From partying like the French to dance fests and more, there's no shortage of great events going on in and around the Hub. Here are 10 awesome things to do in Boston this weekend.
Bastille Day
The annual Bastille Day street party is back and better than ever this year. Whether you’re a lover of all things French, or just in the mood for a good fête, this block party is the perfect way to spend your Friday. You and 2,000 other guests are sure to enjoy the flavors, sounds, and joie de vivre of France offered by the French Cultural Center of Boston, with musical guests such as Shamarr Allen and Bon Bon Vivant, along with tasty treats provided by La Voile and Mr. Crêpe. Garden Party All-Access Pass $150, July 12, 6 p.m.-11 p.m., Marlborough St., Boston, frenchculturalcenter.org
Open Newbury Street
Don’t miss your chance this weekend to experience the iconic Newbury Street free of traffic. On July 14, the street will be closed off to cars and set up with live musicians, outdoor games and all the usual boutiques and restaurants will be open for exploring. Enjoy the lighthearted summer atmosphere and experience Newbury Street like never before. July 14, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Newbury St., Boston, boston.gov
Dear Evan Hansen
If you missed it on Broadway, you’re in luck - the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen has finally come to Boston! You will not be disappointed if you manage to snag a ticket to this incredible show. Dear Evan Hansen features a book by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy, Tony and Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif. Furthermore, you can make a family night of it, as the show is recommended for anyone 12 years and older, and provides an important commentary on life in the 21st century that is sure to resonate with anyone. Tickets starting at $115, through Aug. 4, Citizens Bank Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston, boston.broadway.com
Newport Dance Festival
The Newport Dance Festival is back, featuring five visiting dance companies from all around the world. For eight nights, you’ll have the chance to enjoy world-class dance shows in a relaxed, outdoor setting. Each performance is preceded by live music, a fun Q&A, and an Etude, a short dance piece choreographed by one of the festival choreographers during the day and performed with a group of self-selected festival dancers that same night. You won’t want to miss this incredible performance. July 14-21, St. Michael’s Country Day School, 180 Rhode Island Ave., Newport, R.I., islandmovingco.org
WGBH’s Craft Beer Festival
This Saturday, spend your evening outdoors listening to live music and tasting craft beers! WGBH’s is hosting a craft beer festival, with all proceeds going towards their public media, so you can drink guilt-free knowing you are supporting a great cause. They will have several breweries and cider makers in attendance, a full list of which can be found on their website. In addition to beer and live music, food trucks including Jaju Pierogi and Amigos Locos will be available, as well as lawn games. July 13, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., WGBH Educational Foundation, 1 Guest St., Brighton, Mass., wgbh.org
Neighborhood Nights at the Gardner Museum
This summer, the Gardner Museum is hosting free evening parties in their gorgeous galleries and gardens that are sure to be fun for the whole family. Featuring performances from the likes of Veronica Robles and her Female Mariachi Band (Boston's first-ever all-women mariachi band), arts and crafts, food trucks, a cash bar, and gallery games, there is something for everyone. Spend a night at the museum exploring the themes of community and belonging from their special summer exhibition “Big Plans.” Admission to the event also includes access to the entire Museum, including special exhibitions. July 11, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., 25 Evans Way, Boston, gardnermuseum.org
Boston French Film Festival
In addition to the Bastille Day celebration, Boston will continue to celebrate French culture this weekend with the Boston French Film Festival at the MFA. The 23rd annual festival boasts an incredible and diverse lineup of showings this year, with 20 new French-produced films, including comedy The Trouble with You, starring Audrey Tautou and Adéle Haenel (which will be shown outdoors and for free,) Claire Denis’s haunting science fiction film High Life, starring Robert Pattinson and Juliette Binoche, and I Feel Good, starring the magnetic Jean Dujardin from The Artist. July 11-28, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, mfa.org
Nantucket Comedy Festival
The Nantucket Comedy Festival is back this weekend! The annual, must-see summer event brings top comedic talent to Nantucket to fundraise for Stand Up & Learn, a year-round stand-up comedy program for Nantucket's children. In their 12th year, the festival is introducing a new show called Comedy Kickoff: Love and Laughter, hosted by Vic Henley. You also won’t want to miss the infamous Comedy SmACKdown: Boston vs. New York, in which comedians from each state will compete against each other for laughs, and is hosted by ESPN anchor Bob Ley. This show sells out fast, so make sure you get those tickets soon! Tickets are available for individual shows, or you can purchase one of the festival’s Patron or Gold Level passes, for exclusive access to VIP events and every comedy show. $1,750 - $5,000, July 11-13, Dreamland Film and Cultural Center, 17 S Water St., Nantucket, Mass., nantucketcomedyfestival.org
The Tanglewood Gala
This year’s Tanglewood Gala is taking place this weekend, and will feature a spectacular performance of the Verdi Requiem, led by Maestro Nelsons, conducted by James Burton, along with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. The evening will begin with a pre-concert cocktail reception and gala dinner in the new Center for Music and Learning, followed by the gala concert, in the Koussevitzky Music Shed. Following the performance, gold and silver benefactors can enjoy a private reception with the artists. Tickets from $750-$2,500, July 13, 3A Hawthorne Rd., Stockbridge, Mass., bso.org
Coffee Connect at The Street
Co-presented by the Newton-Needham Regional and Brookline Chambers, Coffee Connect at The Street is one networking event you won’t want to miss. The event will be hosted outdoors in the beautiful summer weather, with coffee and a light breakfast. Featuring over 70 attendees from broad-ranging professions, you’ll have plenty of chances to make your mark and explore different career options. Free to attend, July 11, 33 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, nn.nnchamber.com
Photography by: Photo courtesy of French Cultural Center
