Things To Do This Weekend In Massachusetts: August 18-20

BOSTON (WBZNewsRadio) - The weekend is here yet again and as the back-to-school season has already begun, some of us are holding onto what's left of the summer. Luckily there are a number of family-fun events taking place across the state, from music festivals, Plastic City Comic Con, and even a cardboard regatta.

Unfortunately we're expecting to see some severe weather on Friday, as a cold front moves into New England from the upper Midwest. The good news? Saturday will be dry, but cloudy, with highs in the 70s. The sun will return on Sunday.

Canton Summer Blast Off

Canton hosts it’s Summer Blast Off event Friday night, featuring a Canton’s Got Talent Show, games, face-painting and of course all the delicious food you could possibly eat. Following the event, a movie will be shown at 8:30 p.m. so bring a picnic, a blanket and the whole family.

6:30 p.m. Pequitside Farm, Canton. Free

Haverhill Restaurant Week

Bring your appetite to Restaurant week in Haverhill. Kicking off Friday, Aug. 18th and running through Thurs. Aug. 24th. The kick-off event is being held at the Liquor Warehouse on Locust Street from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

For a full list of participating restaurants or to make a reservation, click here.

SATURDAY

In Between Days Festival

In Between Days Festival returns to Quincy for a two-day celebration of music. Headlining Saturday evening is Modest Mouse. Sunday’s headliner is Lord Huron. Aside from the music, there will be a pop-up vintage market, vinyl record shop, a pop-up shop arcade and of course all the food and drinks to be had.

Tickets are still available for both single day and two-day passes. $105-$400

Allston/Brighton Open Streets

Swap the car for your favorite pair of walking shoes on Saturday for the Allston/Brighton Open Streets event. Starting at 10 a.m. Brighton and Harvard Avenues will be closed between Cambridge Street to Commonwealth Avenue

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Free

13th Annual African Festival of Boston

Bringing culture, music and delicious food to the Boston Common, the AFOB is back and proudly celebrating African culture. By the way, the celebration will also be the stage for a number of local businesses to sell their products

Saturday & Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Boston Common Free

Dedham’s Needham Street Mural Makeover

Why not channel those creative juices with the Dedham Active Transportation Working Group who have been working tirelessly to raise awareness over speeding concerns on Needham Street. The group is hosting a painting event and encouraging local parents to come redesign and paint the cross walk at the main entrance of Riverdale Elementary.

Saturday & Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Plastic City Comic Con Returns to Fitchburg

Whether you’re a comic-book loving kid or a comic-book loving kid at heart, Fitchburg will be the place to be this weekend as the Plastic City Comic Con event returns.

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tickets $10, Kids under 12 Free

Watershed Block Party at ICA Watershed.

Here’s your chance to pop on ‘round the Watershed for a free block-party style celebration. There will be Reiki demonstrations, a performance of Spanish folk songs, salsa lessons, and a number of sculptures will be on display.

4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Free

Jamaica Plain Porchfest

Last weekend, the porches of Somerville came to life with art, and this weekend the porches of Jamaica Plain will transform into the stage, featuring local creators showcasing their talents.

12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Multiple Locations in JP, Free

Under the Sky Concert

How about a Saturday afternoon concert at the Hatch Shell? This Saturday IAGB will present “India the Trailblazer.” The afternoon of cultural music and talent will feature Berklee College of Music Student Band, “Saarang.”

2:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Match Memorial Shell, Boston, Free

Cape Cod Bay Challenge Returns

The Cape Cod Bay Challenge is back for another year, bringing hundreds of stand-up paddle borders to the waters for a five or 16 mile swim. All the proceeds will go to Christopher’s Haven, a non-profit that helps families secure housing adjacent to Mass General Hospital, while their children are undergoing cancer treatment.

6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Duxbury Beach Park, Duxbury

SUNDAY

The Great Salem Maritime Cardboard Boat Regatta.

Returning to Salem thing weekend, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site will host the family-friendly event. 25-teams of two will compete in the regatta. By the way this regatta isn’t about winning. A number of prizes are up for grabs including “most spectacular sinking.”

12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 160 Derby Street, Salem.

“Out of the Park” will transform the Boston Common into Fenway Park, bringing a live showing of the baseball game to fans via a 16x30 foot jumbo screen. Seats are first come first serve, and by “seats” we mean spots on the grass, so you’ll definitely want to bring a blanket. Also coming to life on the Common, a batting cage, other family-friendly games, and of course a visit from Wally the Green Monster and his sister Tessie.

12:30 p.m. Festivities Start, 2:20 p.m. First Pitch, Free, Boston Common

Quincy August Moon Celebration

Last week we celebrated in Chinatown and this week, the City of Quincy is celebrating the August Moon with a festival in front of the Quincy Public Schools administration building. Featuring traditional lion dancing, food, as well as other performances, you won’t want to miss this.

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Coddington Street, Quincy Center

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