PICK OF THE DAY
Fiddling around Need to brush up on your mountain dulcimer, banjo, or fiddle? We won’t string you along, we’ll recommend the 10 a.m. workshops at the Banjo and Fiddle Contests. Starting at noon, you can listen to more than 75 contestants compete for cash and trophies. Sept. 8 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Boarding House Park,
40 French St., Lowell (rain location is Lowell High School Auditorium). 978-970-5000. www.nps.gov/lowe/planyourvisit/event-details.
htm?eventID=397948-232573
FRIDAY
Ring them bells On Sept. 7, 1630, Trimountaine had its name changed to Boston. The city upon a hill celebrates at Boston Charter Day with tandem bell ringing from downtown church bells (and cake). The 1801 Paul Revere Bell will be rung in its new home at the Old South Meeting House clock tower. 4:30 p.m. Free. Reader’s Park across from Old South Meeting House, corner of Washington and Milk streets, Boston. 617-971-1614. www.historicbostons.org
Courting the grapes Given the venue, don’t imbibe too heavily at Bottlenotes Around the World in 80 Sips. The tasting party includes vino from Italy, France, and New Zealand. Cleanse your palette with artisanal cheeses. 8-10 p.m. (7-8 p.m. VIP) $75, $125 (VIP). John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Way, Boston. www.bottlenotes.com/80sipsla
SATURDAY
It takes a group The Artists’ Group of Charlestown celebrates 15 years as an association with Saturday’s Art in the Park. More than 60 artists and artisans show off their work. Sept. 8 from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (rain date Sept. 9). Free. DCR City Square Park, Charlestown. 617-241-0130. www.artistsgroupofcharlestown.com
Wind in Worcester Music on two stages, art, food, and kids’ games sound great, but check out the green projects at the Open Road Music & Arts Festival. They include windpower (no electricity), earth-friendly porta potties, recycling and trash bins, and repurposed or recycled activity materials at the Kids Village. Sept. 8 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $10, $15 at the gate, free under 11. Institute Park, Park Avenue to Salisbury Street, Worcester. www.openroadfestival
.com
SUNDAY
Peachy The Grammy-winning, seven-piece Zac Brown Band from Georgia harmonizes like crazy on its latest release, “Uncaged.” The diverse tunes were written by notables including Jason Mraz, Wyatt Durrette, Sonia Leigh, Nic Cowan, and Levi Lowrey. Trombone Shorty added his trumpet and trombone playing to “Overnight.” Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. $22.50-$52. Comcast Center, 885 S. Main St., Mansfield. 800-745-3000. www.livenation.com