Five Reasons to Leave the House this Weekend

(Photo of Childish Gambino by Eli Watson via Flickr)

There’s a world beyond your couch (shocking, I know), and Boston is calling. Leave the air conditioning, which you probably just turned on in this abrupt heat wave, and head out to one of these fantastic summer events. You won’t regret it.

Music
Childish Gambino
After performing at Bonnaroo earlier this month, Childish Gambino is back on the road, and he’s hitting Boston tonight. You may know him as Troy Barnes from NBC’s Community, but if you aren’t familiar with his rapping, you should get acquainted. His rhymes are clever, catchy, and energetic. Oh, and his real name is Donald Glover (in case you were wondering). June 21, 7:30 p.m. Bank of America Pavilion, 290 Northern Ave., Boston, 617-728-1600. Purchase tickets here.

Film
Movies by Moonlight
How does a film by the sea sound? As part of the Boston Harbor Hotel’s “Movies by Moonlight” summer series, they will be showing the 1984 comedy Johnny Dangerously (starring Michael Keaton) tomorrow night. The movie starts at dusk (Friday’s official time for sunset is 8:25 p.m.), so arrive early to grab a seat on the terrace of the Rowes Wharf Sea Grille. Enjoy the cool summer breeze and waterfront view as you kick back and watch this classic. June 22, 8:25 p.m. Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, 617-439-7000. Free.

Good Cause
Against the Tide
The 20th annual Against the Tide is the perfect way to spend your Saturday: support a good cause and get yourself outdoors. This Aquathlon benefits the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition through a fun and uplifting day of swimming, kayaking, running, and walking among participants of all ages. Join the MBCC in their efforts to fight breast cancer, and cool off in the water on a warm summer day. June 23, 7 a.m.-12 p.m. DCR’s Hopkinton State Park, 164 Cedar St., Hopkinton, 508-435-4303. Register, schedule, and more information here.

Zoo
A Wild Affair
This 21+ tasting event at the Stone Zoo is a must. Local restaurants and caterers, including The Capital Grille, Legal Sea Foods, and Fuddruckers, will be serving up their best while guests enjoy live entertainment, a stroll through the zoo, and a silent auction. Bid on items ranging from a deep sea fishing excursion with Gauron Fisheries to a weekend getaway at the Poland Springs Resort in Maine. Proceeds support the continued operation and growth of the Stone Zoo, including its education programs and conservation initiatives. June 23, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham, 781-438-5100. The zoo will close at 1 p.m. on Saturday in preparation for the event. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the gate. Purchase them here or call 617-989-2015.

Festival
Chinatown Main Street Festival
Do yourself a favor and head over to Chinatown on Sunday. The Main Street Festival has it all: vendors’ booths (selling everything from pet turtles to Chinese arts and crafts), tons of delicious food, and live performances, including Chinese folk dance, martial arts, Chinese opera, and the must-see traditional lion dancing. You’ll leave with a full stomach and an incredible cultural experience. June 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Chinatown: Beach, Harrison, Hudson, and Tyler Streets, Boston, 617-350-6303.