50 things to do this summer

The Wizard of Oz at the Boston Children’s Museum

Though this exhibit is at the Children’s Museum, everyone knows that The Wizard of Oz is a decidedly adult movie. In celebration of the film’s 70th anniversary you can follow the yellow brick road, create your own tornado and meet up with all of your favorite (and sometimes terrifying) characters from the film at this collection of all things Oz. Through Sept 10; The Boston Children’s Museum; 308 Congress Street, Fort Point, Boston (617-426-6500, bostonkids.org)

Celebrate the Fourth

Boston is known for its history, so it makes sense that the fourth of July celebrations in this town are pretty spectacular. The yearly fireworks show on the Charles is backed by the sounds of the Boston Pops, but there’s so much more to the celebrations than explosions in the sky.  From June 29–July 4, City Hall Plaza hosts Harborfest, an annual celebration of both Boston itself and Independence Day featuring parties, “extreme sailing” and the annual clam chowder cook-off, Chowderfest.

Dance outside with Tango by Moonlight

Every full moon this summer (June 11, July 17 and August 14), the folks at the Tango Society of Boston meet at the Weeks Memorial Footbridge for an evening of tango under the stars.  Don’t worry if you don’t know how to tango, or even if you don’t have a partner, each night begins with a short lesson, after which participants dance the night away with the help of the Tango Society’s light-footed instructors. Weeks Footbridge, off of Memorial Drive at Dewolf Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge (bostontango.org)

Boston Restaurant Week

Restaurant week is sort of a misnomer, since this summer it actually includes two weeks worth of restaurant discounts.  Even better for Boston foodies, since during these two weeks (August 14–19 and August 21–26) participating Boston restaurants will be offering up two- and three-course meals for a fraction of their cost—that’s $15.11 for a two-course lunch, $20.11 for a three-course or $33.11 for a three-course dinner. This yearly event is your chance to check out the local culinary scene without breaking the bank. (restaurantweekboston.com)