Opening this Week

Peter Pan - City Hall Plaza, Boston
Through November 27
Performed outdoors in a state-of-the-art theater pavilion, the “in-the-round” production of Peter Pan features amazing puppets, exhilarating music, dazzling flying scenes. $35 & up

The Phantom Tollbooth - Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston
Performances through 11/20; see website for complete schedule
Wheelock Family Theatre opens its 2011/2012 season with The Phantom Tollbooth. Passing through a mysterious tollbooth, Milo embarks on a quest to restore the Princesses of Rhyme and Reason to the Kingdom of Wisdom. The musical adaptation of Norton Juster’s award-winning book is on stage just in time to celebrate its 50th Anniversary. $20-$30

Saturday, October 22

The Concord Museum Turns 125 - Concord Museum, Concord
Saturday, 10/22, 9am-5pm
The Concord Museum hosts a birthday bash to celebrate 125 years. Visitors can explore the new exhibition, Crowdsourcing a Collection, with curator David Wood on a gallery walk (2:00) and listen to music played by local musicians and bands. Kids can play outdoor historical games, visit the craft tables (10:00-4:00), and enjoy a slice of birthday cake and a celebratory toast with apple cider (3:00). FREE

Pumpkin Float - Pope John Paul II Park, Boston
Saturday, 10/22, 5:30pm
Bring your carved jack-o-lanterns and watch them float in Davenport Creek. Halloween costumes encouraged! Pumpkins can be no larger than 8 inches, or they won’t float. FREE

Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade - Jamaicaway, Boston
Saturday, 10/22 6pm
Each year approximately 4,000 people arrive at Jamaica Pond at sunset with lanterns; many children arriving in full Halloween costume as well. The parade proceeds around the pond, bringing a trail of bouncing lights into the darkness that can be seen from all directions. FREE

Around the World Puppet Show - Central Library, Boston
Saturday, 10/22, 11:45am
Caravan Puppets take children on a magical trip around the world with tales from Africa (Anansi and the Phantom Food), Egypt (Candy), Europe (The Three Little Pigs), China (The Sleeping Dragon) and Ancient Mayan (Rabbit and Fox). FREE

Halloween Hijinks! - Watertown Mall, Watertown
Saturday, 10/22, 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Wayne Martin Puppets’ hilarious Halloween production features a frightful cast of hand, rod, and string puppets. Frank & Drac, Boo-Boo the breakaway ghost, Punky Punkin (The Happy “Juggling” Pumpkin), Felina Witch, a roller-skating demon, and a compliment of scarecrows, skeletons, and monsters, all perform unique tricks for a Halloween treat. FREE

Saturday, October 22 & Sunday, October 23

Head of the Charles Regatta - Charles River, Cambridge
Saturday 10/22 & Sunday 10/23
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. The regatta starts at the Boston University DeWolfe Boathouse, and winds 3 miles upriver to Artesani Playground in Brighton; spectators can watch the races from various spots along the course. FREE to watch

Maudslay is Haunted - Newburyport
Saturday 10/22 & Sunday 10/23, 2pm-4pm
Theater in the Open’s notorious annual haunting of Maudslay! Join a cast of all ages for a one-hour walk through eerie vignettes, spooky sketches and haunting scenes, all in the autumn grandeur of Maudslay State Park. Discover parts of the park you never knew existed. Bring the whole family for a variety of tricks and treats. $5

Boo at the Zoo - Stone Zoo, Stoneham
Saturday 10/22 & Sunday 10/23 11am-3pm
The haunted happenings include creature encounters, creepy crafts, ghoulish games, a trick-or-treat trail and the Haunted Maze!

Sunday, October 23

Bari Koral - Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline
Sunday, 10/23, 10:30am
Bari Koral’s catchy, pop friendly tunes, interactive live shows & heavy rotation radio play have gained her band literally thousands of young (and not so young!) fans.  Adults $9.75; Children $7.75