Events INSIDER: April 7-15, 2014

Features & Giveaways
Win: Boston International Film Festival
BIFF, the biggest and most important movie festival for independent movies in New England is waiting for the lovers of the 7th art again this year. 10 years of local, national and international work + many QA’s. Got 2 pairs of tickets to giveaway. Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win. Win: Boston International Film FestivalLoews Theatre Boston Common Boston, MA, .
Win: Spiritual Rez at the Sinclair
The Spiritual Rez reggae funk dance experience is an unabashed display of musical virtuosity. Got 2 pairs of tickets to giveaway. Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win. Win: Spiritual Rez at the SinclairThe Sinclair Cambridge, MA, .
Johnny’s Picks
National Robotics Week
Robots! Robots! Robots! You’ll find events all across New England to celebrate robots this week, ending with a robot battle in Boston! National Robotics WeekAll Over All Over, , .
Ben and Jerry’s Free Cone Day
What’s not to like? Go to any Ben&Jerry’s in town and ask for your free cone!. 2-8pm. Ben and Jerry's Free Cone DayBen & Jerry’s, Various locations Boston, MA, .
Clay Center’s Public Observatory Nights
Public observatory nights: get your hands on an awesome telescope with the help of an astronomer. The best part is it’s free. Clay Center's Public Observatory NightsClay Center Observatory Brookline, MA, .
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
A Longfellow impersonator will help the young and not so young learn how to understand poetry better. 1-4pm. Henry Wadsworth LongfellowThe Paul Revere House Boston, MA, .
Paul Revere Capture Ceremony
Well if you are having a History exam next week about the capture of Paul Revere, this must be your lucky day! And even if not, there will be an exciting narration and re-enactment. Come on time travelers, this is a must-see. Paul Revere Capture CeremonyBattle Road Visitors Center Lincoln, MA, .
Meriam’s Corner Exercise
History enthusiasts, there seems to be a lot of action going on for you this weekend. Here’s another battle that can take you a 150 years ago! 1pm. Meriam's Corner ExerciseMeriam’s Corner, Lexington Rd. Concord, MA, .
Paul Revere’s Ride
The Reveres talk about their early 19th century lives and remember the night they helped carry the Lexington Alarm. 7pm. Paul Revere's RideFramingham Public Library – Costin Room Framingham, MA, .
Bedford Parade and Pole Capping
There is no better way of learning history, than doing it the exciting way. And what could be more exciting than watching fragments of it come alive in front of your eyes? The only way to prove it, is coming and seeing for yourself. 1pm. Bedford Parade and Pole CappingWilson Park Bedford, MA, .
Lincoln Woodstock Murder Mystery Weekend
Ever wanted to be a detective for a day? Come live the mystery! 10am. Lincoln Woodstock Murder Mystery WeekendPapermill Theatre Lincoln, NH, .
The Great Scituate Scavenger Hunt
Join this challenging scavenger hunt, and if your team wins the organization you played for will receive 100% of the event’s proceedings. The Great Scituate Scavenger HuntSt. Luke’s Episcopal Church Scituate, MA, .
Family Board Game Day
Bring your favorite board game, or choose one of the games available at this event. The more, the merrier, so bring your family with you. 2pm. Family Board Game DayMythos Northampton, MA, .
Pop Culture Conference: American Horror from the Great Depression to the Great Recession
It might seem unrelated, but the cultural times of a particular country affects and is portrayed through the horror films of a certain period. What’s hidden behind Frankenstein? What’s the message that Red State is giving out? Come find out at this magnificent and horrying conference about horrow movies. Pop Culture Conference: American Horror from the Great Depression to the Great RecessionCollege of St. Joseph Rutland, VT, .
NE FIRST Robotics Championship
Robots that can climb stairs! Whoa, now I just need one that can do my laundry. Teams from all over New England get together to show what their robots can do. NE FIRST Robotics ChampionshipBoston University’s Agganis Arena, Boston University’s Agganis Arena; 925 Commonwealth Ave Boston, MA, .
Find 16 New England Regions on Twitter
Hey! I’ve split my Twitter feed into 17 regions so that you can REALLY get just the events close to home, or pick what you like. Please check it out and add me to a ‘Twitter list’ too (google it). Find 16 New England Regions on Twitter All Over, , .
Get the 2014 New England Guide
Mention my website to friends and get my 2013 New England Guide, with 1,200 off-beat destinations including dinosaur footprints, zoos, ziplines, where to go stargazing, and where to find an indoor water park in December! Get the 2014 New England Guide All Over, , .
Earth Day
Chemists Celebrate Earth Day!
Chemists celebrate Earth Day creating new elements. Well, not really. But they do have a small event where you can try and use new green technologies that, hopefully, you can later adopt. Chemists Celebrate Earth Day!Museum of Science Boston, MA, .
Earth Days at Salem State University
Salem State celebrates Earth Day with what seems to be a very serious-minded event, with a career fair, a historical tour, and films. Earth Days at Salem State UniversitySalem State University Salem, MA, .
New Bedford Earth Day Parade
This is the only actual parade I found for Earth Day. A giant paper mach float will be carried around downtown New Bedford. Must be quite a sight and it’s the only Earth Day parade around the area. New Bedford Earth Day ParadeCustom House Square Fairhaven, MA, .
Easter EggZOOberance
Enjoy breakfast, meet and greet with one of our animal residents and head out into the Zoo for an egg hunt! Easter EggZOOberanceButtonwood Park Zoo New Bedford, MA, .
Easter Egg Hunts
HNC Easter Egg Hunt
11:15am. HNC Easter Egg HuntHingham Newcomers’ Club, Hingham, MA, .
Easter Egg Hunt – Fairfield, CT
Hunt starts at 1pm. 1pm. Easter Egg Hunt - Fairfield, CTSouth Pine Creek Soccer Field Fairfield, CT, .
Spring Egg Hunt and Bunny Breakfast
If you find a ‘Special Egg’ you can win some pretty cool things. If you don’t, you still get lots of chocolate and a yummy breakfast. Sweet deal. Spring Egg Hunt and Bunny BreakfastCommunity Center Pepperell, MA, .
Victorian Egg Hunt
Hundreds of eggs will be hidden on the east and west lawns of the Museum:. 1pm. Victorian Egg HuntForbes House Museum Milton, MA, .
Ocean Commotion: Easter Egg hunt
This is no ordinary egghunt! Bring your kids for a fun day learning about nature. Don’t forget to sign up first! Ocean Commotion: Easter Egg hunt Rye, NH, .
Eggciting Egg Hunt
What kind of Easter egg hunt has thousands of dollars in prizes? I would strap my kid to a drone, fly her to all the eggs, and win at this family farm! Various morning times. Eggciting Egg HuntCharmingfare Farm Candia, NH, .
Camouflaged Egg Hunt
Kids hunt for brown eggs in a natural setting and quickly learn how well the eggs camouflage. 9:30am. Camouflaged Egg HuntPowder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge Greenville, RI, .
Camouflaged Egg Hunt – Exeter
Kids ages 3 to 10 hunt for brown eggs in a natural setting instead of painted eggs to learn about camouflage. I think this is much better than just finding chocolate eggs (then again I might be tricking you so that I can get all the chocolate, who knows) 9:30-11am. Camouflaged Egg Hunt - ExeterFisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge Exeter, RI, .
Visit with the Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny joins you through the installation and takes you to different locations where you can enjoy the miniworkshops created for this holiday. Visit with the Easter BunnyRoger Williams Park Zoo Providence, RI, .
Egg Scavenger Hunt at Roger Williams Park Zoo
This one is not only outdoors, and not only is it a ZOO, but you get to do a scavenger hunt and meet the Easter Bunny!! Easta Bunnie, Easta Bunnie! Egg Scavenger Hunt at Roger Williams Park ZooRoger Williams Park Zoo Providence, RI, .
Easter Egg Hunt – Westerly, RI
The Easter Bunny and Lucky Duck will be here. This one’s special for the little ones, ages 1-8. 1pm. Easter Egg Hunt - Westerly, RIWilcox Park Westerly, RI, .
Easter Egg Hunt – Hingham, MA
This one’s in Hingham. Looks like it’s already sold out. 10:30am. Easter Egg Hunt - Hingham, MA Hingham, MA, .
Town of Norton Spring Egg Hunt
A whole town searching for those precious little eggs. Pay close attention, the Easter Bunny will be hopping around Norton. 1pm. Town of Norton Spring Egg HuntTown Forest, Plain St. Norton, MA, .
Easter Egg Hunt — Winslow Farm
Winslow Farm has perhaps the most interesting secular Easter egg celebration because they are a working farm with forest trails. Easter Egg Hunt -- Winslow FarmWinslow Farm Norton, MA, .
Also Fun
‘Against the Jab’ Premier
Come to the screening of this Boston-made film that’s getting everyone’s attention. 8pm. 'Against the Jab' PremierAMC / Loews Theaters Boston, MA, .
Zoos Go Blue Autism Awareness Day
A trip to the zoo can result in a great experience for people with autism. Speaks at Franklin Park Zoo will help family members plan better for such activities. Zoos Go Blue Autism Awareness DayFranklin Park Zoo, One Franklin Park Road Dorchester, MA, .
NETSS Toy Soldier and Sale
Toy soldiers everywhere! It’s a huge exhibition and sale of all things related to the military. Proceeds will go to a veteran fund. 9am-3pm. NETSS Toy Soldier and SaleCrowne Plaza Woburn, MA, .
Migratory Bird Walk
Birds are back with their beautiful songs and the wonderful warmth of spring. And we all know what that means, no more sleeping till noon Ehem, I mean, having a welcoming Bird Walk. 8:30-10:30am. Migratory Bird WalkTorbert MacDonald Park, Mystic Valley Reservation Medford, MA, .
Weird Twist on Historic House Tour
Walk through the Mansion trying to look for items that DON’T belong in an early 19th century house. 3pm. Weird Twist on Historic House TourGore Place Waltham, MA, .
Tinis and Tulips Preview Party
You don’t always see flower exhibits with scavenger hunts and live music. Tinis and Tulips Preview PartyMuseum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, .
Reception: Chandler Gallery’s ‘Direct/Indirect’
A single work can require a double-take, when it has two mediums, two themes, two looks needed! Get arty and join the reception 3-5pm. Show runs 4/1 to 5/9. Reception: Chandler Gallery's 'Direct/Indirect'Maud Morgan Arts Chandler Gallery Cambridge, MA, .
First Pages Before & After
How do you get started writing? What’s your first page? These first page Grub Street readings entertain and educate! First Pages Before & AfterTrident Booksellers & Cafe, 338 Newbury St, Boston, MA, .
Boston Through Our Eyes
Enjoy a buffet of modern Asian cuisine served in a relaxed atmosphere and get a unique glimpse of the Boston Marathon Bombing through the lens of refugees living in the Boston area. Boston Through Our EyesROKA Boston, MA, .
Music Drives Us Boston Proud Boston Marathon
Support the Music Drives Us foundation & BOSTON STRONG. There’s a marathon but if you don’t want to put on your running shoes just yet you can enjoy the live music, raffles and cocktails they have o offer. 7-10pm. Music Drives Us Boston Proud Boston Marathon Boston, MA, .
Midsummer Night at the Modern Theatre
Based loosely on Shakespeare’s work, this play promises to be a fun adaptation of love in modern times. Midsummer Night at the Modern TheatreModern Theatre at Suffolk University Brighton, MA, .
Volunteer Expo
Got free time and want to get involved in local projects? Swing by the Volunteer Expo, where you’ll most likely find a group or cause to join. 5:30-7:30pm. Volunteer ExpoPrudential Center Boston, MA, .
New England LGBT Film Festival
Have a gay time at this film festival where the emphasis is on Latin action! New England LGBT Film Festival Cambridge, MA, .
Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival
This year’s Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival features Feist, Natalie Merchant, Lady Lamb and the Beekeeper, Chris Eldridge and many more. Three days of great music all in the same place. Portsmouth Singer Songwriter FestivalThe Music Hall Boston, MA, .
Michael Aman’s ‘The Unbleached American’
Here’s a play about Ernest Hogan, the ‘father of ragtime’ and the first African American to perform on Broadway, last days. Michael Aman's 'The Unbleached American'Stoneham Theatre Stoneham, MA, .
Second Fridays: Nautical Night
From marine biology to 3D printing: Here’s your chance to learn how everything’s applied to modern nautical activities. 5-8pm. Second Fridays: Nautical NightMIT Museum Cambridge, MA, .
Boston International Film Festival
BIFF, the biggest and most important movie festival for independent movies in New England is waiting for the lovers of the 7th art again this year. 10 years of local, national and international work + many QA’s. Boston International Film FestivalLoews Theatre Boston Common Boston, MA, .
Art on Tour at Pittsfield City Hall
Art on Tour at Pittsfield City Hall. Art on Tour at Pittsfield City HallPittsfield’s City Hall Pittsfield, MA, .
Miss Gay Massachusetts USofA
Two contests in one night! Miss Gay Massachusetts and Miss Gay New England, all in a queer and fun night. 8pm. Miss Gay Massachusetts USofAThe Crown & Anchor Provincetown, MA, .
Springtime Farm Tour
Spring is the busiest time of the year for a farm, for sure! So here’s what a day in the farm looks like. Springtime Farm TourGraywall Farms Lebanon, CT, .
Dino Egg Hunt
The Easter Bunny will also visit this epic Dinosaur Egg Hunt! Dino Egg HuntThe Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village Oakdale, CT, .
Opening Day – Garden in the Woods
Spring’s here and native New England flowers are blooming for you. This open house is a great excuse to maybe start considering more flowers in your garden. Opening Day - Garden in the WoodsGarden in the Woods Framingham, MA, .
Medway Clean Sweep
Come get a free t-shirt and enjoy a BBQ at Medway’s Town Hall. What’s the catch? Just need to help cleaning a bit here and there… Medway Clean SweepTown Hall of Medway Marblehead, MA, .
Lincoln Kite Fly
Make your own or take a look at others’. Whatever makes your kite fly! Lincoln Kite FlySchool Lincoln, MA, .
Restaurant Week Portsmouth & the Seacoast
Even though ‘Restaurant Week’ is commerical, not an arts event, you get to try fancy restaurants at a discount. Sounds nice! Restaurant Week Portsmouth & the SeacoastVarious locations Portsmouth, NH, .
The Legacy of Penobscot Canoes: A View from the River
Canoes are a really important part of American and world history, This exhibition explores both the preservation of canoe culture and its current revival among the Wabanaki people, including the Penobscot. The Legacy of Penobscot Canoes: A View from the RiverPeabody Museum Salem, MA, .
Take a Walk on the Wild Side: Night Hike
Outdoorsy fun, finally! Whether it’s a scavenger hunt or just a really fun game, you and your family will love to immerse into nature with this fantastic hike on and off-shore. Take a Walk on the Wild Side: Night HikeJoppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, MA, .
New England Intercollegiate Band Festival
Two days of the best college bands performing at the A. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel. New England Intercollegiate Band FestivalA. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel Wenham, MA, .
Athol-Orange River Rat Race
Not actually a rat race but definitely fun. A kayak race, 5k marathon and pancake breakfast are the highlights of this event. Athol-Orange River Rat Race Orange, MA, .
Harbor Seal Walk at Rome Point
Even when they do not have a ball or a show, seals are quite amazing. And funny too! Come watch them in their real enviroment! Where they should be! Harbor Seal Walk at Rome PointJohn H Chafee National Wildlife Refuge, Pettaquamscutt Cove South Kingstown, RI, .
MQX Quilt Festival
Quilts! Quilts everywhere! Whether you’re looking to buy or learn how to make your own, this is the place to be! MQX Quilt FestivalThe Center of NH / Radisson Hotel Manchester, NH, .
Brown University Folk Festival
Brown University’s 6th annual Folk Festival includes, yes, lots of music and dancing from noon until midnight. Brown University Folk FestivalLincoln Field, Brown University Providence, RI, .
Six Flags New England – Opening Weekend
The spring arrival brings us some of the better things in life: shorts, sunglasses, skirts and of course, theme parks. Six Flags New England - Opening WeekendSix Flags New England, Route 159 – 1623 Main Street Agawam, MA, .
Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live
This is a magical tour through pre-historic Australia, bringing an eye-popping array of ancient creatures to life on stage. Erth's Dinosaur Zoo LiveFine Arts Center Concert Hall Amherst, MA, .
REC Earth Day Cleanups
Earth-Day is all about caring for the environment. The REC and the Worcester Department of Public Works and Parks need your help cleaning Worcester’s streets, parks and neighborhoods. Go lend a hand and stay for the fun in the cookout for all volunteers afterwards. 8am. REC Earth Day CleanupsCity Wide Worcester, MA, .
Performance
Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Competitions, regionals
A capella only gets better when they bring in the best groups for a competition. 2pm. Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Competitions, regionalsTufts University’s Cohen Auditorium Medford, MA, .
Stupid F**king Bird
This hilarious stage show parodies the popular play, ‘The Seagull’. Contains nudity and adult content, so you’ve been warned. Stupid F**king BirdChelsea Theatre Works Chelsea, MA, .
Reel To Reel
It’s a play about human memory, digital memory, memorable regrets, and how we try to fit pieces of our hearts into things that will live after we die. Reel To ReelThe Factory Theatre Boston, MA, .
MOM BABY GOD
The immersive one-woman show that brings audiences face-to-face with the anti-abortion movement. MOM BABY GODDavis Square Theatre Somerville, MA, .
The Dream of the Burning Boy
The Boston Premiere of the Drama League Award Nominee about death in high school and its impact on the class. The Dream of the Burning BoyThe Calderwood Pavilion, 527 Tremont St, Boston, MA, .
Three Days of Rain by Richard Greenberg
A modern-day masterpiece by Tony Award winning playwright Richard Greenberg. Three Days of Rain by Richard GreenbergFirst Church in Boston Boston, MA, .
Review: ‘In Between’ at New Repertory Theatre
The son of a Palestinian-Muslim father and a Jewish-Israeli mother, Ibrahim Miari recalls his childhood in Acco, Israel. Click for our review on 4/8! Review: 'In Between' at New Repertory TheatreBlack Box Theater at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA, .
FAR AWAY by Caryl Churchill
While staying with her aunt and uncle in the country, young Joan wakes in the night and sees the stuff of nightmares. Or does she? FAR AWAY by Caryl ChurchillCharlestown Working Theater Charlestown, MA, .
Review: Talley’s Folly
The Pulitzer Prize-Winning American Classic! See the blog for our review. Review: Talley's FollyMRT Theatre, 50 East Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA, .
Travel
Strong Farm Chicken Run
A fun, scenic 5K race, 2 mile walk and 1/4 mile children’s race. Also, a lot of bunnies and chicks. Real chicks, yo. Strong Farm Chicken RunStrong Family Farm Vernon, CT, .
Easter Bunny Trolley Rides
Here’s your chance to ride a 100-year-old beautifully restored trolley to meet the Easter Bunny on his very own trolley car! Easter Bunny Trolley RidesShore Line Trolley Museum East Haven, CT, .
Earth Week at The Dinosaur Place
Celebrate Earth Day with a few of its first inhabitants: dinosaurs! Earth Week at The Dinosaur PlaceThe Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Oakdale, CT, .
Take-A-Hike Week
Now that the weather’s so lovely it’s time to put on your hiking gear and embrace nature! For a week, several outdoor activities will be going on around here; check out their extensive list of activities and pick your favorite. Take-A-Hike WeekStamford Museum & Nature Center Stamford, CT, .
Trinity College Fire-Fighting and RoboWaiter Contests
A robot contest might not be as cool as petting a dinosaur, but it does get pretty close. This will be a unique and very challenging competition. Trinity College Fire-Fighting and RoboWaiter ContestsTrinity College Hartford, CT, .
New Haven Spring Restaurant Week
Commercial and hardly arts events, but hey — cheap eats at fancy venues. That could make a fun outing! New Haven Spring Restaurant WeekVarious Locations New Haven, CT, .
Mark Twain the Standup Comedian
Twain’s way of looking at the world and specially America is still mimicked but nothing quite compares. Join the author of ‘Twain’s Brand: Humor in Contemporary American Culture’ and explore the deepest and most meaningful aspects of Twain’s contribution to the media and comedy in pop culture. 5:30pm. Mark Twain the Standup ComedianMark Twain House & Museum Hartford, CT, .
THE MOuTH with Chion Wolf at The Mark Twain House & Museum
Work 9 to 5? Love it? Hate it? Whatever your answer was, we bet you have some cool stories to hear, or maybe you just want to hear the epic work stories of others. That doesn’t count as Schadenfreude, right? THE MOuTH with Chion Wolf at The Mark Twain House & MuseumMark Twain House & Museum Hartford, CT, .
Nano Days
Build and program your own LEGO robot! So awesome! I hope they let me in too! Nano DaysMaine Discovery Museum Bangor, ME, .
Bud Light Reggae Fest
Come join this celebration and enjoy the fireworks while listening to great music. This year’s Reggae Fest is bigger, better, smoother and, as always, FREE! Bud Light Reggae FestSugarloaf Mountain Resort Kingfield, ME, .
Ogunquit Patriots Day Celebration
Ogunquit celebrates Patriots Day like no other! Reenactments, concerts, a beach bazaar, treasure hunts, hay rides… Name it and it will be there. Ogunquit Patriots Day CelebrationVarious locations, Ogunquit, ME, .
Maine in the Civil War: The Military Art of J. Thomas Leamon
After 150 years, the Civil War is still one of the historical events that matter the most to us. This day long symposium will deal with the causes, constituencies, politics, and personalities of the Civil War era. 12pm. Maine in the Civil War: The Military Art of J. Thomas LeamonMaine Historical Society Portland, ME, .
Roving Eye Film Festival
This year’s theme is ‘You Know You Want to Look’. Roving Eye Film FestivalRoger Williams University Bristol, RI, .
Smells Like Spring
Let your inner adventurer come out for a fun hike looking for the earliest signs of Spring. 9:30am. Smells Like SpringMaxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge Coventry, RI, .
Calvin Coolidge: More Than Two Words
Jim Cooke delivers much more than 2 words on this entertaining reenactment of President Calvin Coolidge. 4pm. Calvin Coolidge: More Than Two WordsVermont Humanities Council, State Capitol in the House Chamber Montpelier, VT, .