By Mary Whitfill, editor-in-chief
Thursday, June 12
Featuring geeks with a beat, blocks of food trucks and interactive street art exhibits, one of Boston’s most creative festivals, Tech Jam (BTJ), is taking over City Hall Plaza. Start-ups, entrepreneurs and student teams are invited to pitch at BTJ in the “Pitch Heard ‘Round the World” program, the only part of Tech Jam that requires tickets. Participants include BitCoin Nation, Moodsnap, which delivers mood-based playlists inspired by images, and Sharalike, a photo storage and video-collage creating app. Live music will fill the plaza, and each band performing includes at least one musician who works in the tech industry. City Hall Plaza; 12 p.m.; free.
Friday, June 13
The South Shore Art Festival goes one step further than regular area art shows: inviting attendees to not only a festival on the town, but a jazz reception and dinners in private homes in the company of artists. The small town New England festival is celebrating its 59th year showcasing and selling the wares of locals, including clothing, wall decorations, plates and bowls, jewelry and handmade soaps. 41 Highland Ave., Cohasset; 1 – 7 p.m.; free.
Saturday, June 14
Live Nation is hosting its first ever food truck and music event with the Fork in the Road Food Truck Festival in Blue Hills Bank Pavilion. More than 15 of the area’s most popular food trucks will serve up an eclectic variety of flavors,including dishes from vendors like Captain Marden’s Cod Squad, Frozen Hoagies, The Whoo(pie) Wagon and M&M Ribs. Harpoon Brewery is also sponsoring, promising cold beers and the distinct feel of the New England summer. 290 Northern Ave.; noon; $15.
Sunday, June 15
Sixty-two teams will go head to head in the 35th Annual Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival on Sunday. Besides the highly competitive race, the performances and arts and crafts demonstrations, will showcase Chinese heritage at North America’s longest running dragon boat festival. Time trials for the races start Saturday, but the competition will really heat up with the finals on Sunday morning. Viewers will be treated to a number of delicious foods as vendors India Castle, Aloha Jack’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice, Mini Melts Ice Cream Sushi Sushi and others line the Charles River. MIT Pierce Boathouse; 409 Memorial Drive, Cambridge; 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.; free.
Monday, June 16
Boston, quickly becoming a hub of technological innovation, will host its biggest hackathon: an event to bring teams of developers together for a world-class competition. Participants will spend 48 straight hours attending sessions, workshops and seminars designed to fuel innovation among some of Boston’s brightest minds, MassHack launched a crowd-funding campaign in march with a $50,000 goal, hoping to earn the title of “Boston’s Largest crowdfunded hackathon.” Teams have already been assembled, but spectators are welcome. 200 Stuart St.; noon; free.
Tuesday, June 17
The Boston Wine School is taking one of the world’s most prestigious beverages and bringing the snobbery down a notch with the Burgers and Bordeaux event. Attendees will get a chance to sample an array of fancy French cabernets and merlots, but on a more accessible level, pairing the drinks with cheese, olives and sliders. The school prides itself on being a “snob-free zone,” making classes interesting and interactive for everyone and allowing for a sampling of six to eight wines per event. 1354 Commonwealth Ave.; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.; $50.
Wednesday, June 18
Tap into your inner child, but without all of the snotty noses and crying kids. The Boston Children’s Museum is hosting a grown up night and throwing open their doors to those who are only young at heart. Adult participants are invited to blow a giant bubble, crawl all over the three-story free climb, build old school forts and more, all while enjoying beer, wine and other tasty, adult-friendly treats. The 80’s theme asks all attendees to pull out their neon legwarmers and side ponytails and make tribute to the most colorful generation. 308 Congress St.; 6 p.m.; $25; 21+
Photo courtesy Madeline Ball, Creative Commons.
