July 4, 2009, 8 p.m.
The main event as far as the 4th of July is concerned. If you want a seat, you had better get to the Esplanade early to stake your claim, as tens of thousands ultimately spend the day there awaiting the annual Boston Pops concert at the Hatch Shell and the fireworks display that follows. This year, Neil Diamond joins the Pops in what should, no doubt, be another memorable Independence Day evening.
Boston HarborfestJune 30-July 5
The Fourth of July party on the Esplanade is just one component of Boston’s Independence Day celebration. The week-long Harborfest, which takes place June 30-July 5, is an encompassing celebration of the city’s colonial heritage. Over 200 events will be showcased over the span of the festival, including Sunday's ever-popular Chowderfest. See the Harborfest web site for a detailed listing of each day.
Free Friday FlicksFriday nights through August, approximately 8 p.m.
Grab a blanket, corral the family, and head down to the Hatch Shell on the Charles River for a Boston summer favorite. Picnic beneath the stars with a different movie each week. Check web site for specific “hints” on each week’s showing. Rain or shine.
Sail Boston – Tall ShipsJuly 8-13, 2009
Some of the world’s most majestic ships to roam the seas will call Boston their home for six days this month. Most ships should be visible from the shores of the Boston Harbor , though there will be an admission for the first time ever to walk aboard the ships.
Jazz in JulyOutside – Wednesdays and Fridays at Noon; Inside - various locations and times
Downtown Crossing turns into a cool place to be in the heat this summer, with jazz from various artists both on the streets and in the clubs. More than 28 performances will be held this summer, free of charge. See web site for details and schedules.
Rent – The Broadway TourJuly 14-26, 2009
The multiple award-winning Broadway classic arrives in Boston for a limited run at the Colonial Theater, starring original Broadway cast members Adam Pascal, Gwen Stewart, and Anthony Rapp. Tickets start at just $20 and can be purchased online.
Cultural Survival BazaarJuly 11, 2009, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Head to the Boston Common for this traveling free-trade event, which offers indigenous artists the ability to sell their work in an environment featuring food and entertainment. Free admission. Rain or shine.
Fun FridaysFridays through Sept. 4 at various locations
Here’s your chance to walk like a penguin at the Museum of Science, explore with the kids at the Children’s Museum, and ride the harbor island ferries, all for free. The Highland Street Foundation is sponsoring Fun Fridays for the remainder of this summer. See web site for a schedule of what’s free each week.
Red SoxThe All-Star break may be upon us, but the Sox still have a packed home schedule for the month, including series against the Mariners, Athletics, Royals, and Orioles. Check the Red Sox web site for ticket information, though don’t be discouraged if you find a game sold out. The Sox release a number of tickets day of game, so the box office may have a few once you arrive.
Jonas BrothersJuly 17, 2009, 7 p.m.
That shrieking you hear coming from the direction of North Station on July 17 will no doubt be from the thousands of ecstatic, teenage girls headed to the Jonas Brothers concert at the TD Banknorth Garden. Tickets to see the rock and roll heartthrobs range from $27 to $67.
ArtBeat Festival 2009July 17-18
Somerville’s Davis Square transforms into one of the largest art festivals in the area. This year's theme is "Somerville...Of the Future." Various artists will depict how they envision the city to look down the road. Davis Square has already changed so much over the past 10 years, who knows what another decade will bring, except, of course, one or two more Starbucks.
Firefighter Cook-OffJuly 18, 2009, 4-8 p.m.
The Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation is hosting a fund-raising cook-off at Fenway Park’s State Street Pavillion. Tickets are $50 for the event - which features firehouse specialties, a raffle, live entertainment, and cash bar – and can be purchased online. Proceeds from the evening will benefit The Boston Firefighter’s Local 718 Burn Foundation.
Steely DanJuly 22, 24, and 25, 2009
The classic rockers land at the Wang Theater this month with their “Rent Party '09 Tour,” each night of which will make for a unique concert event. On July 22, the band will play its classic album “Aja” during one of its sets. On July 24, the band will play tracks listed on “Gaucho.” On July 25, “internet request night,” fans have the ability to decide which album gets the nod. Tickets start at $68 and can be purchased online.
Jersey BoysJuly 23-Sept. 26
The acclaimed Broadway story of Frankie Vali and the Four Seasons hits Boston for an engagement at the Shubert Theater. Tickets for the 2006 Tony Award-winning musical begin at $49 for a matinee showing, $64 evenings.
MFA Summer FridaysFridays through Aug. 28, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Enjoy live music in the Calderwood Courtyard, a cash bar, and ring in the weekend at the Museum of Fine Arts . Entry is free to museum members. For non-members, it’s still free, albeit with paid admission to the museum. See web site for details.
Appetitie for Destruction Concert CruiseJuly 31, 2009, 8 p.m.
Axl Rose would be proud. We think. In any case, join a few hundred other head banging buddies and cruise Boston Harbor with “Appetite for Destruction,” a tribute band to Guns and Roses. Tickets are $27. Cash bar.
