Five Events to Check Out Labor Day Weekend 2015 Around Boston
Jean-Michel Othoniel’s ‘Secret Flower Sculptures’ closes on September 7, the same day as the museum’s ‘Frank Hatch Free Day.’ / Photo by Olga Khvan
ARTS
“Frank Hatch Free Day” at the Gardner Museum
Taking place on Labor Day since 2013, the “Frank Hatch Free Day,” in honor of the late civic and cultural leader, offers complimentary admission to the Gardner Museum. Offered on a first-come, first-served basis, free admission will give visitors access to the entire museum—galleries, gardens, and special exhibits, including a last chance to see “Secret Flowers Sculptures,” which showcases works by former artist-in-residence Jean-Michel Othoniel.
Free, Monday, September 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 25 Evans Way, gardnermuseum.org.
CELEBRATION
Labor Day Weekend Fireworks
For the best view of the third annual Labor Day fireworks show, head to Piers Park in East Boston, Christopher Columbus Park and the Long Wharf downtown, or Fan Pier in the Seaport District. It will be the first dual-barge fireworks show—with barges anchored off the North End and Seaport—on the Boston Harbor since before 9/11, and organizers hope that it will become a new Boston tradition.
Free, Saturday, September 5, fireworks begin at 9 p.m., Boston Harbor, summeronthewaterfront.com.
PUPPIES
Pooch-A-Palooza
Does your pup have what it takes to be crowned the prince or princess of Pooch-A-Palooza? The Pooch Pageant, in which dogs are judged on best outfit, best strut, and most poised, is just one of the features of the annual outdoor dog and music festival. The two-day event, which takes place over Labor Day weekend at the Topsfield Fairgrounds, will also feature local food trucks and vendors, live entertainment, and various contests, including “Pooch-Owner Look-Alike,” “Most Unique Bark,” and more.
$10 for adults, free for children 12 and under, $1 entrance fee per dog that will be donated to Cape Ann Animal Aid, Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Topsfield Fairgrounds, Topsfield, pooch-a-palooza.org.
HORSE RACE
Suffolk Downs Racing and Food Truck Festival
Live horse racing returns to Suffolk Downs three times this fall, with the first of the occasions taking place over Labor Day weekend. In addition to thoroughbred and steeplechase racing, the all-day affair will feature a lineup of food trucks, craft beer, children’s activities, and live music.
Free, Saturday, September 5, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Suffolk Downs, 525 William F McClellan Highway, suffolkdowns.com.
MUSIC
Kristin Chenoweth with the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra
Tony and Emmy Award winner Kristin Chenoweth will join the Boston Pops and Thomas Wilkins, the BSO’s Germeshausen Youth and Family Concerts Conductor, for a night of beloved tunes from Broadway. The concert, which will close out the Tanglewood season, will culminate in a fireworks display.
$22-124, Saturday, September 5, 8:30 p.m., Koussevitzky Music Shed at Tanglewood, Lenox, bso.org.
