From hot air balloon rides to lunar parties, there's no shortage of great events going on in and around the Hub. Here are five awesome things to do in Boston this weekend.
Hot Air Balloon at Castle Hill
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience this summer, artist Doug Aitken’s New Horizon project is a must-see. Centered around Aitken’s beautiful reflective hot air balloon, the 100-foot-tall hot air balloon will touch down at several Trustee’s landscapes for “happenings,” stopping this weekend at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum for a Family Day with activities and food trucks. Several speakers and musicians will be in attendance at the event, along with food vendors such as the Notch Traveling Biergarten. July 20, location details on website, thetrustees.org
Arts of Islamic Cultures Gallery
The new Arts of Islamic Cultures Gallery at the Museum of Fine Arts is reopening this Saturday, July 20, and will feature 69 unique objects from different countries and periods, ranging from Spain to India, and spanning 13 centuries. The art of Arabic calligraphy is a focal point of the exhibit, being integral to all Islamic cultures. Historic objects from the MFA’s collection will also be exhibited, among some of the most important Islamic art in the country, paired together with a selection of contemporary works. Opens July 20, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, mfa.org
Smolak Farms Murder Mystery
If you’re struggling to keep the kids engaged during family game night, it might be time to take your board games to the next level. Help bring the classic game of Clue to life at Smolak Farms, as they host their first outdoor Murder Mystery game night this Saturday. Featuring an evening of interactive entertainment, this unique event includes a night-time hayride, a farm-fresh buffet dinner under the stars, and plenty of suspense. Guests will have to work together to solve the crime, making it a fun exercise in teamwork for the whole family. July 20, 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m., 315 South Bradford St., North Andover, smolakfarms.com
Somer Fest
The Somer Fest party at Bow Market is back, and this time with a special VIP experience. The second annual outdoor festival and fundraiser will feature live music from artists such as DJ Eliot Ness, Bidesh, and Ian Rich, magic and comedy performances and a raffle drawing. All proceeds from the event will go to the children at New Life International Orphanage in Ghana. Bow Market’s food, art, and retail shops will be open as usual, leaving no shortage of things to do; and the Canopy Room will be opened as a VIP bar and lounge from 7-10 p.m. July 19, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville, bowmarketsomerville.com
A Lunar Soirée
NASA fans, listen up: hopefully you’ve held on to that astronaut costume, because The Harvard Museum of Natural History is hosting a party in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Moon landing this Saturday. Cocktails, beer and light refreshments will be served, accompanied by classic music from the ‘60s and moon-themed games and activities. Space-themed or ‘60s attire is encouraged, so get your nerd on and enjoy a special night at the museum in celebration of our one and only moon. July 20, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., 26 Oxford St., Cambridge, hnmh.harvard.edu
Photography by: Photo Courtesy of Doug Aitken Workshop and The Trustees
