Five Reasons to Leave the House this Weekend

A scene from Banned in Boston 2011: a spoof of “The Fighter” with Pulitzer Prize-winner Doris Kearns Goodwin and Senator Scott Brown. (Photo by Joshua Lavine.)

Comedy
Banned in Boston
Picture Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton, Governor and Mrs. Deval Patrick, Mayor Tom Menino, Attorney General Martha Coakley, and author and presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin together, on stage, doing improv. That was last year’s Urban Improv’s Banned in Boston comedy show, and this year — the event’s 20th anniversary celebration — promises to be even more ridiculously awesome as bigwigs again take to the stage to place themselves in hilarious situations, acting out skits, and performing musical satires. Casting is underway right now, and you can keep up-to-date on the roster here @urbanimprov. Among those so far on board: Elizabeth Warren, Deval Patrick, Mayor Menino, and philanthropist Barbara Lee. April 27, pre-show soiree begins at Landsdowne Pub at 6 p.m., after which guests will head to the House of Blues. Tickets are $250 each, $150 (single) or $250 (couple) for patrons aged 40 or younger, and include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. For tickets and more information, visit urbanimprov.org or call 617-524-7049.

Outdoors
Nantucket Daffodil Festival Weekend
Beat the pushy summer crowds and do your Nantucket touring a bit early this year to attend the Nantucket Daffodil Festival Weekend. Honor the daffodil, millions of which bloom on the island from late-April to mid-May, and celebrate spring and the coming of summer with the locals. While you’re at it, take part in some window decorating, a parade of more than 100 antique cars, the Children’s Parade, tailgating fun, and even a daffodil hat pageant (yes, a hat pageant). If you’d rather peruse the island on your own, take a bike ride down the newly resurfaced paths, wander Main Street, and plop down on the beach with a good book. For some seaside eats and a tasty Lobster Bloody Mary (because why wouldn’t we pair a daffodil celebration with a few cocktails?), check out Brant Point’s Grill. April 27-29, free admission, Nantucket Island Resorts special packages available. For more information, visit nantucketchamber.org.

Beer
Boston Beerathon
The completion of another Boston Marathon calls for, yes, a Boston Beerathon. Booze along with this first annual beer-tasting “athletic” journey and sample 26 of the best craft brews at 26 of our favorite spots across town. And as you sip at the foamy goodness in a glass, you’ll get to learn the history of the bars — some of which have been brewing beer long before we were born. April 28, check in from 12-3 p.m, flat entrance fee of $55 for one 12 oz. craft beer tasting per venue. Path runs from Landsdowne to Faneuil. Participants must be 21+. For more information, visit bostonbeerathon.com.

Music
A Cappella Palooza!
Turn off the reruns and take a break from your couch: NBC’s “The Sing-Off” is making its way to Boston. A celebration of a cappella — the A Cappella Palooza — will take place this weekend at Boston University’s Agganis Arena and will be hosted by Ben Folds, former lead singer for the Ben Folds Five and current judge on the show. Folds will perform alongside four of the show’s most popular groups, including Pentatonix, the Dartmouth Aires, Delilah, and local group, The North Shore. Boston University’s Dear Abbey’s will also perform as special guests. Proceeds will go to benefit the Massachusetts General Cancer Center. April 29, doors open at 6 p.m., performance starts at 7 p.m., 925 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. $20 general admission tickets available at Ticketmaster, $200 premium tickets available at fundraise.com/acappellapalooza. For more information, visit acappellapalooza.org.

Cinema
Independent Film Festival of Boston
Movie buffs, assemble! The Somerville Theatre, Brattle Theatre, and Coolidge Corner Theatre host the 2012 Independent Film Festival of Boston and featuring over 130 film screenings, panel discussions, filmmaker Q&A sessions, and social events that will highlight both American and International cinema masterpieces. Among some of the most anticipated films are Sleepwalk with Me, The Queen of Versailles, God Bless America, Dark Horse, Keyhole, and Anxieties. Various directors and special guests will be in attendance at many of the screenings, and all panel discussions will be open to the public. So grab your friends, track down the stars, and stuff your face with popcorn someplace other than on your own La-Z-Boy this weekend. April 25-May 2, Davis Square, Harvard Square, Coolidge Corner in Brookline. For tickets and information, visit iffboston.org.