Boston Events Insider - Overview

February 6-14, 2012: 15 Creative Valentine's Day Ideas, Lincoln & Darwin re-enactments, Chinese New Year, Sex at the Zoo!

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:02:41 -0500

This Week in Review

You can do a lot better than just going to a restaurant for Valentine's Day. Most of the interactive, creative events that I write about make a good outing, but this week I feature some especially romantic stuff. We are almost up to 2,000 members in the Facebook group. Please click and click "add friends to group" on the right column!

I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!

-Johnny

Radium Girls - tix giveaway
Thu 2/9 - Thu 2/16

A group of women, factory workers who paint radium on watches to make them glow, worry about glowing themselves in this play about labor law. I have one pair of tickets to give away for the Friday Feb 10th show at 8pm. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win! (Click 'more' for details)A group of women, factory workers who paint radium on watches to mak... Curry Student Center, 346 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA .

Mortified Doomed Valentine's Day Sh...
Mon 2/13

Don't celebrate Valentine's Day? Wish somebody would bury it? Join fellow mourners at this hilarious night of stand up comedy. The personal stories shared at Mortified are awkward but hilarious. And I have 2 pairs of tickets to give away. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win. 7:30pm. (Click 'more' for details)Don't celebrate Valentine's Day? Wish somebody would bu... Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline, MA .

Celebrate Valentine's Day... by bur...
Sat 2/11

But wait! It gets even better with a re-enactor portraying Edgar Allan Poe, reading some of his works about death and love in this anti-Valentine's Day celebration. I have seen this re-enactor and trust me, DON'T MISS THIS. Two shows, 6pm and 8pm. (Click 'more' for details)But wait! It gets even better with a re-enactor portraying Edgar Allan Poe, reading some of his... Cranston, RI .

Forbes House Museum Lincoln Day
Sun 2/12

Not enough awesomeness? This historic home will have a re-enactor portraying Mary Todd Lincoln and they'll have dozens of Civil War re-enactors! That's always interesting. And they'll have a concert of Civil War music. Hey Georgia, sorry about Tara. 1-4pm. (Click 'more' for details)Not enough awesomeness? This historic home will have a re-enactor p... Forbes House Museum, 215 Adams Street, Milton, MA .

Lowell's WinterFest Celebration
Thu 2/9 - Sat 2/11

This one looks even better! Fireworks, hot soup competition, snowman competition, and a "human dog sled championship". Yay, fireworks in February! (Click 'more' for details)This one looks even better! Fireworks, hot soup competition, snowman competition, and a "human dog sled ... Lowell, MA .

Chinese New Year in Harvard Square
Sun 2/12

The Harvard Square Business Association puts on perhaps 30 events a year and this looks like one of the good ones. 1-4pm. It's a Chinese New Year parade that starts at 1:30pm in Winthrop Park (corner of JFK and Mount Auburn) and marches to Mass Avenue to the Hong Kong restaurant. Then 2-4pm, the Hong Kong will have a cultural show with arts and crafts, performers, puppetry, dance, and more. (Click 'more' for details)The Harvard Square Business Association puts on perhap... From JFK Street to the Hong Kong on Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA .

Lunar New Year Festival
Sun 2/12

Happy Year of the Dragon. ROWOWRRR!! Quincy will have a lion dance and two stages of music and dance. Although the venue is a high school, the promotion is top rate and I would bet it's worth a visit. And it's free! 10:30am-4pm. (Click 'more' for details)Happy Year of the Dragon. ROWOWRRR!! Quincy will have a lion dance and two stages of ... High School, 316 Hancock St, Quincy, MA .

FIGMENT Kickoff on the Rose Kennedy...
Thu 2/9

The Greenway has plenty of sculptures, and there are five new ones involving interactive light and music opening with a celebration of dance and music. 2012: 6pm, followed by a social mixer at a nearby bar. At Chinatown Park (Between Beech st and Essex st.). (Click 'more' for details)The Greenway has plenty of sculptures, and there are five new ones involving intera... Chinatown Park, Boston, MA .

Sex at the Zoo Lecture
Fri 2/10

There are so many zoo events just for kids that I urge you to get out and support this event for adults ages 21+. What a great idea for Valentine's Day! 6-8:30pm. (Click 'more' for details)There are so many zoo events just for kids that I urge you to get out and support this event for... Franklin Park Zoo, Boston, MA .

The Darwin-Lincoln Birthday Forum
Fri 2/10

No, this man is not Gandalf. He's Darwin, the scientist who discovered evolution. Come to his and Lincoln's joint birthday party. 12pm. (Click 'more' for details)No, this man is not Gandalf. He's Darwin, the scientist who dis... MIT Killian Hall, 160 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA .

This week's top items are below, or see the complete Boston Events Insider.

And a lot more this week at Boston Events Insider, the most popular events blog in New England, including:

Darwin Day in Concord

Merrimack River Eagle Festival

Eagles at Quabbin

Stars and the Moons of Jupiter

Black History Month Celebration

Town of Greenfield Winter Carnival

Ice Harvesting & Winter Carnival

Campfire Dining- - Newport Winter Carnival Event

Campfire Dining - Full Moon Fiesta

Owl Prowl at Fisherville Brook

Great Rotary Ice Fishing Derby

Jiffycon Live-Action Game Weekend

Annual Lincoln Birthday Brunch

Salem State College Darwin Festival

Sweet Romance: An Evening of Chocolate and Romance

Love Letters by the Fire

Boston League of Women Wrestlers

"Cupid" Story Slam

Romance at the Manse - Four Loves: True tales of love lost and found

Jane Austen Tours

Project Cupid Date Auction: Boston's Best Bachelors and Bachelorettes

Watson Adventures Naked at the Art Museum Scavenger Hunt

Valentine's Day Ball w/ Latin Dancing

Chairlift Speed Dating

Valentines Hike & Dessert for Adults

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, "A Venetian Valentine"

The Global Forests of Greenhouse Earth

United We Stand

The Story of Ice Harvesting at Walden Pond

Hike Beneath the Hunger Moon

Follow the Snow Moon

Terrible and Charismatic Waste: A Close Reading of Ocean Plastics

Full Moon Tour: Living in the Dark

Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival

Getting Arabian at the Knights

Full Moon Snowshoe Hike

Winter Tracking Hike at Belle Isle

Full Moon Hike

I Love The Nightlife: Howls and Owls

Owl Moon

Barred Owls and Breakfast

Winter CAMPfire and Open House

Chili Cook-Off at the Newport Harbor Hotel

Winter Trails Day

Boston Globe Travel Show

Salem's So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival

Grace Chapel's Annual WinterBlast

Miss Representation Film - MIT Sloan Women in Management Conference

MIT Neuroscientist Sebastian Seung discusses CONNECTOME!

There Will Be Flood

Happy Medium Theatre Presents ELECTION DAY

Karim Nagi presents ARABIZED

The Game of Love: A Medeival Concert

69 S (The Shackleton Project)

Civil War Music With Dixon's Gold

Lincoln-Douglas 1958 Debates Reenactment Dinner

Charles Darwin Birthday Celebration & Lecture

Full Storm Moon

USM Winter Carnival

Freezin' For A Reason - Portland, ME

Lovin' Ludlow Winter Carnival

Milton Community Winter Festival

Newport Winter Carnival

January 30-February 7, 2012: Valentine's Cruise Giveaway, Hasty Pudding, Winter Carnivals, Robot Contests, Animal Tracking & Owl Night Hikes

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:40:26 -0500

This Week in Review

We're having a wonderfully mild winter here in Boston. I actually miss the snow. So don't sit around. Get out and do some of the wonderful outdoor activities that I'm listing this week. It's a slow month, so I'm including a dozen state park activities like guided nighttime tours and searching for owls and eagles!

I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!

-Johnny

Valentine's Dinner Cruise - tix giveaway
Sat 2/11 - Tue 2/14

This is it! If you're looking for that special Valentine's Day treat, a dinner cruise with a live band has got to be at the top of your list. And I'm giving away two pairs of tickets for the Feb 11 cruise! Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win. (Click 'more' for details)This is it! If you're looking for that special Valentine's Day treat, a dinner cruise with a li... Boston, MA .

Hasty Pudding Man of t...
Fri 2/3

The Man of the year is Jason Segel, the actor from Forgetting Sarah Marshall and The Muppets, with a roast at 8pm that's sold out, but there may be a parade through Harvard Square beforehand. Click for my review of the Woman of the Year and a preview of the Hasty Pudding's upcoming shows. (Click 'more' for details)The Man of the year is Jason Segel, the actor from Forgetting Sarah Marshall and T... Zero Arrow Street Theater, Cambridge, MA .

The Last Testament: A ...
Sun 2/5

The head comedy writer of The Daily Show is coming to Harvard, dressing up like God, and performing some comedy for the humanists (they're like atheists with a heart). It is bound to be fantastic, beyond fantastic! 1:30pm. (Click 'more' for details)The head comedy writer of The Daily Show is coming to Harvard, dressing up like God, and performing some co... Cambridge, MA .

Franklin Park Winter S...
Sat 2/4

I love being outdoors and that's why I'm glad for winter festival season! Franklin Park is easy to get to, even if you don't have a car. If there's snow, you can borrow sleds and snowshoes, and they'll have an animal tracking class and a guided cross-country ski tour. Drink hot chocolate and play board games. 12-3pm. (Click 'more' for details)I love being outdoors and that's why I'm glad for winter festival ... Clubhouse at Franklin Park, 1 Circuit Dr, Dorchester, MA .

Acton, Winter Carnival...
Sat 2/4

This one's in Acton, with a cardboard sled race, human sled dog race, snowball toss, model rocket launches, snowball toss competition, and a lot more. Plus an encampment of re-enactors playing minutemen from the American Revolutionary War! 12-4pm. (Click 'more' for details)This one's in Acton, with a cardboard sled race, human sled dog race, snowball toss... NARA Park, 25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton, MA .

Greenfield Winter Carnival
Fri 2/3 - Sun 2/5

Further out along Route 2 in Western Massachusetts, Greenfield has a festival, too. Make a cardboard sled and race. Fireworks, snowshoeing, ice skating, ice bowling, snow volleyball, a tug o' war, and a snowman competition with an entire snow village. Wow! (Click 'more' for details)Further out along Route 2 in Western Massachusetts, Greenfield has a festival, too. Make a cardboard sled... Greenfield, MA .

Frederick Douglass Rea...
Sun 2/5

February is African-American History Month, and to celebrate, volunteers will read from The Narrativeof theLife of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave. Will they read the entire thing? Could be! 2-6pm. (Click 'more' for details)February is African-American History Month, and to celebrate, voluntee... Friends Meeting House, 83 Spring St, New Bedford, MA .

Full Moon Owl Prowl for All Ages
Fri 2/3 - Sat 2/4

February is a low point for fun events, so this week I'm including several from state parks and the Audubon sanctuaries. Here are two evenings of full moon hiking and owl-seeking. Owl see you there! Haha. I crack myself up. I slay me. (Click 'more' for details)February is a low point for fun events, so this week I'm including several from ... Broadmoor, 280 Eliot St, Natick, MA .

New England Sled Dog Races
Sat 2/4 - Sun 2/5

Sleds... dogs... Sled dogs. Sled dogs? Sled dogs!! 9am. (Click 'more' for details)Sleds... dogs... Sled dogs. Sled dogs? Sled dogs!! 9am. Appleton Farms, Hamilton, MA .

Science on Screen: Bi...
Mon 1/30

A science expert will talk about the physics of time travel before a showing of Keanu Reeves' breakout film. Most excellent! 7pm. (Click 'more' for details)A science expert will talk about the physics of time travel before a showing of Keanu... Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA .

This week's top items are below, or see the complete Boston Events Insider.

And a lot more this week at Boston Events Insider, the most popular events blog in New England, including:

Maslab Robotics Contest

MIT 6.370 Robot Competition

MIT IAP (Independent Activities Period)

Charm School at MIT

"A Glorious Fellow": Dickens at Longfellow House

The Origin of Cellular Life

Harvard Square Winter Carnival Chili Cook-Off & Volleyball

Chelmsford Winterfest

Mount Washington Valley Ice Festival

Howl at the Moon

Ippi's SuperBowl Ice Derby on Sluice + The Seelley Memorial

Lunar New Year

Year of the Dragon at Fox

Chinese New Year Celebration

Boston Society of Film Critics Awards

Love Letters by the Fire

North Shore CDC Polar Plunge

Temple Con

King and Queen's Champions of Rapier Combat

Why New England is Awesome

Moonlight Snowshoeing for Adults

Free "Space Junk" at the Musem of Science

Hike Beneath the Hunger Moon

Follow the Snow Moon

Guided Snowshoe Walk

Full Storm Moon

Backyard Sugaring

Tap a Tree

Groundhog Day at Drumlin Farm

Owl Moon

The Art of Nature: Animal Tracks

Eagles and Owls

Bald Eagles of the Merrimack River

Full Moon Snowshoe Hike

Snowshoeing by Moonlight in Fitchburg

The Global Forests of Greenhouse Earth

Salem's So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival

USS Constitution Museum Model Show

Burr Co-Op Winter Concert & Festival

BITAHR 2012 Film Forum: Fighting Trafficking Through Film

Inspiration Series: An Evening with Mark Kabban

After Kim Jong Il: The Korean Peninsula and East Asian Security

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Auditions

IAP Math Music Recital

Gangsters in Love

Auburn Winter Festival

Caribou Winter Carnival

Burlington Winter Festival

January 23-31, 2012: Comedy Fest, Clare Danes, Chinese New Year, Snow & Ice Sculpting, Sled Dogs, & Subway Breakdancing

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:04:42 -0500

This Week in Review

This week, please pay special attention to the private subway breakdancing that I want to set up for Events INSIDERs. You need to email me to find out the place and time.

I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!

-Johnny

Magners Comedy Festival - tix giveaway, interview
Fri 1/27 - Sun 1/29

I've been to the Magners Comedy Contest -- and it's fantastic. They bring in comedians of national talent, who then compete. And you can drink! I'm giving away 4 tickets for the Upright Citizens Brigade, Thursday, 1/26 at the Wilbur Theatre. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win and click to see my interview with executive producer John Tobin! (Click 'more' for details)I've been to the Magners Comedy Contest -- and it's fantastic. They bring in comedians... Boston, MA .

Hasty Pudding Woman o...
Thu 1/26

Speaking of national celebrities, act now and maybe you can get tickets for the Woman of the Year Roast on this Thursday. Or if not, you can still catch the parade! Actress Clare Danes is this year's winner of the theatre troupe at the school that has no drama department. The parade begins at 3:15pm, starting at the Inn at Harvard in Harvard Square and going to the Pudding Theatre. Then the roast at 12 Holyoke Street at 5pm, with a preview of the Hasty Pudding theatre season afterwards. (Click 'more' for details)Speaking of national celebrities, act now and maybe you can get tickets for the Woman of the Ye... 12 Holyoke St, Cambridge, MA .

Rock of Ages - tix giveaway
Fri 1/27 - Sun 1/29

I also have four tickets to give away for the Jan 27 show, at 8pm, of this Tony Award-nominated rock musical from the 1980s. Winners will also get tickets to the super secret afterparty where they could meet the cast! Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win. (Click 'more' for details)I also have four tickets to give away for the Jan 27 show, at 8pm, of th... Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St, Worcester, MA .

Chinese New Year Para...
Sun 1/29

This is the Chinatown festival where different lion dance clubs go door to door eating lettuce and throwing around fireworks. They go to every door to accept these "offering", and the ground ends up literally covered with lettuce and fireworks shells! This is not the festival with stages for music and dance. That's one's in August. 11am-5pm. (Click 'more' for details)This is the Chinatown festival where different lion dance clubs go door to door eati... Harrison Ave & Essex St, Boston, MA .

Snow Sculpting Competition
Fri 1/27 - Sun 1/29

This snow sculpture, in New Hampshire, will have real professionals. Pretty neat. Oh, and amateurs can join in, too! Each day has a different location. (Click 'more' for details)This snow sculpture, in New Hampshire, will have real professionals. Pretty neat. Oh, and amat... Black Mountain, Jackson, NH .

Newburyport Winter Ca...
Sat 1/28

This festival looks more like a winner! There's no shopping mall involved. They just got a little confused naming the local park. It features horse-drawn hayrides, skating on the pond, sledding, and a "human dog sled race"! Let's hope they fix their website as the date gets closer. (Click 'more' for details)This festival looks more like a winner! There's no shopping mall inv... Bartlett Mall (which is really a park), Newburyport, MA .

Sled Dog Derby
Sat 1/28 - Sun 1/29

While you're in the area -- perhaps going skiing? -- why not check out this sled dog race? (Click 'more' for details)While you're in the area -- perhaps going skiing? -- why not check out this sled dog race? Tamworth, NH .

Evening Snowshoe Adve...
Fri 1/27

What's better than snowshoeing at night and looking up at the stars? I can't think of anything. If there's no snow, the event will become a hike. But do they rent snowshoes? 4-5:30pm. (Click 'more' for details)What's better than snowshoeing at night and looking up at the stars? ... Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St, Natick, MA .

Mystic River Polar Pl...
Sat 1/28

Diving into freezing water to raise money for charity is pretty daft. But this one... doesn't involve a charity? 9:10am. Pre-register if you want to go in. (Click 'more' for details)Diving into freezing water to raise money for charity is pretty daft. But this on... Mary O'Malley Waterfront Park, Chelsea, MA .

MIT IAP (Independent Activities Period)
Mon 1/9 - Fri 2/3

The school that never sleeps, MIT holds a month of creative classes, lectures, and special events, many of which are open to the public. I'll highlight some of my favs throughout the month, but check their calendar! (Click 'more' for details)The school that never sleeps, MIT holds a month of creative classes, lectures, and special... MIT, Cambridge, MA .

This week's top items are below, or see the complete Boston Events Insider.

And a lot more this week at Boston Events Insider, the most popular events blog in New England, including:

Head of the Zeisinger Carboard Boat Regatta

MidWinter Celebration

Teen Birding at Drumlin Farm: Superbowl of Birding

Superbowl of Birding at Joppa Flats

St. Moritz Winter Wonderland

Decordova Park Snowshoe Sculpture Tours

Winter Star Search

Winter Tracking Hike With Dave Brown

Amherst Railway Society - Big Railroad Hobby Show

Mary Johnson - An Unquenchable Thirst

Experience the Way of Tea - Japanese Tea Ceremony

Tour of Wallace Astrophysical Observatory

Subway Dance!

MIT Science Fiction Marathon

Science on Screen: Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure

Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness?

Volcanoes on the Verge - a lecture

Fire & Ice Days

Beautiful Types: Transcendentalism at Mount Auburn

Poetic Convergence at Forest Hills Cemetery

Groundhog Day Celebration

Annual Robert Burns Celebration

Kimball Farm Horse-Draw Sleigh Rides

Free Community Skating Party

Winter Carnival Go Green Walk/Ride Friday

Taste of Chocolate Festival

AIDS Action's Dance Party

IAP Math Music Recital

Camden WinterFest

Norway SnowFest

Auburn Winter Festival

Bennington Winter Festival

North Bennington Penguin Plunge

January 17-24, 2012: Historical Re-enactments, Science Lectures, Chinese New Year, Ice Carving, and Snodeo!

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:58:15 -0500

This Week in Review

We've finally gotten some snow in Boston. Don't complain about the weather! It turns out that we have awesome weather in New England, and see my list of 100 Reasons Why New England is awesome in my New England Manifesto!

I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!

-Johnny

Edwards Twins at Stoneham Theatre
Fri 1/13 - Sat 1/21

Do you like impersonations? Two brothers impersonate famous women! And I've got 2 pairs of tickets to give away for any date, your choice, Jan 20 or 21 at 8pm. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win! (Click 'more' for details)Do you like impersonations? Two brothers impersonate famous women! And I've got 2 pa... Stoneham Theatre, Stoneham, MA .

Edgar Allan Poe Birth...
Thu 1/19

Compete in Poe trivia, see Poe re-enacted, and hear a lecture about his life at this birthday party for everyone's favorite Boston author! 7pm. (Click 'more' for details)Compete in Poe trivia, see Poe re-enacted, and hear a lecture about his life at this birth... Boston Public Library, Boston, MA .

Welcome to Our House'...
Sun 1/22

They don't have Poe, but here's another re-enactment at the home of the author of Little Women. Or as I like to say it, "Leetle Weemen". They do these tours every month year-round and during school vacations. 4:45-5:45pm. (Click 'more' for details)They don't have Poe, but here's another re-enactment at the home of the autho... Orchard House, 399 Lexington Road, Concord, MA .

Strange New Worlds: F...
Wed 1/18

Also Poe-less, the Museum of Natural History at Harvard sponsors talks after hours, many of which are free. Here's one on the scientific search for life beyond Earth. 6pm. (Click 'more' for details)Also Poe-less, the Museum of Natural History at Harvard sponsors talks aft... HAH-vid Museem a' Nat'ral Hist'ry, Cambridge, MA .

Science Social: A Day...
Thu 1/19

What's better than exploring Pompeii, the new exhibit at the Museum of Science that features the ancient city covered (and preserved) by volcanic ash? A social with food and music! Would the dead appreciate being remembered? I hope so. 6pm. (Click 'more' for details)What's better than exploring Pompeii, the new exhibit at the Museum of Science that fe... Museum of Science, Boston, Boston, MA .

Wachusett Mountain Po...
Sat 1/21

Brrrr! Insane people will dive into cold water to raise money for charity at Wachusett Mountain, the ski resort. 1-3pm. (Click 'more' for details)Brrrr! Insane people will dive into cold water to raise money for charity at Wachusett Mou... Wachusett Mountain, Princeton, MA .

MIT IAP (Independent Activities Period)
Mon 1/9 - Fri 2/3

Annual Hummus Taste O...
Thu 1/19

Also at MIT: free food! Yum! 12-1:30pm. Preceded by hummus making events on Jan 18. (Click 'more' for details)Also at MIT: free food! Yum! 12-1:30pm. Preceded by hummus making events on Jan 18. MIT, Cambridge, MA .

Free Star Parties
Sun 1/22

Bundle up! A real astronomer will bring a telescope and show you the stars. 7-10pm. (Click 'more' for details)Bundle up! A real astronomer will bring a telescope and show you the s... Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill St, Sharon, MA .

Solar Dynamics Observ...
Thu 1/19

Harvard's observatory is doing a public speech about sunspots and such. I've been to one of these and it was fun! 7:30pm. Free. Free parking. (Click 'more' for details)Harvard's observatory is doing a public speech about sunspots and such. I've been ... Observatory, 60 Garden St., Cambridge, MA .

This week's top items are below, or see the complete Boston Events Insider.

And a lot more this week at Boston Events Insider, the most popular events blog in New England, including:

Chinese New Year of the Dragon

Chinese New Year Flower Street on the Greenway

Winterfest Weekends at Fruitlands Museum

Healthy Family Expo at Sky Zone Everett

Hooked on Who

Concord Museum is Free

Ice Day

Greater Boston Antiques Festival

God of Carnage - our review

As You Like It at the A.R.T

Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival

Things That Go Bump in the Night

Snodeo

Maine Lakes Mushers Bowl

Stowe Winter Carnival

Jan 9-17, 2012: Chinese & Japanese New Year, Model Trains, Full Moon Hike, Poe & Thoreau, Nuclear Reactor Tour, & Martin Luther King Day

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:26:39 -0500

This Week in Review

I'm working on a big change to Events INSIDER. Starting next week, I'll have both a newsletter (which is what you're seeing now, the weekly summary of my top 10 picks and a reminder to check out the rest on the website) and an actual blog (where I can throw theatre & restaurant reviews and talk about fun topics 2-3 times a week). I know there is something wrong with the formatting in the emails and I will try to fix that. Send me your feedback & thoughts to johnny@eventsINSIDER.com, and thanks!

I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!

-Johnny

Chinese New Year at F...
Sat 1/14

Once I joined a group of people watching a gorilla at the Franklin Park Zoo. We saw it pick up some poop. Nooooo!!! We all shouted. Yep, it ate it. The Franklin Park Zoo is open all winter, and now they're adding a Chinese New Year celebration! 11am-3pm. (Click again for details)Once I joined a group of people watching a gorilla at the Franklin Park Zoo. We saw it pick up... Franklin Park Zoo, Boston, MA .

Japanese New Year
Sun 1/15

In college terms, if China is a prideful frat boy, Japan is that sexy cheerleader in your computer class. You can also find Japan's new year at the Boston Children's Museum, with a lion dance, calligraphy, drumming, and dinner! 3pm. (Click again for details)In college terms, if China is a prideful frat boy, Japan is that sexy cheerleader in your comp... Boston Children's Museum, Boston, MA .

Happy Birthday to Ben...
Tue 1/17

Ben Franklin invented magic squares and wrote an essay called Fart Proudly! <3 <3 Ben Franklin. And I think he invented the cotton gin! Or not. Maybe I should go on this tour and find out! (Click again for details)Ben Franklin invented magic squares and wrote an essay called Fart Proudly! <3 <3 Ben Franklin. And I think he ... Boston, MA .

Wenham Museum's Model...
Sat 1/14

Are trains still cool? I thought airplanes and spaceships were more the thing! This show has tons of displays and 75 dealer tables, plus half off admission at the Wenham Museum itself. 10am-4pm. (Click again for details)Are trains still cool? I thought airplanes and spaceships were more the thing! This ... Buker School, School Street, Wenham, MA .

A Twelfth Night Revel...
Sat 1/14

The Society for Creative Anachronism costumes up for this 1276 re-enactment... with feasting, and "games of strength and cunning", whatever that means. There aren't too many SCA events close to Boston, so enjoy! 12-9pm. (Click again for details)The Society for Creative Anachronism costumes up for this 1276 re-enactment... with feas... Church, 102 Green St, Fairhaven, MA .

Full Moon Hike
Mon 1/9

I'd love to sneak up on this full moon guided hike dressed as Bigfoot! 5-7pm. (Click again for details)I'd love to sneak up on this full moon guided hike dressed as Bigfoot! 5-7pm. Freetown State Forest, Slab Bridge Road, Assonet, MA .

Arisia Fan Convention
Fri 1/13 - Mon 1/16

Are you Smurfy? Meet the creators of the smurfs at Arisia, the fan convention for science fiction, anime, comics, roleplaying, and more. They'll have parties, panels, vendors, and a costume ball. It's run by volunteers, but it's still $60 to attend, and SuperMegaFest was only $25. Hmm. (Click again for details)Are you Smurfy? Meet the creators of the smurfs at Arisia, the fan convention for science f... Westin Waterfront Hotel, Boston, MA .

MIT Mystery Hunt
Fri 1/13

The MIT Mystery Hunt means running all over campus chasing down clues. I tried it once and thought it was too challenging to be fun as well, but that's why you join a big team, I guess. My suggestion? Follow the organizers as they hide the coin. (Click again for details)The MIT Mystery Hunt means running all over campus chasing down clues. I tried it once and thought it was too cha... MIT, Cambridge, MA .

Poe at Gore Estate
Sat 1/14

I've seen this re-enactment and it's wonderfully spooky! Rob Vellela portrays Edgar Allan Poe reading stories at this historic home. Trust me, you've got to see this! 4pm and 5:30pm. (Click again for details)I've seen this re-enactment and it's wonderfully spooky! Rob Vellela portrays Edgar Allan Poe reading ... 52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA .

Civil Disobedience fo...
Sun 1/15

Civil disobedience was the key phrase for Henry David Thoreau, the american author, just like it was for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr! Seeing a re-enactment of Thoreau is a great way to learn youse some hist'ry. Then a short walk and hot chocolate in the art museum. 12:30-3pm. (Click again for details)Civil disobedience was the key phrase for Henry David Thoreau, the american author, ... Walden Pond, 915 Walden St, Concord, MA .

This week's top items are below, or see the complete Boston Events Insider.

And a lot more this week at Boston Events Insider, the most popular events blog in New England, including:

Martin Luther King Day Open House at MFA

Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday at Battleship Cove

World of Wellesley Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast

MIT IAP (Independent Activities Period)

Tour of the MIT Nuclear Reactor

Second Fridays

Fire & Ice in Fay Park - Community Bonfire

Winter Animal Tracking

Owl Moon

Lighthouse on the Greenway - Opening Celebration

Intro to Contra Dancing, with Live Folk Music

Campfire Dining

Integration Bee

Winterfest Weekends at Fruitlands Museum

Concord Museum is Free

REI: Introduction to Snowshoeing

New England International Auto Show

Adaptive Skating-Games on Ice

I Came to Testify

College Nights at the Frog Pond

CoCo Key Water Resort at the Royal Plaza Hotel

Copenhagen by Michael Frayn - our review

Joyful Noise w/ the Harlem Gospel Choir

Animated Films with Improvised Performance

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert

Magic For Smart People

Steampunk Bizarre Closing Party

The Haunted Shelves of Hill-Stead

SnowCon

Jan 3-10, 2012: Meteors, Hot Tub, Boston Celtic Music Festival, 5 Full Moon Hikes, Medieval Feast, Christmas Tree Bonfire

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:57:31 -0500

This Week in Review

Happy New Year! We're now in the two-month slump where there are fewer Events INSIDER gems. I continue to work on the format of the website. Let me know if it doesn't work or if you have any ideas, at johnny@eventsINSIDER.com. Thanks!

I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!

-Johnny

Watson Adventures Murd...
Sat 1/7

The best way to see the MFA? Play a scavenger hunt game run by Watson Adventures. I have two tickets for a giveaway for the January 7 Murder at the Art Museum Hunt and you'll find a lot more all over New England this Spring! Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win. (Click again for details)The best way to see the MFA? Play a scavenger hunt game run by Watson Adventures. I have two tic... Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA .

East Heaven Hot Tub - tix giveaway
Sun 1/1 - Tue 1/31

Didn't win the last two weeks? East Heaven has a rooftop hot tub and a variety of spa servics. I'm giving away one last half hour tub for two (indoor or out), valid Mon-Fri in January! Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com. (Click again for details)Didn't win the last two weeks? East Heaven has a rooftop hot tub and a variety of spa servi... 33 West St, Northampton, MA .

Cirque Shanghai Bai Xi - tix giveaway
Thu 1/5 - Fri 1/6

It really doesn't get any better than the Hanover Theatre, which this week features three giveaways! First up, i have 4 tix for the Jan 5, 7pm show of Chinese acrobats, contortionists, and martial arts, all set to lights and music. Email johnny@eventsinsider.com to win. (Click again for details)It really doesn't get any better than the Hanover Theatre, which th... Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St, Worcester, MA .

Arrival - The Music of...
Sat 1/7

ABBA is the 4th best selling rock group of all time, and I have 4 tix for the tribute band to give away! Email johnny@eventsinsider.com to win! 7:30pm. (Click again for details)ABBA is the 4th best selling rock group of all time, and I have 4 tix for the t... Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St, Worcester, MA .

Boston Celtic Music Festival & Dance Party
Fri 1/6 - Sat 1/7

It's not just a concert! The Boston Celtic Music Festival features a parade and participatory dancing and singing as well as stage acts of dance and music. It's highly creative with events like the "Bawdy Breakfast" and Michael Jackson tunes re-interpreted as Scottish music. (Click again for details)It's not just a concert! The Boston Celtic Music Festival features a parade a... Various Venues, Cambridge, MA .

Chinatown Main Street ...
Sat 1/7

Boston's Chinatown is holding an authentic dinner to celebrate New Years', with martial arts and dance performances. But this is not the real street festival, still to come. I'll remind you later. (Click again for details)Boston's Chinatown is holding an authentic dinner to celebrate New Years', with martial arts and dance per... Chinatown, Boston, MA .

Quadtrantids Meteor Sh...
Tue 1/3

Meteor showers aren't always easy to see, but this one should be great! Go someplace without any city lights, like a large field or lake, and bring someone you can chat with while waiting, because the Quadtrantids are unpredictable. (Click again for details)Meteor showers aren't always easy to see, but this one should be great! Go someplace without any city lights, like ... Everywhere .

Waterfire Celebration
Wed 1/4

Waterfire is when they light bonfires in racks all along the Providence River downtown. It's beautiful and well worth a visit, if you are already in the area. (Click again for details)Waterfire is when they light bonfires in racks all along the Providence River downtown. It's beautiful and well wor... Providence, RI .

Moby Dick - The Marathon
Fri 1/6 - Sun 1/8

Here's a gem. People gather and listen to a nonstop reading of Herman Melville's classic, Moby Dick. It takes 25 hours and there is a buffer and lecture beforehand. (Click again for details)Here's a gem. People gather and listen to a nonstop reading of Herman Melville's clas... New Bedford Whaling Museum, New Bedford, MA .

Christmas Tree Bonfire...
Fri 1/6

Salem's residents will burn their holiday trees in a huge bonfire. It will smell great and the pine sap tends to pop! 6:30pm. (Click again for details)Salem's residents will burn their holiday trees in a huge bonfire. It will smell gr... Dead Horse Beach at Salem Willows, Salem, MA .

This week's top items are below, or see the complete Boston Events Insider.

And a lot more this week at Boston Events Insider, the most popular events blog in New England, including:

Owl Moon

Full Moon Hike

MIT IAP (Independent Activities Period)

Providence Bright Nights - our review

Winter Trails Day

Fetes De Rois (Feast of the Kings)

Adaptive Skating-Games on Ice

Cape Codder "Not-So Polar" Plunge

Copenhagen by Michael Frayn

A Revels Twelfth Night Celebration - Watertown, MA

Medieval Feast

Full Ice Moon Hike at Knox Preserve

Mystic Seaport to Host Pub Sing and Chantey Blast in Support of Sea Music Festival

Free First Saturday at Lyman Allyn Art Museum

Dec 26, 2011 - Jan 3, 2012: Arty New Years Eve (not at a bar), Polar Plunges, Snowshoeing & Skating, Hikes & Cruises, listing more Fireworks than anyone else!

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 11:01:51 -0500

This Week in Review

You don't have to go to a bar for New Years Eve! I now present the biggest list of arty, creative New Years Eve events in New England. And by far the biggest list of fireworks! I know it's the biggest because I Googled every single town in the state, so much that Google briefly shut me out for too much searching. So here are some great ideas. Let's start with the big one in Boston, First Night. You buy one ticket and get admission to dozens of dance, music, & participatory events, all within walking distance of each other downtown. It's really fantastic and you must give it a shot. It's the largest New Years celebration in the country. The trick is to stand in the back and don't be afraid to leave & go next door midway through a performance. Starts in the early afternoon and goes through midnight.

This is the last big week for nighttime Xmas light attractions, and pretty much the last week for interesting arty events until March, so go make something of it. I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!

-Johnny

David Foster & Mohegan Sun All Stars - tix giveaway
Sat 12/31

Still looking for a place to go for New Year's Eve? How about this party featuring David Foster... 877.571.SHOW.Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St, Worcester, MA.

East Heaven Hot Tub - tix giveaway
Sat 1/1 - Mon 1/31

Didn't win last week? I have more tix to give! East Heaven has a rooftop hot tub and a variety of spa servics. I'm giving away a half hour tu... 33 West St, Northampton, MA.

Sing-a-Long Sound of Music
Mon 12/26 - Fri 12/30

The Sound of Music, the classic musical is being shown in Arlington along with printed lyrics so you can sing along. How fun!! And it's happenin... Regent Theatre, Arlington, MA.

First Night Boston
Sat 12/31

Don't go to a bar for New Years! Getting drunk is not creative, and you already spend a third of your life asleep... that's enough blotting out life. for me. How ab... Various Locations, Boston, MA.

First Night Grand Procession & Fireworks
Sat 12/31

Don't want to pay? The parade is free, with ice sculptures in Boston Common and fireworks over Boston Harbor a... From Hynes Convention Center to Boston Common, Boston, MA.

First Night at Frog Pond Skating Pink
Sat 12/31

Boston Common's pond has ice skating all winter, including New Years Eve. Boston, MA.

New Year's Eve Dance Party at Folk Arts Center of New England
Sat 12/31

OK, let's say you're afraid of walking in the cold and just want to stay in a single place for New Years. Here's a ... Church, 11 Homer Street, Newton, MA.

New Years Day Walk
Sat 1/1

Here's another walk, conveniently in Boston. Below I list a bunch more in state parks all around. 2-4pm. The nearby Franklin Park Zoo is open on New Year's, too! Franklin Park, Boston, MA.

L Street Brownies New Year's Day Swim
Sat 1/1

Every New Years Day, crazy people go for a swim on New Years. Why not show up and cheer them on? What a way ... 617-635-5104.Curley Community Center, 1663 Columbia Road, Boston, MA.

Moonlit Snowshoe Tour
Thu 12/29

Snowshoes!! I've never done this, and I really want to go! I have big feet already, but they are not snowshoe sized, so I will need to rent snowshoes. 7:30-9pm. Gorham, NH.

This week's top items are below, or see the complete Boston Events Insider.

And a lot more this week at Boston Events Insider, the most popular events blog in New England, including:

First Night Tours at Otis House

Spirit of Boston New Year's Cruise

Happy Noon Year

New Year's Eve Harbor Cruise with a Ranger

New Years Eve with The Donkey Show

Boston's Resolution Ball

New Years Eve at Nashoba Ski

Bessie's New Year's Eve PJ Dance Party

New Years' Eve Contra Dances

New Year's Eve Labyrinth Walk

New Year's Eve at the Irish Cultural Center of New England

New Year's Needham, MA

City Celebrates! New Year's Eve, New Bedford, MA

First Night Worcester, MA

New Year's Eve at Wachusett Mountain

Billerica Family First Night

New Years Rockport Eve

Beverly's New Year

Wenham Museum's New Years Countdown

First Night Orange, MA

New Years's Jam at Earthdance

First Night, Jr. at Holyoke

First Night Northampton, MA

Jiminy Peak New Years

First Night Chatham, MA

Martha's Vineyard Fireworks

Bright Night Providence

Cranapalooza

First Night Portsmouth, NH

First Night Wolfeboro, NH

New Years at Santa's Village

First Night Danbury, CT

First Night Hartford, CT

First Night Wesport, CT

Frostival

Nudist resort New Years'

Bangor Downtown Countdown

L.L.Bean New Year's Celebration

Belfast New Year's By the Bay

First Night Old Orchard Beach

First Night Burlington, VT

First Night Montpelier, VT

First Night St. Johnsbury, VT

New Year's Eve Fireworks and Torchlight Parade (Sugarbush Resort)

New Year's Eve at Okemo Mountain Resort

Mount Snow Torchlight Parade and Fireworks

First Day Fall River & Polar Plunge

Block Island Polar Plunge

New Years' Day Polar Bear Plunge

Joey's Plunge

Seafarers

New Years Day Kite Fly - Portland, ME

Wicked Frosty Four Race

First Day Hikes at Blue Hills

Breakheart-Fells Weekly Hikes

Penguin Plunge

Seawall Splash 2012

Hangover Classic (race and polar swim)

Boston Vegetarian Society New Years Dinner

Truth, Lies and Politics w/ Barney Frank

DCU Presents an Open Skate

Holiday Luncheon & Sled Rides!

The Merry Wives of Windsor

The Christmas Revels - our review

Jimmy Tingle's American Dream - live on stage & screen

Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin New Years Eve Show

And the Largest List of Nighttime Holiday Lights and Santa events in New England, tracking 130 ongoing attractions and dozens of one-shot events!

December 19-27, 2011: Sing-A-Long Sound of Music, Caroling, Winter Solstice Bonfires, Xmas Day Alternatives, Outdoor Hannukah, & Xmas Night Lights, Hot Tub Giveaway!

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 17:07:25 -0500

This Week in Review

It's not just about Christmas this week! Yes, I've got some non-churchy caroling ideas, but also nature hikes and bonfires for the winter solstice and a bunch of off-beat stuff if you don't celebrate, or if you do but want an excuse to get out of the house with your family.

And don't forget that I list more nighttime Christmas light displays in New England than anyone else -- just scroll all the way to the bottom to see. I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!

-Johnny

East Heaven Hot Tub - tix giveaway
Sat 1/1 - Mon 1/31

What's better than hot tubbing? The magnificent rooftop hot tub at East Heaven, which offers a variety of massage, too. I'm giving away a hal... 33 West St, Northampton, MA.

Sing-a-Long Sound of Music
Mon 12/26 - Fri 12/30

The Sound of Music, the classic musical is being shown in Arlington along with printed lyrics so you can sing along. How fun!! And it's happenin... Regent Theatre, Arlington, MA.

Christmas Eve Caroling - Louisburg Square on Beacon Hill
Sat 12/24

But for singing I might suggest going to Louisburg Square in... Beth Ketterson, 617-854-9019, or Mary Jane Sawyer, 781-444-5119.20 Louisburg Square, Boston, MA.

Explore Jewish Boston by Foot on Christmas Day
Sun 12/25

You wanna see some Jewish history? You could do woise! It's a walking tour of Beacon Hill. 2011: 2pm with ... 866-939-2557.Meet at Milk St near Devonshire St, Boston, MA.

Winter Solstice & Revels at the Harvard Museum of Natural History
Wed 12/21

Wow! Performers from Revels will dance in the horn exhibit wearing antlers and... do you need to know more? 5-8pm. Cambridge, MA.

Winter Solstice Celebration (Norfolk)
Thu 12/22

A fire -- presumably outdoors -- with stores, songs, snacks, and cider. 6-8pm. Stony Brook Sanctuary, 108 North St, Norfolk, MA.

Welcome Winter Solstice
Thu 12/22

This nature hike also comes with a fire -- sounds indoorsy -- with cocoa and cookies. 6:30-8pm. Oak Knoll Sanctuary, 1417 Park St, Attleboro, MA.

Solstice Celebration at Arcadia
Wed 12/21

There's a bonfire at this one. I love bonfires but I haven't seen one since I was a kid. I really want to go! 6-8:30pm. Arcadia, 127 Combs Road, Easthampton, MA.

Snowfire
Wed 12/21

What is this? I don't really get it. It's an outdoor bonfire and parade with costumed characters promenade, there's hot chocolate and cookies, caroling, and presumably a fire. Amelia Park, Westfield, MA.

Winter Solstice Celebration at Stonehenge USA
Wed 12/21

I've been to this place and the stone blocks are most likely a hoax. But it's fun and weird, and they have an alpaca farm. T... 603-893-8300.105 Haverhill Road, Salem, NH.

This week's top items are below, or see the complete Boston Events Insider.

And a lot more this week at Boston Events Insider, the most popular events blog in New England, including:

Ski Resorts open for Xmas Day, like Okemo

Messiah Sing at Portsmouth, NH

Holiday Caroling on High Street Hill

A Caroling Party, with Libana

Holiday Luncheon & Sled Rides!

Grand Menorah Lighting on Boston Common

Brookline Public Menorah Lighting

Canton Chanukah Wonderland

Chanukah Celebration in West Springfield

Menorah Lighting on Needham Town Common

Xmas Day Alternatives: Movies, Chinese Restaurants, and a few Bars

Museums Open Dec 24 or Dec 26

New Years's Jam at Earthdance

The Merry Wives of Windsor

Little Black Topsy and the Magical White Fairy Soap

And the Largest List of Nighttime Holiday Lights and Santa events in New England, tracking 130 ongoing attractions and dozens of one-shot events!

December 12-20, 2011: Winter Solstice, Model Trains, Handbells, Fireworks, Caroling, tons of Nighttime Holiday Attractions, plus giveaways!

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:16:54 -0500

This Week in Review

It's been very difficult to track down alternative events if you aren't into Christmas, but below I list several, plus most of the Xmas events that I list are mainly secular. And I've got some great giveaways, too. I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!

-Johnny

Radio City Music Hall - tix giveaway
Fri 12/2 - Wed 12/28

The world famous Rockettes are in Boston! There's spectaular singing & dancing, and I have 4 tickets to give away for the T... 866-348-9738.Wang Theatre, Boston, MA.

A Christmas Carol - tix giveaway
Fri 12/16 - Fri 12/23

Oh, wow! This week, I'm giving away 8 tickets not only for A Christmas Carol in Worcester, Fri Dec 16 at 7... 877.571.SHOW.Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St, Worcester, MA.

Sangria with Santa Cruise - tix giveaway
Thu 12/15

I've also got 4 tickets to give away for this cruise that's bound to be heavenly, with Xmas themed decorations, a Santa claus, and a full ... 200 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA.

Cirque du Soleil - Quidam - tix giveaway, review
Wed 12/14 - Sun 12/18

Everyone's favorite traveling circus is Cirque du Soleil, and I have 4 tickets to give away for the Wed Dec 14 show! Click for our review! Worcester DCU, Worcester, MA.

The Friends of Eddie Coyle - tix giveaway
Thu 12/8 - Sat 1/15

Well before "The Departed", there was a book about Boston crime that's been called the best crime novel ever written. Now ... Club Oberon, 2 Arrow St, Cambridge, MA.

Merry Xmas Caroling Mob - Loose Canon Chorale
Sun 12/18

My favorite Xmas Caroling group this week is coming up Sunday. I went one year and it was awesome! Fun, creative, harmonic, and not to... Meet at an MBTA stop, Boston, MA.

Handel's Messiah Community Sing at Brandeis
Tue 12/13

A lot of Brandeis events are just for their own community but this one's open to the public. Come just to ... Shapiro Campus Center Atrium, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA.

Kendall Square Holiday on Ice
Sat 12/17

Did you miss the Frog Pond opening? I've been to the Kendall Square version twice and highly recommend it! Skating is free all day, wi... 617 492-0941.300 Athenaeum Street, Cambridge, MA.

FIRST Lego League Massachusetts State Championship
Sat 12/17

What's better than Lego? Robots made of Lego!! This is the state championship for building machines that don't do much bu... WPI, Harrington Auditorium, Worcester MA.

Party like it's 1776!
Thu 12/15

The Colonial Inn, which I recently reviewed and gave a 5 out of 5 stars, is throwing an old-timey Christmas party with a performance by re-enactors singing and telli... Colonial Inn, Concord, MA.

This week's top items are below, or see the complete Boston Events Insider.

And a lot more this week at Boston Events Insider, the most popular events blog in New England, including:

Caroling at the New England Wireless and Steam Museum

Boston Santacon

Illuminations Tour (Xmas Lights in Somerville)

Winter Solistice at the Fells

Winter Solstice Celebration (Belmont)

Winter Solstice Lantern Wallk

Solstice Stroll

Solstice Sunset Celebration

Free Star Parties

Geminids Meteor Shower

The Wonders of Stars at the Holidays

Model Train Weekend at National Heritage Museum

Friends of Irene Adler Annual Dinner (Sherlock Holmes)

Roxbury Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting

Charles Hotel Tree Lighting

Christmas Caroling at Hayes Park

Messiah Sing with Pilgrim Festival Chorus

Breakfast with Santa at Battleship Cove & Carousel

Polar Express at Wachusett Mountain

Gingerbread Castle Competition

A Very Special Christmas WaterFire

Visits with Santa Claus at the Newport Mansions

Hearthside Dinner "Eat, Drink & Be Merry"

Messiah Sing at Portsmouth, NH

Community Carol Sing at Mystic Seaport

Holiday Sing-Along in Norwich, CT

Science on Screen: 12 Monkeys

GeekFaire at Pandemonium

Truth, Lies and Politics

Jane Austen Holiday Tea & Tours

Cookie Swap for a Cause

Everyone Loves Latkes Party

Grand Menorah Lighting on Boston Common

Chanukah Celebration in West Springfield

Kwanzaa Concert

Mark Twain Museum - my review

A Conversation with Jim Lehrer

New England Ringers Handbell Concert

Dickens Dinner and A Christmas Carol

Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge

Journey to the Future in Antarctica' at Mystic Seaport

Winterfest with Fireworks

And the Largest List of Nighttime Holiday Lights and Santa events in New England, tracking 130 ongoing attractions and dozens of one-shot events!

Dec 5-13, 2011: Santa Speedo Run, Boston Tea Party, Pearl Harbor Day, & Tons of Xmas Parades, Fireworks, Caroling, & Nighttime Holiday Lights

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:04:41 -0500

This Week in Review

This week I've redesigned the home page again. Please email feedback! And I put up my first ever ad, for myself. I build websites! Need one? Email me. I'm at johnny@eventsINSIDER.com.

This week I feature the biggest list of Christmas parades, nighttime holiday lights, and even fireworks. Plus plenty of non-Xmas things to do, like Pearl Harbor Day, streaking at Harvard, a meteor shower, and ticket giveaways. I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun! -Johnny

The Christmas Revels - tix giveaway
Mon 12/12 - Sat 12/31

Revels puts on a fantastic annual performance, with comedy, carols, and and this year find the Lord of the Dance! Email johnny@eventsI... Sanders Theatre, Cambridge, MA.

The Merry Wives of Windsor - tix giveaway
Wed 12/7 - Sat 1/1

If you're a little hesitant to see Shakespeare, this comedy will be very accessible, with physical gags, sharp wi... Davis Square Theatre, 255 Elm St, Somerville, MA.

The Nutcracker - tix giveaway
Fri 11/25 - Thu 12/22

A team of crazy-fun toys gives little Clara the Christmas of her life as they fight off the evil Rat King in this Chicago adaptation of the ... Stoneham Theatre, Stoneham, MA.

The Watch City Dickens Christmas Festival & Market
Sat 12/10 - Sun 12/11

Every event at the Charles River Museum of Innovation is pitch-perfect, and this time they're bringing... Charles River Museum of Innovation, Waltham, MA.

Santa Speedo Run
Sat 12/10

This is a charity event where you race naked except for sneakers, speedos and santa beards & caps. 1pm run, check in starts at 10am. Starts and en... 617-351-7000.Lir, 903 Boylston Street, Boston, MA.

Skating Rink Opening at Charles Hotel
Sun 12/11

Nearby, The Charles Hotel is opening their ice rink with some free skating, Santa, and professional peformances 12-3pm. Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA.

Boston Tea Party, Old South Meeting House
Sun 12/11

The event of the week is protesting British tax on tea! Re-enactors will lead you through an old to... 617-482-6439.Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington Street, Boston, MA.

Holiday Caroling with Arlington Street Church
Sun 12/11

And another concert at a church that's Unitarian, so it shouldn't be too heavy with spirituality. Also participatory. Looks lik... Church, 351 Boylston Street, Boston, MA.

Ice Chimes Opening
Thu 12/8

Ooh! There's a new 20-foot sculpture designed to let icicles form on it, and the wind play chimes, at the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Come to the opening reception. 6-7pm... Rowes Wharf Plaza, Boston, MA.

Geminids Meteor Shower
Tue 12/13 - Wed 12/14

The Geminids are one of only a few annual meteor showers. Dec 13 & 14, peaking at 11pm at the evening of Dec 13th. Make sure to go to... Go somewhere without city lights, Everywhere.

This week's top items are below, or see the complete Boston Events Insider.

And a lot more this week at Boston Events Insider, the most popular events blog in New England, including:

Ciclismo Classico Jingle Ride

Longfellow: The Poet and His Songs

Primal Scream at Harvard

Open House at Emily Dickinson Museum

Pearl Harbor Day at Battleship Cove

Jingle Bell Run

Tree Lighting & Bell Ringing on the Rose Kennedy Greenway

Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting

Roxbury Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting

Brighton Center Tree Lighting

Handel's Messiah Community Sing at Brandeis

Yuletide Festival at Winslow Farm

Fezziwig's Ball

Holiday Sing Along in Newburyport

Annual Marblehead Christmas Walk

Wareham Village Association Christmas Parade

Edgartown Caroling Stroll & Holiday Parade

Mashpee Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade

Holiday Tree Lighting & Caroling Party

Lenox Caroling Festival

Fort Adams Festival of Lights

Messiah Sing

Medway Holiday House Tour

Gingerbread House Workshops at Verrill Farm

Christmas in the Village at Remick Museum

Dover Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Christmas at Canterbury

Christmas in the Village at Remick Museum & Farm

Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll

Shop Inman By Moonlight

Boston Pride's 2nd Annual Holiday Event

Visits with Santa Claus at the Newport Mansions

TubaChristmas - Ayer

TubaChristmas - NH

Science on Screen: 12 Monkeys

Jane Austen Holiday Tea & Tours

1820s Holiday House Tour

Candy Land Tournament

Owl Prowl at Fisherville Brook

Full Moon Owl Prowl for All Ages

Full Moon Hike: Long Nights Moon

Moon Before Yule Full Moon Hike

Moonlit Snowshoe Tour

Winter Celebration at Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum

Wenham Museum's Gingerbread Contest

Bright Nights 5K Road Race

Wanderbird's Adventures in the Arctic

A Cure for Emma - Book Talk

A Christmas Carol - Our review

New England Ringers Handbell Concert

Black Nativity

Holiday Concert featuring Calliope

Jefferson Christmas Festival

Winter Solstice Steampunk Tea Party

East Haddam Stage Co. presents Sherlock Holmes: From Page to Stage

Santacon

Christmas Lights Spectacular

Festival of Lights at Mystic Aquarium

Festival of Lights at Mystic Aquarium and Old Mistick Village

East Lyme WinterFest & Light Parade

Hartford Festival of Light

Spirit of the Holidays

TubaChristmas - CT

Christmas by the Sea Celebration

Christmas Prelude

Southern Maine Christmas Parade

Vermont Holiday Festival

Wassail Weekend

Coolidge Holiday Open House

And the Largest List of Nighttime Holiday Lights and Santa events in New England, tracking 130 ongoing attractions and dozens of one-shot events!

Nov 28 - Dec 6, 2011: Caroling, Train, Astronomy Fests, Santa Parades, Fireworks, Owl Prowl, Nutcracker Giveaway, and TONS of Holiday Light Attractions!

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 17:23:16 -0500

This week I've cropped all my commentary so it's easier for you to scan through all the events. Click anywhere on an event to get my full summary plus the entire description. Do me a favor and start using the Facebook "like" button, and please email me your feedback, to johnny@eventsINSIDER.com!

I list more nighttime holiday lights attractions than anyone else by a factor of 3x. You really owe it to yourself to at least try one of them. I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!

-Johnny

p.s. Love this blog? Subscribe to email, Facebook, and Twitter, and if you help get the word out, I'll put you on my priority list to win free stuff and send you the FREE 27-page Events INSIDER New England Guide, with over 720 off-beat attractions you won't find in the blog!

Boston Metro
Fri 11/25 - Thu 12/22 The Nutcracker - tix giveaway

A team of crazy-fun toys gives little Clara the Christmas of her life as they fight off the evil Rat King in this Chicago adaptation of the classic Nutcrack... Stoneham Theatre, Stoneham, MA.

North Shore
Fri 12/2 - Fri 12/23 A Christmas Carol - ticket giveaway

Everbody loves a Christmas Carol, but you haven't seen it like this, on a circular stage for which there are no bad seats in the audience. It'... North Shore Music Theatre, Beverly, MA.

South Shore
Wed 11/30 - Sun 12/4 Planet of the Abts - tix giveaway

This spin-off from Grammy-nominated rock band Gov't Mule has "Pink Floyd like" depth! Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win tix to the Wed Nov 30 show in... Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA.

South Shore
Mon 12/5 - Thu 12/15 The Marshall Tucker Band - tix giveaway

Country and blues icon The Marshall Tucker Band also soon comes to Patriot Place! You'll hear southern rock and jazz as well. Email johnny@eventsIN... Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA.

Boston Metro
Sat 12/3 Set a World Record for Caroling

The Boston Symphony Orchestra is trying to set a caroling world record! Come to the Pru's outdoor plaza and join them. They'll give out free hot choc... Prudential Center Plaza, Boston, MA.

Worcester
Sun 12/4 Christmas Festival at Asa Waters Mansion

It's hard to imagine a more creative event as Civil War re-enactors perform at this historic mansion and museum. ... 508-865-0855.123 Elm Street, Post Office Box 421, Millbury, MA.

Boston Metro
Wed 11/30 Learn the Night Sky!

A lot of these events made for kids are perfectly fun for adults who are young at heart, like this one where you learn about the stars and ... Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill Street, Mattapan, MA.

Metro West
Sun 12/4 Concord Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

Don't be fooled my markets pretending to be festivals. There are plenty of genuine Xmas events like this parade where Santa... 978-369-3120.Visitors Center, 58 Main St., Concord, MA.

Metro West
Sat 12/3 - Sun 12/4 New England Model Train Expo

Grown-ups still need toys! Check out these model trains for perhaps the biggest event of this type of the year. More than 200 dealer tables, Santa Claus... Best Western Hotel, Marlborough, MA.

Boston Metro
Fri 12/2 - Sun 12/4 Ice Chimes Opening

Ooh! There's a new 20-foot sculpture designed to let icicles form on it, and the wind play chimes, at the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Come to the opening reception. 6-7pm. Rowes Wharf Plaza, Boston, MA.

This week's top items are below, or see the complete Boston Events Insider.

And a lot more this week at Boston Events Insider, the most popular events blog in New England, including:

Boston Common Holiday Lighting

Tree Lighting Pre-Show at Frog Pond Skating Rink

Macy's Enchanted Trolley Tour & Tree Lightings

Maynard's Annual Christmas Parade

Amesbury Santa Parade & Tree Lighting

Rockport Santa Arrival & Tree Lighting

East Bridgewater Christmas Parade

Falmouth Holidays by the Sea Weekend

Santacon (Newport, RI)

Holiday Festival, Parade on Benefit Street

Festival of Trees or Portsmouth Illuminated Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

Spirit of New Hampshire Christmas Parade & The Ghostbusters

Plymouth Holiday Parade and Fireworks

TubaChristmas - NH

The Lanternlight Parade and The Mayor's Greenlighting Ceremony

Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas

An Authentic Scandinavian Christmas Celebration

Copley Square Tree Lighting

Newton Holiday Lighting Ceremony

Norumbega's Juletrefest Concert & Swedish Yuletide

Villa Victoria Tree Lighting

A Rich History: A Celebration of Chocolate at our Annual Holiday Open House

Lexington Holiday Festival Night

Midnight Merriment and Join-in Caroling

ICS North Pole Express

Haverhill Annual Christmas Stroll

Christmas in Salem House Tour

Cocoa with Santa & Holiday Concert at Winnekenni Castle

Greening of the Great House: Crane Estate Holiday Open House

Essex Holiday Festival

Christmas by the Sea

Annual Marblehead Christmas Walk

Christmas with Dickens

Pembroke Tree Lighting

Christmas in the Square - Hingham

Lights On - Taunton Christmas Celebration

Nantucket Christmas Stroll Weekend

New Bedford Downtown Holiday Stroll

Norton Lighting of the Common

Carol Sing in Sandwich Center

Grafton Celebrates the Holidays

Sutton Chain of Lights

Worcester Tree Lighting & Caroling

Caroling on the Green at West Springfield

Bowen's Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting

Movie, Tree Lighting, Caroling

Festival of Lights in Wickford, RI

Christmas at Canterbury

MassArt Annual Holiday Sale

Fort Point's Holiday Sale (Open Studios)

Charlestown Open Studios

Celebrate the Sun

Sunapee Harbor Magic and Looney Plunge

Comicazi Con

Giving While Gaming

Artisan's Asylum Public Opening

Relics: Travels in Nature's Time Machine

Breaking the Barrier with a Steam Coffin

Owl Prowl

Full Moon Hike: Long Nights Moon

Owl Prowl at Fort Refuge

Nikkomo

Gorse Mill Open Studios at Needham

Wenham Museum's Gingerbread Contest

Hot Chocolate Run in Northampton

Bright Nights 5K Road Race

Harvard Med School Second Year Show

Holiday Sing - Handel & Hayden Chorus

Holiday Handbell Concert

New England Ringers Handbell Concert

Nerdist Podcast comes to Northampton

Dickens Dinner and A Christmas Carol

Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff

Groton Lights Parade

Ivoryton Illuminations

Holiday Carnival

Heights & Lights, Rappelling Santa

Festival of St. Lucia

The Friends of The Mark Twain House & Museum Annual Holiday House Tour

Holiday Express Train Show

LEGO KidsFest

AnonyCon

New Haven Tree Lighting Celebration

Spirit of the Holidays

Annual Christmas by the Sea at Old Orchard Beach

Bangor Santa's Workshop, Festival of Lights Parade

Harbor Lights Festival

Freeport Sparkle Weekend

Christmas Prelude

Santa Sunday

Christmas by the Sea Celebration

Santacon (Portland, ME)

Holiday Light Parade

And the Largest List of Nighttime Holiday Lights and Santa events in New England, tracking 130 ongoing attractions and dozens of one-shot events!

Love this blog? Subscribe to email, Facebook, or Twitter and please tell your friends and get the FREE 27-page Events INSIDER New England Guide, with over 720 off-beat attractions you won't find in the blog!

Nov 21-29, 2011: 15 Xmas Parades, LEGO fest, Thanksgiving outings, Nutcracker giveaway, & Santa Tree Lightings, & Sing-a-Long Mary Poppins

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:48:24 -0500

This week I've created a much nicer layout, giving every event its own details page that you can share on Facebook. Please email me your feedback! Seriously, the last time I asked for feedback, nobody wrote me. Drop me a note at johnny@eventsINSIDER.com and let me know how you use the website, what works for you, what needs improving. Thanks!

Don't just sit around with the family this Thanksgiving holiday. There are plenty of active events to get you out of the house! Sure, it's colder, but let's face it, it's not going to be this warm again until late March. So enjoy the outdoors.

I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!

-Johnny

p.s. Love this blog? Subscribe to email, , or and if you help get the word out, I'll put you on my priority list to win free stuff and send you the FREE 27-page Events INSIDER New England Guide, with over 720 off-beat attractions you won't find in the blog!

Worcester
Fri 11/25 - Sun 11/27 The Nutcracker - tix giveaway

If you're ever going to see a ballet show, make it The Nutcracker, a Christmas fantasy where children witness gingerbread soldiers fighting the mice, and are carried by dolphins to a Land of Sweets. I have 2 pairs of tickets to give away. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com and tell me what performance date you'd like to win. (Try not to make it Saturday.). Hanover Theatre, Worcester, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Sat 11/26 Boston TV & Movie Sites Tour - tix giveaway

Massachusetts offers the 2nd best discount to movie studios and as a result a ton of great films have been shot here. Now take a tour around town to see the sites for The Town, Good Will Hunting, The Departed, and more. Tours run regularly -- see the website -- and I've got 2 pairs of tickets to give away for the one Saturday, November 26 at 2:30pm. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win! Boston, MA. more info

Springfield
Fri 11/25 Springfield's Parade of the Big Balloons

I would so love to see this! Probably the best event after Thanksgiving is the parade in Springfield. The non-metro towns that try the hardest to lure in tourists are Springfield, Quincy, Salem, and Lowell. You can bet whenever an event happens in any of these places, it'll be good. 11am, down Main Street from Lyman Street to Locust Street. Then 2pm fest at Tower Square with carolers, costumed characters. Main Street, Springfield, MA413-733-3800.Main Street, Springfield, MA. more info

Lowell
Sat 11/26 Lowell City of Lights Parade & Holiday Art Stroll

And Lowell has a parade too! Various merchants and museums will be open -- these events are typically driven by the chamber of commerce -- and you'll find trolley rides, a parade, Santa Claus, a hot chocolate competition, street performers, theatre, and more. 2-9pm, with parade at 4:30pm. Plenty of free parking! Merrimack & Central Streets, Lowell, MA978-674-1481, 978-446-7162.Merrimack & Central Streets, Lowell, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Sun 11/27 Quincy Christmas Lights Festival & Parade

And right on cue, another town that tries hard, Quincy, has a Christmas festival. Kids festival and lighting ceremony Fri Nov 25, 4-8pm. Santa arrives by parachute Sat Nov 26, 12:30pm at Pageant Field, and a parade Sun Nov 27, 12:30pm, from School St & Elm St up Hancock St to North Quincy. It's more of a draw if you put all this stuff together into one day, in my opinion. Quincy, MA617-376-1990 Chris Walker.Quincy, MA. more info

South Shore
Sat 11/26 The Greater Brockton Holiday Parade

At 1pm, Brockton represents the South Shore better with a parade with floats! Activities and Santa photos all day. Brockton, MA508-587-4322 or 508-580-7840.Brockton, MA. more info

Metro West
Sat 11/26 Santa Parade and Fireworks over Choate

Right after you think, "Where the hell is Medway" (between Framingham and Foxboro), you think, "Fireworks!!" Parade at 5:00pm up Holliston St to Choate Park, with fireworks afterwards over Choate Pond, Santa, tree lighting. Choate Park, Medway, MA508-533-3275.Choate Park, Medway, MA. more info

Metro West
Fri 11/25 - Sun 11/27 LEGO Extravaganza at Acton

Can we back up just a second? It's not ALL about Christmas and as a favor to non-believers, I will separate out the Xmas and non-Xmas events all month. For example, there's a festival of building giant sculptures in Acton, with LEGOs. Make sure to bring hand sanitizer! They say it's for all ages even though it's at a children's museum. I want to go!! 177 Main St, Acton, MA978-264-4200.177 Main St, Acton, MA. more info

South Shore
Thu 11/24 Plimoth Plantation is open on Thanksgiving

Don't just sit around on Thanksgiving! New England owns Thanksgiving because the original feast was in Plymouth, Massachusetts. And now there's a historical re-enactment museum with dozens of live actors -- and it's open on Thanksgiving Day. 137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA508-746-1622.137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Fri 11/25 Friday After Thanksgiving Chain Reaction

I saw this last year and it was surprisingly good for an amateur competition! Hobbyists build elaborately complicated machines called Rube Goldberg devices. That's when the candle heats the air going into the balloon, which bursts, surprising the bird who tips over a bucket, sending water onto a cat, who yowls and pulls a string, releasing a bowling ball to roll... you get the idea. Register to join in, or show up close to the end to watch. 1-4pm. MIT Campus, Rockwell Gymnasium, 120 Vassar Street, Cambridge, MA. more info

This week's top items are below, or see the complete Boston Events Insider.

And a lot more this week at Boston Events Insider, the most popular events blog in New England, including:

Thanksgiving Contra Dance

Thanksgiving & A New England Wedding at OSV

"And Now Mark Twain!"

Nantucket Cold Turkey Plunge

Communicating with the Latino Market: a Free Lecture with João Silva

TubaChristmas Concert at Fanueil Hall

Christopher Columbus Park Holiday Trellis Lighting

Winthrop Holiday Lighting Festival

Charles Hotel Tree Lighting

Roslindale Tree Lighting

Dorchester Trolley Tour & Several Tree Lightings

Peabody Square Tree Lighting Celebration

Anderson Tree Lighting in Logan Square

Copley Square Tree Lighting

Macy's Boston Tree Lighting

Newburyport Santa Parade & Tree Lighting

Gloucester's Santa Parade & Tree Lighting

Family Breakfast with Santa!

Tree Lighting Festival at Smolak Farms

The Lanternlight Parade and The Mayor's Greenlighting Ceremony

Santa's Arrival at Roger Williams Park Zoo

Santa Arrives in Westerly

Holiday Parade of Lights in Berlin NH

Santa Arrives by Dogteam at Waterville Valley

Christmas in Wolfeboro Parade

HawkFeather Dancers - Modern Native American Dances and Customs

Gobble Gobble Gobble Road Race

Too Much Turkey Hike!

Boston Latino International Film Festival

Half-Price Day at Franklin Park Zoo & Stone Zoo

Our National Thanksgiving - w/ Abraham Lincoln

Owl Moon: Night Hike

Foray After the Feast

Super Megafest - my review

Captors - our review

The Capitol Steps

Arabic Music with Tufts Takht and Papa's Got a Brand New Bag - Small Jazz Concert

Straight No Chaser - my review

Tree Lighting and Lighted Boat Parade

Santa Arrives by Tugboat

Trees in the Rigging Boat Parade

CT Holiday Dazzle Light Parade

Turkey Dip

Opening Day for Hartford Winterfest

Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights

Annual Holiday Stroll at East Lyme

Waterville Parade of Lights

Manchester Merriment

And the Largest List of Nighttime Holiday Lights and Santa events in New England, tracking 130 ongoing attractions and dozens of one-shot events!

Nov 14-22, 2011: Thanksgiving & Xmas Parades, Civil War Encampment, Evil Circus, Meteor Shower, Japanese Cultural Festival, Mark Twain & Abraham Lincoln

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 20:35:29 -0500

Nighttime holiday lights are here! The first few venues open for the season and a little bit of Christmas just can't wait for Thanskgiving to break out. Events INSIDER has the largest list of holiday lights and Santa events in New England, and it's all starting this week!

I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!

-Johnny

This week's top items are below, or see the complete Boston Events Insider.

Vaudevillainy - A Diabolical Evening of Circus - tix giveaway	Boston Metro Fri 11/18
I reviewed this troupe last year and it was the best local circus show I've ever seen. YOU MUST SEE IT! This time the theme is mad scientists and evil villains, with juggling, aerials, acrobatics, and burlesque. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win tickets! 7:30pm. OBERON, 2 Arrow St, Cambridge, MA.

Hal Holbrook in Mark Twain Tonight - tix giveaway	Springfield Sat 11/19
Hal Holbrook is perhaps the most successful re-enactor of all time, practically inventing the occupation. He's everyone's most beloved Mark Twain, and because of his age (86) this may be your last chance to see him in New England. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win tickets! HS, 500 Beech St, Holyoke, MA.

Straight No Chaser - tix giveaway	Boston Metro Fri 11/18
One of the most popular a capella groups in the world -- from Indiana University and best known for their holiday music -- is coming to the Wang Theatre, and I have a pair of tickets to give away! Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win. Wang Theatre, Boston, MA.

Phineas & Ferb - tix giveaway	Worcester Thu 11/17 - Fri 11/18
Phineas and Ferb is the cartoon show from the Disney Channel -- ask your kids -- and they're coming to Worcester (and Lowell Nov 26) for a stage (not on ice) show. It's musical and they'll try to foil Dr. Doofenshmirtz's evil plans. And I've got two pairs of tickets to give away! Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com. Hanover Theatre, Worcester, MA.

Frog Pond Opening Day & Skate Performance	Boston Metro Fri 11/18
There's an ice skating rink on Frog Pond in Boston Common that is refigerated and open in warm or cold weather from this week through March. For opening day, they bring professional ice skaters to perform, the Mayor will give a speech, and skating for the day is free! It's a wonderful event -- highly recommended! 6pm. Boston Common, Boston, MA.617 635-2120.

America's Hometown USA Thanksgiving Celebration	South Shore Fri 11/18 - Sun 11/20
Hold on, Christmas, can we celebrate Thanksgiving first? I've been to this fest that attracts 125,000. There's a concert Friday night, a parade, festival, scavenger hunt, and Air Force flyover on Saturday, and a smaller harvest fest Sunday. They'll also have an encampment of historical re-enactors, the Mayflower II ship, and a ton more. Water Street, Plymouth, MA.508-746-1818.

Thanksgiving Harvest Fest and Civil War Encampment	Northwest Mass Sat 11/19 - Sun 11/20
Why can't all harvest fests be like this? Blacksmithing demos, hay rides, and the World Wood Stacking Competition are just a start! There's a civil war encampment (a re-enactment), pony rides, and even a Hay Bale Tossing Championship. Make your trip to Northwest Massachusetts a whole weekend trip and see Mass MoCA while you're nearby! 10am-4pm. Red Apple Farm, Phillipston, MA.

Dog Sled Fun Run (with Wheels, not Snow Sleds)	Boston Metro Sat 11/19
So you've always wanted to see dog sledding but don't want to leave Boston or endure the snow? The Yankee Siberian Husky Club will give a presentation including real dog sledding (but with wheels). 1-3pm. Houghton's Pond, 840 Hillside St, Milton, MA.

Super Megafest	Metro West Sat 11/19 - Sun 11/20
Here's another fan convention, and they claim to be the biggest. I think I believe it because they have a ton of genuine celebrities coming, like Patrick Stewart from Star Trek, and Sean Astin from Lord of the Rings! Sheraton Framingham, 1657 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA.

Leonids Meteor Shower	Metro West Wed 11/16 - Fri 11/18
When you go to watch a meteor shower, go someplace without city lights, like a big pond or open field in the suburbs. The best viewing is just after midnight on Nov 17 or 18, if it's not cloudy. Everywhere, Everywhere.

And a lot more this week at Boston Events Insider, the most popular events blog in New England, including:

Free Star Parties

Day of the Dead Family Festival

Japanese Cultural Festival

Harvard Innovation Lab Opening Celebration

Greenberg Toy & Train Show

Historic Thanksgivings at The Old Manse

"And Now Mark Twain!"

Tellabration - with Abraham Lincoln

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Abraham Lincoln and Sarah Josepha Hale

Night at the Millyard Museum

Brookline First Light Festival

Rockland Open Studios

Portsmouth, NH Holiday Arts Tour

Christopher Columbus Park Holiday Trellis Lighting

Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting

Methuen Santa Parade

Haverhill VFW Santa Parade

Charles Hotel Tree Lighting

The Legacy of Fanny Fern

Custom Babies? At Museum of Science, Boston

Local Connections, National Reflections: A China Town Hall Event

Animals and Humans in Old Norse Archaeology and Religion

Gay In America

The Great East Japan Earthquake Innovating for the Future

The Mcintire District After Mcintire: Salem's West End And The Death Of An Empire, 1815-1830

The Odd Fellows Dance Hall

Boston International Fine Art Show

Our National Thanksgiving - w/ Abraham Lincoln

City Of Bright Nights Ball

Great American Smokeout

My Dark Love (A Twilight Spoof) - my review

The Rocky Horror Show

PuppetSLAM

Miss Massachusetts USA & Teen USA Pageants

Arabic Music with Tufts Takht and Papa's Got a Brand New Bag - Small Jazz Concert

UBS Balloon Parade Spectacular

Gobble-Con

November 7-15, 2011: Medeival & Kite Fests, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Veterans Day Parades, Park Night Hikes, Twilight Spoof, and Pilgrim Harvest Dinner

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 19:14:48 -0500

We're now in the slump between Halloween and Christmas activities, but don't just lay around! This is the warmest weather that you'll get until March, so take advantage of it. There's still one cornfield maze open, Davis MegaMaze, and I still have tickets if anyone wants them.

Please take a look at the Events INSIDER Twitter and Facebook feeds and send me some feedback. Is this the content you want to see? Am I spewing out too much stuff? Too far from Boston?

I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!

-Johnny

This week's top items are below, or see the complete Boston Events Insider.

Before I Leave You - ticket giveaway & our review	Boston Metro Fri 10/14 - Sun 11/13
Profound and funny, this play set in Harvard Square, Cambridge features "four longtime friends facing too much past and too little future." See and I've got 4 tickets to give away to the performance Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 7:30pm. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win! Calderwood Pavilion, BCA, Boston, MA.

Jon Anderson & Rick Wakeman- Former 'Yes' Legends- Up Close & Acoustic	Worcester Tue 11/8
YES was arguably up there with RUSH and Pink Floyd. Now I have two pairs of tickets to give away to this performance of two of the original members, as they play music (including their hits) but also tell stories and joke with the audience. This is a chance to really 'get to know' these legends up close. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win! Hanover Theatre, Worcester, MA.

The Rat Pack straight from Las Vegas - tix giveaway!

Boston Metro

Sun 11/13

Did you know that Ocean's Eleven was a remake? The original Rat Pack was Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr, and they'll be re-enacted in Waltham in this jazz and big band concert, backed by a seven-piece band. These impersonators are pros from Las Vegas, and I've got 6 tickets to give away! Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com. Robinson Theatre, 617 Lexington St, Waltham, MA.781-891-5600.

Twilight Spoof at Improv Boston

Boston Metro

Wed Nov 9-Wed Nov 17

Whether you love it or love to hate it, the vampire emo movies, the Twilight series, are being spoofed at ImprovBoston, my favorite comedy club. I've got 4 tickets to give away to your choice of November 9 or 16! It's all part of the "Comedy Lab" show that also features "The True-ish Hollywood Story", a parody of E! Television, and a comedy about roommates. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win. ImprovBoston, Cambridge, MA.

A Day at the Court of Harun al-Rashid	Boston Metro Sat 11/12
The Society for Creative Anachronism is a medieval-ish re-enactment group. You'll find history classes on cooking, warfare, and culture. Plus they'll have a mock battle as well. Very few of the SCA events are this close to Boston. Check it out! Church, 495 Canton Ave, Milton, MA.

Boston Veterans Day Parade

Boston Metro

Fri 11/11

Boston's Veterans Day Parade begins at 11:30am from Charles St & Beacon St, up Boylston St, left onto Tremont st, ending at City Hall. Others in MA include Amesbury, Andover, Ashland, Attleboro, Bedford, Beverly, Brockton, Cambridge, Canton, Chelsea, Dudley, Holyoke, Medford, Melrose, Middleboro, Newburyport, Norwood, Rehoboth, Shrewsbury, Spencer, Springfield, Webster, Westfield, Westford, West Springfield, Woburn. Boston Common, Boston, MA.617-635-4455.

Veterans Day Kite Day	Boston Metro Sun 11/13
The warm weather is not going to last much longer! Get OUTDOORS and enjoy it! I'm sure this kite festival will be worth seeing. No details are given about kite competitions or vendors, so I'm guessing basically it's people flying kites in a park with no real scheduled 'event'. Pope John Paul II Park, Dorchester, MA.

The Scarlet Letter [Abridged], Read by the Author	Metro West Mon 11/14
My favorite Boston re-enactor has two performances this week, both of New England author Nathaniel Hawthorne, who wrote the Scarlet Letter. In this one, he'll read an abridged version of the book and presumably take questions. 7:30pm. First Parish, Concord, MA.

Nathaniel Hawthorne: In Person	New Hampshire Thu 11/10
And in this one he'll read a couple of short works and take questions, too. A re-enactment is a fun and creative way to learn about history! 7pm. Leach Library, Londonderry, NH.

Re-enactment of Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird	North Shore Tue 11/15
And here's this other re-enactor I found who portrays a fictional civil rights lawyer, from that book we all had to (um, got to) read in high school. 12:30pm. Saugus Council on Aging, Saugus, MA.508-869-6749.

And a lot more this week at Boston Events Insider, the most popular events blog in New England, including:

Life in the Universe: Are We Alone?

Allston/Brighton Open Studios (Boston Open Studios)

Brockton's Veteran's Day Parade

Colonial Military Exercises & Creating A Porcupine Hair Headress

Harvest Dinner with the Pilgrims at Plimoth Plantation

An Evening of Illumination at OSV

ProustFest

Artful Inventions Festival

Veterans' Day Flag Retirement

Full Moon Tour: Living in the Dark at Gore Place

Full Moon Owl Prowl

Beavers of Fisherville Under the Full Moon & Nighttime Natural Stroll

Princess Party at the Fall River Carousel

Sweetbay Swamp Quest Fest

Norumbega Lodge Scandinavian Fair

Mass Innovation Nights

MIT Henge

Transcending Boundaries

Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair

Boston Asian American Film Festival: Ideas in Motion

Boston Jewish Film Festival

Test Your Sleuthing Skills and Win Free Passes at the Museum of Science, Boston

Denis Leary Hosts 40th Anniversary of Emerson College's Literary Magazine

Asteroid

Comics Come Home Fundraiser

Boston Comedy Festival

The Doctor and The Devils & Waltham Watch Day

Ashpet: An Appalachian Cinderella Story

Australian Pink Floyd - our review

NHRHTA Reunion Weekend Train Show

Bar Harbor Bed Races

Oct 31 - Nov 8, 2011: Day of the Dead, Sherlock Holmes, Pumpkin Catapult, 6 Open Studios, plus Astronomy, Train, & Ren Fests, Ticket Giveaways & it's still Cornfield Maze Season!

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:23:53 -0500

Don't be a whiner about the snow. After all, if you start complaining now, how are you going to hold out through March? Instead, read my New England Manifesto, which gives more than 100 reasons why New England is amazing and we have the 8th best weather in the USA! Please email me at johnny@eventsINSIDER.com with your own comments.

We're in the lull in-between Halloween and the start of the Christmas season, but it's still the warmest weather you'll find before April. Go on an outdoor hike and enjoy nature's natural air conditioning all around you!

I've gone all out this week to provide Twitter and Facebook links (on the main blog) and tag pages (in the Events INSIDER Twitter and Facebook feeds). It's been a lot of work, so please send your comments about what you like and what needs improving to johnny@eventsINSIDER.com.

I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!

-Johnny

This week's top items are below, or see the complete Boston Events Insider.

Davis MegaMaze - ticket giveaway	Worcester Thu 8/11 - Sun 11/13
Depending on the weather this might be the last weekend for my favorite cornfield maze. Petting zoo closed for the season. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win tickets! 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MA.

Legally Blonde: The Musical - tix giveaway	North Shore Tue 11/1 - Sun 11/13
You've seen the movie. Now see it revised and set to music! It's proof (if we needed it) that beautiful, bubbly blondes who get ALL the attention can also be excellent lawyers! I have 2 pairs to give away for the show Friday, November 4th. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win. 62 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA.(978) 232-7200.

Jon Anderson & Rick Wakeman- Former 'Yes' Legends- Up Close & Acoustic	Worcester Tue 11/8
YES was arguably up there with RUSH and Pink Floyd. Now I have two pairs of tickets to give away to this performance of two of the original members, as they play music (including their hits) but also tell stories and joke with the audience. This is a chance to really 'get to know' these legends up close. Hanover Theatre, Worcester, MA.

Pumpkin Launch by Catapult	Rhode Island Sat 11/5
Halloween is over, and now we're bored? What shall we do with these 5,000 pumpkins? And this catapult? South Kingstown, RI.401-789-9301.

Day of the Dead at Peabody Museum	Boston Metro Wed 11/2 - Sat 11/5
The Peabody Museum is having a Day of the Dead gala, and they have a series of exhibits if you miss the gala. I went last year and it was surprisingly fun, packed with people and live music, with huge diorama exhibits. Peabody Museum, Cambridge, MA.617-496-1027.

The Speckled Band of Boston - Shelock Holmes	Boston Metro Thu 11/3
Here's a museum trip, dinner, and author lecture hosted by fans of Sherlock Holmes. I'm sure it will be fun, but as for me... I just want to see what people who love Sherlock Holmes enough to pay $100 look like! 5:30pm. Houghton Library, Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA.

Stars, Stories & S'more	South Shore Sat 11/5
Learn about the stars from an astronomer and enjoy a campfire and s'mores. Of course it will be cold, but let's face it. This is the warmest night for the next 5 months so don't stay at home. Get out and enjoy it! 5:30-7pm. Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary, Marshfield, MA.781-837-9400.

South Boston Open Studios	Boston Metro Sat 11/5 - Sun 11/6
An open studios is when local artists open up their homes and work studios to the public. It's a great excuse to grab a map and walk around some neighborhood you've never explored before. This week there are a bunch of competing ones. 12-6pm. Various locations, Boston, MA.

Newton Open Studios	Boston Metro Sat 11/5 - Sun 11/6
Artist homes omes and work studios are open so you can walk around the city, meeting real artists (not just merchants) and potentially buying their stuff. This one's in Newton, where because of the mansions it's fun to walk around anytime! 11am-5pm. See website for map, Newton, MA.

Roslindale Open Studios	Boston Metro Sat 11/5 - Sun 11/6
This one's spread all across Roslindale so you get a nice fall walk. And they'll have live music! 11am-5pm. See website for map, Roslindale, MA.

And a lot more this week at Boston Events Insider, the most popular events blog in New England, including:

Fenway Studios Open Studios

Waltham Mills Artists' Open Studios

Amesbury Open Studios

International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition

Astronomy Night at Borderland State Park

Brockton Train Show

Bedford Boomer Exhibition

Southcoast Toy and Comic Festival

Crown Tourney - Society for Creative Anachronism

Harvest Dinner with the Pilgrims at Plimoth Plantation

Traditional Shaker Supper at Hancock Shaker Village

El Dia de Los Muertos

Day of the Dead: A Poetic Reflection

Free Will: An Open Shakespeare Slam

Who's Out There: Owl Prowl

Woodland Night Walk

ExSKULLent Adventures Family Fest

Bone and Skull Identification Workshop

Franklin County CiderDay

A Quilters' Gathering

Life, Language and the Pursuit of Happiness: Ernest Hemingway Alive!

The Life and Times of Nathaniel Bowditch (1773-1838)

Concord Festival of Authors

Boston Jewish Film Festival

Ice Skating Statewide

Daylight Savings Time Ends

Christmas Festival & Gingerbread House Competition

Boston Comedy Festival

Reading of Sam Shepard's "Fool For Love

Mystic Seaport to Celebrate 70 Years of the Charles W. Morgan with Free Fireworks, Admission

Hello Manga! Free Day, Cartooning Workshop, Spirited Away Movie

How the West Was Fun: Our Roughing It, Wild West-Themed Fall Gala

Astronomy Night at the Shore Line Trolley

Carnage Con / DipCon 2011

And the Largest List of Cornfield Mazes in New England!