Don’t say I never do anything for you, cheapskates. This week’s guide was a bit of a slog, I’m afraid, as the week’s early bits attest. Believe me, if Tuesday through Thursday seem anemic it’s not for lack of searching. (And remember there are always the standbys!) But fear not! The Quad and your faithful Cheapskate’s Guide will see you through to non-pecuniary entertainment through weekdays thick with the cheap stuff and thin alike. And one need skim only to Friday to see that once again the Boston weekend smiles upon the tightfisted foodivore, bluesie and sock hopper alike.
Monday, June 20
NPR’s media maven Brooke Gladstone (former editor for All Things Considered and current co-host of On the Media) comes to Harvard Book Store at 7 PM for a discussion of her new graphic nonfiction work The Influencing Machine, which traces media history from Rome to new journalism.
Tuesday, June 21
If you happen to be free for a daylong adventure, there will be no-fare roundtrip rides to the Boston Harbor Islands from 9 AM to 6 PM as part of Free Ferry Day. Ferries leave for either Georges or Spectacle Island every half hour from Long Wharf near Government Center, and there is unlimited island-to-island ferry service all day as well. Last estimate put Tuesday at a high of 84 — perfect island-hopping forecast, eh?
Or, if you prefer to you’re more in a mainland state of mind, Adams National Historic Park in Quincy (accessible by Red Line) and the Longfellow House near Harvard Square both offer their annual free admission days.
Wednesday, June 22
Having searched high and low for a solitary free event that might pique your interest, cheapskates, and finding Greater Boston wanting, I will instead foist a shameless plug. [Don’t like it? Start your own blog.] Masked circus rockers Mighty Tiny join the “Eastern European Punk Funk” outfit Somerville Symphony Orkestar and Klezwoods for SSO’s CD release party at Church of Boston. $8 (plus an ID — 18+) gets you in, or chip in $13 for entrance plus the new SSO album.
Thursday, June 23
Club Passim continues its Summer Stage line-up with a free set by 80s-comedy saxophone duo Ronald Reagan (worth visiting just for “Take On Us”) from 1 to 2 PM on Palmer Street next to the Harvard Coop.
Tap into the summer mojo of teenyboppers past with Down and Derby at The North Star downtown near TD Banknorth. A $5 cover is all the license you need to skate from 9 PM to 2 AM. Bring your trusty waiver-signing pen, Spandex and retainer case (who knows what couples’ skate will lead to). In light, undoubtedly, of the prospects of watching be-boozed Bostonians rattling around a bar-turned-rink, this event is 21+.
Friday, June 24
Cambridge takes to the streets Friday for its annual Dance Party in Central Square outside Cambridge City Hall. From 7 to 11 PM. A smattering of ages (last year I swear I saw a 70-something pop and lock, but don’t let that dissuade you) will come out for music—classics to modern—and lightshow. Think Bruins parade minus duck boats, plus some all-ages PDA.
If you’re feeling more of a passive Friday night, a couple of free movie stirrings might catch your eye. First is an 8:30 PM showing of The Wizard of Oz at the Boston Children’s Museum put on as part of its Dorothy-centered exhibition open through the summer. The museum is only $1 for all-ages admission every Friday from 5 to 9 PM as it is.
Another classic movie option is the Boston Harbor Hotel showing of Field of Dreams on Rowes Wharf near Government Center. Costner goes on at dusk —”if you show it for free, they will come.” [Homerun?]
If your vinyl collection could use a dusting up or a kickstart hit up the ICA Rock and Roll Yard Sale from 6 to 9 PM at the Institute of Contemporary Art (free admission with BU ID!), which features bins by local vendors and collectors. The sale is part of ICA’s The Record exhibition, which is up till September.
Saturday, June 25
The Museum of Science brings food and science outdoors for the Let’s Talk About Food Festival from 10 AM to 5 PM along the Cambridge Parkway. Cooking demonstrations from top chefs and health experts, lectures on our food system and the politics of nutrition, samples and tastings aplenty, plus a food truck food court (including stalwarts Grilled Cheese Nation, Kickass Cupcakes, Staff Meal, and Bon Me) make this a clear favorite for the weekend.
The Great American Campout wants to get you to go outside and sleep under the stars for the night, either to raise money for kids-in-nature programs or just for the gigs of it all. If you don’t have an outdoors site of your own, the Campout website can hook you up with a community camp in the neighborhood.
Joe’s Jazz and Blues Festival wraps up in Somerville with a free outdoor show in Powderhouse Park, featuring a number of jazz and blues ensembles from noon to 7 PM.
Bookshelves looking bare? Coffee table in need of conversation-starting “you HAVE to read this” decor? The Harvard Book Store Summer Warehouse Sale has marked down lit going for the change in your pocket. The Warehouse, near the Porter Square T stop, will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Do your worst.
Sunday, June 26
The Chinatown Main Street Festival features Chinese opera, martial arts, folk dance, art and vendors from 10 AM to 5 PM.
“Wandering poet” and National Book Award finalist Naomi Shihab Nye will receive the New England Poetry Club‘s Golden Rose and conduct a reading at the Longfellow House near Harvard Square at 4 PM.
Jamaica Pond hosts an ensemble from the Boston Symphony Orchestra as part of its Summer Music and Movies series. The concert begins at 6 PM on the Pinebank Promontory.
