The August heat is here (but not too bad?) and with the last weeks of summer comes a packed schedule with some fun and unique finds. The African Festival of Boston takes over Boston Common on Saturday, and the Somerville Fermentation Festival is Sunday for anyone curious about what fermentation actually tastes like. Also worth knowing: the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem is free all day Saturday, thanks to Highland Street Foundation.

[LAST WEEK RECAP + PHOTO — add your own, plus "Let me know what you all went to this week!"]

Boston Common  ·  Saturday, August 15 at 9:00 AM  ·  Free  ·  Drop-in  ·  All ages

The 16th African Festival of Boston brings live performances, dance, fashion, a marketplace, and food to Boston Common on Saturday. A great way to share and learn of the different african cultures through dance, music, and of course, food.

Arts at the Armory, Somerville  ·  Sunday, August 16 at 11:00 AM  ·  Free  ·  Drop-in  ·  All ages

A one-day gathering at Arts at the Armory where vendors bring fermented foods and drinks — kimchi, kombucha, miso, pickles — and the public tastes and asks questions. There are kids tables, microscopes to see different bacteria and a fun combination of food festival and science experiment. You can buy an early access ticket or just go at the regular time for free.

Arnold Arboretum — Conifer Collection, Boston  ·  Saturday, August 15 at 10:00 AM  ·  Free  ·  Drop-in  ·  All ages

The Arboretum on Saturday hands out sweep nets and bug boxes in kids’ hands so they can catch insects in the field, then they can use digital microscopes to ID what they found with entomologists on hand to help explain and educate. This is the perfect outdoor drop in activity for your curious outdoor kid. I recommend bringing closed-toe shoes and a water bottle.

Tech Lab, Medford Public Library  ·  Thursday, August 13  ·  Free  ·  Registration required  ·  Ages 8–12

Kids ages 8–12 learn how 3D printing works, then use the library’s printers to make something to take home. A parent or caregiver must attend.

Watertown Savings Bank Room, Watertown Free Public Library  ·  Thursday, August 13  ·  Free  ·  Registration required  ·  All ages

Land’s Sake Farm (the farm where we get our CSA) brings real rabbits to Watertown Library — kids hear rabbit-themed stories, play educational games, and get to touch the animals.

Peabody Essex Museum, Salem  ·  Saturday, August 15 at 10:00 AM  ·  Free  ·  Drop-in  ·  All ages

The Peabody Essex Museum is free for all visitors on Saturday, August 15, supported by Highland Street Foundation. If you’re looking for a reason to road trip up or will be there, you can stop into the museum for free

Gore Place, Waltham  ·  Thursday, August 13 at 5:00 PM  ·  Free  ·  Drop-in  ·  All ages

Celebrate corn season at the annual Corn Roast on the historic farm at Gore Place, Thursday from 5 to 7pm. who doesnt love roasted corn! Add in music, ice cream, and Mighty Squirrel biergarten and its an event for the whole family!

Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Lincoln  ·  Saturday, August 15  ·  $17  ·  Drop-in  ·  All ages

Families cook a meal using produce picked directly from the farm garden. $17, drop-in — check the Mass Audubon site for the exact time.

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Natick  ·  Sunday, August 16  ·  $15  ·  Drop-in  ·  Ages 5–12

Kids ages 5–12 use nets and collection tools to investigate wetland invertebrates at Broadmoor. $15, drop-in.

Keys Community Room, Milton  ·  Thursday, August 13 at 3:00 PM  ·  Free  ·  Drop-in  ·  Grades 2–4

Kids play a game, make a craft, rehearse a short play based on a picture book, and perform it for family all in one 90-minute session.

Cary Memorial Library, Lexington  ·  Tuesday, August 18  ·  Free  ·  Registration required  ·  Grades 4–6

Grades 4–6 test their demigod skills at a Percy Jackson–themed Camp Half-Blood event. Free, registration required.

Children’s Program Room, Belmont Public Library  ·  Wednesday, August 19  ·  Free  ·  Registration required  ·  Ages 8+

Kids ages 8+ sculpt a clay volcano using a pinch-pot technique, complete with battery-operated candle and dinosaurs

Summer Playtime for Babies and Toddlers (10:30 AM) — Hunneman Hall, Brookline Village · Free · Ages 0–5

End-of-Summer Reading Celebration with Animal World Experience (6:30 PM) — East Branch, Somerville · Free · All Ages

Storytime at West — West Branch Children’s Room, Somerville · Free · All Ages

Family Mini Golf — Bonsignore Hall, Medford Public Library · Free · All Ages

Twist and Shout Balloon Magic Show with Brie’s Balloons (10:30 AM) — Hunneman Hall, Brookline Village · Free · Ages 3–8

Mindful Movement: Kids Yoga at West — West Branch Community Room, Somerville · Free · All Ages

Family & Children Affinity Meditation Practice (10:30 AM) — Shambhala Boston, Brookline · Free · All Ages

Little Groove Outdoor Music Classes at Lyrik Back Bay (10:30 AM) — Lyrik, Boston · Free · Infants–Preschool

Family Paint Night (ages 6+) — Bonsignore Hall, Medford Public Library · Free · Ages 6+

Visit with Jojo the Therapy Dog — Study Room 1, Medford Public Library · Free

Yoga Story Time with Ava Dussault — Bonsignore Hall, Medford Public Library · Free · Ages 3–7

See all 305 events this week → the full calendar

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