What to do this weekend, May 18-20
Making plans? Short on ideas? No worries. See Nicole Cammorata and June Wulff's picks for the top things to do around the Hub this weekend. Now get out and go to it!
WEEKEND
“CHARLOTTE’S WEB” Friendship wins out on the farm in classic children's favorite "Charlotte's Web," presented by young actors in grades 2-4 from the Watertown Children’s Theatre. May 18 at 7 p.m. (May 19 and 20 at 1 p.m.). $10. Black Box Theater, Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. 800-838-3006. www.watertownchildrenstheatre.org
IT'S "MAGIC" The word means a beautiful, idyllic place. The musical, “Xanadu,” means roller disco, the 80s, and a Greek muse disguised as an Australian who shows up on Venice Beach. Presented by SpeakEasy Stage Company. 7:30 p.m. (through June 9). $30 and up, $25 ages 25 and under, $5 senior discount. Stanford Calderwood Pavilion, 527 Tremont St., Boston. 617-933-8600. www.bostontheatrescene.com
A PERFECT 10: Before Sunday’s main event, you can check out three plays at Saturday’s free Warm-Up Laps. Boston Playwrights’ Theatre presents Boston Theater Marathon, a 10-hour showcase of new 10-minute plays by 53 Nw England playwrights. Included are “Reality Book Group” by Richard Grossman and “Amber Reads” by Melinda Lopez. May 19 (Warm-Up Laps shows at noon, 2, and 4 p.m.), May 20 marathon from noon-10 p.m. $25, $35 at the door. Stanford Calderwood Pavilion, 527 Tremont St., Boston. 617-933-8600. www.bostonplaywrights.org
FRIDAY
HIPPIE HOUR: Roll into the Midway Cafe every Friday to celebrate the end of another work week with live music from The Merry Runaround. The musical interpretation of happy hour, which is quickly approaching its one-year anniversary on May 25, features tunes by the Grateful Dead, as well as cover songs by the likes of Chuck Berry and Johnny Cash. May 18, 6 p.m. Free. 21+ Midway Cafe, 617-524-9038, www.midwaycafe.com
SATURDAY
ZOO 100 DAY: Franklin Park Zoo celebrates its 100th birthday in October, but why wait? The first of many events is this day of zookeeper encounters and entertainment including the musical group, Jumping Monkeys (10:15-11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.-noon, weather permitting). The first 1,000 visitors receive a free mini cupcake or frosting shot from Sweet Cupcakes. May 19 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $17, $14 seniors, $11 ages 2-12. Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston. 617-541-5466. www.franklinparkzoo.org
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WITH FATBOY SLIM: Theater district nightclub Royale is celebrating two years of business with a weekend packed with great DJs, culminating with a performance by none other than Fatboy Slim. The British DJ and producer rose to acclaim in the 1990s, finding mainstream hits with songs like “Praise You” and “Weapon of Choice” -- the video for which introduced the world to Christopher Walken’s dance skills. Show off yours at Royale on Saturday. May 19, 10 p.m. Tickets: $30, 21+ Royale Nightclub. 617-338-7699, www.royaleboston.com
HARPOONFEST: This annual celebration of local beer serves up Summer Beer, UFO White, and the brewery’s newest year-round suds, Rich & Dan’s Rye IPA. Local music groups playing Harpoonfest include Will Dailey & the Rivals, Mean Creek, and Jenny Dee & the Deelinquents. May 18 (5:30-11 p.m., doors close at 9:30 p.m.), May 19 (2-9 p.m., doors close at 7:30 p.m.). Rain or shine. $20 (includes a drink ticket and souvenir cup). 21+. The Harpoon Brewery, 306 Northern Ave., Boston. 888-427-7666. www.harpoonbrewery.com
DOG EAT DOG WORLD: You’ll be near Boston’s beloved ball field, but Fenway Park vendors won’t be tossing you hot dogs at the Hot Dog Safari. Local eateries will supply the grub, and there will be inflatable slides, temporary tattoos, and more for the kids. Phantom Gourmet hosts this annual benefit for the Joey Fund & Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at the block party on Lansdowne Street. May 19 from noon-4 p.m., rain or shine. $15, $20 at the door, free under 10. Lansdowne Street, Boston. www.hotdogsafari.com
SUNDAY
EASEL DOES IT: More than 50 members of the Copley Society of Art will be all over the place Sunday for Fresh Paint. Look for them around the city painting Boston neighborhood landmarks and locations. May 20 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Neighborhoods including Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Bay Village, Charlestown, Jamaica Plain, Kenmore, the North End, and South End. 617-536-5049. www.copleysociety.org
Contributors
Stephanie Callahan is a native Bostonian who loves cooking, traveling, spa treatments, and being on the ocean.
Milva DiDomizio is a New England native who's fond of cooking, singing, and Boston's arts and culture scene.
Swati G. Sharma is a Somerville resident and is a fan of city living, exploring Boston’s nightlife, and dancing.
Emily Sweeney is a Boston native who goes out all over, from Irish pubs in Southie to the roller rink in Dorchester.
