Summer is in full swing, and with it, Boston is coming alive with free concerts, comedy, and a slightly belated solstice celebration. Plus, coming up this weekend, Somerville’s longest-running street festival is sure to provide a day of inspiration for all.
LAUGH OUT LOUD Start your week with a free comedy show in the Seaport at Lucky’s Lounge. The Monday night shows feature a varying lineup of New England comedians — many of whom have graced the stages of major streamers — ready to make the crowd roar with laughter. Doors open at 7 p.m., and seating is on a first come first serve basis, so get there early for the best view! July 8, 7:30-9 p.m. Free with purchase. Lucky’s Lounge, 355 Commercial St. luckyslounge.com
STEP INTO THE SUN June’s heat wave postponed this event, but it isn’t too late to celebrate the summer solstice with MIT’s Open Space programming. The afternoon is packed with food trucks, DIY hanging planters with Grace Coburn of Old Dog Design, hot beats by Tim Hall and LOMAN, and ice cream on the house. Children must be accompanied by an adult. July 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Kendall/MIT Open Space, 292 Main St., Cambridge. openspace.mit.edu
BLOCKED OFF FOR A BLOCK PARTY Shop till sundown at Jamaica Plain’s biweekly Nite Market series. Every other Thursday through Sept. 5, musicians and vendors take over South Street, bringing snacks, handmade trinkets and art, floral arrangements, and more delightfully local wares. Bonus: kids on four or two (or eight) wheels can glide on over to the tennis courts to partake in action-packed fun hosted by Ferris Wheels Bike Shop. July 11, 6-9 p.m., 34-68 South St., Jamaica Plain, jpcentresouth.com
TASTY TUNES Sure, you can go to a bakery for your morning pastry, but you can’t always go to one for a concert. Mariposa Bakery is opening up after-hours for an evening of live music served with pastries, tea, and coffee. Local artists Tiny the Bear, Von Aldra, and Good Judgement will take the stage for a toe-tapping night at this independent bakery. July 10, 7:30-10 p.m. Free. Mariposa Bakery, 424 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. mariposabakery.com
A BEACH RETREAT Oh, those summer nights! Revere Theatre Thursdays offer an opportunity to relax by the seaside. With music, popcorn, cotton candy, and a screening at dusk, this free weekly film series is an all-family affair. Catch this week’s screening of “Trolls Band Together” by William G. Reinstein Bandstand. July 11, 6-8 p.m. Free. Revere Beach, 350 Revere Beach Blvd., Revere. revrec.org
PLANES, TRAINS AND … WATERCRAFT Celebrate Water Transit Month with Seaport TMA, A Better City TMA, and Lower Mystic TMA at their annual Water Transit Fair. Attendees can partake in photo-ops and panels and chances to win prizes, while learning the different ways to get the best use of the city’s water transportation options — including how to avoid this summer’s Sumner Tunnel closure, the greatest prize of all. July 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Christopher Columbus Park/Long Wharf 100 Atlantic Ave. eventbrite.com
LIVE ON THE WILD SIDE Somerville’s ArtBeat festival is back for its 38th year. With over 100 craft and food vendors, artists, and live music across Davis Square and a dance showcase at the Somerville Theater, the all-day festival’s theme is “wild” and there will be no shortage of ways to cut loose. July 13, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free. 1 Davis Square, Somerville. somervilleartscouncil.org/artbeat/2024
JAZZ IT UP Charles Haynes and the Tabernacle, Keyon Harrold, Brian Richburg Jr., and more will take the stage at the Boston Jazz Foundation’s fourth annual Charles River Jazz Festival. Head out to Allston to soak in the sun and get lost in live jazz all Sunday long. Tickets are required and free or Pay What You Can but attendees also can purchase VIP or Platinum upgrades for perks like an Oyster Happy Hour and covered seating. July 14, noon to 9 p.m. Free. Herter Park Amphitheater, 1175 Soldiers Field Road, Boston. bostonjazzfoundation.org/crjf
Emily Wyrwa can be reached at emily.wyrwa@globe.com. Follow her @emilywyrwa.
