VermontBurlington Discover Jazz Festival |
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| Do you like jazz? Do you like Vermont? Here ya go. Various, Burlington, VT. more |
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| Fri 6/3 – Sun 6/5Vermont10th Annual Strolling of the Heiffers | ||||
| This festival seeks to support farmers and educate the public about local food. The centerpiece of the festival is a parade featuring marchers in costume, tricked-out cows, other livestock, bands, and floats. Only in Vermont! The festival lasts the weekend, but the parade starts at 10 AM Saturday on Main Street. Brattleboro, VT. more |
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| Sat 6/4VermontBlacksmith Hammer-In |
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| Blacksmiths and metalworkers from Vermont and beyond gather at the Blacksmithing Arts Center to exchange information and compare work. 10 AM- 4 PM. $30; registration required. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, 4472 Basin Harbor Road, Vergennes, VT.(802) 475-2022, ext 101. more |
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| Outdoor Music | grade | Wed 6/1 | Thu 6/2 | Fri 6/3 | Sat 6/4 | Sun 6/5 | Mon 6/6 | Tue 6/7 | Wed 6/8 |
| Boston MetroBoston, MABerklee Lunch Sessions at Prudential Center | T | ||||||||
| 2011: 12-1:30 PM.
Prudential Center, South Garden more |
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| Boston MetroBoston, MABoston Phoenix/WFNX block parties | R | ||||||||
| 2011: 5- 8 PM.
Summer Street more |
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| Boston MetroBoston, MAConcerts in the Courtyard at Boston Public Library | F | ||||||||
| 2011: Fridays 12:30-1:30 PM. Lineup TBA.
Central Library in Copley Square, 617-536-5400. more |
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| Boston MetroJamaica Plain, MAJP First Thursday | R | ||||||||
| 2011: This is basically a chamber of commerce event where several art venues stay open late, 6-8pm. How excited can you get about businesses staying open late? Well, they’ll include a lot of music and live performance. It might be good. Every first Thursday of the month.
Centre & South Streets, 617-522-0300. more |
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| Boston MetroBoston, MARock and Blues Concert Cruises | S | ||||||||
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| Boston MetroBoston, MASummer Music Series in Norman Leventhal Park | T | R | |||||||
| 2011: 12-2 PM.
Post Office Square more |
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| ConnecticutWindham, CTFree Concerts at Windham, CT | S | ||||||||
| 2010: 2pm. If rain, Middle School on Quarry St.
Alex Caisse Park, Rt 195 more |
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| ConnecticutFairfield, CTSummer Concerts at the Sherman Green Gazebo | S | ||||||||
| 2011: 7pm, except 9/1, 9/2 @ 6:30pm.
Sherman Green Gazebo more |
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| Metro WestHudson, MAHudson’s Wood Park 2010 Summer Concert Series | W | ||||||||
| 2010: 6:30pm. Rain location: town hall.
Wood Park, Park St. more |
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| New HampshireNashua, NHSummerfun Outdoor Concerts at Nashua | S | M | T | ||||||
| Greeley Bandshell or Library Plaza. Fairy Tale Festival 7/17.
Greeley Park more |
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| Northern MassHarvard, MASundown Concerts at Fruitland Museums | W | W | |||||||
| Open for picnicking at 5pm. Concerts begin at 7:15pm.
102 Prospect Hill Road, 978-456-3924. more |
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| SpringfieldWestfield, MAMusical Moments In Amelia’s Garden | T | ||||||||
| 2011: Free. Rain or shine.
21 South Broad Street more |
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| SpringfieldWestfield, MASunday Night Concerts at Westfield | S | ||||||||
| 2011: 6pm.
Stanley Park more |
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| WorcesterUpton, MASweet Summer Nights Music Series | F | S | |||||||
| 2011: Fridays from 7-8:30 PM and Sundays 1-5 PM. Events continue through September. Rain or shine.
more |
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| Boston MetroCambridge, MAConcerts at the CCAE | W | ||||||||
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42 Brattle Street, 617-547-6789. more |
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