Five Reasons to Leave the House This Weekend

Including the Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival, The Amazing Acro-Cats, and more.

Jumping into the Charles River on July 14, 2015 / Photo credit: Aaron John Bourque,  Conservancy (www.aaronjohnbourque.com)

Jumping into the Charles / Photo by Aaron John Bourque, via the Charles River Conservancy

ART
Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival

On Saturday, watch as artists from around the world compete in the 12th annual installment of this international sand sculpting competition, which draws more than 700,000 people to Revere Beach every year. All the sculptors will work on a main centerpiece sculpture that captures the spirit of Massachusetts using 300 tons of sand trucked onto the beach just for the event. “The sand sculptures are breathtaking, and when you have the opportunity to view a mound of sand become a masterpiece, you become in awe of it,” says Rosette Cataldo, president of the Revere Beach Partnership. Visitors can cast their vote for their favorite sculptures, ride tethered hot air balloons, enjoy live music all weekend, and take in a fireworks spectacular on Saturday night.

Free, Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26, Revere Beach, Revere, reverebeachpartnership.com.

FESTIVAL
Boston Summer Arts Weekend

Enjoy a lively summer festival sponsored by WGBH, the Boston Globe, and Citizens Bank at Copley Square this weekend, featuring concerts, art walks and talks, and even a drum-off with the Blue Man Group. On Saturday morning, the lineup includes kid-friendly shows. Later in the day, check out live performances by famed R&B singer Bettye LaVette, country artists Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, and local Afrobeat powerhouse Federator N°1.

Free, Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Copley Square, 560 Boylston St., Boston, boston.com.

SWIMMING
City Splash in the Charles River

That’s right, this weekend, you can go jump in the Charles—it’s cleaner than you’d think! In 2013, the river formerly known for its “dirty water” was first deemed safe for swimming. This year, it received a letter grade of “B+” for water quality from the EPA (down from 2013’s “A-” but still a major improvement from the “D” it got in 1995). Still not convinced—or more of a fashionista than a swimmer? Don your favorite vintage or flashiest bathing suit for a costume competition with a grand prize of a $100 gift card to the Garment District. “You don’t have to swim, you can just be really enthusiastic about swimwear and show up on the Esplanade at 2 p.m. and we’ll take you,” says Theresa Doherty, project coordinator for the Charles River Conservancy. “Because we live in such a fashion-forward city, I really hope someone will take the idea and run with it and just show up with a crazy costume.”

Free, Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Fiedler Field, Boston Esplanade, Boston, RSVP at eventbrite.com.

SCAVENGER HUNT
The Boston Challenge

If you’ve ever wanted to compete in The Amazing Race, now’s your chance—grab some friends and compete in this epic scavenger hunt all around the city for cash prizes and bragging rights. Solve clues and discover Boston’s hidden secrets while racing your way to the finish line. Looking for more fame and glory? The top 50 teams qualify for the national championships in New Orleans in November and are eligible for a chance to compete for $6,000 in total prizes.

$55, Saturday, July 25, check-in starts at 11:45 a.m. and race begins at 1 p.m., The Kinsale Irish Pub & Restaurant, 2 Center Plaza, Boston, cnation.squarespace.com.

CATURDAY
The Amazing Acro-Cats

Who would’ve ever thought they’d live to see the day when cats willingly jump through hoops and skateboard? The Acro-Cats, which bills itself as “Chicago’s only trained domestic cat show,” will be at the Regent Theatre until Sunday, performing tricks, hoisting flags, running through agility courses, and even competing against a chicken in a bowling showdown.

$25, Thursday, July 23, through Sunday, July 26, Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington, regenttheatre.com.