Johnny’s List of Quirky Boston Events: 08/21/08


The Week in Weird
Dancing on the Charles Jul 26 – Sep 20
Cambridge, MA
Aug 23 and Sep 20 are next! It’s an outdoor dance in Cambridge. Sounds great. Buy tix in advance.
American Legion, 4 Gerry’s Landing, Cambridge, MA. more
Swim with luminous jellyfish off the Cape Aug 1 – Aug 31
Falmouth, MA
or Woods Hole, http://www.whoi.edu. National Marine Life Center, www.nmic.org. Near the end of August, sneak into McGansett Beach, in Falmouth. Or any public beach really. Or boat to Tarpaulin Cove. Choose a calm night, because if there’s a lot of waves there may be too much turbulence to see the jellyfish. They are non-stinging, and small, about the size of a goose egg. The creatures glow when there’s motion in the water, so if you disturb the water, such as jumping off the McGansett Beach dock, you see glowing.
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Caribbean Carnival Parade (Boston Carnival) Aug 16 – Aug 23
Boston, MA
The Boston Carnival parade is just the kind of “local” event where the enthusiasm of the performers is infectious. Parade 8/23 begins at 1:00pm at MLK Blvd &b Warren St. and ends at 7:00pm on Blue Hill Ave at Franklin Park.
Various, Boston, MA. more
Carnival (Provincetown) Aug 17 – Aug 23
Provincetown, MA
New England’s gay carnival continues.
800.637.8696. more
Dance New England – Dance Camp Aug 20 – Aug 31
Poland Springs, ME
Enjoy dancing? Want to experience 11 days with no meat on the table? Here’s a retreat in Maine that will get your toes tapping.
Omni Camp, Poland Springs, ME. more
New England Boogie – Skydiving Festival Aug 21 – Aug 24
Pepperell, MA
It’s the largest skydiving event in New England. And up to 300 attend.
165 Nashua Road, Pepperell, MA.978 433-9222. more
Schemitzun – Native American Festival Aug 21 – Aug 24
North Stonington, CT
Native American arts & crafts, dancing, bull-riding, singing, Nearby to the Pequot Museum. It’s about 2 hours and as close as you can get to Boston and be in Connecticut.
Wintechog Hill Road, North Stonington, CT. more
Fireworks at Ocean Park Aug 22
Oak Bluffs, MA
Fireworks and concert on Martha’s Vinyard, a good excuse to visit. 2007: music starts at 8pm.
Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs, MA.508-693-5380. more
Pi-Con Science Fiction Convention Aug 22 – Aug 24
West Springfield, MA
A smallish science fiction convention with the usual panels, workshops, guests, and costuming.
Best Western Sovereign Hotel, West Springfield, MA. more
Arlington Astronomy Night Aug 23
Arlington, MA
Aug 23 at about 9pm. Last event April 2009.
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Project MUM Aug 23
Somerville, MA
9pm-1am. It’s an outdoor dance party!.
Under the McGrath Highway, at the intersection of Washington Street in Somerville, MA, Somerville, MA. more
Revere Beach Kite Festival Aug 23
Revere, MA
9am-4pm. Rain date Aug 24. They’ll have kite making for kids and a moon bounce. I’ve been to many events like this and it’s always fun to see professionals and learn about kite flying, which is not as easy as it looks.
Revere Beach, Revere, MA. more
Seaside Pow Wow and Festival Aug 23 – Aug 24
Gloucester, MA
Intertribal American Indian event featuring dancing, story telling and arts and crafts. 10am-5pm. Free.
Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA.978-281-2978. more
Butterfly Fest @ Garden in the Woods Aug 23 – Aug 24
Framingham, MA
It’s the height of butterfly season, come see the butterflies and all the big bug sculptures they have.
Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA.508-877-7630. more
Kimball Farm Corn Maze Aug 23 – Sep 1
Haverhill, MA
Trying to compete with Davis Farmland and the Davis MegaMaze, the Kimball Farm is hosting its own corn maze.
Kimball Farm Corn Maze, 780 East Broadway, Haverhill, MA.978 521-3990. more
Quincy August Moon Festival Aug 24
Quincy, MA
11am-5pm. Did you miss the Chinese August Moon Festival in Boston last week. It’s not too late! Come catch it in Quincy, with dragon dancing and lots of cute kids performing.
Downtown Quincy, 1400-1600 Hancock St., Quincy, MA.617-472-2200. more
Cambridge Carnival Internationale Aug 24
Cambridge, MA
12-7pm. Or cambridgecarnival.com .
Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA.617-492-2518. more
1774 Town Meeting Aug 24
Concord, MA
The Minuteman National Park is very active with re-enactments. This one, based in 1774, is a town meeting that has just heard of the Boston Tea Party rebellion, with live re-enactors.
North Bridge, Concord, MA. more
Also Fun
Marshfield County Fair Aug 15 – Aug 24
Marshfield, MA
As well as the usual fair contests, they’ll have a demolition derby and a “battle of the bands”.
Route 3A at South River St., Marshfield, MA.(781) 834-6629. more
Winslow Farm Anniversary Celebration & Treasure Hunt Aug 23
Norton, MA
Every year they have an anniversary celebration at this farm and petting zoo. This year they encourage guests to dress in pirate clothing and they’ll have a treasure hunt (kids only, boo hoo!).
Winslow Farm, 37 Eddy Street, Norton, MA.508-285-6451. more
Ice Cream Social & Barbershop Performance Aug 23
Quincy, MA
10:00a to 3:00p. I don’t generally record small church events but this one’s going to have a barbershop quarter performance, and I love that stuff. Plus ice cream, yum!.
Hough’s Neck Congregational Church 310 Manet Ave. , Quincy, MA. (617) 479-8778. more
Antique and Classic Boat Festival Aug 23 – Aug 24
Salem, MA
Classic sailboats, powerboats, and hand-powered craft. Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 11am-3pm. Admission $5, free for children 12 and under.
Hawthorne Cove Marina, 10 White St, Salem, MA. more
Gloucester New Arts Festival Aug 23 – Aug 24
Gloucester, MA
Theatre, improv music jamming and dance, sounds small but very creative.
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Plymouth Waterfront Festival Aug 23 – Aug 24
Plymouth, MA
Street festival not worth much but a great excuse to visit Plimoth Plantation and stop by.
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South Coast Rhode Island Open Studios Aug 23 – Aug 24
Tiverton, RI
Rhode Island is getting into the “Open Studios” craze. Artists open their private homes and work studios to the public. .
401-816-0000. more
Outdoor Movies
Outdoor Movie Night at NARA Park, Acton Jun 13 – Sep 13
Acton, MA
Aug 22 is “family movie night”, and Aug 28 is a free outdoor concert.
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WBZ Free Friday Flicks @ Hatch Shell Jun 20 – Aug 29
Boston, MA
Aug 22: “Grease”, at sundown. Call hotline for cancellation info.
Esplanade, Boston, MA.617-787-7200. more
Wednesday Movies Under the Stars Jun 25 – Aug 27
Falmouth, MA
Aug 27: Harry Potter.
Peg Noonan Park, Main Street, Falmouth, MA.508-487-3424 . more
Movies by Moonlight – Boston Harbor Hotel Jun 27 – Aug 29
Boston, MA
8/24 Citizen Kane; 8/31 The Thin Man.
or http://www.bhh.com/special_eventcal.htm, Boston, MA.617-439-7000. more
Onset Bay Movie Co – Outdoor Movies Series Jul 3 – Aug 28
Onset, MA
Aug 21: Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World’s End. Aug 28: Surf’s Up.
The Bandshell, behind 197 Onset Avenue, Onset, MA.508-295-9026. more
Neponset River Greenway Festival & Movie Series Jul 3 – Aug 29
Dorchester, MA
Aug 21: “Goonies”, at Pope John Paul ll Park, Dorchester. Aug 26: “Grease”, Martini Shell, Hyde Park.
Pope John Paul II Park, Gallivan Blvd, Dorchester, MA.617-542-7696 . more
Weymouth Summer Outdoor Movies Jul 10 – Aug 21
Weymouth, MA
Aug 21: Open Season.
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City of Somerville Annual Movie Series Jul 10 – Sep 4
Somerville, MA
Aug 21: We Are Marshall, Prospect Hill Park, Munroe St, Somerville.
Various locations, Somerville, MA.617-666-3311. more
Mayor Menino’s Monday Night Movies in Boston Aug 4 – Aug 25
Boston, MA
Aug 18: “Flushed Away.
Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common, 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA. more
Salem Movie on the Common (part of Salem Heritage Days) Aug 7 – Aug 30
Salem, MA
Aug 30: “Curious George.
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Arlington Movie Night Aug 23
Arlington, MA
Aug 23: Astronomy Night.
Robbins Farm Park, Arlington, MA. more
Audubon Society – A Night Outdoors at the Movies Aug 21
Bristol, RI
“Flipper� the classic 1960’s TV show and the original “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.� .
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street (Route 114), Bristol, RI.401-245-7500. more
Outdoor Concerts
Concerts on the Common, Framingham Jun 1 – Aug 29
Framingham, MA
Fridays 6:30pm.
508-532-5960. more
Sweet Summer Nights Music Series Jun 6 – Aug 29
Upton, MA
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MFA Concerts in the Courtyard Jun 11 – Sep 14
Boston, MA
617-369-3189. more
Special Live Concerts, Outdoors at the Boston Harbor Hotel Jun 20 – Aug 29
Boston, MA
70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA. more
Springfield CityBlock Concert Series Jun 21 – Sep 20
Springfield, MA
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Longfellow Family Sundays Art in the Park Jul 6 – Aug 31
Cambridge, MA
horn music, poetry at the Longfellow Historic Site. Participatory painting, drawing. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Every Sunday June-August, poetry & classical music. Most events 4-5pm but see website.
105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA.617-876-4491. more
Landmarks Orchestra Festival at the Shell Jul 9 – Sep 10
Boston, MA
7pm. Free. Every Wednesday.
Esplanade, Boston, MA. more
Arlo Guthrie Aug 23
Lowell, MA
Part of the Lowell Summer Music series.
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Outdoor Theatre
Plays in the Park @ Georges Island Jun 27 – Aug 29
Boston, MA
8/22: The Apartment (1960). 8/29: The Hustler (1961).
Georges Island, Boston, MA.617-223-8666. more
Outdoor stage at the Publick Theatre Jul 3 – Sep 14
Brighton, MA
THE SEAGULL, by Anton Chekhov, to Sep 7, HAY FEVER by Noel Coward, to Sep 30.
Publick Theatre at Christian Herter Park, 1175A Soldiers Field Road, Brighton, MA.617-454-1444. more
Outdoor performance of Romeo & Juliet Aug 21 – Aug 24
Waltham, MA
Free, at a historic mansion.
Gore Place, 52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA.(978) 314-6403. more
Recurring Events
Waterfire May 24 – Nov 11
Providence, RI
Providence Place, Providence, RI.401 751-1221. more
Folk dancing in Copley Square Jun 3 – Aug 26
Boston, MA
7:30pm-10pm on Tuesdays.
Copley Square, by the fountain, Boston, MA. more
Fireworks every Wednesday @ Hampton Beach Jun 18 – Aug 31
Hampton, NH
Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, NH.603-926-8718. more
George’s Island Kite Day (Go Fly a KITE Day) Jun 22 – Aug 31
Boston, MA
Kite experts give lessons on kite-flying, fre material to build kites.
Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, MA.617-223-8666. more
Murder Mystery & Evening With the Astors @ Beechwood Mansion Jul 3 – Oct 30
Newport, RI
Come for the Murder Mystery Dinner, or for the Big Band Dance, with lessons beforehand.
401-846-3772. more
Arts on the Arcade Jul 9 – Aug 27
Boston, MA
Mondays & Wednesdays only, 11am-3pm.
617-635-3911. more
Civil War Re-Enactment on Georges Island Jul 13 – Aug 24
Boston, MA
Georges Island.Join the spirit of Dr. Charles Macgill of Hagerstown, Maryland, in a stroll through Fort Warren as he reminisces about his confinement here as a political prisoner during the Civil War. Dates: July 13, July 27, August 10, August 24. No civil war encampment in 2008.
Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, MA.617-223-8666. more
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre @ Salem Cross Inn Jul 25 – Sep 19
West Brookfield, MA
Interactive murder mystery dinner theatre.
260 West Main Street, West Brookfield, MA.508-867-2345. more
Perseids Meteor Shower Aug 12 – Aug 25
Everywhere
I tried to see the Perseids but I chose a place with too many lights at night. You really need to get to a beach or a very large field with no streetlights. It’s too late to catch the peak but they do continue through August 25.
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Performance
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Aug 12 – Aug 31
Beverly, MA
It’s a musical about kids in a spelling bee.
North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA.978-332-7200. more
Marc Cohn & Suzanne Vega Aug 28
Barnstable Town, MA
Get your tickets early! About 90 minutes from Boston.
Cape Cod Melody Tent, 21 W Main St, Barnstable Town, MA. more
Road Trip
Champlain Valley Fair Aug 23 – Sep 1
Essex Junction, VT
A distant but good fair, they will feature Garrison Keillor recording A Prarie Home Companion, a demolition derby, Ted Nugent, a tractor pull, and more.
Champlain Valley Exposition, 105 Pearl St., Essex Junction, VT.802-878-5545. more
Maryland Renaissance Festival @ Silver Springs Aug 23 – Oct 19
Crownsville, MD
I’m told it’s the best Renaissance Faire on the east coast and worth a trip.
Crownsville Road, Crownsville, MD. more

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-Johnny