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Things To Do in Boston this Weekend: Lantern Parade, Boston Book Festival, Robots

Lantern glow makes for a magical evening at the Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade. Photo by MarcoClicks.com
Lantern glow makes for a magical evening at the Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade. Photo by MarcoClicks.com
10/16/19 - By Lucie T

It's finally time to give those Halloween costumes a test run at a few of our favorite spooky events this weekend, including the JP Lantern Parade, Boo at the Zoo, and Monster Mashed Up. Sing at the top of your lungs at Spongebob the Musical, the Annual A'Cappella Competition, and Can't Stop Singing That Song. Kids can geek out at the Robot Block Party and learn how they can make a difference at the Kid Convention at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute. And of course, bookworms must not miss all the fun, literary goings-on for kids and grown-ups alike at the Boston Book Festival. There will be exhibits, music, and live characters from kids' favorite books on Saturday and Sunday.

Have a family member with sensory-related challenges or autism? Check out this special performance of Blue Man Group just for them. 

Also on Mommy Poppins this week:

Need more family fun ideas? Check out our full events calendar.

 

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Don a costume and get crafty at Boo at the Zoo! Photo courtesy of Zoo New England
Don a costume and get crafty at Boo at the Zoo! Photo courtesy of Zoo New England

Things To Do All Weekend

Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade

Jamaica Plain
Each year approximately 4,000 people arrive at Jamaica Pond at sunset with lanterns --many children arriving in full Halloween costume -- for a parade that proceeds around the pond, bringing a trail of bouncing lights into the darkness that can be seen from all directions. READ MORE

Boo at the Zoo

Stoneham
Children throughout New England are invited to trick-or-treat among the animals at Stone Zoo. READ MORE

Head of the Charles Regatta

Boston
Since 1965, rowers have come from far and near to the banks of the Charles River to take part in the world's largest regatta. READ MORE

Fort Point Open Studios

Boston
FPAC artists welcome visitors into their live-work studios annually to share the arts, industry and creative culture of this unique community with the public. READ MORE

The SpongeBob Musical

Boston
A legendary roster of Grammy Award® winners. A visionary director and a Tony Award®-winning design team. One of the world’s most beloved characters. Turn them loose on stage and what do you get? The musical The New York Times declares, “BRILLIANT!” Broadway’s best creative minds reimagine and bring to life the beloved Nickelodeon series with humor, heart and pure theatricality in “a party for the eyes and ears” (Daily Beast). Explore the depths of theatrical innovation in THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, 2018 Best Musical winner of the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards... READ MORE
Meet Amelia Earhart at the Spellman Museum. Photo courtesy of Sheryl Faye
Meet Amelia Earhart at the Spellman Museum. Photo courtesy of Sheryl Faye

Things To Do Saturday

Haunted House at Alden House

Duxbury
Ride your broomstick over for a night of "spooktacular" fun where families can enjoy haunted tours and trail walk, a maze, face-painting, activities for kids, and refreshments for sale. Costumes encouraged.  READ MORE

Kid Convention at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute

Dorchester
Kid Convention is a day of fun and engaging hands-on activities for children and families where youngsters learn about the legislative process, government, and the importance of making their voices heard. READ MORE

Slightly Spooky, Mostly Kooky Fall Fun Fest

Lincoln
Calling all little monsters, ghosts, witches and warlocks for a spooktacular night of arts and witchcrafts, outdoor games, and fall hikes. READ MORE

Boston Book Festival: Copley Square

Boston
Boston Book Festival hosts author presentations, panels, and hands-on demonstrations at outdoor venues throughout the Copley Square area, from Trinity Church to the Boston Public Library.  A street fair in the square features exhibitors and live music throughout the day.  READ MORE

Meet Amelia Earhart, First Lady of the Air

Weston
Awarding winning actress Sheryl Faye gives her portrayal of the famed pilot Amelia Earhart in a multi-media presentation where she brings Earhart to life and shows how she followed her dreams with an indomitable spirit. READ MORE
Little techies greet robots and their makers. Photo courtesy of MassRobotics
Little techies greet robots and their makers. Photo courtesy of MassRobotics

Things To Do Sunday

Autism-Friendly Show at Blue Man Group Boston

Boston
Blue Man Group Boston staff worked closely with the New England chapter of Autism Speaks to make slight modifications for the autism-friendly performance including adjusting sound and light levels at various moments.   READ MORE

Boston Book Festival: Dudley Square

Roxbury
Boston Book Festival hosts author presentations, panels, and hands-on demonstrations at venues throughout the Dudley Square area. READ MORE

Can't Stop Singing That Song

Boston
The Boston Children’s Chorus (BCC) is joining bassist Carlos Henriquez and a 15-piece big band for Can’t Stop Singing That Song, a celebration of the music of Aline Shader. READ MORE

SomerStreets: Monster Mashed Up

Somerville
Activities and programming along Somerville Ave (Hawkins St. to Spring St.) include live music, a vintage & artisan market, kids activities, and much more. READ MORE

Robot Block Party

Boston
Dozens of robots will descend upon Boston’s Seaport Innovation District for this 3rd Annual Robot Block Party where families, professionals, and students can check out the latest in robotics and experience exciting demos of the products that will shape the future, and maybe even win an opportunity to ride in an autonomous vehicle. READ MORE

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