5 Weekend Musts: MA Symphony Orchestra Family Concert + More

Friday, July 12, 2013

Miranda Bethune, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

This weekend enjoy a summer evening of timeless classical pieces, while some Disney classics will keep the kids from getting bored.

The weather forecasts might predict rain for the next few days, but with so many great events happening around Central MA this weekend, nothing can dampen your fun! Whether you’re a budding writer, a nature lover, a student, or just looking for something special to do with your family this weekend, here are the events you don’t want to miss.

Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra Family Concert, Worcester

Saturday There’s nothing quite like a great concert in the park on a summer night. Bring the whole family to catch the superb Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Alton Baggett. They will present a concert featuring classical and Disney music for kids and parents alike to enjoy, starring singers Scott Wilson and Karen Hastie-Wilson. This incredible program is made possible in part by the Worcester Arts Council, giving all of Worcester the opportunity to see such excellent talent for free! The rain date for the concert is Sunday, July 14. 7pm-9pm. Institute Park, Salisbury St. and Park Ave. Free, but donations accepted. Visit http://www.masymphony.org for more details.

Introduction to Butterflies, Worcester

Saturday Need to wind down from the week? Take some time to appreciate the little things in life with a relaxing walk through the fields and wetlands of Broad Meadow Brook on a “butterfly tour.” Butterfly expert Martha Gach will lead you through gardens and meadows to find some of the many gorgeous species of butterflies that call this sanctuary home. You’ll have an opportunity to learn all about these majestic floating beauties as you search for monarchs, mulberry wings, and more on this great opportunity to connect with nature! 10am-12:30pm. Mass Audubon: Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Ave. $6 Mass Audubon adult members, $8 adult non-members, $4 child members, $6 child non-members. For ages 16 and older. For more info and to register, call 508-753-6087.

A Mad Hatter Party, Worcester

Flower lovers won't want to miss the 54 Annual Lily Show this weekend.

Saturday Take a whirl down the rabbit hole into Wonderland as part of the EcoTarium’s “Alice in Wonderland” exhibit, with a Mad Hatter Party! Participants are invited to wear their best Mad Hatter hats and take pictures with Alice and the Mad Hatter himself, then meet a live hedgehog and turtle. Treat yourself to lemonade and “Queen of Hearts” cookies once you’ve worked up an appetite exploring the rest of the Wonderland exhibit. It promises to be an entertaining time, with special features like the Hall of Doors, modeled after the shifting perspectives and heights that play a central theme in Alice’s adventures. Come see for yourself! 2pm-3pm. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way. Free with museum admission; $14 adults, $8 children ages 2-18, $10 seniors 65+ and students with ID. For more info, check out http://www.ecotarium.org/science-nature-exhibits/alices-wonderland.

54th Annual Lily Show, Boylston

Saturday Tower Hill’s Botanic Garden is showing the best lilies that the summer has to offer thanks to sponsor New England Lily Society (NELS), including spectacular trumpet lilies and hybrid lilies along with a standard flower show showcasing lilies in floral arrangements. Browse the photo exhibit afterwards or buy some beautiful potted lilies to take home with you! For the serious gardener and lily lover, there will be handouts with advice on how to get rid of the Lily Leaf Beetle and where to find the best local high-quality compost. Amateurs and experts alike will appreciate the 2pm talk from Jim Daniel, president of NELS, on how to grow lilies organically. 1pm-5pm. Tower Hill Botanic Garden. 11 French Drive. Cost included with admission: $12 adults, $9 seniors 65+, $7 youth 6-18, free to children under 6. Visit http://www.towerhillbg.org/index.php/visit/what-s-happening/flower-shows/lily-show-july-13-14/ for more info.

Stanley Kunitz Boyhood Home Summer Writing Series, Worcester

Saturday Return to the birthplace of award-winning poet Stanley Kunitz as part of a summer writing series that aims to examine Kunitz’s poems in his childhood home while encouraging the creation of new work. This Saturday will feature Jim Cocola leading his workshop “Song Lying Under,” as he analyzes songs embedded in some of Kunitz’s greatest works, such as An Old Cracked Tune. Bring pen and paper so you can produce your own writing once you’ve been introduced to the use of musical motifs in poetry. There’s no better setting for poetic inspiration as this literary landmark! 1pm-5pm. The Stanley Kunitz Boyhood Home, 4 Woodford St. $20 registration. Contact Carol Stockmal at [email protected] to register, or see their website for more details.