Sonja's Boston Blog

Looking for something exciting to do this weekend? The New England Aquarium just unveiled a new exhbit, "Sharks & Rays: Explore Their World." Learn more about the fascinating lives of sharks and rays with interactive exhibits, get up-close and personal at the Sharks and Rays Touch Tank, see the animals in action at a live presentation, and watch Sharks 3D at the aquarium's IMAX theatre (additional charge).

The Sharks and Rays exhibit is included in the regular price of admission: Adults $19.95, Seniors $17.95, Children (3-11) $11.95. Learn more about the New England Aquarium.

Photo by Dr. Dwayne Meadows, NOAA/NMFS/OPR

It may seem like July is dominated by Independence Day celebrations in Boston, but there is a whole lot more happening this month. There's wading at the Frog Pond, an Art Nouveau jewelry exhibit at the MFA, the 10th Annual Roxbury Film Festival, the New England Sand Sculpting Festival, and more. Check out this July events calendar to see what else is happening around town this month. Read more.

It's a great time of year to sit outside with your friends and enjoy a glass of wine—and I know just the place you should do it. Boston.About.com contributing writer Stacey Lantagne reviews Taberna de Haro, a charming Brookline tapas restaurant with a lengthy wine list and summertime outdoor seating. Read review.

One of Boston's most beloved events is the annual Fourth of July concert and fireworks display. This year's event is hosted by Craig Ferguson and features performances by Rascall Flatts and the Boston Pops. Televised nationwide, this free event takes place on Boston's Charles River Esplanade. Get more details about this year's event. Read more.

Photo by Jay Connor, courtesy of Boston 4 Productions

The Boston Common Frog Pond wading pool officially opens for the season on Tuesday, July 1. Every year the Frog Pond becomes a wading pool for children during the months of July and August. The water is only six inches deep, so it's a safe, free place to let your kids cool off for awhile on a hot summer day. Read more.

Photo by Darren McCollester / Getty Images

If one day just doesn't sound like enough time to celebrate Independence Day, you should check out Boston Harborfest, an annual six-day Fourth of July festival that honors Boston's colonial and maritime heritage. Harborfest attracts more than two million people each year and features more than 200 daily events, including concerts, cruises, historical tours, reenactments, and more—many of them free.

The 27th annual Boston Harborfest will take place from Tuesday, July 1 to Sunday, July 6, 2008. Read more.

Photo courtesy Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau.

It was another great moment for Boston sports fans tonight as the Boston Celtics beat the L.A. Lakers 131-92 to win their 17th NBA championship, the first since their 1986 win against the Houston Rockets. The Celtics trounced the Lakers in game six of the NBA Finals, played here in Boston at the TD Banknorth Garden. Read complete coverage of the game at Boston.com.

Congrats Celtics!

Update: A celebratory rolling rally from the TD Banknorth Garden to Copley Square will be held Thursday at 11 am. The parade will include Celtics players, owners, staff, dancers, former players, and NBA championship trophies from past years.

Photo: Jim Rogash / Getty Images

Each summer families flock to the Hatch Shell on Boston's Charles River Esplanade on Friday evenings to watch a free screening of a popular film under the stars. Grab a blanket and a picnic and head down to the Hatch Shell this Friday at sunset for the first of this year's Free Friday Flicks screenings. Read more.

If you're a die-hard Red Sox fan looking to spend some money for a good cause, the Red Sox Picnic in the Park is just the event you’ve been waiting for.

Sunday, June 22, an hour after the Red Sox vs. Cardinals game ends, you can attend the 6th annual Picnic in the Park, which features a half-hour autograph session with Red Sox players, coaches, and managers, followed by a BBQ dinner on Fenway's outfield, live entertainment, and an auction of one-of-a-kind Sox-related items. Guests will also receive a goodie bag and a picnic blanket. Read more...

The weather was gorgeous and the crowds were out in force this afternoon for the 2008 Boston Pride Parade. This year's parade theme was "Sustaining Our Community, Conserving Our World," and participants included community groups, activists, religious organizations, politicians, nightclubs, and more. Take a peek at the parade with this Boston Pride 2008 photo gallery!

Photo courtesy Larry Stritof.