North Pole - various times
North Pole - various times
North Pole - various times
North Pole - various times
North Pole - various times
North Pole - various times
Fun & Free Things To Do with Boston Area Kids: GreenFest, Children's Fest, Corn & Tomato Fest and More, 8/18-8/19
Families can find a full slate of summer festivals in the Boston area this weekend, from the Boston GreenFest on City Hall Plaza and the North End’s Fisherman’s Feast to the West End Children’s Festival and Verrill Farm’s Corn and Tomato Festival. There’s also a Marine Encampment at the Charlestown Navy Yard, with special events throughout the weekend. Read on for details about these and other weekend activities, and be sure to check our Events Calendar for more ideas.
Is your family is trying to get the most out of the last few weeks of summer vacation while dealing with back-to-school jitters (kids and parents!)? Check out our Back to School Guide for ways to help ease the transition, including Tara’s own DIY Fashions and Supplies post.
Enjoy!
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Boston GreenFest - City Hall Plaza, Boston
Thursday - Sunday
Billed as an "environmental and multicultural festival," Boston GreenFest celebrates with activities, performers, food, art, and exhibits. Kid-friendly events include the Dance Stage, Sidewalk Sam, inflatables, eco-art, eco-poetry, and more. See the website for a complete schedule. FREE
Fisherman's Feast - North End, Boston
Thursday - Sunday
The annual event began in Boston in 1910 and is based on a tradition that goes back to the 16th century in Sciacca Sicily. Activities begin with a procession at 7pm on Thursday, and continue with performances and special events throughout the weekend. Children's activities take place on Sunday. FREE
Marshfield Fair - Marshfield
Opens Friday
The Marshfield Fair is a traditional, American country fair that first took place in 1867. The fair features amusement rides, a midway, fair food and animal, farm and agricultural exhibits, plus a demolition derby and tractor pulls. Admission: Adults & Children 7 & older $10; Children 6 & under free
West End Children's Festival - West End, Boston
Saturday
A summer afternoon of fun celebrates the rich diversity and culture of the neighborhood with food, arts & crafts, games, and performances that highlight different styles of dance, music, theater, and art. FREE
New England Aquarium Visits - Boston Children’s Museum, Boston
Saturday
The museum’s neighbors from across the wharf are coming to visit, and bringing along some sea urchins, crabs and lots more aquatic creatures. FREE with admission
Corn and Tomato Festival - Verrill Farm, Concord
Saturday
The annual festival features Verrill Farm's two most popular crops: corn and tomatoes. Taste over 30 varieties of tomatoes and savor the flavor of many varieties of corn, plus samples of dishes made in the farm stand kitchen. (Additional food available for purchase.)
There is also live music by Monadnock Blue Grass, Giddy Up Ponies pony rides, and hayrides. FREE
Family Hour in the Open - Maudslay State Park, Newburyport
Saturday
Bring the kids, the dog and a picnic blanket for a morning of storytelling, song, dance, theater, and other special activities. FREE
Marine Encampment - USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown
Saturday & Sunday
The 1812 marines in period uniforms overtake the yard! Over 80 marines are setting up camp for the weekend to demonstrate just what life was like in 1812. Re-enactors in civilian clothing are also on hand to meet the public. FREE
Highlighted events include:
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Saturday:
- 7:50am - Join the troops as they muster by the flag pole for a flag raising ceremony, followed by a parade through the Navy Yard. Then the costumed re-enactors will fire a cannon salute at Dry Dock #1.
- 9am-11am - Musket and Cannon firing exercises, along with marching demonstrations, by American, Canadian, and British re-enactors.
- 10am-4pm - The Vintage Dancers will demonstrate period dances, along with period games and music, at the Commandants house.
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Sunday:
- 8:30am-10:30pm - Musket and Cannon firing demonstrations by USS Constitution.
Mars and Beyond - Museum of Science, Boston
Saturday-Sunday
Explore the solar system during a weekend of live presentations and activities. Meet scientists who design and work with space missions, and check in with Curiosity, the new rover that landed on Mars earlier this month. Free with admission
Gloucester Waterfront Festival - Stage Fort Park, Gloucester
Saturday-Sunday
Over 175 Juried Artists and Craftsmen from throughout the US display their unique creations. Live music, plus delicious ethnic foods, a pancake breakfast and traditional New England Lobster Bake round out the event. FREE admission
Regattabar Kids’ Series: Beethoven’s Wig featuring Richard Perlmutter - Charles Hotel, Cambridge
Sunday
The summertime series continues with a performance by Beethoven’s Wig, featuring Richard Perlmutter, turning a generation of kids on to the wonders of classical music through their hilariously reworked classics. Tickets: In advance $12; At the door $15
Limited tickets still available
Futures at Fenway - Fenway Park, Boston
Saturday
The Minor League double header features the Red Sox A affiliate Lowell Spinners taking on the Hudson Valley Renegades from the Tampa Bay Rays organization in game one, and the AAA Pawtucket Red Sox battling the Buffalo Bisons, an affiliate from the New York Mets organization in game two.
The annual event allows fans to enjoy moderate ticket prices, discounted concessions, and a fun-filled family atmosphere, with special children's activities, on-field promotions and autograph sessions with the stars from both games. Purchase tickets (starting at $5) online.
