Stephen Baird
Winging it
BUTTERFLIES OVER BOSTON Some important things are happening in nature. One is the summer solstice, and the other is the Monarch butterfly migration. Celebrate both at an event featuring live Monarch caterpillars and chrysalises, Mexican music and dance by La Pinata, and butterfly crafts. June 17,
1-3 p.m. Free. Jamaica Pond Gazebo, Boston. 617-522-3407,
www.friendsofjamaicapond.org
Kids
IZZY’S HISTORY MYSTERY She’s funny, curious, and entertaining. She and her friends just got a bummer of a history assignment. See how Izzy and pals Mo, Mash, and Betta learn the value of the past in the Wellesley Summer Theatre for Children’s musical production. June 16-17 and 23-24, 10 a.m. and noon. $5, $3 children, under 2 free. Wellesley College, 106 Central St., Alumnae Hall, 781-283-2000.
Related
PRESCHOOL STORY-TIME: FARM ANIMALS A tale with a moo moo here and a quack quack there is always appealing to little ones. They’re invited to enjoy farm animal stories, songs, and crafts, then hop on a hayride to the real farm to visit real sheep, chickens, and other critters. June 20, 10 a.m. $6, for ages 3-4 with adult. Reservations required by June 19. Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham. 781-894-2798, www.goreplace.org
FATHER’S DAY CRUISES On his special day, treat Dad to brunch, lunch, or dinner and a boat ride around Boston Harbor. The cruises include a buffet, live entertainment, and great views of the Boston skyline. Did we mention the ice cream sundae bar? June 17, cruises run from
11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. on the Spirit
of Boston or the Odyssey,
60 Rowes Wharf, Boston. $29.95-$71.90. 866-836-3463,
www.entertainmentcruises.com
Events
THE SWEET & LOW DOWN JAZZ-UP Charming chanteuses Miss Tess and Rachael Price serenade guests with vintage tunes at a cabaret evening. The Sweet & Low Down accompany the vocalists on the Andrews Sisters, Tom Waits, and everything in between. Dinner and dancing never looked so good. June 17, 8:30 p.m.-midnight. $5 cover, free for diners. UpStairs on the Square, Monday Club Bar,
91 Winthrop St., Cambridge. 617-864-1933, www.upstairs
onthesquare.com
ESSEX NATIONAL HERITAGE PHOTO SAFARI Use the latest technology in lenses to capture a historic working waterfront, sea creatures, and panoramic views of Rocky Neck and other sites. The event includes personal instruction from professionals and a digital memory card of images to take home. June 16, 8 a.m.-
noon. $45. Maritime Glouceseter, 23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester.
978-740-0444, www.essex
heritage.org/photosafari
AFRICAN FESTIVAL 2012 Rumbafrica headlines an annual festival of African arts and culture with Soukous music and dance. The festivities include drumming, music, dance, crafts, and traditional food. June 16,
9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sampas Pavilion, Pawtucket Blvd., Lowell. www.africanfestivallowell.org
HYPER-LOCAL CRAFT BREW TASTINGS Don’t just shop and eat local. Drink local, too. Don’t know where to start? How about a tasting sponsored by the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Boston? Sample beer, wine, mead, and cider made with locally sourced hops, barley, wheat, fruit, herbs, teas, chocolates, and other ingredients. June 16, 3-6 p.m. and
7-10 p.m. $30 each. Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. www.artsatthe
armory.org