48 Hours of Freedom

It’s the weekend. You can spend it looking for Kevin Youkilis’ goatee, or you can get out and enjoy the city. Here are some suggestions for your precious two days of total freedom, prepared for you by Boston Daily.

Tonight
If you’re like us, you’re beginning to realize that you need to start on your Christmas shopping. Break out the plastic and head to the Paradise City Art Festival. While it features jazz music, not Guns ‘n’ Roses, the event is a great place to pick up modern crafts and fine art.

Of course, it’s more fun to shop for yourself. Matsu hosts a Pick Your Present party tonight. Shoppers can sip wine as they choose the items they covet, and the store will give you registry cards to give those who want to buy you stuff. Sounds like more fun than making a Wish List on Amazon to us.

For the bibliophiles on your list, surprise them with a first edition of their favorite book. The International Antiquarian Book Fair features more than 120 rare book dealers selling their old tomes at the Hynes Convention Center.

There’s nothing wrong with giving a concert as a gift, either. The Give US Your Poor Concert for Boston brings folk singer Natalie Merchant and several previously homeless musicians to the Strand in Dorchester to raise money to end homelessness.

Saturday
Why won’t she leave us alone? Rachael Ray stops at the Barnes & Noble in the Pru to sign copies of her new book, Just In Time. We will handsomely reward the person that catches a picture of the Dunkin Donuts spokeswoman sipping a Starbucks brew.

Improv shows tend to get pretty raunchy, so most parents leave the kids at home. Luckily the elementary school set can get in on the fun at the ImprovBoston Family Show. But your older kids will beg you to take them to see Dane Cook at the Garden. Tread carefully.

Manny Delcarmen, the newest member of the Boston media league bowling team, raises funds for Boston Educational Development Fund at Bowlin’ Strikes for Schools. Don’t forget your camera—Manny’s got both World Series trophies for the night.

Sunday
BRUUUUUUUCE!

While we miss leisurely afternoons on the beach, we are looking forward to winter, if only for the skiing. The Ski and Snowboard Expo brings representatives from mountains from across the country to the Bayside Expo Center, along with the new gear you’ll need for this season.

It’s not worth a drive the Plymouth to see its famous rock before it goes in a box, but it is worth it to eat a historically-accurate meal. The 1627 Harvest Dinner at Plimoth Plantation is served by “real” Pilgrims. It may not be fancy, but it’s educational.

If you prefer your dramatized history a little more modern, Streamers at the Huntington Theater is the story of four young soldiers watching the Vietnam war escalate and dealing with class and race issues.

Need more ideas on fun activities? Check our event listings, or subscribe to our weekly newsletters. Find out what’s going on by opening your inbox, and live a better life.