By Mary Whitfill, editor-in-chief
Thursday, July 24
The Northeast is famous for its seafood. From clams to oysters, tourists know that chowder and lobster rolls are must haves for any trip to Boston. Try a staple of northern seafood made by locals on Spectacle Island with a clambake featuring lobster, chowder, chicken, steamers, mussels and more. Make the perfect meal by mixing and matching different summer must-haves from Rita’s Catering, then enjoy the salty breeze as you take the picturesque ferry back to the mainland after a hearty helping of s’mores. Boston Harbor Islands; 6:30 – 9 p.m.; $36.
Friday, July 25
The weather isn’t the only hot thing about summer in Boston. Join the regulars of Harvard Square’s vibrant restaurant scene and sample a variety of delicious salsa and chips. Beat Hotel, Felipe’s, Boloco, Taco Truck and Cancun Taqueria will be handing out their spicy salsas and Sandrine’s Bistro will host a mocktail bar with free non-alcoholic creations, or the adult versions for a charge. The theme continues with an evening of salsa dancing on the square with DJ D. Martinez mixing Latin beats while dance instructors help newbies move their feet to the spanish music. Harvard Square; 7 – 10 p.m.; free.
Saturday, July 26
Walking the Charles River is an experience shared by all Bostonians, and now is the chance to take it one step further with your friends and neighbors. The Charles River conservatory is hosting its second annual Charles River Community Swim, bringing strangers together to launch themselves off the Fielder Dock and into the cool water for a break from the sweltering heat. A bag check is available and pre-registration is required, but swimming the iconic waterway is free all afternoon. Grab your tanning lotion and towels and make a day of it by drying off under the sun on the Esplanade. Fielder Dock, The Esplanade; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; free.
Sunday, July 27
For the 100th year, the Boston Fisheries foundation is tickling the city’s taste buds with the Boston Seafood Festival and, for the centennial celebration, they’re pulling out all the stops. Gaming booths, cooking demonstrations, tastings and more will take over the Exchange Conference Center to help promote local businesses and fisherman. Food vendors, craft tables and a lobster bake tent will be open all day, and a schedule of further demonstrations and cook-offs can be found online.1 Fish Pier Road; 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; $10.
Monday, July 28
Movie buffs will come together to discuss the recent oscar snubs of director Kathryn Bigelow (“The Hurt Locker,” “Zero Dark Thirty”) while watching one of her most iconic breakout films “Point Break.” Part of Coolidge Corner Theatre’s Big Screen Classics, “Point Break” is one of the greatest American films of the ‘90s, loaded with classic favorites: meatball subs, Ronald Reagan, beach parties and Patrick Swayze. Grab your friends and visit a simpler time while enjoying one of Boston’s coolest and most popular movie theatres. 290 Harvard St.; 7 p.m.; $11.
Tuesday, July 29
Living in a city on the water has given Bostonians a glimpse into the extensive world of watersports, and Living Root is giving you a chance to try one of the more extensive ones absolutely free. A Chinese tradition dating back hundreds of years, Dragon Boating is a visually appealing activity that can be seen each summer taking over the Charles River during June’s annual Dragon Boat Festival. On Tuesday, Living Root, a non-profit, coed dragon boat team, is taking out newbies and giving them a taste of the sport, providing all equipment and a free how-to. Afterwards, stop in at the Barking Crab for a variety of clams, oysters, lobster, unique sandwiches and a cold brew. 88 Sleeper St. 6 – 8 p.m.; free.
Wednesday, July 30
If you say you don’t know all of the words to “How to Save a Life,” you are either lying or didn’t come out of your room for most of the 2000s as The Fray’s most successful single dominated the airwaves. This, plus their equally popular hit “Over My Head (Cable Car),” are staples of ‘90s kid music and can make any millennial hum along, even unintentionally. Rock out with the Counting Crows-esque group as they take over the Blue Hills Bank Pavillion with their piano solos and power ballads, promoting their latest album, “Helios.” 290 Northern Ave.; 7:30 p.m.; $80.
Photo courtesy Julio Enriquez, creative commons.
