Events in Boston, Cape Cod and more

January

Chinese New Year Spectacular
Jan. 10-12
This year the Chinese New Year is being welcomed with a January show featuring classical Chinese dance at the Boston Opera House.

Boston Wine Festival
Jan. 11-Apr. 4
A series of dinners at the Boston Harbor Hotel will showcase U.S. and international wines.

New England Boat Show
Jan. 12-20
Nearly 1,000 boats will be on display at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Admission for adults is $13.

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February

The Boston Wine Expo
Feb. 8-10
More than 1,800 different wines to try at function held at the Seaport World Trade Center.

Boston Globe Travel Show
Feb. 22-24
Held at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston, the expo will feature displays on budget travel, luxury escapes and more.

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March

New England Spring Flower Show
March 8-16
View dozens of garden displays and learn more about new developments in lawn and plant care. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.

St Patrick's Day Parade
March 16
Southie's famous parade is a local tradition and full of fun, and of course, beer. Also, don't miss Boston's Irish Heritage Trail. Check irishmassachusetts.com for a listing of other St. Patrick's Day parades in Massachusetts.

Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade and Roadrace
March 29-30
The events begin with a 10K roadrace on Saturday and continue on Sunday with a traditional Irish parade.

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April

Boston Marathon
April 21
Catch your favorite runner pass Heartbreak Hill in the world's oldest annual marathon.  The 26.2-mile race attracts runners worldwide and was started over a hundred years ago. The race begins in Hopkinton and continues through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline, eventually ending in Boston.

Patriots' Day Re-enactments
April 21
Head into Boston or the Lexington/Concord area on Patriots' Day weekend, and you're likely to run into militia men, 18th century farmers, and maybe even a division of Red Coats. Historical re-enactments on Lexington Green and Concord are held every year, as are re-enactments of Paul Revere's ride. Paul Revere's ride at midnight is followed by the Battle at Lexington Green in Lexington center early Monday morning. See the battleroad.org Web site for schedules of events in Concord and Lexington and the Paul Revere House site for events in Boston.

Jazz Week
April 26-May 4
The art of jazz is celebrated throughout the city at various venues.

Independent Film Festival of Boston
April 23-29
A series of independent films shown in venues in Somerville, Cambridge, and Brookline.

Daffodil Festival Weekend
April 25-27
An annual Nantucket festival that includes the Antique and Classic Car Parade, and the Tailgate Picnic.

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May

Arts First Festival in Harvard Square
May 1-4
More than 200 music, theater, dance, film, and visual arts events, with most free and open to the public.

Harvard Square MayFair
May 4
Always a place to find lively entertainment, Harvard Square once a year celebrates the coming of spring with outdoor concerts, street vendors and activities for children.

Brimfield Antiques and Collectibles Shows
May 13-18
As many as 4,500 dealers gather three times a year in one of the oldest and largest outdoor shows of its kind.

Nantucket Wine Festival
May 16-20
Sample some of the finest wines while visiting the scenic island.

Earthfest Concert
May 24
Every year the Boston radio station WBOS hosts an outdoor free concert at the Hatch Shell at the Esplanade. 2008 acts include Cake, Cracker, The English Beat and BoDeans. Merchandise sold at the concert benefits environmental groups.

Johnny Kelley Half Marathon
May 25
A scenic 5K, 10K and half marathon in Cape Cod's Hyannis.

Newburyport's Memorial Day Weekend Spring Festival
May 25-26
Two-day arts and crafts festival in downtown Newburyport.

Quilters Connection 31th Annual Quilt Show
May 30-June 1
More than 200 quilts will be exhibited, with some for sale.

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June

Cultural Survival Bazaar
May 31-June 1
Cultural Survival Bazaars bring in indigenous merchants and music performers from around the world. The May 31 weekend event is held in Amherst.

Cape Cod Food and Wine Festival
June 1-4
A week of "wine dinners and cultural happy hours."

Boston Dragonboat Festival
June 8
The Asian community celebrates its heritage and the life and death of Chinese patriot-poet Qu Yuan (340-278 B.C.) with the annual dragonboat races. The day includes handmade, brightly colored boats powered by paddlers; arts and crafts; performances; and other activities for children and adults.

2008 Whisker Walk
June 8
A dog walk-a-thon fundraiser for multiple animal shelters and rescue groups throughout New England.

Spring Beer Garden
June 14
Sample dozens of brews during the popular Festival of Ale at Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester.

Nantucket Film Festival
June 19-22
See engaging films on the scenic island that makes the perfect summer retreat.

Cape Ann Artisians Open Studio Tour
June 21-22
Art studios in the Rocky Neck area and other locations open to the public.

Cambridge River Festival
June 14
The Cambridge Arts Council sponsors a yearly festival on Memorial Drive by the Charles River that includes interactive arts tents, public art displays, and activities for children.

Cultural Survival Bazaar
June 21
Cultural Survival Bazaars bring in indigenous merchants and music performers from around the world. The June 21 event is held on Boston Common.

St. Peter's Fiesta
June 25-29
An Italian festival in Gloucester honoring the patron saint of the fisherman St. Peter.

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July

Boston Harborfest
July 1-6
2007 promises a special celebration as the event turns 25.  The patriotic celebration, held on the Boston waterfront, includes a Chowderfest, concerts, and children's activities.

July 4th Concerts and Fireworks
July 3-4
Boston's July 4th fireworks display and Boston Pops concerts are held at the Esplanade each year. Get there early for a good lawn seat.

New Bedford Summerfest
July 4-6
The annual folk music and arts festival takes place in the southeastern Massachusetts whaling town New Bedford.

Brimfield Antiques and Collectibles Shows
July 8-13
As many as 4,500 dealers gather three times a year in one of the oldest and largest outdoor shows of its kind.

Newburyport Riverfront Festival
July 11-12
Features a fishing tournament and the Annual Riverfront Concert.

New England Sand Sculpting Invitational
July 14-20
Features a three-day competition among master sand sculptors competing for over $10,000 in prize money. Held at Revere Beach, just north of Boston.

ArtBeat
July 18-19
Somerville Art Council annually sponsors the multi-day party, starting with a parade, followed by evening concerts, and culminating with a full day of outdoor concerts, vendors, and art shows in Davis Square. This year's theme is "green."

Barnstable County Fair
July 18-26
Held in East Falmouth on Cape Cod, the annual fair includes rides, livestock and horticultural displays, arts and crafts, and a petting zoo.

Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival
July 19
You'll find games, entertainment, and historic re-enactments during this Northampton ethnic festival. Admission charged.

Lowell Folk Festival
July 25-27
The annual festival draws top folk, blues and international musicians. The outdoor event takes up several city blocks and includes food and crafts vendors.

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August

Adams Agricultural Fair
Aug. 1-3
The annual fair in the heart of the Berkshires includes contests, carnival rides, animals, children's events, music, and magic. Admission is charged.

Lowell Quilt Festival
Aug. 7-10
The exhibit at Lowell's Tsongas Arena will include about 150 juried quilts.

Essex Street Fair
Aug. 9-10
This street festival in downtown Salem includes crafts, jewelry, street performers, music and more.

Fisherman's Feast
Aug. 14-17
An annual celebration in Boston's Italian community in the North End.

Marshfield Fair
Aug. 15-24
A Great Pumpkin contest, Fiddler Ed, ox pulling, rides, music, and more in this annual South Shore event.

Sandcastle and Sculpture Day
Aug. 16
Nantucket all-day sand sculpture contest on Jetties Beach.

Boston Caribbean Carnival

The annual event includes events for kids, a parade, and the "King and Queen Show."

Cambridge Carnival
Aug. 24
A Caribbean-style festival in Central and Kendall squares featuring a parade, colorful Mardi Gras-style costumes, music stages, and a steel band.

St. Anthony's Feast
Aug. 29-31
An annual Italian festival in Boston's North End, events include a parade, marching bands, music, and of course, Italian food. The celebration has ongoing since 1919.

Tanglewood Jazz Festival  
Aug. 29-31
The Boston Symphony Orchestra performs in Western Mass.

Gloucester Schooner Festival
Aug. 29-Sep. 1
Begins with a "Parade of Sail" of all the competing schooners.

Blandford Fair
Aug. 29-Sep. 1
The fair in the Western MA town includes livestock shows; horse, oxen, and pony pulls; a quilt exhibit; antique engine and car shows; and rides.

King Richard's Faire
Aug. 30-Oct. 19
A recreation of 16th century English marketplace at festival time. It's great for kids, and includes exotic animals and jousting knights.

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September

Buskers Festival

Outdoor street theater and food booths in Newburyport.

Brimfield Antiques and Collectibles Shows
Sept. 2-9
As many as 4,500 dealers gather three times a year in one of the oldest and largest outdoor shows of its kind.

Great Provincetown Schooner Regatta and Yacht Race
Sept. 3-6
Historic schooners and modern vessels come to Provincetown for a week of fun and lively competition.

Boston Film Festival

An annual event that showcases a series of feature films and short films from various countries.

Boston Folk Festival
Sep. 13-14
A weekend of performances and a songwriting contest.

North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival
Sep. 20-21
Art, garlic cuisine, live music, and regional agriculture. Expect to find more than 20 varieties of garlic, hot apple cider, honey with a live bee display, herbal products, heirloom tomatoes and garlic farmstead cheeses.

Bourne Scallop Festival

The annual Cape Cod festival attracts more than 40,000 visitors and includes games and rides, entertainment and a home expo show.

The Big E
Sep. 12-28
A huge fair with livestock shows and competitions, a visit to the Emerald Isle, and The Avenue of States - life-size replicas of each New England state's original capitol building.

BeanTown Jazz Festival
Sep. 25-27
The music fest is presented by Berklee College of Music and held at various locations around Boston.

Bolton Fair
Sep. 25-28
An agricultural fair with old-fashioned fun, including a music stage, animal shows, and fireworks.

Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival
Sep. 26-28
Includes a craft fair, a scarecrow contest and more family fun.

Nantucket Arts Festival

A series of events featuring performing, visual and literary arts.

Topsfield Fair
Oct. 3-13
Includes live entertainment, cooking contests, goat and llama shows, displays, a petting zoo, and the New England Giant Pumpkin weigh-off - held on opening day. Admission is charged.

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October

Haunted Happenings
Every year Salem, known for its witch trials and modern-day witches, plans a month-long series of spooky events that involve museums, haunted houses, storytelling, and tours.

Haunted Happenings Grand Parade

Hosted by the Salem Chamber of Commerce. This year's theme is "The Wizard of Oz."

Massachusetts Cranberry Harvest Festival
Oct. 11-12
The Cape Cod Cranberry Grower's Association festival includes cranberry harvesting tours, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, and crafts. Located in Wareham.

Harvard Square Oktoberfest

Harvard Square ushers in the fall with an outdoor block party, filled with street vendors, concerts, activities for children, and other types of performances.

Newburyport Fall Harvest Festival

Farmstands, music, and a scarecrow contest in the North Shore's Newburyport.

Cape Ann Artisians Open Studio Tour
Oct. 11-13
Art studios in the Rocky Neck area and other locations open to the public.

Wellfleet OysterFest

Live music, local crafts, delicious local fare and brews, kayak and road races, children's activities, a spelling bee and the "Shuck-Off" shucking competition.

Rockport Harvest Festival

You can expect pumpkin decorating, a scarecrow creation contest, hayrides and more. Rockport is north of Gloucester on the North Shore.

Festival in the Park

An annual event in south Brookline that includes a juried crafts fair and live entertainment.

Head of the Charles Regatta
Spectators from around the world gather in Cambridge and Boston for the two-day rowing race on the Charles River at the Cambridge Boat Club. It was first held in 1965.

Festival of the Dead
A series of events in Salem that explore death, the spirit world, and death's customs.

Sturbridge Annual Harvest Festival

Sturbridge Town Common is filled with family activities, including music, hayrides and face painting.

Salem Witches Halloween Ball

Held at Salem's Hawthorne Hotel. Music by Fiona Horne. Tickets are $150 per person.

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November

Boston Jewish Film Festival

The film festivals seeks to show the best contemporary films from around the world on Jewish themes. Locations include the Boston Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline.

Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting

The annual tree lighting at the historic market center.

Plymouth's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Food Festival

The festivities include historical reenactments, vintage cars, and a food festival with the area's best chowders, soups and deserts.

Joy Street Open Studios

More than 60 artist studios will open to the public from 12-6 p.m. You can see glass blowing, papermaking, metal, fabric, video, painting, sculpture, and more. Location is 86 Joy Street in Somerville.

Big Balloon Parade

The city of Springfield welcomes Santa on the day after Thanksgiving with a parade of giant balloons up to 75 feet high, including a "Cat in the Hat" balloon.

Boston Common Tree Lighting

Boston's Mayor Menino throws the switch for the event, which includes festivities and family fun. Every year the tree is given to Boston from Nova Scotia in thanks for the assistance Boston provided after the December 6, 1917 explosion of a munitions ship in Halifax Harbor.

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December

Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas

The Western Massachusetts town that was featured in the Norman Rockwell painting "Main Street at Christmas" observes this distinction by re-enacting the scene every year. See the Web site for a schedule of activities.

Christmas in Salem

See some of Salem's most opulent mansions festively decorated for the holiday season.

Cultural Survival Bazaar

Two of several bazaars being held in the Northeast this year that brings in indigenous merchants and music performers from around the world. The events will include hand-knotted Afghan, Ersari and Tibetan tribal rugs and workshops that teach pottery making and native flute playing. The Dec. 1-2 event is being held at Rockefeller Center in Cambridge (1730 Cambridge St.), and the Dec. 8-9 event is at Hynes Convention Center in Boston.

Harvard Square Tree Lighting
Santa travels by boat across the Charles and then leads a parade to Winthrop Park near the Charles Hotel for the tree lighting.

First Night
December 31
First Night includes ice sculptures and entertainment at more than 40 indoor and outdoor venues in Boston.

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