Things to Do in the Boston Metro Area: May 22-31

Below is a list of some of the coolest events in the Boston Metro Area for the final week of the May Calendar Month.

If you are interested in reading about additional events in Boston or you'd like to hear about updates to this list as new events are added, you may want to read the blog I have recently started. Remarkable Boston Events is still in the maintenance process, but dozens of new events are being added everyday, so I encourage you to subscribe to the blog or save the link and check back frequently.

There are so many cool things to do in the last week of May. (June has a lot of awesome events in store too, heads up!) I included everything I could find that I felt might be worth checking out for one reason or another. It will be impossible for one person to attend all events on a given day (though if you manage to prove me wrong, do write me and brag about it- I will be quite impressed), but I've listed everything since we all of course have different fancies. I've also included a more updated list of events for May 22nd, since I've come across more events since I last wrote.

Now for the May Boston Event List...

EarthFest: Free Festival and Concert
Saturday, May 22, 2010
11am to 5pm
DCR Hatch Memorial Shell, 10 Storrow Dr., Boston, 02108
617-822-9600
All Ages
FREE

Whole Foods Market presents the 17th, Annual 92.9 EarthFest, Free Concert and Festival. This year's event will feature music from local and national bands including Collective Soul, Gin Blossoms, Crash Kings and Marcy Playground. There will also be eco-friendly vendors and info booths where you can learn about environmentally conscious products, groups and activities. You might even be able to score some swag if you arrive early enough.

EarthFest is suitable for all ages. Families with children are invited to check out Kids' Planet, a mini EarthFest within the EarthFest. This interactive family area, fit with its own entertainment stage with live performances as well as other hands on activities geared toward kids.

Spring Wine Fest 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
1pm to 5pm
or 6pm to 10pm
Cyclorama Boston Center for the Arts,539 Tremont St. Boston 02116
781.444.7771
21+
$39 to $59

Boston Event Guide and The Cyclorama present Spring Wine Fest 2010. The venue will be divided into various sections to represent the different regions of the world. You will get a passport to take to each area where you will have the chance to taste wines from that region.

Two wine tasting sessions are available; the afternoon session from 1pm to 5pm is between $39 and $49 in price (the earlier you buy, the less you pay) and the evening session from 6pm to 10pm ranges from $49 to $59. The tasting sessions seem to be exactly the same according to the website, minus the availability of music, which the event details implied is only granted to the evening party goers. The evening session is also labeled a "party" while the afternoon is being called a "tasting". If this matter is of importance to you, call BostonEventGuide.com who is producing the event (781-44-7771) and get the scoop about what you will be paying for. Additionally, if you are interested in this event, it is recommended you get tickets soon as there's a chance they might sell out. Get Tickets

Shopping Palooza
Saturday, May 22, 2010
12pm to 5pm
Boston Teacher's Union Hall,North Entrance at Bayside Expo, 180 Mt. Vernon St. Boston
617-899-2429
FREE

Shopping Palooza, an Art4fun Ventures Event, will bring over 40 vendors to the Boston Teacher's Union Hall near the North Entrance at Bayside Expo Center, to offer you a marketplace of sale-priced shopping. Browse arts and crafts products, candles, hand bags, jewelry, hats, incense, cosmetics and more. Entry to Shopping Palooza is free of charge and so is the parking. There will also be a cash bar and music to add to the entertainment. For questions, contact Arthur Edwards at Art4fun@comcast.net.

Spring Anime Kaiju Experience (S.A.K.E.)
Saturday, May 22, 2010
12pm Noon to 12am Midnight
Courtyard By Marriott, 275 Tremont St., Boston 02116
$12 in advance, $15 at door

United Fan Con, Inc. will hold their 2nd Annual S.A.K.E.- that's Spring Anime Kaiju Experience- at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel on Tremont Street in Downtown Boston's Theatre District. The day long event, which will occur between 12pm Noon and 12am Midnight, will have plenty of activities to keep anime fans busy:

*Fan Judged Art Show
*Panels
*Cosplay Photo Booth
*Hall Cosplay Contest
*Merchandise
*Gaming Area
*Screenings

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Buy in advance

Tracy Morgan @ The Wilbur
Saturday, May 22, 2010
7:00pm & 9:45pm
The Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St., Boston, 02116
(617) 248-9700
$32-$45

Tracy Morgan, Actor and Comedian, will perform live at The Wilbur Theatre on May 22nd. Morgan starred in the NBC Series 30 Rock as Tracy Jordan and was part of the cast of Saturday Night Live for seven seasons during which he played many characters including: Uncle Jemima, Dominican Lou, Astronaut Andy, and Bishop Don "Mack" Donald. He also received acclaim for his impressions of notable figures such as Aretha Franklin, Al Sharpton, Samuel L. Jackson, Mike Tyson and Maya Angelou, to name only a few. Buy Tickets to see Tracy Morgan live.

Childrens' Concert w/ Sara Wheeler and Little Groove
Saturday, May 22, 2010
10:30am
Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline, 02446
(617) 734-2501
Ages 5 and up
$8/Kids, $10/Adults

Sara Wheeler, internationally recognized acoustic folk artist and her group Little Groove, which was formed in 2006 and has been writing and performing hundreds of upbeat, educational children songs ever since, will appear live in concert at the Coolidge Corner Theatre on May 22. Get Tickets

Teddy Bear Check-Up Day
Saturday, May 22, 2010
11am to 3pm
Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham, 02180
781-438-5100

May 22nd is Teddy Bear Check-Up Day at Stone Zoo. Kids are invited to bring in their teddy bear for a check up by Zoo Staff. The day will also include a parade your child and teddy bear can partake in as well as two presentations of the Keeper Encounters Show featuring Stone Zoo's black bears, Smoky and Bubba (at 11:30am and 1:30pm). As if that weren't enough there will also be a Moovin' and Groovin' Interactive Concert from 12:30pm to 1:30pm with Special Guest, Su Eaton.

Franklin Park Walk and Draw for Artists
Saturday, May 22, 2010
10am to 1pm
Franklin Park, 1 Franklin Park Rd., Dorchester, 02121
617-442-4141
FREE w/ RSVP

The Jamaica Plain Artists Association and Franklin Park Coalition Member, Mardi Reed, along with the Franklin Park Coalition and Discover Roxbury invite artists of all levels to a special tour of areas within Franklin Park that are particularly good for sketching. Bring your sketchbook and some drawing utensils as you will be allowed time to work. The group will stop at various places presenting distinctive artistic appeal, such as old stone ruins, puddinghouse boulders and cliffs, and more. The group will meet at 10am at the Glen Road Entrance to Franklin Park, which is located just up the road from the Green Street T Stop. RSVP to rsvp@franklinparkcoalition.org.

Weekend Mayan Festival
Saturday May 22, Sunday May 23, 2010
11am to 4pm
Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem 01970
866-745-1876
All Ages
Cost of Museum Admission

Peabody Essex Museum will dedicate a weekend festival to celebrate the ancient Maya culture of Guatemala and Mexico. Learn about the unique arts and culture of everything Maya. Activities for all ages are scheduled throughout both days, some of which include:

*Weaving Demonstrations
*Guided Gallery Tours
*Dance Performances
*Hands on Art Activities
*Archaeological Presentations
*Hieroglyphics Workshop
*Film Showing

Some of these activities require reservations. See Maya Festival Schedule of Events.

Boston Theatre Marathon Warm-Up Laps
Saturday, May 22, 2010
1pm -8pm
Boston Center for the Arts, Stanford Calderwood Pavillion, 527 Tremont St., Boston
617.353.5443
FREE

As part of the 12th Annual Boston Theatre Marathon, the Boston Playwrights' Theatre, Boston Center for the Arts and various Boston area theatre companies present the Warm-Up Laps series of free stage readings to kickoff the 2 day event. This free Boston theater event is open to the public and will begin at 1pm on May 22nd, the day preceding the Boston Theatre Marathon ticketed event.

Boston Theatre Marathon
Sunday, May 23rd
12pm Noon - 10pm
Boston Center for the Arts, Stanford Calderwood Pavillion, 527 Tremont St., Boston
617.353.5443
$25/Advance, $30/Door

The Boston Playwrights' Theatre 12th Annual Boston Theatre Marathon will feature 50 ten minute plays by 50 New England Playwrights presented by 50 New England Theatre Companies, all in a span of ten hours. The Boston Theatre Marathon is made possible through a grant from The Humanities Foundation at Boston University and will showcase some of the best of the Boston area's Playwrights, Actors and Directors. Proceeds from this Boston theater event will benefit the Theater Community Benevolent Fund. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $30 or in advance for $25.

All You Can Eat Hot Dogs, Sausages and Sundaes
Sunday, May 23, 2010
12pm Noon to 5pm
Suffolk Downs, 111 Waldemar Ave., East Boston
617-783-3333
All Ages
$15/Advance, $20/Door, Free/Kids 5 and Under

The Phantom Gourmet's Annual Hot Dog Safari is back again, to take place at Suffolk Downs in East Boston, to raise money for The Joey Fund and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The Hot Dog Safari will deliver plenty of activities for adults and kids of all ages to enjoy. Make sure to how up with an empty stomach to take advantage of all you can eat hot dogs, sausages and ice cream sundaes. Additional festivities will include a Hot Dog Eating Contest, Live horse racing, balloons, clowns and face painting and carnival style rides for kids. Buy tickets in advance online, by phone (1-800-MY-SEATS) or at certain Ace Ticket Locations.

Auto Museum Lawn Event: Cadillac Day
Sunday, May 23, 2010
10am to 3pm
Larz Anderson Auto Museum, 15 Newton Street Brookline 02445
617-522-6547
All Ages
$10/Car Registration (Driver and 1 Guest), Spectators: $10/Adult, $5/Military, Seniors, Students, Kids 6-12, FREE/Children under age 6

The Lawn Event Season at Larz Anderson Auto Museum will kickoff with Cadillac Day, sponsored by New England Region of Cadillac LaSalle Club. Come hang out with fellow classic car enthusiasts with your own Cadillac or as a spectator. This event is suitable for adults as well as kids of all ages. Pre-Register your car

Uncle Moishy in Concert
Sunday, May 23, 2010
2pm to 3:30pm
Brookline High, 113 Greenough Street, Brookline, MA 02446
(617)731-5330
All Ages
$10 (Children Under Age 2 get in free)

Uncle Moishy, the Jewish Entertainer for kids, will appear live in concert at Brookline High School on May 23rd. The event is sponsored by New England Hebrew Academy and is recommended for kids aged 0-12. Purchase Tickets

Fabulous Trees of JP: Bike Ride Tour
Sunday, May 23, 2010
10am-11am
Ferris Wheels, 66 South Street, Jamaica Plain, 02130
617-524-BIKE (2453)
All ages bike riders
FREE

Rich Gargiulo, Landscaper and Arborist will lead a bike ride tour around Jamaica Plain to identify and discuss 10 unique trees of the JP Boston neighborhood that are believed to be exceptional in their existence. The bike ride tour will move at a slow, easy pace and all members of the family are invited to participate. The group will meet at 10am in front of the Ferris Wheels Bike Shop.

Food Not Bombs 30th Anniversary Festival
May 23, 2010
12pm to 5pm
Boston Common, Park Street T Stop., Tremont St & Park St. Boston
All Ages
FREE

Food Not Bombs, the group of anti-nuclear activists who cook for peace began as a small group in Cambridge, MA and now exist all over the world. On May they will hold a festival to celebrate their 30th Anniversary at the Boston Common, near the Park Street T Stop. One can expect to find live music and theatre, informational materials, kids' activities and of course, food. Food Not Bombs

Made in Mass. Free Film Series Presents Touching the Game
Monday, May 24, 2010
6pm
Boston Public Library, Rabb Lecture Hall, 700 Boylston St. Boston 02116
617-536-5400
FREE

Made in Massachusetts Free Film Series at the Boston Public Library will show Jim Carroll's documentary, "Touching the Game: The Story of the Cape Cod Baseball League". The film, which takes place on Cape Cod, features interviews with coaches, fans and Major League players including Nomar Garciaparra, Jason Varitek and Mo Vaughn. It also won the Best of New England Prize at the 2004 Northern Lights Film Festival. The filmmakers and/or cast members will be present to answer questions after the screening.

Gail Sheehy Author Talk
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
6pm
Boston Public Library, Abbey Room, 700 Boylston St., Boston 02116
617-536-5400
FREE

Gail Sheehy, award winning magazine writer, contributing editor to Vanity Fair, and internationally recognized lecturer and author of 15 books, will discuss her latest, "Passages in Caregiving: Turning Chaos Into Confidence" as part of the Boston Public Library Author Talk Series.

Borromeo String Quartet Concert
Sunday, May 27, 2010
2pm
Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave., Jamaica Plain, 02130
617.524.3150
$25/$30 or $55/VIP

Forest Hills Trust presents a performance by the Burromeo String Quartet for this year's Spring Concert. The Borromeo String Quartet is well known for distinctive interpretations of Franz Joseph Hadyn's work, the composer considered to be the Father of the String Quartet. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 617.524.3354. Alternatively you can send an email to tickets@foresthillstrust.org with the number of tickets you'd like to reserve and a daytime phone number; someone will call you back to confirm. Ticket prices are $30 ($25 for Members) for regular admission and $55 for VIP admission which includes better seating and access to a post concert reception with the musicians.

Jim Florentine @ The Wilbur
Saturday, May 29, 2010
7pm
The Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont Street, Boston, 02116
(617) 248-9700
$20-$25

Comedian, Jim Florentine aka "Special Ed" or "Bobby Fletcher" from Comedy Central's prank phone call series Crank Yankers will perform live at The Wilbur Theatre on May 29th. You might also recognize him from Down and Dirty with Jim Norton the HBO stand-up comedy series, The Howard Stern Show, or Louie Anderson's Comedy Showcase. He also was the voice for Bobbie Ray, the "Red Neck Radio Host" in the Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories video game. Get tickets here to see Jim Florentine live or call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or Ticketmaster Express at 866-4-IVR-TIX (866-448-7849).

Kids Hands On Design Workshop @ ICA
Saturday, May 29, 2010
10am to 4pm
Institute of Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave, Boston 02210
617-478-3100
Ages 12 and under
FREE

As part of the Play Date events series, the Institute of Contemporary Art invites kids 12 and under and their families for a free tour of the museum and a hands on design workshop where they will be able to redesign the City of Boston and make a few souvenirs to take home. At 2pm, MIT Urban Designers will lead a hands on class in the Art Lab involving idea for the Boston Waterfront.

Looney Tunes Weekend @ The Coolidge
Saturday May 29 & Sunday, May 30
10:30am
Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline, 02446
(617) 734-2501
Ages 3 and up
$5/Kids, $7/Adults

The Looney Tunes Weekend at Coolidge Corner Theatre was originally scheduled as part of the weekend Kids Shows series of events but anyone who appreciates the classic WB animated Looney Tunes series will enjoy this weekend long presentation of the original cartoons. Get Tickets

America's Heroes: Al Maze's Memorial Day Tour @ Forest Hills
Friday, May 30, 2010
2pm
Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave., Jamaica Plain, 02130
617.524.3150
FREE

Walk with Al Maze, Forest Hills Expert and 12 Years-old Tour Leader for one of his most popular tours. The Annual Memorial Day walking adventure will celebrate soldiers and survivors of famous American wars and battles with stories derived from real letters, diaries and newspaper accounts.

Film: They Were Expendable w/ Special Guest
Mary Anne Owen, Daughter of Donna Reed
Sunday, May 30, 2010
7pm
Carpenter Center for the Arts, 24 Quincy Street, Cambridge, 02138
(617) 495-4700
$0-$9, FREE w/ Harvard Student Id.

Soldier John Ford aka Director John Ford was forced to leave his duty(and his men) in the Armed Services behind in order to return to Hollywood to direct this film, They Were Expendable. Some believe it was his still recent experience with war that made the film so accurate in its portrayal of the bond that develops between soldiers and the sense of despair that they share. They Were Expendable features Robert Montgomery, John Wayne and Donna Reed. The film screening on May 30th will be introduced by Mary Anne Owen, daughter of Donna Reed. She will also be reading GI letters that were written to her mother during WWII.