50 things to do this summer

Newport Folk Fest

In 1965 Dylan famously played that new fangled electric rock here and was stoned by crowds of angry folk purists (he was also probably stoned otherwise, but as he says, everybody must be). Nowadays there’s not a genre the festival won’t embrace. This year you can see The Decemberists, Elvis Costello, and crazed gypsy rockers Gogol Bordello desecrating the hallowed seaside stage right next to uber traditionalists like Ramblin’ Jack Eliot and icons such as Emmylou Harris. $69–$77; July 30–31; Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI (newportfolkfest.net)

Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Party

One of the very best things about summertime is the preponderance of barbeques—and all the better if you’re not the one who has to do the cooking. Come get your fill of some of the best barbeque from all over the world at the Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Party, held at City Hall Plaza. $10 gets you in the door, and from there you can enjoy music, beer gardens and meaty goodness from stellar named barbeque geniuses like Joey “Boom Boom” Sutphen from Texas and Joe “The Big Show” from Kansas City. Yeehaw! $10, Fri, June 24, Sat June 25 noon–10pm; Sun, June 26 noon–7pm. June 24-26 (bbq.phantomgourmet.com)

Grubwith.us

Expand your circle of foodie friends this summer by signing up for Grubwith.us, a social networking-meets-dinner meet-up website just launched in Boston and already going strong in Chicago, NYC, LA, and more. All you do is register online, check out what restos are participating, and pre-pay for your all-inclusive meal. Then you show up on the set date and time and nosh family-style, allowing you to chat it up with some new friends and try out some new cuisine. Participating restaurants include Maurizio's in the North End, Masa in the South End, and Hana Sushi in Cambridge. Grubwith.us

Let's Talk About Food Festival

Put down the Cheetos and head to the Museum of Science on June 25 from 10a-5p for Let’s Talk About Food Festival, an outdoor fiesta celebrating (you guessed it) food, plus health, cooking, and science. You can watch expert chefs do presentations and cooking demos, check out booths and tents from a variety of exhibitors, and stuff your face from the pop-up food court staffed by loads of local food trucks. The event is free, and you can spend the day learning how to make the old “you are what you eat” adage work to your advantage. Fri June 25, 10am–5pm; Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston (617-723-2500, mos.org)

Nantucket Film Fest

This one’s more than just a film festival; it’s a star-studded experience. In addition to top-notch indie and mainstream film fare, the four day event also includes features like the traditional Late Night Storytelling at the Sconset Casino with Anne Meara and Mike O’Malley, where celebs and local folk alike tell tales based on a theme. Ben Stiller will present an all-star comedy roundtable and Vera Farminga will be on hand to accept the Compass Rose Acting Award and to present her directorial debut Higher Ground. June 22– 26 (nantucketfilmfestival.org)