25 Things to do in Boston this summer

Harborwalk Sounds
Hit up the ICA’s amazingly gorgeous back patio for free musical performances from Berklee students. Sure, they aren’t technically professionals yet, but they’re on their way. Grab a drink at the bar, sit on the steps and take in the amazing waterfront view—it’s classier than that free haircut you got from that beauty student, and it’s a better date option than watching the same Berklee kids play their hearts out in Park Street Station. Institute of Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave, Waterfront, Boston (617-478-3100, icaboston.org). Thursdays July 12–Aug 30; free

Pairings classes at the BCAE
Looking for a cooking class that’s decidedly boozier than average? Enroll in pairings classes at the Boston Center for Adult Education. Learn how to make tasty favorites and find out what classy sips they pair with best: Offerings include champagne and crêpes (June 12), Mexican street food and margaritas (July 24), the classic cheese and wine (various dates), and more. Sure beats those grilled cheese sandwiches you whip up when you get home from the bar (paired with madam’s finest PBR). Boston Center for Adult Education, 122 Arlington St, Back Bay, Boston (617-267-4430, bcae.org). $50–$70 per class

Abbadia Mare Renaissance Festival
Thanks to HBO’s Game of Thrones, Renaissance fairs have become a borderline sexy proposition. If you’re going to go medieval Tyrion Lannister–style, why not do it at a real castle? The Abbadia Mare festival takes place at Hammond Castle in Gloucester—and yes, it will involve performing fools and harpists, as well as knights in full armor going at each other with broadswords (just like they in King’s Landing—only sans the demonic boy-king). For something a little more nerdy and a little less violent, there’s a game of chess on the castle’s oceanside lawn featuring actual human volunteers as pieces. It could be you! Hammond Castle, 80 Hesperus Ave, Gloucester (abbadiamarefestival.com). July 21, 22; weekend pass $20, per day $12

Nantucket Film Festival
This is more than just a film fest—it’s a star-studded experience. In addition to top-notch indie and mainstream movies, the four-day event also includes features such as Late Night Storytelling, in which celebs and local folks alike tell tales based on a theme. Ben Stiller will head an all-star comedy roundtable, and Diane Keaton will present the Screenwriters Tribute. Highlighted films this year include Pixar’s latest, Brave, the fantastical Beasts of the Southern Wild and the big-screen version of Mike Birbiglia’s comic-confessional Sleepwalk with Me. You can also check out Sarah Silverman’s dramatic-acting debut in Take This Waltz. (nantucketfilmfestival.org). June 20–24; see website for event times and price details

"Os Gemeos" at the ICA
Continuing a tradition that started with Shepard Fairey in 2009, the ICA is once again bringing street art inside gallery walls. This time around, the institute will display the work of Os Gemeos (Portuguese for “the twins”), a pair of Brazilian graffiti artists who are, fittingly enough, twin brothers. Otavio and Gustavo Pandolfo’s work is colorful and cartoony, featuring buoyant depictions of life in São Paulo and characters with Simpsons-yellow skin. Their influences run the gamut from Latin American folk art to North American hip-hop. The sibs also plan to paint a giant, site-specific mural while they’re in town. Institute of Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave, Waterfront, Boston (617-478-3100, icaboston.org). Aug 1–Nov 25; admission $15