By Mary Whitfill, editor-in-chief
Thursday, June 26
This Thursday kicks off the Summer Party Cruise Series, a weekly event with three floors of floating bands, DJs, drinks and dancing. The first of this weekly event is sure to be one of the best in the series, with over $1,000 in prizes being given away. Each party is hosted by Mix 104.1 and the first cruise will feature Fast Times ‘80s music and DJ Doug Lane. Be sure to hit the ATM before heading on board – the boat is cash only! Complimentary pre and after parties are hosted by the Atlantic Beer Garden. 21+; 200 Seaport Blvd., Suite 50; 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.; $25 – 30.
Friday, June 27
Revisit your childhood and dress for the occasion as Cuisine en Local recreates the ‘90s, complete with black chokers and powder-pink puffy-sleeved dresses. This ‘90s prom will feature the best music of the decade, a photo booth to capture the ultimate throwback, prizes for prom King, Queen and Something in Between and amazing props to get you in the spirit. The host will provide food and cocktails, as well as decking out the place using the same decorations seen in high school gyms at the ultimate senior dance. Don your best denim dress and channel Britney Spears as you fondly remember the grunge age. 156 Highland Ave., Somerville; 8 – 11:45 p.m; $20.
Saturday, June 28
Mixing up the traditional festival style, celebrate Caribbean style foodie favorites at the second annual Boston JerkFest. Featuring Jamaican Jerk foods, this spicy afternoon will be offset by a rum and beer tasting event with local mixologists stirring up the “Irie” drinks. The event has expanded since its first successful year: each restaurant vendor must feature at least one jerk dish and the trademark “Spicy Lane” will offer morehot vendors than ever before. Besides stuffing your face with delicious dishes from eateries like Jamaica Mi Hungry, Taza Chocolate and 7ate9 Bakery, live music by 10 different artists will feature reggae, Latin rhythms and steel drums. Chef demos will pit two cooks against each other to come up with the best dishes in themed competitions such as “A Seafood Throwdown” and “Jerk Cook Off.” 41 Berkley St.; 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; $12 – 45.
Sunday, June 29
Say goodbye to the expensive tickets and high heels and come as you are to Edward Sennott Park to hear the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra free of charge. While classical repertoire will still flow over the audience, this less formal event will also bring to life patriotic marches and a variety of songs from Broadway shows and feature films. Pops on the Lawn is just one of the many events hosted by the musical group of almost 40 years. The only free outdoor concert of the season, this is your only summer opportunity to hear the orchestra play lighthearted music in the summer breeze. If complicated works are more your style, check out three of the upcoming masterworks concerts at the symphony hall. Edward Sennott Park, Cambridge; 3 p.m.; free.
Monday, June 30
The Artpop Ball is the fourth concert tour for Lady Gaga: one of today’s most theatrical and over-the-top performers. The concert is to promote her most recent album “ArtPop” (2013), a record that, by Gaga standards, flopped when it hit the shelves. While two million US sales may seem like a hit for many, it doesn’t come close to the sixmillion sales of her 2011 album “Born This Way,” or 15 million of “The Fame” (2008). While many shows sold out immediately, her T.D. Garden show still has tickets for sale. Despite the album’s lack of movement in stores, her performance at South by Southwest, a precursor to the tour launch, proved that the glitz and glamour will be in full swing at this live event. According to Live Nation, over 80 percent of tickets in North America have sold, so be sure to grab these coveted tickets before they’re gone. T.D. Garden; 7:30 p.m.; tickets available from $62.
Tuesday, July 1
The Lexington Lions Club is starting the Fourth of July festivities early with the annual carnival, a classic American funfest with fried foods, rollercoasters and fresh squeezed lemonade. Compete for prizes in your favorite carnival games like the milk bottle toss and balloon dart board. This year’s event will also feature contests and prizes for original costumes, bubble gum blowing and watermelon eating. A fireworks show will really put you in the holiday spirit, starting at dusk each night. With unlimited rides available for a reasonable cost, this is a fun, all-American way to get the most out of your holiday. Hastings Park, Lexington; 6 – 11 p.m.; $25.
Wednesday, July 2
A six-day celebration of America’s oldest city launches on Wednesday for the 33rd year in a row. Over 200 festive events will fill every nook and cranny of the city for Boston Harborfest. Wednesday features an 18th century chocolate-making demonstration and tasting, Boston Harbor tall ship sailing, special sunset duck tours with a patriotic twist, and an overnight sleepover in a rustic shipboard cabin with a continental breakfast served on a tallship. Prices for events vary but many are offered for free to enthusiastic Bostonians. July 2 – 6; all day; prices vary.
Photo Courtesy Official U.S. Navy Page, Creative Commons.
