Somehow we are nearing the end of summer. I hope this summer was filled with fun, family, friends, and going to new places and events (or old ones) that you found with me. Thank you for trusting me and opening your email each week to find out what is happening in our community each week. I wish you the best of getting ready for back to school, that you enjoy the last couple of summer weeks and soak in the sun before school and fall hits.

JP PorchFest is this Saturday with live music everywhere, the Arnold Arboretum (great place to go for a walk) is doing plant-based fabric dyeing on Sunday for something more hands-on, and the North End’s San Gennaro Feast runs this weekend.

Is anyone using the new add to calendar feature? Does it work? Any suggestions?

Jamaica Plain, Boston  ·  Saturday, August 22 at 12:00 PM  ·  Free  ·  Drop-in  ·  All ages

JP PorchFest turns the streets of Jamaica Plain into a free, walk-around music festival with bands playing on front (or back) porches throughout the neighborhood. It’s the 11th year, so expect a solid turnout for bands and music lovers alike. Bring a stroller, wear comfortable shoes, and check the map on jpporchfest.org (link above also) before you head out so you can plan a route.

Arnold Arboretum, Boston  ·  Sunday, August 23 at 12:00 PM  ·  Free  ·  Drop-in  ·  All ages

Kids and families dye fabric using plants grown right on the Arboretum grounds — goldenrod, stinging nettle, madder. The Arboretum itself is a great place to wander before or after.

Paul Revere Mall, Boston  ·  Friday, August 21 at 5:00 PM  ·  Free  ·  Drop-in  ·  All ages

The San Gennaro Feast takes over the Prado (Paul Revere Mall) Friday through Sunday — street food, music, and the full neighborhood-feast atmosphere. Free to walk through, just bring cash for food. It gets crowded Saturday evening, so Sunday afternoon might be an easier time to go with kids.

Bonsignore Hall, Medford Public Library  ·  Thursday, August 20  ·  Free  ·  Registration required  ·  Ages 8–12

Kids try to clean up a simulated oil spill using different tools — a real hands-on STEM activity. Free, registration required.

Burlington Public Library  ·  Friday, August 21  ·  Free  ·  Drop-in  ·  All ages

Burlington Public Library transforms the whole building into a mini-golf course for one night — LED holes throughout, plus ice cream. Free, drop-in.

Children’s Program Room, Watertown Free Public Library  ·  Wednesday, August 26  ·  Free  ·  Registration required  ·  Ages 8–11

This month’s Danger Club: kids use water balloons to tie-dye t-shirts. Free; register ahead (2 spots left)

Powisset Farm, Dover  ·  Saturday, August 22 at 9:00 AM  ·  Free  ·  Drop-in  ·  All ages

Powisset opens the barnyard every Saturday morning — kids meet the animals, roll up their sleeves, and help alongside farm staff. Free, drop-in.

Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Lincoln  ·  Sunday, August 23  ·  $15  ·  Drop-in  ·  All ages

Drumlin Farm takes sheep out for a guided hike — kids walk with the sheep and hear stories from farm staff about the animals. $15, drop-in.

Back Library Lawn, Acton Memorial Library  ·  Thursday, August 20  ·  Free  ·  Drop-in  ·  All ages

Acton wraps up summer reading with a carnival on the back lawn — games, a food truck (Twizted Pickle), prizes, and the summer reading winners announced.

Youth Services Programming Room, Medford Public Library  ·  Thursday, August 20  ·  Free  ·  Drop-in  ·  Ages 5+

Kids 5 and up build on a large floor tarp from a mountain of Legos either open challenge builds or free builds.

Farmers’ Market Storytime (4:00 PM) — Belmont Center Farmers’ Market · Free · Ages 2–6

Toddler Time — Youth Services Programming Room, Medford Public Library · Free · Ages 2–3

MakerSpace Drop-In — MakerSpace, Medford Public Library · Free · Teens 16+

Little Beats (10:30 AM) — Druker Auditorium, Newton · Free · Ages 0–5

Dungeons & Dragons for Tweens/Teens (10:30 AM) — Tween Room, Brookline Village · Free · Tweens/Teens

Stuffie Sleepover and Slideshow (4:00 PM) — Druker Auditorium, Newton · Free

Memorial Drive Recreation Sundays (11:00 AM) — Memorial Drive, Cambridge · Free

Summer Concerts at Spectacle Island (2:00 PM) — Spectacle Island, Boston · Free

My First Storytime (10:30 AM) — Children’s Program Room, Newton · Free · 0–23 months

Magnetic Locker Crafts (for teens) — Teen Section, Medford Public Library · Free · Teens

Rising Reporters: An Introduction to Journalism (7:00 PM) — Children’s Program Room, Newton · Free · Middle School

Barn Babies Petting Zoo (All Ages) — Bonsignore Hall, Medford Public Library · Free · All Ages

See all 303 events this week → the full calendar

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