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Natural Awakenings Greater Boston - Rhode Island

Free Summer Concerts, Movies and Festivals at the Hatch Shell in Boston

The Edward A. Hatch Memorial Shell, an outdoor concert venue on the Charles River, in Boston, is the site for free concerts, movies and festivals throughout August. On Fridays, at sundown between 8 and 8:30 p.m., the Hatch Shell presents family-friendly movies under the stars. The lineup includes Madagascar 3 on August 2, Rise of the Guardians on August 9, Jack the Giant Slayer on August 16 and Oz the Great & Powerful on August 23. Event co-sponsor WBZ NewsRadio hosts games, giveaways, and free food samples beginning at 6 p.m., so moviegoers are invited to come early and stake out a spot on the grass. To learn more, call the Free Friday Flicks Hotline at 617-787-7200.

On Wednesdays, from 7 to 9 p.m., the renowned Boston Landmarks Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Wilkins, presents mostly classical music with special guests. On August 7, The Boston Lyric Opera collaborates with the Landmarks Orchestra, followed by the Longwood Symphony Orchestra, on August 14 and the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, on August 21. On August 28, the Landmarks Orchestra honors the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. For weather alerts and alternate locations in the event of rain, call 617-987-2000.

On Sunday, August 18, the Hatch Shell hosts an India Day Celebration to honor the country’s independence day from British rule. The event, which begins at 3 p.m., includes free performances and Indian food.

Location: 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston. For more information, visit Boston-Discovery-Guide.com/hatch-shell.html