I kinda love the idea of starting every newsletter with some good news. An afternoon mood boost feels necessary these days, so here's today's: rescuers freed a young humpback whale tangled in fishing gear off Rockport and it's expected to make a full recovery. There, don't you feel a little better? 

Big brass bands are also proven* mood boosters, so win your way in to the party when The Hot Sardines take over BNH Stage later this month.

_{*Proven by me.}

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Get a taste of New Zealand every week this month; Far Out Ice Cream is swirling up scoops at Athlete’s Park for the dessert detour your lunch break needs.

• Attention, bookworms: the Boston Book Festival announced that Emily Wilson, Geraldine Brooks, Michael Lewis and 200 more authors will be taking over Copley Square on October 17th.

• Ali Siddiq is doubling down on the laughs with a just-added early show of the Custom Fit Tour at the Shubert in November. The late show is already on low-ticket alert, so snag seats while you can.*

• Another week, another round of pre-sale codes… because your Boston bestie wouldn’t let you settle for nosebleeds.

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

WIN STUFF WEDNESDAY

The Handle Bar South End is back in action with strength, sculpt, flow and Pilates across two remodeled rooms. We're hooking you up with a three-class pack so you can find your new favorite way to sweat. Enter to win then see what else we're giving away this week.

• Yacht Rock Revue

• John Fogerty

• Ray LaMontagne

• The Linda Lindas

• Blondshell

• Nikki Glaser

WHENEVER

LOCALS ONLY

• Catch a special work-in-progress performance of Like One of the Family, an original puppetry production inspired by Alice Childress’s beloved stories, tonight in Beacon Hill.

• Head to Carson Beach tonight for volleyball, beach games and a sunset soundtracked by DJ Lady Ly. The whole night is free, including dinner.

• Patriots legend Adam Vinatieri finally earned his spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He won three Super Bowls in New England before adding a fourth with the Colts, giving him more rings than any kicker in NFL history.

FEATURED