Published July 23, 2010
Pancakes play the leading role at the International Pancake Film Fest this weekend. (Olya/Flickr)
If you’ve never been to the Harbor Islands, you’ve been missing a real gem (or rather, 17 gems, all just a 45-minute or so ferry ride away from the city). There is plenty going on to get you out there this weekend, including a Food Network-worthy face-off and the masterful sounds of pianist Carmen Spada. Or just pack a picnic, hike a trail or play in the sand. You’ll feel like you’re hundreds of miles away from the city — if it weren’t for the stellar views of the Beantown skyline.
EAT
- Saturday, July 24, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
-
Get ready to island-hop: The Harbor Islands are hopping this weekend. (Radio Boston Archive)
- Spectacle Island, Boston Harbor Islands
- Free
Boston tastemaker and chef extraordinaire Jasper White has been making Thursdays a bit more fun for Boston foodies all summer long with his weekly clambakes on the Harbor Islands. He takes seafood to a more competitive level this weekend with his version of “Iron Chef,” as the chefs from Summer Shack’s three locations have a cook-off worthy of its breathtaking setting.
DO
- Saturday, July 24, and Sunday, July 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Seaport World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd.
- $10 in advance, $15 at the door, free for children under 17
Young treehuggers. (Whirledkid/Flickr)
Whether you’re a longtime environmentalist or just getting suspicious about what’s causing all these freakish weather patterns, learn more about how to take care of our planet at the annual PlannetHugger festival in Boston. Listen to eco-living guru Ed Begley Jr. or Grammy Award-winning children’s musician Tom Chapin. Check out everything from cutting-edge water purification systems to eco-friendly jewelry, and snack on local and organic food.
- Sunday, July 25, noon to 4 p.m.
- Broadway Street, from Temple Street to Sullivan Square
Somerville is fast becoming the winner of the unofficial “most awesome neighborhood festivals” contest I’ve got going. This one blocks off a street in Somerville for biking, rollerblading, and strolling, and will feature a drum circle, mural painting, and a parade at noon.
- Sunday, July 25, noon to 4 p.m.
- 85 Bishop Allen Drive, Cambridge
If you’d rather celebrate the 250th birthday of Bishop Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church on Sunday, head to the St. Paul Church in Central Square for food, crafts, music and dance performances, as well as a historical re-enactment of the event that led to the foundation of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
- Friday, July 23,at 6:30 p.m. to Sunday, July 25, at 11 p.m.
All Saints Way in the North End, April 2006. (CKirkman/Flickr)
- Charter Street, North End
Feast season is in full swing in Boston’s Little Italy, and this weekend is no exception. Swarm the streets of the North End with revelers to celebrate St. Joseph and eat as much as your heart desires. Because let’s be honest — it’s probably what the saints would have wanted.
LISTEN
Carmen Spada at Spectacle Island
- Sunday, July 25, noon
- Spectacle Island, Boston Harbor Islands
Berklee grad and pianist/vocalist Carmen Spada takes to the stage at Spectacle Island this weekend. The gifted musician graduated with a double major in piano and jazz composition, but has been known to whip out the accordion once in a while to honor his Italian heritage. Keep your fingers crossed.
- Thursday, July 23, to Sunday, July 25
Getting groovy at last year's Lowell Folk Fest. (Anne Ruthmann/Flickr)
- Dutton Street Dance Pavillion and Boarding House Park, Lowell
- Free
The largest free folk festival in the United States brings everything from Kosher gospel music to polka to urban dance funk to Massachusetts all weekend long. Check out Radio Boston‘s segment on the festival and get ready to get off your picnic blanket and groove. This isn’t your grandfather’s folk fest.
SEE
- All weekend long, various shows
- Under the Grand Chapiteau, at Fan Pier, Seaport Lane
Cirque du Soleil hits Boston this weekend. Prepare for extensive oooohing and aaaahing. (Stephan Desroches/Flickr)
- Tickets start at $35 for children; prices vart
The magic of Cirque Du Soleil comes south for their tour of the breathtaking bug-themed show, Ovo. The Cique’s signature spell-binding acrobatics put your average big-top performance to shame — see it if you can.
The International Pancake Film Festival
- Saturday, July 24, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m
- MEME Gallery, 55 Norfolk St., Cambridge
- Free
Two parts silly to one part syrup, the International Pancake Film Fest is a celebration of all things pancake. If the films are as entertaining as the festival’s posters, it should be a great way to spend a Saturday night.
- Saturday, July 24, 7:30 p.m.
- Johnnie’s On The Side, 138 Portland St.
- $25
New York-based comedic heavyweight Colin Kane hits the West End this weekend for a night of irreverent, side-splitting comedy.
The Unofficial Franklin Park Research Outpost
- Saturday, July 24, 3 p.m.
- Glenn Road Entrance to Franklin Park, Jamaica Plain
Guerrilla artist Brandon Nastanski hands over his installation of bits and pieces of Franklin Park history to the public. The artist will meet guests, give a short talk about the piece, and officially give his Outpost over to the public domain. For more of Nastanski’s work, check out “It’s Not My Job (Work by Artists Who Do Other Things To Bring Home The Bacon)”, an exhibition featuring Nastanski and a group of other artists’ work. The gallery will be held at Dillboy V.F.W. Hall at 7 p.m. until 11 p.m.