Five Reasons to Leave the House This Weekend

WGBH FunFest / Courtesy photo by Jim Giblin via WGBH

OUTDOOR FILM SCREENING
Family Film Festival at the Prudential Center

With plenty of ways to watch outdoor movies in Boston this summer, it’s easy to get some fresh air and watch your favorite flicks. Starting this weekend, shop and dine at the Prudential Center, and then cap off your night in the South Garden at the Magic 106.7 Family Film Festival. Every Saturday at sundown, catch family-friendly animated films—including The Boxtrolls (July 11), Frozen (July 18), Big Hero 6 (July 25), Despicable Me (August 29)—or come early at 6 p.m. to stake out a spot and participate in children’s activities and giveaways.

Free, Saturdays starting July 11, 6 p.m., South Garden, 800 Boylston St., Boston, prudentialcenter.com.

MUSIC
JP Porchfest

Immerse yourself in a day of culture and free entertainment at the second annual Jamaica Plain Porchfest. On 72 porches all over Jamaica Plain, bands will perform every genre of music. You’ll also find dance, theater, circus art performances, storytelling, and more. “There’s an awful lot of talent out there, and we wanted to be able to capture all of the different the ways people use to express themselves,” says Mindy Fried, co-producer of JP Porchfest. “People will be surrounded by music, art, spoken word…I’m looking forward to being in the midst of all these people enjoying themselves.”

Free, Saturday, July 11, 12-6 p.m., Jamaica Plain, jpporchfest.org.

RETRO GAMING
Bit Fest: Summer Nights Pop-Up Arcade

Bit Fest returns to “The Somewhat Inevitable Electrofuture Beach Party” at Night Shift Brewing. For just $5, come to this classic video game festival for free all-you-can-play arcade games—including Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles—and you won’t even have to worry about quarters. Choose from over 30 classic arcade games, or walk through the classic console room for a trip down memory lane and reminisce about systems like Atari and Nintendo. And when your thumbs get tired of all that button-mashing, grab a beer from Night Shift or a bite to eat from the food trucks on site. Prizes will be given out to those decked out in their best cyber-beachwear.

$5 suggested donation, Thursday, July 9-Friday, July 10, 4-11 p.m., Night Shift Brewing, 87 Santilli Hwy, Everett, bostonbitfest.com.

FESTIVAL
WGBH FunFest

Kids of all ages will have fun playing interactive games and activities and taking photos with their favorite PBS characters (including Curious George, Arthur, and Clifford) at WGBH’s annual FunFest. Enjoy free ice cream brought to you by vendors like JP Licks, Fomu, Wegman’s, and Friendly’s, while dancing along to live performances every hour. Face painting and bouncy rides are also among the many activities available for kids, as well as a landscape ice cream mural project to work on, and music demonstrations. “It’s a very affordable way to spend an afternoon with your family in an educational environment and activities that kids can enjoy outdoors,” says Liz Hagyard, senior event producer at WGBH. “And, there’s free parking!”

$10 for single admission or $35 for the Family 4-Pack, Saturday, July 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., WGBH Studios, One Guest St., Boston, wgbh.org.

FOOD & DRINK
Harvest’s Summer Pig Roast

If “backyard pig roast” doesn’t have you drooling, we’re not sure what will. Join Harvest Restaurant for a night of barbecue and drinks (courtesy of Bulleit Bourbon, Harpoon Brewery, and Villa des Anges), served on the restaurant’s new patio. Pulled pork sandwiches, grilled peaches, and corn on the cob are just a few of the treats on the menu. And for dessert? Treat yourself to the ice cream bar, or indulge in cotton candy or funnel cake. Ticket price includes food and two beverages.

$60, Sunday, July 12, 6-9 p.m., Harvest Restaurant, 44 Brattle St., Cambridge, harvestcambridge.com.