Five Reasons to Leave the House This Weekend


zebra and giraffe Photo via Thinkstock

Animals
Brew at the Zoo
Check out the Franklin Park Zoo’s seasonal exhibit Zoorasic Park while sipping on a cold one. It’s a spectacle of more than 15 life-size animatronic dinosaurs that will keep you entertained while you taste brews from local breweries, restaurants, and caterers. Be sure to stroll through the Tropical Forest Pavilion, too, while you sip away.
$50-60, Aug. 18, Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Rd., Boston, 617-541-5466 zoonewengland.org.

Festival
Fisherman’s Feast
Enjoy a taste of Italy this weekend at the 102nd Annual Fisherman’s Feast, a celebration of the devotion of Sicilian fisherman to “Madonnna del Soccorso” (Our Lady of Help). Each year, Madonna is walked through the streets of Boston’s North End during a festival of music and as much Italian food as you can handle.
Free, Aug. 16-19, The North End, North Fleet Street and Lewis Street, Boston, fishermansfeast.com.

Music
Tanglewood Music Festival
A special gala concert will be held Aug. 18 as part of the 75th Tanglewood Music Festival Celebration. The night will include performances from Yo-Yo Ma, Gabriela Montero, Jessye Norman, and Leonard Slatkin and will celebrate the 80th birthday of Boston Pops Laureate Conductor John Williams. It promises to be an unforgettable evening of world-class musical talent.
$21-117, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, 888-266-1200, bso.org.

Food
Restaurant Week
If you’re looking for fine dining this weekend or even a nice Sunday brunch, be sure to check out one of the many Boston restaurants participating in Restaurant Week. It’s a week of prix-fixe menus at some of the city’s best dining locations with prices that won’t break the bank. The event kicks off Sunday and lasts through the end of the month.
Three-course dinner for $33.12; Three-course lunch for $20.12; two-course lunch for $15.12, Aug. 19-24 & Aug. 26-31, participating restaurants, restaurantweekboston.com.

Celebration
Eastie Pride Day
Come enjoy the unique culture of East Boston and see what makes this part of the city so alluring. Join local residents in a day of music, food, and friendly conversation. Experience the diversity and hospitality that make East Boston worthy of celebration.
Free, Aug. 18, East Boston Pier’s Park Marginal Street, eastboston.com.