25 Things to do in Boston this summer

Boston Dragon Boat Festival
Regatta who? Forget those lame college rowers—their skiffs don’t have fire-breathing mythical lizards mounted on their prows. In June, the Charles belongs to the dragon boats. The annual fest, which began in 1979 to commemorate the death of ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan, sees 40-odd teams from all over North America compete in a 500-meter race on traditional Chinese longboats. It’s the biggest Asian-American cultural event in the area, also encompassing food vendors, performances and arts demonstrations along the banks of the river. Memorial Dr along the Charles River (bostondragonboat.org). June 9 8am–1pm, June 10 9am–5pm; free

Mendon Drive-In
You only have to drive 40 miles west to go 50 years into the past. This drive-in was opened in 1954 and remains pretty much unchanged. The snack bar looks like that diner scene in Pulp Fiction—jukebox, candy-cane-striped walls, old-fashioned Coke machine, booths and period car artifacts—except this is the real deal. While aware of the nostalgia angle, the owners of this theater show all the latest films and just try to provide the best experience they can for their audiences of four-wheeled vehicles stuffed with fun-seekers. 35 Milford Street, Mendon (508-473-4958, mendondrivein.com). $25 per car

Bank of America Pavilion Concerts
The BoA Pavilion is a Boston summer institution—the season hasn’t really started until you’ve taken in an open-air concert and imbibed a few too many $8 frozen strawberry daiquiris. The schedule this year is killer: Gypsy punks Gogol Bordello start things off on June 1, followed by super hip favorites including Foster the People (June 15) and Passion Pit (June 22); classic acts such as Stevie Nicks (July 10), Santana (July 17), Yes (July 21) and the Allman Brothers Band (Aug 8); and something called the Summerland Tour that includes early-2000s throwbacks Everclear, Sugar Ray, Lit and Marcy Playground (July 28). Is that sex and candy we smell? 290 Northern Ave, Seaport District, Boston (livenation.com)

"Dancing with Renoir"
The MFA’s Impressionist collection has always been one of its biggest draws, particularly Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s summery, sun-dappled Dance at Bougival (1883). For a few months, two of the artist’s other iconic dancing paintings will join the Bougival couple in their eternal spin: Dance in the City and Dance in the Country, both on loan from the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. Don’t miss the chance to see the three pieces side by side; then, head out to the neighboring Fens with your man- or lady-friend and start up your own outdoor waltz (fancy fan and poofy dress optional). Museum of Fine Art, 465 Huntington Ave, Mission Hill, Boston (617-267-9300, mfa.org). May 19–Sept 3; admission $20

Artbeat
Our own Somerville is home to one of the most thriving arts communities in the country, thanks to huge support from the local government. Catch it at its paint-splattered finest during Artbeat, the town’s annual summer fest that features artisans, musicians, dancers and every other kind of creative type you can imagine. This year’s shindig boasts 75 craft vendors hawking their wares, two all-day music stages and, of course, food aplenty. The theme this time around in “Migration,” and artists and performers (and attendees!) are encouraged to interpret that idea as they will. Davis Square, Somerville (617-625-6600, ext 2985, somervilleartscouncil.org). July 20, 21; free