By Mary Whitfill, editor-in-chief
Thursday, May 8
Supporting breast cancer research just got easier: as easy as eating desert! Bakes for Breast Cancer is hosting their 15th annual charity event beginning May 5 through Mother’s Day. With over 300 Boston restaurants participating, all diners have to do is order a Boston Bakes Dessert to donate to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Last year close to $80,000 was raised from sweet treats in restaurants, bakeries, food trucks, supermarkets, and online bake shops. A full list of participants is available online.
Friday, May 9
The likes of Tina Fey, Betty White and Chelsea Handler have proved that comedy isn’t just a man’s world, and Boston’s Women in Comedy Festival promises to have you rolling on the floor with laughter. The four-day festival kicks off on May 8, but Amy Sedaris (“Elf,” “Strangers with Candy”) headlines at the Wilbur Theatre on Friday. Festival events vary from standup, panel discussions, storytelling, improv, workshops and more, with over 100 individual performers and groups. 246 Tremont St.; 7 p.m.; $32-42.
Saturday, May 10
If you think you know Boston now, wait until you rush to solve a city-sized puzzle in the Great Urban Race. The race challenges you to solve riddles and puzzles, accomplish various physical challenges and more in a competition for cash prizes. The 12 piece game has a strict deadline of 5 pm, meet the deadline or you’re out of luck to win any awards including best team costume, top St. Jude’s fundraisers and fastest puzzle completers. Top three teams will win cash prizes and free entry to the Great Urban Race August national championship in Vancouver. Clues include coded puzzles, word searches, online scavenger hunts and more. The Kensale; 2 Center Plz; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; $60.
Sunday, May 11
Anyone who has spent time in the Boston Common knows the bronze duckling statues, a tribute to the 1941 children’s book “Make Way for Duckling.” Going one step further in celebration of the official children’s book of the Common Wealth of Massachusetts, the annual Ducking Day Parade will take over the park on Mother’s Day. Each year hundreds of children dress up and gather in the common for a puppet show, face painting and celebration of Boston’s history to the sound of the famous Harvard Band. Boston Common; 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.; free.
Monday, May 12
Could you make a movie in 48 hours? Your fellow Bostonians can! Come see the results of the 48-Hour Film Festival and marvel at how Boston-area filmmakers wrote, shot, edited and scored 84 short films in 2 days. The film festival, which took place the weekend of May 3, required that all films include a certain character (Jacqueline or Jeremiah Jones, a teacher), a prop (a diary) and the line “it is what it is.” Despite these similar aspects, each film is sure to be different and show case all of the different types of film makers in Bean Town. Kendall Square Cinema; 7 pm & 9:30 pm; $11.
Tuesday, May 13
Test your knowledge of sports and beer as you battle your friends for a chance to win gift cards and other prizes at Hit Wicket, America’s first, and Boston’s only, cricket-themed sports bar. This one-of-a-kind bar is covered in original cricket memorabilia but don’t worry – they also show traditional American and other global sports such as football, basketball, hockey and baseball! The two hour trivia night will give you a chance to show off to your friends in this historic watering hole. 1171 Cambridge St.; 8 pm; Free; 21+.
Wednesday, May 14
What started as an internet sensation and slowly moved to people somersaulting over their couches, Parkour has developed into a real hobby – a hobby the people at Parkour Generations Americas will help you perfect. Focused on people just learning the basics, this 90 minute class is open to people of all fitness levels who will be trained in speed, endurance, precision and strength as they navigate the streets of Boston, overcoming everything in their path. Classes include warm up, training on specific parkour moves and are taught by certified instructors. Brattle Square Park, Cambridge; 6:30 – 8 p.m.; $10.
Photo courtesy David Goehring, Creative Commons.
