May 7-15, 2012: Steampunk, Star Wars, Lilac, and Renaissance Fests, Pride Parade, Stargazing, Civil War & Blacksmith Re-enactments!
05/07/12 by
Johnny Monsarrat
This Week in Review
Don’t take your mom out to lunch! You’ll forget all about that. Make a real memory by doing something active and wonderful in creative New England. Like any of the below!
I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!
-Johnny
The Week in Weird
Watch City Festival
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It’s a must-see! Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that combines Victorian aesthetics with futuristic technology. Grab a top hat and some goggles for this festival with 5 performance stages, 3 mansions, and 2 museums all dressed up techo-fantasy 18th century style. See a Civil War re-enactment, fire eaters, Morris dancers, blacksmithing, a parade, and tons more!! (Click ‘more’ for details)It’s a must-see! Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that combines Victor…
Waltham, MA
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Waltham, MA
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Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum
The Arnold Arboretum is not just a park but a botanical zoo, including bonsais. That’s a fun word to say. Bonsai! Bonsai! Apparently they have nixed the folk dancing — too bad. The Arboretum strongly advises you to take public transportation. There are a bunch more Mother’s Day events below, too. 10am-4pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)The Arnold Arboretum is not just a park but a botanical z…
Jamaica Plain, MA
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Jamaica Plain, MA
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New Hampshire Renaissance Faire (Spring)
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Just one hour’s drive from Boston! Live music, comedy shows, magic, swordfighting, a maypole dance, a Wench & Lad Auction, live chess, and an evening Beltaine Celebration on May 12 only. (Click ‘more’ for details)Just one hour’s drive from Boston! Live music, comedy show…
Kingston, NH
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Kingston, NH
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Star Wars Day at the Higgins Armory
See a lightsaber fight and take a saber class! The Higgins Armory features medeival suits of armor and weapons. But this week, they add Star Wars re-enactors like costumed “stormtroopers”. Did you know that fans call May 4 “Star Wars Day”? May the 4th be with you! 10am-4pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)See a lightsaber fight and take a saber class! The Higgins Arm…
Worcester, MA
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Worcester, MA
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Northampton Pride Parade
This parade features the entire community in support of LGBT groups. The whole thing ends up at a fairgrounds where presumably the revelry will continue? 12pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)This parade features the entire community in support of LGBT groups. Th…
Northampton, MA
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Northampton, MA
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Stargazing and Planet Spotting with Arunah Hi…
I’ve joined these hobbyist astronomers and it’s a fantastic way to learn the constellations and stars. Try a telescope. 6-11pm. Free! (Click ‘more’ for details)I’ve joined these hobbyist astronomers and it’s a f…
Windsor, MA
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Windsor, MA
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Blacksmith Weekend
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All blacksmiths all the time is the theme for this 18th century re-enactment. I’ve never seen that before. Get yourself a horseshoe. (Click ‘more’ for details)All blacksmiths all the time is the theme for this 18th century re-enactment….
Charlestown, NH
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Charlestown, NH
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Templeton – Civil War Reenactment
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This year is the Civil War’s 150th anniversary and while I found no details, this event will most likely be worth seeing. Historical re-enactors have a lot of infectious passion and it’s a great way to learn youse some history. (Click ‘more’ for details)This year is the Civil War’s 150th anniversary and while I found…
Templeton, MA
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Templeton, MA
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Get Johnny’s 2012 New England Guide
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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. (And then email me at johnny@eventsinsider.com. I’m not a mind reader.). (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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Observatory Open House & Kite Festival
The Blue Hills is also doing an observatory day, with kites and presentations on weather forecasting, including “balloon releases”. It’s also the closest place to Boston get in some real hiking. 10am-4pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)The Blue Hills is also doing an observatory day, with kite…
Milton, MA
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Milton, MA
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Kite Flying at Chiesa Farm
Kite enthusiasts are friendly people. Come see the decorative kites and try your hand at a “stunt kite” with two strings! 1-5pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Kite enthusiasts are friendly people. Come see the decorative kites and…
Lexington, MA
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Lexington, MA
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Mayor Menino’s Bike Festival
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All through Massachusetts, lots of bike rides and guided tours, races, a pancake breakfast, kids events, a film fest, a bicycle parade, with a 5/18 festival. (Click ‘more’ for details)All through Massachusetts, lots of bike rides and guided tours, races…
Massachusetts
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Massachusetts
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Peter’s Corps
Learn about the Revolutionary War from this unit of American loyalists. That’s the good guys! 10am-4pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Learn about the Revolutionary War from this unit of American loyalists. That’s the goo…
Lincoln, MA
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Lincoln, MA
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Cambridge Open Studios – East & Central
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Local artists open their private homes and work studios to the public, and it’s a nice excuse to walk around a new city and meet the actual artists — not just the merchants — and of course buy something and help support the arts. Cambridge is large enough that they need more than one open studios. This one’s for East and Central Cambridge! 12-6 PM. (Click ‘more’ for details)Local artists open their private homes and work studio…
Cambridge, MA
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Cambridge, MA
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Fort Point Spring Art Walk
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And Boston’s “art district” is open as well. Yes, it’s basically a giant mall, but it’s also a giant museum because you don’t *have* to buy anything, and it’s neat to meet the actual artists and walk around town. Explore the studios of painters, jewelers, ceramicists, photographers, sculptors, textile artists, and more. (Click ‘more’ for details)And Boston’s “art district” is open as well. Yes, it’s basically a giant m…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Park After Dark at the DeCordova
The DeCordova is perhaps my favorite museum because of their sculpture park and contemporary exhibits that are awesome yet accessible. Now they’re having a dance party. (Click ‘more’ for details)The DeCordova is perhaps my favorite museum because of their sculpt…
Lincoln, MA
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Lincoln, MA
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World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast
Pancakes!! Boy, I’m hungry now. I’ve been to this event, and it really is just a long line of folding tables serving pancakes. Plus vendors and live music and dance. I wouldn’t travel *just* for for the festival but it’s good if you’re already in the area. 8am-11am. (Click ‘more’ for details)Pancakes!! Boy, I’m hungry now. I’ve been to this event, and i…
Springfield, MA
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Springfield, MA
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Emily Dickinson Museum Open House & Poetr…
While you’re out West, see the Emily Dickinson museum, which has a commemoration of the anniversary of the famous poet’s death, with poetry readings and a walk. It’s free. 1-5pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)While you’re out West, see the Emily Dickinson muse…
Amherst, MA
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Amherst, MA
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Scrimshaw Weekend
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Did you know we have a world class whaling museum in New England? This weekend they feature vendors of marine antiques, including scrimshaw which is engraved ivory, I think. Isn’t ivory supposed to be illegal? 9am-10pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Did you know we have a world class whaling museum in New England? This weekend…
New Bedford, MA
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New Bedford, MA
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Misquamicut SpringFest
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Fireworks, a carnival, a car show, pony rides and more! It’s the first big fireworks event of the season. (Click ‘more’ for details)Fireworks, a carnival, a car show, pony rides and more! It’s the first big f…
Westerly, RI
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Westerly, RI
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Audubon Society Birdathon
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Every year the Audubon Society has a fundraiser where teams compete to find as many birds as possible. I imagine they are open to newbies stopping by. It happens in state parks all over Massachusetts. (Click ‘more’ for details)Every year the Audubon Society has a fundraiser where teams compe…
All over MA & RI
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All over MA & RI
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Medieval Rose Festival
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Is this real or what? I called and Web searched but could not confirm this. Best guess? Isn’t happening. But if you live in Rhode Island, maybe you can find it. See how terrible FestivalNet is? Events INSIDER lists more New England festivals than ANYONE else! (Click ‘more’ for details)Is this real or what? I called and Web searched but could not confirm this…
Woonsocket, RI
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Woonsocket, RI
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Also Fun
Belmont Town Day
The limited description indicates that this event will most likely be small. But they’ll have games, food, music, kiddie rides, and a dunk tank, and I suppose it is Belmont’s biggest festival. Hmm, from the photo I guess they’ll have live music and dance? In the past they have had bull rides. I assume that’s a bull machine, not real bulls. 9am-3:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)The limited description indicates that this event will most likely be small. But th…
Belmont, MA
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Belmont, MA
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WFNX Downtown Crossing Block Party
It’s not quite time for summer concert season, but Downtown Crossing doesn’t care. Here’s the first in their series of regular outdoor music events. Have I mentioned lately that I track the largest list of outdoor summer concerts in New England? Every Thursday from 5-8pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)It’s not quite time for summer concert season, but Downtown Crossi…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Science on Screen: Star Trek IV: The Voyage H…
Star Trek doesn’t offer much real science, but the Coolidge has invited a marine biologist to talk about whales beforehand! 7pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Star Trek doesn’t offer much real science, but th…
Brookline, MA
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Brookline, MA
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Shellshocked: Saving Oysters to Save Ourselve…
1812: The Navy’s War
Did you know that the American Revolution wasn’t our last battle with the British? Come hear this lecture about the War of 1812, the war with a name that makes it really easy to date. It’s not just an overture any more. 7:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Did you know that the American Revolution wasn’t our last battle with the B…
Charlestown, MA
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Charlestown, MA
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Beantown Centennials
Boston’s Fenway Park, Franklin Park Zoo, and Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel are all one century old. Hear some lectures about this. 6:30-8pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Boston’s Fenway Park, Franklin Park Zoo, and Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel are all…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Southbridge Police Carnival
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They make house calls! I can’t resist the Fiesta Shows hokey traveling carnivals. They don’t pack the punch of the permanent amusement parks in New England, but they travel right to your home! (Click ‘more’ for details)They make house calls! I can’t resist the Fiesta Shows hokey traveli…
Southbridge, MA
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Southbridge, MA
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Southbridge May Day Festival
Live music, may pole dancing, kids activities. 12-6pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Live music, may pole dancing, kids activities. 12-6pm.
Southbridge, MA
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Southbridge, MA
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Lynn Carnival
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And this week Fiesta Shows is also bringing the good times to the North Shore. (Click ‘more’ for details)And this week Fiesta Shows is also bringing the good times to the North Shore.
Lynn, MA
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Lynn, MA
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Sheep Shearing Day
I’ve always wanted to visit when they’re shearing sheep. Maybe mom would like that for Mother’s Day. No really. This working farm is open to the public. 12-4pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)I’ve always wanted to visit when they’re shearing sheep. Maybe mom would like t…
Jamestown, RI
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Jamestown, RI
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Duckling Day Parade
Cute kids dressed as ducks parade around like the duckies in Make Way for Ducklings. Holy smokes. Last year they asked for donations. 12pm parade followed by a reading. Preregister at 10:30am on Boston Common across from the State House. This year it’s $40 per family to join in, but it comes with face painting and a magician. (Click ‘more’ for details)Cute kids dressed as ducks parade around like the duckies in Make Way for Ducklin…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Chelmsford Quilter’s Guild – Quilt Show
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This is one of two big quilt shows in New England that I’ve found, with more than 100 quilts like works of art. I’ve been to the other and it was surprisingly interesting! This festival takes place only every other year. (Click ‘more’ for details)This is one of two big quilt shows in New England that I’…
Chelmsford, MA
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Chelmsford, 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, especially when there’s an LGBT parade in Northampton, but this year’s LGBT Film Festival offers fantastic selections, plus lectures, receptions, 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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Earth Port Film Festival
Hmm, is this one of those sit down, shut up in the darkness film festivals? Well, they will have one social reception. 2-11pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Hmm, is this one of those sit down, shut up in the darkness film festiv…
Newburyport, MA
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Newburyport, MA
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SMFA Spring Sidewalk Sale
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Shop creamics, photography, drawings, jewelry, T-shirts, prints, painting and more by students. A percentage of all procceds benefit an organization chosen by students–this year it’s Mobius, which supports artists. Gee, think of that, artists choosing a charity that benefits artists. In case of rain, the sale will be held in the Atrium. 10-5pm each day. (Click ‘more’ for details)Shop creamics, photography, drawings, jewelry, T-shirts, prints, painting a…
Boston, MA
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Boston, 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! They have a road race but nothing else festival-y that I can find. (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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Of Masterpieces and Manure: The Garden as a W…
Yes! The Gardner Museum does feature a wonderful (though small) garden. Here’s a lecture about how gardens can be considered works of art. Or as we like to say in Boston, aaht. 7pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Yes! The Gardner Museum does feature a wonderful (th…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Fenway Park Run/Walk to Home Base
Gee, here’s a charity walk/run that ends with entering Fenway Park and getting to cross home plate. 8am. (Click ‘more’ for details)Gee, here’s a charity walk/run that ends with entering Fenway Park …
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Massachusetts Farmers Markets Open
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With spring come 30 farmers markets in Massachusetts. Click for the list! (Click ‘more’ for details)With spring come 30 farmers markets in Massachusetts. Click for…
Massachusetts
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Massachusetts
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Mother’s Day
Memories of Mothers – a walking tour
Is your mom dead? Mine is. Here’s a gravesite tour! Is your mom alive but getting old? Maybe you shouldn’t take her to a cemetery for Mother’s Day. I’m just saying. 1-2:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Is your mom dead? Mine is. Here’s a gravesite tour! Is your m…
Cambridge, MA
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Cambridge, MA
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Mother’s Day Weekend Jane Austen Tours
This is more like it. Who doesn’t love Jane Austen. (Well, I don’t, but I’m a guy.) This special tour features costumed guides and tea and cake in the Great Hall. One hour tours from 12-4pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)This is more like it. Who doesn’t love Jane Austen. (Well, I …
Waltham, MA
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Waltham, MA
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Free Mother’s Day at Old Sturbridge Village
I think I’d prefer to go to OSV, the re-enactment village, which is awesome any time of year and is free for moms this Sunday. Free! That’s my favorite price. They feature a Moms vs. Kids tug-o-war and dozens of re-enactors including a 1830s midwife. (Click ‘more’ for details)I think I’d prefer to go to OSV, the re-enactment vil…
Sturbridge, MA
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Sturbridge, MA
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Mother’s Day Buffet at Verrill Farm
Join this outdoor brunch with live music. The Verrill Farm is a real working farm but they open it up to the public, and you can take classes on cooking or gardening. 10am-1pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Join this outdoor brunch with live music. The Verrill Farm is a …
Concord, MA
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Concord, MA
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Performance
Bye Bye Liver – our review
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The rep told me that this play doesn’t glorify alcohol abuse, but… that was a lie. They use drinking games to shamefully sell booze and get you drunk. Click for our review. (Click ‘more’ for details)The rep told me that this play doesn’t glorify alcohol abuse, but… th…
Cambridge, MA
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Cambridge, MA
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Boston Handbell Festival
I doubt that it’s really a festival — it seems like a performance, but I love handbells. 8pm. It’s free, but expect to be asked for a donation. (Click ‘more’ for details)I doubt that it’s really a festival — it seems like a performance, but I lo…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Live Outdoor “Life & Music of Woody Guthr…
Wow! Here’s live music preceded by a live outdoor “simulcast” of a concert event, all about Woody Guthrie. 7:30pm. Free but reserve tickets immediately! (Click ‘more’ for details)Wow! Here’s live music preceded by a live outdoor…
Cambridge, MA
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Cambridge, MA
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Weird Al Yankovic
Weird Al parodies pop music with silly lyrics. Great fun for adults as well as kids! 7:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Weird Al parodies pop music with silly lyrics. Great fun for adults as well as kids…
Lowell, MA
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Lowell, MA
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Travel
Connecticut Renaissance Faire – Spring
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Only two hours’ drive from Boston, I’ve been and it’s the best renaissance faire in New England. Highly recommended! (Click ‘more’ for details)Only two hours’ drive from Boston, I’ve been and it’s the be…
Guilford, CT
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Guilford, CT
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Burning of the Fleet Day
A parade, fife & drums, re-enactors, boat races and games… on the anniversary of the 1814 British raid on Essex. Do they actually burn any ships?? 2-8pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)A parade, fife & drums, re-enactors, boat races and games… on the anniv…
Essex, CT
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Essex, CT
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National Train Day at the Danbury Railway
Train museum? Train rides! See a turntable and locomotives linking and unlinking. They have a forge, too. 10am-5pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Train museum? Train rides! See a turntable and locomotives…
Danbury, CT
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Danbury, CT
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Fusion: An Event to Wake All Your Sense
Hmm, it’s not just an art exhibition with wine and food. They’ll have live music and body painting! 7-11pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Hmm, it’s not just an art exhibition with wine and food. …
Stonington, CT
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Stonington, CT
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Hammonasset Kite Festival
Kite enthusiasts are friendly people. Come see the decorative kites and try your hand at a “stunt kite” with two strings! 10am-4pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Kite enthusiasts are friendly people. Come see the decorative kites and tr…
Madison, CT
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Madison, CT
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NorEasters Monthly Kite Fly
Kite enthusiasts are friendly people. Come see the decorative kites and try your hand at a “stunt kite” with two strings! 10am-4pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Kite enthusiasts are friendly people. Come see the decorative kites …
Scarborough, ME
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Scarborough, ME
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Vermont Civil War Weekend and Encampment
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Wait a second. Canadian re-enactors are joining this Civil War encampment? Did we have Canadians getting involved in the American Civil War? Well, it’s a great way to learn some history from enthusiasts who dress in old timey costumes and camp out for the weekend. (Click ‘more’ for details)Wait a second. Canadian re-enactors are joining this Civi…
Shelburne, VT
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Shelburne, VT
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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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Johnny’s Big Diet Spectacular
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I’m employing peer pressure to help me with a new diet. I figure if I post my weight to the blog every week I’ll be too embarassed to cheat. I’m 354.6 pounds now and I start dieting today. Yikes! My goal? 210. Please email support to johnny@eventsinsider.com. (Click ‘more’ for details)I’m employing peer pressure to help me with a new diet. I figure if I p…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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