Category: Events

Summer Events with Your Own Sunday Dog

Outdoor summer events can be fun to share with your pup as long as you make sure the event is safe and comfortable for your dog and that he will be a great ambassador for canines while in attendance.

Our little Maggie Mae (photo above) loved going to concerts and had a taste for opera. Poppy will share a blanket with us this summer and we'll see what kind of music she likes best.

There are a few, free, outdoor events, like the Esplanade concert and fireworks on July 4th, that prohibit dogs, but many of the spaces where events like this are held are dog friendly. That includes most other free concerts and movie nights at the Hatch Shell.

These are perfect opportunities to gather friends, a blanket, a picnic, and your dog for a relaxed evening outside.

Concerts

Speaking of the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra is playing on Wednesday nights 7-9 pm from July 16th to August 27th. They also have concerts scheduled in other spots around the city.

You might enjoy seeing this orchestra at 6 pm on July 9th in City Square, Charlestown; July 13th at Pinebank Promontory, Jamaica Plain; or July 27th in Copley Square.

Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City series offers live bands playing blues, soul, or the songs of the Rat Pack era Tuesday to Thursday through August. Naturally, dogs are not allowed on the restaurant patios. But, the sound carries and you can find a place to sit on the harbor side of the hotel and enjoy.

BostInno has published their "The Complete List of All the Summer Series Happening in Boston That You Need in Your Life." Not all of these are dog friendly. Some are inside or in places where your dog is not welcome but there are a few more good ideas for music here.

Movie Nights

Boston Harbor Hotel offers Friday night movies, while the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park hold a Sunday Night series. Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade's schedule can be found here.

Photo by Katherine Hala used under this creative commons license.

Shakespeare on the Common

Twelfth Night is the play of the year for the Shakespeare on the Common Theatre Company. This year, you can pick your night to see this offering between July 23 and August 10th.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino,

Hatch Shell concert artwork courtesy of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra

Boston Harbor Hotel photo courtesy of the hotel

Shakesspeare on the Common photo by Katherine Hala

June 22, 2014
Dining around Boston on Father’s Day, June 15, 2014

Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Dad to a meal out on Father's Day, Sunday, June 15, 2014.

Would your Dad love to get his hands on some great Island Creek Oysters at Row 34?

For Father's Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurant suggestions.

Open Table always does a great job guiding you to the right reservation. What's more, you can just click through and reserve from this list.

Boston Chef's has a special list from their members.

Updates:

06.05.14- Chowhound conversation: Outdoor lunch, Father's Day, Metro West

Our Picks:

Row 34 in the Fort Point Neighborhood. Wouldn't Dad love to slurp a few Island Creeks or Row 34 oysters? And, match those beauties with the perfect brew from one of the taps or the current cask beer?

Here's more on what we enjoyed at Row 34.

Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on any one with a preference for vegetarian fare. And, remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!) Check out our Sweet Cheeks posts:

Sweet Cheeks BBQ: A First Look

Sweet Cheeks Q- Great Northern Brisket

Salt & Pepper Potatoes at Sweet Cheeks Q

Bourbon Beer? at Sweet Cheeks

How about simple Italian-American food in a very comfortable setting. We suggest Artu in the North End or on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. Here's one of our favorite menu items.

If you'd like to treat Dad to something really special, consider the ultimate hamburger at the Bristol Lounge at the Four Season's Hotel. Lunch there for just the two of you, some quiet afternoon, could be a great IOU if you can't be together on the 15th. Here's what we wrote about that burger.

Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to South End Formaggio across the street. We always do! And, that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:

Friday Lunch at Coppa, an Italian Seduction

Coppa Italian Grinder: A Best Bite

Coppa- A First Look

And, if you're thinking of an adventure in the South End, how about a guided tour of the food trucks gathered at the SOWA Open Market each Sunday. No resevations needed! Check out:

SOWA Market: Where to Find Food Trucks!

Photo of Evelyn's Drive-In, Tiverton Rhode Island courtesty of that great resouce for finding all the dining traditions Boston has to offer, Hidden Boston.

Our final suggestion is a trip down memory lane. Take Dad someplace where he used to take you if you have an old favorite that survives to this day. For Penny, this might be Evelyn's Drive-In. For Ed, The Bubbling Brook in Westwood. This day would be about remembering and laughing as much as about the food.

And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his Wish List. Get an Amazon gift card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn't shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon shopping trip.

Details:
Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino and Evelyn's courtesy of Hidden Boston.

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

June 3, 2014
Dining around Boston on Father’s Day, June 15, 2014

Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Dad to a meal out on Father's Day, Sunday, June 15, 2014.

Would your Dad love to get his hands on some great Island Creek Oysters at Row 34?

For Father's Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurant suggestions.

Open Table always does a great job guiding you to the right reservation. What's more, you can just click through and reserve from this list.

Boston Chef's has a special list from their members.

Updates:

06.05.14- Chowhound conversation: Outdoor lunch, Father's Day, Metro West

Our Picks:

Row 34 in the Fort Point Neighborhood. Wouldn't Dad love to slurp a few Island Creeks or Row 34 oysters? And, match those beauties with the perfect brew from one of the taps or the current cask beer?

Here's more on what we enjoyed at Row 34.

Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on any one with a preference for vegetarian fare. And, remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!) Check out our Sweet Cheeks posts:

Sweet Cheeks BBQ: A First Look

Sweet Cheeks Q- Great Northern Brisket

Salt & Pepper Potatoes at Sweet Cheeks Q

Bourbon Beer? at Sweet Cheeks

How about simple Italian-American food in a very comfortable setting. We suggest Artu in the North End or on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. Here's one of our favorite menu items.

If you'd like to treat Dad to something really special, consider the ultimate hamburger at the Bristol Lounge at the Four Season's Hotel. Lunch there for just the two of you, some quiet afternoon, could be a great IOU if you can't be together on the 15th. Here's what we wrote about that burger.

Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to South End Formaggio across the street. We always do! And, that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:

Friday Lunch at Coppa, an Italian Seduction

Coppa Italian Grinder: A Best Bite

Coppa- A First Look

And, if you're thinking of an adventure in the South End, how about a guided tour of the food trucks gathered at the SOWA Open Market each Sunday. No resevations needed! Check out:

SOWA Market: Where to Find Food Trucks!

Photo of Evelyn's Drive-In, Tiverton Rhode Island courtesty of that great resouce for finding all the dining traditions Boston has to offer, Hidden Boston.

Our final suggestion is a trip down memory lane. Take Dad someplace where he used to take you if you have an old favorite that survives to this day. For Penny, this might be Evelyn's Drive-In. For Ed, The Bubbling Brook in Westwood. This day would be about remembering and laughing as much as about the food.

And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his Wish List. Get an Amazon gift card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn't shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon shopping trip.

Details:
Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino and Evelyn's courtesy of Hidden Boston.

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

June 3, 2014
Courtyard Concerts Return to Copley Square BPL
One of our favorite entertainment programs of the year, the Boston Public Library's (BPL) Courtyard Concert Series returns on June 4, 2014 at 6pm. Notice the day and date.

As, the BPL announced, "In addition to Friday lunchtime concerts at 12:30 p.m., this season the library now offers evening concerts on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. All the concerts are free and last approximately one hour."

The Fernando Holz Band delighted audiences last year and is scheduled to appear again this summer.

Here are the rest of the details the library provided for the series.

The month of June features Berklee College of Music students and alumni performing everything from jazz, pop, and funk to works with Arab, Latin American, and Scottish influences:
- Daniel Rotem Trio, Wednesday, June 4, at 6 p.m. The Trio performs original compositions that integrate world influences with improvisation and the jazz tradition.
- KeL, Friday, June 6, at 12:30 p.m. KeL combines elements of jazz and pop with Brazilian melodies.
- Wambura Mitaru, Wednesday, June 11, at 6 p.m. The artist’s eclectic music blends funk, soul, R&B, jazz, and hip-hop as well as sounds inspired by her African background.
- Jenna Moynihan and Mairi Chaimbeul, Friday, June 13, at 12:30 p.m. Rooted in traditional Scottish and Appalachian old-time music, Moynihan and Chaimbeul developed a sound which celebrates and explores beautiful melodies.
- The Western Den, Wednesday, June 18, at 6 p.m. Deni Hlavinka and Chris West blend folk harmonies with ambient textures to produce unique sounds and songs.
- Ahmad El Haggar, Friday, June 20, at 12:30 p.m. The Egyptian singer-songwriter and oud player performs original songs and rearranges music from the Arab world to create modern sounds.
- 3 Sudacas, Wednesday, June 25, at 6 p.m. Performers at the 2014 Latin Grammys with Alejandro Sanz, the group plays both traditional and unique compositions arranged for voice, percussion, mandolin, guitar, and bass.
- Miriam Elhajli, Friday, June 27, at 12:30 p.m. The folk singer-songwriter combines the sounds of Joan Baez and Buffy Sainte-Marie with the crudeness of Delta Blues.
The complete Concerts in the Courtyard schedule, which is generously sponsored by the Boston Public Library Foundation (www.bplf.com), can be viewed at www.bpl.org/concerts. The concerts continue in July and August with the following schedule:
- Kendall Ramseur, Wednesday, July 2, 6 p.m.
- Cruzamente Quintet, Wednesday, July 9, 6 p.m.
- Erika Van Pelt, Friday, July 11, 12:30 p.m.
- Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble, Wednesday, July 16, 6 p.m.
- Lindsay Straw, Friday, July 18, 12:30 p.m.
- Patrick Coman, Wednesday, July 23, 6 p.m.
- Cardamom Quartet, Friday, July 25, 12:30 p.m.
- Susan Cattaneo, Wednesday, July 30, 6 p.m.
- Properly Unprepared, Friday, August 1, 12:30 p.m.
- Darlingside, Wednesday, August 6, 6 p.m.
- Boston Lyric Opera, Friday, August 8, 12:30 p.m.
- Caitlin Canty, Wednesday, August 13, 6 p.m.
- The Jason Palmer Quartet, Friday, August 15, 12:30 p.m.
- Fernando Holz Band, Wednesday, August 20, 6 p.m.
- Bill Lowe, Friday, August 22, 12 p.m.
- The Ron Murphy Band, Wednesday, August 27, 6 p.m.
- American Century Music, Friday, August 29, 12:30 p.m.
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino
May 30, 2014
Courtyard Concerts Return to Copley Square BPL
One of our favorite entertainment programs of the year, the Boston Public Library's (BPL) Courtyard Concert Series returns on June 4, 2014 at 6pm. Notice the day and date.

As, the BPL announced, "In addition to Friday lunchtime concerts at 12:30 p.m., this season the library now offers evening concerts on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. All the concerts are free and last approximately one hour."

The Fernando Holz Band delighted audiences last year and is scheduled to appear again this summer.

Here are the rest of the details the library provided for the series.

The month of June features Berklee College of Music students and alumni performing everything from jazz, pop, and funk to works with Arab, Latin American, and Scottish influences:
- Daniel Rotem Trio, Wednesday, June 4, at 6 p.m. The Trio performs original compositions that integrate world influences with improvisation and the jazz tradition.
- KeL, Friday, June 6, at 12:30 p.m. KeL combines elements of jazz and pop with Brazilian melodies.
- Wambura Mitaru, Wednesday, June 11, at 6 p.m. The artist’s eclectic music blends funk, soul, R&B, jazz, and hip-hop as well as sounds inspired by her African background.
- Jenna Moynihan and Mairi Chaimbeul, Friday, June 13, at 12:30 p.m. Rooted in traditional Scottish and Appalachian old-time music, Moynihan and Chaimbeul developed a sound which celebrates and explores beautiful melodies.
- The Western Den, Wednesday, June 18, at 6 p.m. Deni Hlavinka and Chris West blend folk harmonies with ambient textures to produce unique sounds and songs.
- Ahmad El Haggar, Friday, June 20, at 12:30 p.m. The Egyptian singer-songwriter and oud player performs original songs and rearranges music from the Arab world to create modern sounds.
- 3 Sudacas, Wednesday, June 25, at 6 p.m. Performers at the 2014 Latin Grammys with Alejandro Sanz, the group plays both traditional and unique compositions arranged for voice, percussion, mandolin, guitar, and bass.
- Miriam Elhajli, Friday, June 27, at 12:30 p.m. The folk singer-songwriter combines the sounds of Joan Baez and Buffy Sainte-Marie with the crudeness of Delta Blues.
The complete Concerts in the Courtyard schedule, which is generously sponsored by the Boston Public Library Foundation (www.bplf.com), can be viewed at www.bpl.org/concerts. The concerts continue in July and August with the following schedule:
- Kendall Ramseur, Wednesday, July 2, 6 p.m.
- Cruzamente Quintet, Wednesday, July 9, 6 p.m.
- Erika Van Pelt, Friday, July 11, 12:30 p.m.
- Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble, Wednesday, July 16, 6 p.m.
- Lindsay Straw, Friday, July 18, 12:30 p.m.
- Patrick Coman, Wednesday, July 23, 6 p.m.
- Cardamom Quartet, Friday, July 25, 12:30 p.m.
- Susan Cattaneo, Wednesday, July 30, 6 p.m.
- Properly Unprepared, Friday, August 1, 12:30 p.m.
- Darlingside, Wednesday, August 6, 6 p.m.
- Boston Lyric Opera, Friday, August 8, 12:30 p.m.
- Caitlin Canty, Wednesday, August 13, 6 p.m.
- The Jason Palmer Quartet, Friday, August 15, 12:30 p.m.
- Fernando Holz Band, Wednesday, August 20, 6 p.m.
- Bill Lowe, Friday, August 22, 12 p.m.
- The Ron Murphy Band, Wednesday, August 27, 6 p.m.
- American Century Music, Friday, August 29, 12:30 p.m.
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino
May 30, 2014
Memorial Day: Make a Summer Bucket List!

This holiday marks the unofficial start of summer and heralds the best month of the year* in Boston. It's the perfect day to make a Summer 2014 Bucket List of places you want to go and things you want to do in the warmer months.

It could be something as simple as slowing down as you walk around the city to enjoy beautiful gardens and floral displays like this one.

Perhaps you want to take an art class or just get out and draw or paint.

Or, you might want to make reservations to visit your favorite places.

Make your list, check it twice, and get out and enjoy summer in Boston.

* By the way, for us, the best month of the year in Boston is June. Most of the students are gone, there are few conventions or events, and the tourists have not yet arrived in droves. It's a great time to stay in the city and enjoy it as if you were a vistor. That's the top item on our Summer Bucket List and we plan to check it off with a big smile.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

May 26, 2014
Memorial Day: Make a Summer Bucket List!

This holiday marks the unofficial start of summer and heralds the best month of the year* in Boston. It's the perfect day to make a Summer 2014 Bucket List of places you want to go and things you want to do in the warmer months.

It could be something as simple as slowing down as you walk around the city to enjoy beautiful gardens and floral displays like this one.

Perhaps you want to take an art class or just get out and draw or paint.

Or, you might want to make reservations to visit your favorite places.

Make your list, check it twice, and get out and enjoy summer in Boston.

* By the way, for us, the best month of the year in Boston is June. Most of the students are gone, there are few conventions or events, and the tourists have not yet arrived in droves. It's a great time to stay in the city and enjoy it as if you were a vistor. That's the top item on our Summer Bucket List and we plan to check it off with a big smile.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

May 26, 2014
The MFA Memorial Day Open House – Free Admission May 26, 2014

This is the weekend to kick off summer in Boston and the Museum of Fine Arts invites you to include a free visit with plenty of color and entertaiment to the festivities.

Here are a few of the details the MFA provided:

"The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), celebrates Memorial Day with free admission for all on Monday, May 26, 2014. From 10 am to 4:45 pm, visitors are invited to celebrate a “Season of Color in the Americas” with a fun-filled day of vibrant music and colorful activities. In honor of the holiday, a 55-piece US Coast Guard Band will perform a selection of patriotic songs and American Standards at the Museum’s historic Huntington Avenue entrance on Bank of America Plaza. Later, performance art by Venezuelan artists Nascimento/Lovera brings together local hip-hop artists and a Brazilian drum troupe with the Coast Guard ensemble. Inside, families can feel the rhythm of Latin American culture through Cha-Cha dance workshops and dance along (or learn how to dance) to Latin American beats with Edwin Pabon y Su Orquesta and Riobamba of Pajaritos. For visitors who love classic American show tunes…" Read more here.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and perhaps take advantage of a free visit to the MFA.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Screenshot courtesy of the Musuem of Fine Arts

May 23, 2014
The MFA Memorial Day Open House – Free Admission May 26, 2014

This is the weekend to kick off summer in Boston and the Museum of Fine Arts invites you to include a free visit with plenty of color and entertaiment to the festivities.

Here are a few of the details the MFA provided:

"The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), celebrates Memorial Day with free admission for all on Monday, May 26, 2014. From 10 am to 4:45 pm, visitors are invited to celebrate a “Season of Color in the Americas” with a fun-filled day of vibrant music and colorful activities. In honor of the holiday, a 55-piece US Coast Guard Band will perform a selection of patriotic songs and American Standards at the Museum’s historic Huntington Avenue entrance on Bank of America Plaza. Later, performance art by Venezuelan artists Nascimento/Lovera brings together local hip-hop artists and a Brazilian drum troupe with the Coast Guard ensemble. Inside, families can feel the rhythm of Latin American culture through Cha-Cha dance workshops and dance along (or learn how to dance) to Latin American beats with Edwin Pabon y Su Orquesta and Riobamba of Pajaritos. For visitors who love classic American show tunes…" Read more here.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and perhaps take advantage of a free visit to the MFA.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Screenshot courtesy of the Musuem of Fine Arts

May 23, 2014
What’s Open and Closed on Memorial Day 2014 In Boston + MBTA Schedules
UPDATE: Here's a link to our latest post on "What's Open and Closed on Memorial Day in Boston + MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash & More"

Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston and the MBTA schedules for Memorial Day – Monday, May 26, 2014.

We publish these reminders before a holiday to give our readers a nudge to finalize their holiday plans. This is the first big weekend of the summer. Get going on some fun plans! And, plan your shopping for adult beverages because this is one of those Blue Law holidays!

Out on or along the Charles River is a great place to spend a holiday!

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Liquor stores: Closed (See this page from the Secretary of State)

City, Town, State, and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the U.S. closed. Some international markets are open.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters on Monday. Other parking rules apply.

Street Sweeping: The city site says: "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

More information after this ad

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. Perfect for small city homes. We had many years of use from an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model. It was amazing at keeping things chilled. We not only used it for picnics, but also grabbed it to go grocery shopping.

Boston Trash Collection: The announcement from Public Works states:

"Monday, May 26, 6am – Saturday, May 31, 2014, 5pm

DETAILS
No Delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and South End
Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day
*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

"The MBTA has announced its Service Schedules for Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2014."

For a few days before each holiday, the MBTA schedule changes will show up at this link.

MBTA Memorial Day 2014 Service Schedules Quick Look –
- The Red, Orange, Blue, Silver, and Green Lines will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- Buses and trackless trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- The Commuter Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Complete Details Here

For more information:
Go to www.MBTA.com. Contact the MBTA Customer Communications Department at (617) 222-3200, TTY: (617) 222-5146.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo:© 2011 Penny Cherubino

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