Your weekly guide to staying entertained any day of the week

The Boston Globe's The Big To-Do Short Cuts

August 6, 2025

Welcome to the Wednesday edition of the Big To-Do: Short Cuts, our midweek round-up of what’s going on around Boston, as selected by Boston Globe critics and writers.

Sarah Elizabeth Bedard (left) and Anjie Parker in "The Meeting Tree," which runs at the Strand Theatre through Aug. 9. ANNIELLY CAMARGO

Thursday

Catch Boston on “Good Morning America,” as ABC News correspondent Will Reeve broadcasts live from the Hub.
Get ready for more body-swapping fun as the highly-anticipated sequel “Freakier Friday” hits theaters.
Party on Boston Common as the outdoor space turns into a free carnival-themed bash featuring music, games, treats, and more.
Composer Matthew Aucoin brings his latest work “Music for New Bodies” to Tanglewood.

Friday

The Carson Beach Community Kickback returns for its third year with an all-ages party featuring a DJ, dancing, and more.
Head to Dorchester Brewing Company for a night of brews and laughs with comics Janet McNamara, Matt Hayden, and more.
Hyde Park’s Human Movement Project takes over Riverside Theatre Works with its “Contradictions + Casual Self Loathing” show, Friday and Saturday.

Saturday

Catch a free screening of the Pixar classic “Finding Nemo” on the Prudential Center’s South Garden.
CNN airs its new docuseries, “American Prince: JFK Jr.,” looking back on the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy’s son.
Milton’s Eustis Estate hosts the third annual David Chestnut Jazz Festival, featuring performances by saxophonist Gregory Groover’s quartet, keyboardist Ana Petrova’s Organ Trio, and more.

Sunday

Improv Asylum’s all-female Hen House troupe brings its two-act show, “The Summer I Got Mono,” to The Rockwell’s stage.
Acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma joins BSO assistant conductor Samy Rachid for an afternoon performance at Tanglewood.

Ongoing

The Cape Ann Museum’s “Down to the Sea” photo exhibition continues through Sept. 28.

Last Chance

Company One Theatre’s “The Meeting Tree” concludes its stay at the Strand Theatre on Saturday.
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s production “As You Like It” wraps up its run of free shows on the Common on Sunday.

Canceled

Renowned dance festival Jacob’s Pillow has canceled the rest of its summer season after a deadly accident and will provide refunds to ticket holders.

Thanks for reading our new Wednesday newsletter. Keep an eye out for Friday's regular Big To-Do email written by Marie Morris. Send comments to arts@globe.com.

Boston Globe Media Partners thanks its sponsors for supporting our newsletters. The sponsoring advertiser does not influence or create any editorial content for this newsletter. If you are interested in advertising opportunities, please contact us here.

Welcome to the Wednesday edition of the Big To-Do: Short Cuts, our midweek round-up of what’s going on around Boston, as selected by Boston Globe critics and writers.

Sarah Elizabeth Bedard (left) and Anjie Parker in "The Meeting Tree," which runs at the Strand Theatre through Aug. 9. ANNIELLY CAMARGO

Thursday

Catch Boston on “Good Morning America,” as ABC News correspondent Will Reeve broadcasts live from the Hub.

Get ready for more body-swapping fun as the highly-anticipated sequel “Freakier Friday” hits theaters.

Party on Boston Common as the outdoor space turns into a free carnival-themed bash featuring music, games, treats, and more.

Composer Matthew Aucoin brings his latest work “Music for New Bodies” to Tanglewood.

Friday

The Carson Beach Community Kickback returns for its third year with an all-ages party featuring a DJ, dancing, and more.

Head to Dorchester Brewing Company for a night of brews and laughs with comics Janet McNamara, Matt Hayden, and more.

Hyde Park’s Human Movement Project takes over Riverside Theatre Works with its “Contradictions + Casual Self Loathing” show, Friday and Saturday.

Saturday

Catch a free screening of the Pixar classic “Finding Nemo” on the Prudential Center’s South Garden.

CNN airs its new docuseries, “American Prince: JFK Jr.,” looking back on the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy’s son.

Milton’s Eustis Estate hosts the third annual David Chestnut Jazz Festival, featuring performances by saxophonist Gregory Groover’s quartet, keyboardist Ana Petrova’s Organ Trio, and more.

Sunday

Improv Asylum’s all-female Hen House troupe brings its two-act show, “The Summer I Got Mono,” to The Rockwell’s stage.

Acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma joins BSO assistant conductor Samy Rachid for an afternoon performance at Tanglewood.

Ongoing

The Cape Ann Museum’s “Down to the Sea” photo exhibition continues through Sept. 28.

Last Chance

Company One Theatre’s “The Meeting Tree” concludes its stay at the Strand Theatre on Saturday.

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s production “As You Like It” wraps up its run of free shows on the Common on Sunday.

Canceled

Renowned dance festival Jacob’s Pillow has canceled the rest of its summer season after a deadly accident and will provide refunds to ticket holders.

Thanks for reading our new Wednesday newsletter. Keep an eye out for Friday's regular Big To-Do email written by Marie Morris. Send comments to arts@globe.com.