Five Reasons to Leave the House This Weekend

Piers Park photo by Barbara Mazz on Flickr

Looking for things to do for the Fourth of July? We’ve got you covered. But Independence Day activities aren’t the only fun happening in town this weekend. Here are a few highlights.

ART
SoWa First Friday

Not that one needs an excuse to want to stroll the South End on a gorgeous summer evening—but as excuses go, SoWa First Friday is an awfully good one. Get inspired at this monthly event, when more than 60 artists, guilds, shops, and galleries from the SoWa arts district welcome the public to explore their works and projects. And if you work up an appetite, you won’t have to wander far to try one of the South End’s world-class restaurants.

Free, Friday, July 3, 5-9 p.m., 450 Harrison Ave., Boston, sowaboston.com.

OUTDOOR FESTIVAL
Seaport Festival

The fun doesn’t have to stop after the fireworks go down. Simmer down from the Fourth of July with a relaxing afternoon in the park, hosted by ZUMIX, a nonprofit dedicated to giving kids and teens a space to express themselves through music. At this festival in Eastie’s Piers Park (which offers gorgeous views of the Boston skyline), enjoy the summer breeze by the harbor and watch boats sail in while rocking out to the throwback rock/soul stylings of Smokin’ Joe and the Henchmen. For the kids, there’s field games, potato sack races, and hula hoops. The best part? All the food, games, and live music are free. “I think it’s a great way to open up the summer on Boston’s waterfront,” says Matt Gelman, community arts and events coordinator for ZUMIX. “Most of my friends have never been to Piers Park and are really blown away by how great it is. It’s a great way to see what else the city has to offer other than the typical places.”

Free, Sunday, July 5, 3 p.m., Piers Park, Marginal St., East Boston, zumix.org.

THEATER
Newsies at the Boston Opera House

Wuxtry, wuxtry—this Tony Award-winning Broadway hit musical is about to leave town. For Newsies’ last weekend at the Boston Opera House, “Seize the Day” with your favorite newsies as they stand up to the most powerful newspaper tycoon of New York. Bring the whole family to sing along to your favorite songs from the 1992 film, as well as original songs composed by Alan Menken.

$68-100, through Sunday, July 5, Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston, 617-259-3400, newsiesthemusical.com.

FILM
Jaws at the Brattle Theatre

“You yell ‘shark,’ we’ve got a panic on our hands at the Fourth of July,” says the fictional Mayor Vaughn in the 1975 film Jaws, when arguing over whether or not to close Martha’s Vineyard Amity Island. Instead of going to the beach, why not celebrate the Fourth with a special screening of the classic (and first) summer blockbuster? In honor of the film’s 40th anniversary, theaters throughout Boston have been showing the epic thriller epic all summer long. If you really want to beat the summer heat, take advantage of the Brattle Theatre’s consecutive showing of Jaws and Jaws 2, and see both movies for a discounted price.

$11 ($9 matinee, Friday and Saturday, July 3-4: Jaws at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Jaws 2 at 4:30 p.m. (also screens at 9:45 p.m July 3), Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, brattlefilm.org.

MUSIC
Tanglewood Family Concert

See the BSO? For free? Outside on a beautiful green field on a July day? Yes, please. Aimed at children ages 3-8, the Tanglewood Family Concert is a fun way to learn all about the instruments and orchestra. Start off your holiday with a picnic on the lawn at Ozawa Hall while taking in the sounds of a quintet of Boston Symphony Orchestra brass players—who might even play some patriotic tunes. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., pre-concert activities include a “Make Your Own Trumpet” stand and an instrument playground, where children can explore the different instruments of the orchestra. To get free children’s tickets, place your order through SymphonyCharge by calling 888-266-1200. All guests, regardless of age, must have a ticket upon entry.

$11 (children 17 and under are free), Saturday, July 4, 11:00 a.m., Tanglewood’s Ozawa Hall, 297 West St., Lenox, bso.org.