May 1-8, 2011: Civil War, Zombie Road Race, Parade, 4 Open Studios, Moonlight Canoe, Science Fair, & More!
04/30/12 by
Johnny Monsarrat
This Week in Review
Zombies! The Civil War! May fair! Open Studios! For heaven’s sake hire someone to mow your lawn and clean your house. Get out there and live life!
I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!
-Johnny
The Week in Weird
Run For Your Lives
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In this road race, zombies chase you. This has got to be the best event of the month! And there’s live music and it takes place at an amusement park which I’m sure will have their rides open. (Click ‘more’ for details)In this road race, zombies chase you. This has got to be the best event of the m…
Amesbury, MA
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Amesbury, MA
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Seige the Day: Trebuchet Building at Higgins
Did you miss the catapults last week in Cambridge? They’re going to build one at the Higgins Armory, the fantastic museum of ancient armor and weapons. 10am-12 but they’ll have many other events that day. (Click ‘more’ for details)Did you miss the catapults last week in Cambridge? Th…
Worcester, MA
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Worcester, MA
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Framingham Civil War History Festival
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Re-enactors have wonderful energy. But this is not just a Civil War encampment — it’s lectures and an ice cream social and more! (Click ‘more’ for details)Re-enactors have wonderful energy. But this is not just a C…
Framingham, MA
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Framingham, MA
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William Diamond Fife and Drum Muster
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Every year, 25 fife and drum corps perform together and youse gets to learns ya some hist’ry. Colonial hist’ry. In Lexington. 12-4 PM and 7-8 PM. Free! (Click ‘more’ for details)Every year, 25 fife and drum corps perform together and youse…
Lexington, MA
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Lexington, MA
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Mayfair in Harvard Square
This is a vendor festival, with hundreds of booths on the street, but they include live music and sidewalk chalk art and tethered balloon rides! 12-6pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)This is a vendor festival, with hundreds of booths on the street, but th…
Cambridge, MA
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Cambridge, MA
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Wake Up the Earth Festival & Parade
This street festival will be smaller but less commercial and more community-centric. It’s a parade and street festival with participatory dancing & lessons. 12-5pm. Rain date is the next day. (Click ‘more’ for details)This street festival will be smaller but less commerci…
Jamaica Plain, MA
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Jamaica Plain, MA
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UMass Renaissance Festival
Although this Renaissance festival will have the usual feasting, singing, swordplay, and theatre, it’s run by the UMass Renaissance Studies department, so it will be educational, too! It’s free! 11am-4pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Although this Renaissance festival will have the usual feasting, singing,…
Amherst, MA
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Amherst, MA
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TJ O’Grady Annual Skate Park Festival
Go watch people not kill themselves on skateboards! 2:30-6pm. Live bands and skating demos. Free! (Click ‘more’ for details)Go watch people not kill themselves on skateboards! 2:30-6pm. Li…
Acton, MA
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Acton, MA
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Get Johnny’s 2012 New England Guide
I write about events weekly, but what about destinations? Where are the dinosaur footprints, the oddball museums, and a water park open indoors all year? Get my 2012 New England Guide! Just follow the link and help spread the word to friends about Events INSIDER to get it. (Click ‘more’ for details)I write about events weekly, but what about destinations? Where are…
All Over
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All Over
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Brookline Open Studios
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Speaking of the arts, an open studio is a great excuse to walk around a local neighborhood, entering the private homes and work studios of artists. They’re always free and you get to meet the artists, not just merchants, and help them out by buying something. 12-6pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Speaking of the arts, an open studio is a great excuse to walk around a loc…
Brookline, MA
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Brookline, MA
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Somerville Open Studios
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Somerville also has local artists opening their homes to the public. It’s the largest open studios in New England. It’s free! This year it comes with a Friday preview night and trolleys to take you around with spoken word performances. (Click ‘more’ for details)Somerville also has local artists opening their homes to the public. It’s…
Somerville, MA
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Somerville, MA
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Needham Open Studios
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The town of Needham offers yet another open studios weekend. The goings-on at the Gorse Mill Studios look especially interesting. Their offerings include glass blowing, pottery demonstrations, an historic exhibit, and more! (Click ‘more’ for details)The town of Needham offers yet another open studios weekend. The goings-on at t…
Needham, MA
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Needham, MA
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Shelburne 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. There is a wonderful bridge of flowers over the water, too! 5-9pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)This festival takes place all throughout th…
Shelburne Falls, MA
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Shelburne Falls, MA
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Chalk on the Walk
At one of the MayFair events, you can make your own public art through chalk! Too bad no time of day is given. All day? (Click ‘more’ for details)At one of the MayFair events, you can make your own public art through chalk! To…
Cambridge, MA
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Cambridge, MA
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Charles River Moonlight Canoe
Also in Newton, the local canoe rental place has regular night events, for 3 days every full moon. They go all summer. 7pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Also in Newton, the local canoe rental place has regular night events, …
Newton, MA
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Newton, MA
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Sholan Farms Apple Blossom Festival
Here’s a farm festival out west on Route 2. They’ll have a “butterfly release parade”, hay rides, a craft show, a petting zoo, civil war re-enactment etc. I’ve actually been to this one and it was remarkable! No really, they’ve done a great job turning a small venue into a big event. 10am-4pm. Rain date the next day. (Click ‘more’ for details)Here’s a farm festival out west on Route 2. They’ll have a “b…
Leominster, MA
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Leominster, MA
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Southcoast Toy and Comic Festival
Find B-level stars at this fan convention about comics and “action figures” that are totally not dolls. See Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog performed live! 10am-5pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Find B-level stars at this fan convention about comics and “acti…
Fairhaven, MA
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Fairhaven, MA
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Westborough Spring Festival
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Or attend this street festival with hot air balloon rides, a classic car show, a road race, and a ‘fishing challenge’. The fix is in: the fish always bet against themselves and then throw the fight. 9am-7pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Or attend this street festival with hot air balloon rides, a classic…
Westborough, MA
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Westborough, MA
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Farm Machinery Weekend at Davis Farmland
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Play with a tractor! They’ll have live birds of prey on display as well as the wonderful petting zoo, hay ride, and water spray park! Davis Farmland is my favorite midsized amusement park, but unfortunately, you have to bring a child to enter. *pout* 9:30am-5pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Play with a tractor! They’ll have live birds of prey on di…
Sterling, MA
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Sterling, MA
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BAMCon – Berkshire Anime & Manga Conventi…
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What is the difference between anime and manga? Crazy people love anime, and manga is for crazy people. Crazy FUN people, I mean. :). (Click ‘more’ for details)What is the difference between anime and manga? …
Pittsfield, MA
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Pittsfield, MA
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Also Fun
May Day at Hayes Park
I love pole dancing! What, is May Pole dancing different? 2-4pm. Free drinks. Bring cookies! (Click ‘more’ for details)I love pole dancing! What, is May Pole dancing different? 2-4pm. Free drinks. B…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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May Flowers Kite Fly at PJPII
Will the Pope show up at this kite flying event in his park? Could be! 10am-4pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Will the Pope show up at this kite flying event in his park? Could …
Dorchester, MA
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Dorchester, MA
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ROFLcon
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If you’re have nothing better to do than look at cat photos, this is your chance to get out of the house. (Click ‘more’ for details)If you’re have nothing better to do than look at cat photos, this is your chance to get ou…
Cambridge, MA
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Cambridge, MA
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Massachusetts State Science & Engineering…
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This is fun! Come see high school science projects. (Click ‘more’ for details)This is fun! Come see high school science project…
Cambridge, MA
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Cambridge, MA
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Prospect Hill Forge Open House
Here’s an opportunity to take an introductory class on blacksmithing. That’s awesome, right? Well, it’s not free. (Click ‘more’ for details)Here’s an opportunity to take an introductory class on blacksmithi…
Winchester, MA
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Winchester, MA
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Dysfunctional Democracy w/ Barney Frank
Barney Frank is the Congressman with SUCH A MOUTH! He’ll definitely have amusing and insightful commentary on democracy’s flaws. 8-9:30am. (Click ‘more’ for details)Barney Frank is the Congressman with SUCH A MOUTH! He’ll defi…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Why Evolution is True and Why Many People Sti…
Are you a creationist? WHAP WHAP! No biscuit. Do you believe in evolution but want to learn more? This lecture is for you. Jerry Coyne is an author and nationally known figure in the atheist community. 6pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Are you a creationist? WHAP WHAP! No biscuit. Do …
Cambridge, MA
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Cambridge, MA
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Hack Your Brain
What is this? A lecture? A movie? Annnnnyway, it seems to involve the “do it yourself” movement of building cool stuff at home to make your life more efficient. 7-10pm. Every Wednesday in May. (Click ‘more’ for details)What is this? A lecture? A movie? Annnnnyway, it seems to involve the “do it yourself…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Full Moon Night Walk and Owl Prowl
Whooooo wants to look for owls in the night in this guided tour? It should be a hoot! 7-9pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Whooooo wants to look for owls in the night in this guided tour…
Princeton, MA
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Princeton, MA
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Barefoot Walk in the Park
You know what real poverty is? Not having shoes. Come experience it and help raise money for Africa. (Click ‘more’ for details)You know what real poverty is? Not having shoes. Come experience it and hel…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Walk for Hunger
Or do any part or all of the 20 mile route. It’s the nation’s largest hunger fundraiser. You know what’s great in an event description? Listing a TIME. (Click ‘more’ for details)Or do any part or all of the 20 mile route. It’s the nation’s largest hunger fundrais…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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A Taste of the Japanese Tea Ceremony
Snort that tea! Why all the ceremony? 1pm and 2pm you can learn how they do it in Japan. (Click ‘more’ for details)Snort that tea! Why all the ceremony? 1pm and 2pm you can learn …
Cotuit, MA
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Cotuit, MA
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Derry Carnival
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There’s only so much awesome in a traveling carnival rather than a permanent amusement park, but the Fiesta Shows carnivals are undeniably fun! (Click ‘more’ for details)There’s only so much awesome in a traveling carnival rather than a permanent amusement …
Derry, NH
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Derry, NH
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Granite State Story Swap
Professional storytellers are like one-person theatre performers. Check this out! 8am-5pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Professional storytellers are like one-person theatre performers. Check this ou…
Rye, NH
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Rye, NH
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New England Gem & Mineral Show
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Do you like rocks? This looks very kids oriented, but I’m sure it’s great fun. It takes place on the Topsfield fairgrounds. (Click ‘more’ for details)Do you like rocks? This looks very kids oriented, but I’m sure …
Topsfield, MA
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Topsfield, MA
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Spring Open House at Castle Hill
Castle Hill is a genuine mansion with a rolling lawn overlooking the ocean. It’s beyond impressive. Find lawn games, a May pole dance, and a family treasure hunt. Why is it that “family” events are always only interesting to kids? 11am-4pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Castle Hill is a genuine mansion with a rolling lawn overlooking th…
Ipswich, MA
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Ipswich, MA
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Kilt Walk of Remembrance
Wha?? Kilts in a cemetery? Whatever you say, boss. 2-4pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Wha?? Kilts in a cemetery? Whatever you say, boss. 2-4pm.
Cambridge, MA
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Cambridge, MA
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Masters of Flight: Birds of Prey
The Stone Zoo is doing a free flight presentation of birds all summer which opens this week. (Click ‘more’ for details)The Stone Zoo is doing a free flight presentation of birds all sum…
Stoneham, MA
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Stoneham, MA
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arsenalARTS Open Arts Day
Free performances, live music, family fun, free demos & workshops, watercolor, wheel-throwing, Broadway dance instruction. 11am-4pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Free performances, live music, family fun, free demos & workshops, w…
Watertown, MA
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Watertown, MA
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Dance Complex Free Day of Classes
A local dance studio has free 20-minute classes all day. What can you learn in 20 minutes? Well, you’ll learn whether you want to pay for more classes! 1-5pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)A local dance studio has free 20-minute classes all day. What ca…
Cambridge, MA
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Cambridge, MA
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Free Comic Book Day
That’s right, free comics! A geek’s High Holiday. Check out the website to view this year’s offerings and see the comic book stores near you. Available comics vary from store to store. (Click ‘more’ for details)That’s right, free comics! A geek’s High Holiday. Check out the website to view thi…
All Over
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All Over
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The Boston 48 Hour Film Project
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And this is a film festival but it’s also a creative competition and race! They give filmmakers 48 hours to create a film from start to finish. Perhaps one of the participants could be you! (Click ‘more’ for details)And this is a film festival but it’s also a creative competition a…
Brookline, MA
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Brookline, MA
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Boston LGBT Film Festival
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It’s hard to recommend staying indoors during Boston’s 8-month warm period, but this year’s LGBT Film Festival offers fantastic selections, plus lectures, drinks, and dancing! (Click ‘more’ for details)It’s hard to recommend staying indoors during Boston’s 8-month warm period,…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Independent Film Festival
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Ho hum, let’s stay indoors and watch films in the dark. Some of these films will come with Director Q&As or panels though, so that’s good. (Click ‘more’ for details)Ho hum, let’s stay indoors and watch films in the dark. Some of these films…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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The 400 Blows with Q&A
This screening of The 400 Blows comes with an intro and Q&A by a film studies lecturer. 7pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)This screening of The 400 Blows comes with an intro and Q&A by a film …
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Taste of the North End
The North End is terribly touristy but terrifically tasty. Sample some of the best from 20+ restaurants. Proceeds benefit charity. 7-11pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)The North End is terribly touristy but terrifically tasty. Sample some of the …
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
Somewhere out West would be a good place to get away from city lights and view this minor meteor shower. This year because of the full moon, it won’t be visible for long. (Click ‘more’ for details)Somewhere out West would be a good place to get away from city lig…
Away from the City
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Away from the City
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Night Hayrides at Smolak Farms
What’s better than a hay ride? A hay ride at night! Smolak Farms offers them all throughout the warm weather season. (Click ‘more’ for details)What’s better than a hay ride? A hay ride at night! Smolak Farm…
North Andover, MA
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North Andover, MA
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Celebrate the Earth & Mt. Kearsarge India…
I’ve been to this small museum, which packs a punch. Think of it as a fantastic pit stop on your way to the White Mountains. Atlatl Throwing, nature tours. 10am-4pm. Rain or shine. (Click ‘more’ for details)I’ve been to this small museum, which packs a punch….
Warner, NH
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Warner, NH
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Derby Day at the Paragon Carousel
Carousels are awesome, but you guys know that the horses remain in place relative to each other, right? How can you race ’em? 7-10pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Carousels are awesome, but you guys know that the horses remain in pl…
Hull, MA
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Hull, MA
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Brimfield Antiques Show (Spring)
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For the art at heart, this event is a huge draw, mostly outdoors, and it’s all antiques all the time! Dealers come from all over the country for this semi-annual show of epic proportions. Imagine the largest antiques show or flea market you’ve ever been to, times 10! (Click ‘more’ for details)For the art at heart, this event is a huge draw, mostly outdoors,…
Brimfield, MA
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Brimfield, MA
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Mad Science
This looks like fun. It’s a nighttime science show for kids with hands-on experiments! 5:30-7:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)This looks like fun. It’s a nighttime science show for kids with hands-on experiments…
Fall River, MA
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Fall River, MA
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The Historic Winslow Sprint
This had better be quite a lobster party if I’m paying $200 for a bicycle tour. Well, it’s a fundraiser for a historic home. 9am-4pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)This had better be quite a lobster party if I’m paying $200 for a bic…
Marshfield, MA
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Marshfield, MA
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Performance
Mary Poppers – our review
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It’s a musical parody of Mary Poppins by a troupe in drag. Click for our review! (Click ‘more’ for details)It’s a musical parody of Mary Poppins by a troupe in drag. Click for our re…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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A Cappella Palooza w/Ben Folds – our review
NBC’s Acclaimed Music Show “The Sing-Off” hosted by Ben Folds already happened. Click for our review! (Click ‘more’ for details)NBC’s Acclaimed Music Show “The Sing-Off” hosted by Ben F…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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David Sedaris at Sanders Theatre
Good luck getting tickets to this sold-out performance by one of today’s most popular humorists. It never hurts to call the box office last minute! The worst they can tell you is, “No,” and Sedaris will surely be back. (Click ‘more’ for details)Good luck getting tickets to this sold-out performance by one of …
Cambridge, MA
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Cambridge, MA
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Dar Williams
Dar Williams is famous but I can’t think of any of her songs off-hand. Hmm. I think I confused her with Amanda McBroom, who wrote The Rose. 7pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Dar Williams is famous but I can’t think of any of her songs off-hand. Hmm. I think I c…
Shirley, MA
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Shirley, MA
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JazzBoston Jazz Week
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I don’t care much for jazz, but if you do, there’s plenty of it in the city this week. (Click ‘more’ for details)I don’t care much for jazz, but if you do, there’s plenty of it in the city this…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Cambridge Poetry Jam
I’ve seen poetry jams, and they’re like one-person stage shows. It’s engaging and powerful, not academic and confusing, I promise. 11am-4pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)I’ve seen poetry jams, and they’re like one-person stage shows. It’s engaging…
Cambridge, MA
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Cambridge, MA
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Fall of the Moon: An Homage to Mahmoud Darwis…
I’m not that big on poetry, but it’s in support of the Arab Spring and it’s arabic (though in English), so it will be cultural. Should be interesting! 8-11pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)I’m not that big on poetry, but it’s in support of t…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Free Opera: The Fiddler and the Old Woman of …
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Oo! Free opera. A spry fortune teller and a dashing, murderous outlaw cross paths with local villagers. (Click ‘more’ for details)Oo! Free opera. A spry fortune teller and a dashing,…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Pin To Dry: An Evening of Theatre, Dance, and…
I will recommend anything with a name like Sleeping Weazel. (Click ‘more’ for details)I will recommend anything with a name like Sleeping …
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Travel
Zagray Farm Spring Show
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An 1800’s sawmill, planer and cordwood saw, backhoes, dozers, tractors, plowing, blacksmithing, and more! (Click ‘more’ for details)An 1800’s sawmill, planer and cordwood saw, backhoes, dozers, tractors, p…
Colchester, CT
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Colchester, CT
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Bath May Fair
This maypole dance goes along with a citywide yard sale. 11am-2pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)This maypole dance goes along with a citywide yard sale. 11am-2pm.
Bath, ME
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Bath, ME
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HuzzahCon
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I fell out of love with board gaming. A 30 second D&D combat takes 4 hours to simulate? I spent 80% of my time waiting because only one person at a time can move a piece in the game? Well, if you love it, this is for you. 9am-11:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)I fell out of love with board gaming. A 30 second D&D combat takes 4 hours to simulat…
Portland, ME
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Portland, ME
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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 fil…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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