How fun was it to see the harbor looking a lot more 1776 than 2026 this week? The tall ships made it feel like you accidentally wandered onto the set of Pirates of the Caribbean (minus the ghosts). Today’s your last chance for the Harbor Lounge patio pop-up, serving specials for the occasion.

Then do your future self a favor and enter to win tickets to The Frights on Saturday before that opportunity sails away, too.

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Your next nightmare comes with two tickets. Grab a pair for Paranormal Activity, the acclaimed psychological thriller playing the Emerson Colonial Theatre for a limited run this month before heading straight to Broadway.*

• If your "Restaurants to Try" list keeps getting longer, here's your chance to make a dent. Dine Out Boston returns August 1st-15th with prix fixe menus at participating spots across the city.

• In an era of triple-digit ticket prices, Hazlett is doing the Lord’s work: GA tickets for his upcoming tour are $40 or less, including fees. Secure your seat or enter to win tix for September 18th at Paradise Rock Club.

• If everything were wonderful, Jim Gaffigan would have a lot less material. Catch the Emmy-winning comic on his Everything Is Wonderful! Tour at the Boch Center Wang Theatre this fall. Win tickets for October 24th.*

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

BOSTON’S HIDDEN PATIO SCENE

Some of Boston's best summer hangs are hiding in plain sight. Tucked behind brick walls and leafy courtyards, these patios let you escape the bustle of the city (and the tourist mobs) without actually leaving town.

THIS WEEKEND

LOCALS ONLY

• Third Thursday at the MFA tonight pairs tea talks, live performances and a look at how a 1778 painting by colonial Boston's most famous artist connects to America 250, all for just $5.

• Sculpt-tacular views ahead! Plan a trip to Revere Beach this weekend to see artists create greatness from grains of sand at the Sand Sculpting Festival.

• Love that dirty water? City Splash is your chance to jump in. The annual summer tradition returns with swimming in the Charles, food trucks and a vendor village.

• Boston's vintage Instagram filter of late is due to wildfire smoke drifting in from Canada and Minnesota, bringing hazy skies and moderate air quality with it.

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