Apparently, New England has small-town America on lock. Travel + Leisure just crowned Laconia, NH the best small lake town and Mystic, CT the best small food town in the country. No road trip required for these plans, though: Phoebe Bridgers is taking over the Garden October 6th and we’re putting someone on the guest list. Win your way in.

JUST ANNOUNCED

• If the big move has your brain in a box somewhere, here’s how to survive Allston Christmas, find shows in your new neighborhood and free stuff to do after moving costs cleaned you out.*

• Secure your spot for Sunday's massive wellness festival with Pilates, cold plunges, saunas, giveaways, activations and enough healthy behavior to undo at least some of the long weekend.

• A free Stars Hollow Weekend takes over Hartford October 3rd-4th, just a short drive from the Connecticut towns that inspired the show. Better come caffeinated.

• What would you say if we told you Dave Matthews Band is coming your way this fall? See DMB live at Amica Mutual Pavilion on November 9th.

• Find even more just-announced Boston shows to add to your calendar!

50+ THINGS TO DO IN SEPTEMBER

Somehow it’s already the end of August. The month slipped through your fingers like sand and now September is standing there, arms crossed, asking what you’ve done with your summer. Here’s a start for what you can do next month, at least:

• Belmont Porchfest

• Cake & Cruise: Fall Edition

• Sara Bareilles (WIN TIX)

• Riverfest

• Somerville Foodie Crawl

• Fluff Festival

THIS WEEK

LOCALS ONLY

• Anna’s Taqueria has an easy way to help Colombia earthquake relief efforts: round up your bill and the extra change goes to provide shelter, food and essential supplies to families in need.

• Things are a little more harmonious at Symphony Hall now that BSO musicians have reached a deal to avoid what would have been the orchestra’s first strike in its history.

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