Silenced by Arms: Our Children are Dying, Roxie R. Dewitt Dawson, Royalty Pub., 2001, 0971632200, 9780971632202, . .

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Beverly native Pete Frates was an honor roll student at St. John's Prep and captain of the College baseball team before being diagnosed with ALS in 2012. Now he's focused on raising awareness and money to help find a cure for the disease. Country Strikes Out ALS benefits the Pete Frates #3 Fund and features performances by Joe Nichols, Chase Rice, Sam Hunt, and Ayla Brown. Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m. $25-$60. House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston. www.petefrates.com

The Red Sox are away, but is open for its first ever Movie Night. The family event features a screening of the baseball classic "The Sandlot" in honor of the movie's 20th anniversary. It'll be shown at 8 p.m. on a high-definition screen in center field. Arrive early to wander on the warning track and take photos in front of the Green Monster. Aug. 21, gates open 7 p.m. $10, $5 ages 12 and under, under 3 free. Fenway Park, Boston. boston.redsox.mlb.com

With summer winding down, we need something to cheer us up. Restaurant Week Boston always does the trick. More than 190 eateries serve up prix fixe lunches and dinners at bargain prices, which makes this a perfect time to try out a new restaurant and enjoy old favorites. What's your pleasure? Peruse the website and the menus for yummy choices like truffled ricotta ravioli (Upstairs on the Square), prosciutto-wrapped blue cod (Lucca), apple-stuffed duck breast (Grotto), and roasted white chocolate mousse (Harvest). Aug. 18-23 and 25-30 at participating restaurants in Boston and beyond. Prix fixe three-course dinners $38.13, three-course lunches $20.13, two-course lunches $15.13. Prices are per person and exclude beverages, tax and gratuity. www.bostonusa.com

Two of the best things about August are sweet corn and juicy tomatoes. Verrill Farm celebrates the popular crops at its annual Corn & Tomato Festival, featuring tastings of multiple varieties of tomatoes and corn, music by Monadnock Blue Grass, hayrides, and pony rides. Aug. 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $8.50, $4.50 kids under 10. Verrill Farm, 11 Wheeler Rd., Concord. 978-369-4494, www.verrillfarm.com

Ben & Jerry's on Newbury Street becomes "Sene & Jerry's" for an afternoon when Revolution players Saer Sene and Jerry Bengtson scoop to benefit The One Fund Boston. 50 percent of sales and 100 percent of tips will go straight to the fund which benefits people affected by the Boston Marathon bombings. Stop in to cool off with some ice cream, take photos with Revs players, score Revolution gear from team mascot Slyde, and sneak a peek at Sene's new limited-edition bobblehead. Aug. 15, 4-6 p.m. Ben & Jerry's, 174 Newbury St., Boston. 617-536-5456, www.revolutionsoccer.net

When it comes to post-weekend dinner ideas, we often find ourselves at a loss. Here's one that makes things easy for you, and helps others at the same time. The monthly Celebrity Roller Series at Anna's Taqueria invites local luminaries in to make West Coast-style burritos for a charity of the roller's choice. For the August edition, Tavern Road executive chef Louis DiBiccari and Lovin' Spoonfuls founder Ashley Stanley roll to benefit Lovin' Spoonful's efforts to feed the hungry in underprivileged communities. Aug. 12, 6-8 p.m. $10 per burrito. Anna's, 446 Harvard St., Brookline. www.annastaqueria.com

Fro-yo on a hot day -- we've been doing that a lot this summer. There'll be another place to indulge when a new Pinkberry opens its doors in Boston's North End. Before the official opening on Friday, you're invited to come on in Thursday for free swirls and toppings. Aug. 1, 4-7 p.m. Pinkberry, 285 Hanover St., Boston. 617-248-0110, www.pinkberry.com

Picnics are fun, but if stocking the basket doesn't fit into your schedule, no worries. You can still enjoy the fun of an outdoor dinner on a summer evening at a Pop-Up Picnic. Kendall Square hot spot The Blue Room and food truck Bon Me are collaborating on a four-course fusion menu that includes chicken galantine with slaw, chilled cucumber soup shooters, sandwiches with sweet and spicy Chinese sausage, and forbidden rice pudding. Vegetarian or gluten free choices are available, e-mail [email protected] in advance for options. And don't worry about packing the blanket -- it's provided. July 31, 6-9 p.m. Rain or shine. $30, $25 advance. Rings Fountain, Milk and India St., Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston. http://picnicpopup.brownpapertickets.com/

Citizens Bank, , and WGBH team up to make summer in the city even hotter with the 2nd annual Summer Arts Weekend. This year, in addition to bringing in local and national acts, the festivities celebrate Boston's resilience in the face of tragedy. In the words of the organizers: "The term Boston Strong is not just a slogan. It represents the spirit and strength of a community that reaches out, neighbor to neighbor. We have never been prouder to call ourselves Bostonians."

Are you in need of some fun this week? Well, we're going to try to help you out. Here are our picks of some things to do around the Hub, whether you're looking to cool down or sip on a cool beverage after work. If you're in the market for warm weather fun, be sure to check out our mobile summer guide.

Though this bar is already known for its spectacular selection of craft brews and the spinning beer wheel, here's another reason to check it out: on Wednesday at 7 p.m., the tavern will feature beers from New York's Sixpoint brewery. Meet their reps, talk about beer, and of course, indulge in some suds.

Two of comedy's biggest acts take the stage in the Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival, when Dave Chappelle and New Zealands's Flight of the Conchords visit Boston. Chappelle proved to be one of the most talented and popular performers during his three seasons of "Chappelle's Show," which he abruptly abandoned in 2006. Since then, Chappelle has been fairly reclusive, but his impromptu appearance at New York's Comedy Cellar (Where Louis C.K.performs in "Louie") with Chris Rock has already become the stuff of urban myth.

The Flight of the Conchords singing duo of Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement had a similar brief, but brilliant tenure on two seasons of HBO's "Flight of the Conchords" which ended in 2009. Since then, McKenzie has dedicated his songwriting talents to "The Muppets" and Clement has been seen in "Rio," "Despicable Me," and "Men in Black 3."

The Boston Pops concert will be held at the Hatch Shell. The performance will be led by Keith Lockhart, and guest performers include Susan Tedeschi, Ellis Hall, Howie Day, and Ayla Brown. WBZ News Radio 1030 and WCRB-FM Classical 99.5 will begin their local programming at 6 p.m. WGBH Boston Public Radio will begin at 7 p.m. The event will be broadcast live on television on WBZ-TV at 7 p.m.

Visitors desiring access to "the oval" — the restricted area in front of the Hatch Shell — should plan to arrive early. The checkpoints will open at 9 a.m. Access to the checkpoint can best be accomplished by accessing the DCR Esplanade from Berkeley Street. Those who arrive early will receive wrist bands.

The Massachusetts Avenue bridge, the Longfellow bridge, parts of Storrow Drive, and parts of Memorial Drive will be closed to traffic during the fireworks display and will be expected to reopen by the morning of July 5. For more detailed road closings and parking restrictions, check out the official press release here.

In anticipation of large crowds and road closures, using public transportation is highly advisable. Use the MBTA website to plan your trip. For those who drive, parking garages will be available. Local company LAZ Parking is letting patrons reserve spots in advance. Handicap parking is available July 4 at at the Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary. In Cambridge, there will be a reserved handicapped parking area on the Cambridge Parkway.

Somerville, get ready. The squeezeboxes are coming. The second annual Squeezebox Slam celebrates accordions, button boxes, and other free standing reed instruments. If you have one of your own, you're welcome to join the Accordion Stroll, taking place around Somerville and winding up in Davis Square, where festivities include accordion themed crafts, Redbones eats, and a gala concert (line-up below) with music from Greek, Cajun, Ethiopian, Argentine, Turkish, and jazz traditions. The event is sponsored by The Nave Gallery and the Somerville Arts Council.

Toad feels like the kind of place that's been there forever, but the little hole-in-the-wall has only been around for 20 years. Despite its small size, it's been an important spot for local music and musicians. Session Americana, which started out as a bunch of musicians enjoying a regular Sunday jam at Toad, is a great example. Toad's 20th Anniversary Week celebrates its two decades of existence with music and partying every night.

The weather forecast looks great for PorchFest, featuring more than 100 musical acts picking, strumming, and singing on porches all over Somerville. The third annual event is intended to be informal, neighborly, and fun. The Somerville Arts Council describes it as "a community event where Somervillians share their love of playing and listening to music." During three time slots in three different quadrants of the city, you can hear Americana, blues, Afrobeat, acid folk, Moroccan, Balkan, gospel, and other genres of music. Veteran area musicians like Matt Glaser, Tim Gearan, and Sean Staples are included in the line-up, as well as bands like the Second Line Social Aid and Pleasure Society, Cat Sounds, Dirty Water Brass Band, and The Rolling Who. There's also a Porch-ioke site if you want to belt out a number yourself. The event gets underway Saturday, May 18 from noon-2 p.m. in East Somerville, moves to central Somerville from 2-4 p.m., and finishes in West Somerville from 4-6 p.m. Download the map for details. See somervilleartscouncil.org for complete info.

The annual fest in honor of Planet Earth celebrates its 20th anniversary with a line-up that includes Vertical Horizon, Cracker, Gentlemen Hall, Fastball, and Camper Van Beethoven. Radio 92.9 EarthFest presented by Whole Foods Market also features exhibits and environmental displays, samples of earth-friendly products, and an interactive Kids' Planet area. In the spirit of the festival and in light of the fact that it's expected to draw more than 100,000 people, take the T or use pedal power to get there (free bike valet service will be provided courtesy of MassBike). May 18. Free, donations will be accepted for The One Fund Boston. Event begins at 10 a.m. DCR Hatch Memorial Shell, Boston. www.earthfest.com

Chefs Ken Oringer and Ming Tsai, the Red Sox, Gov. Patrick, Mayor Menino, and Aramark are the brains behind Boston Bites Back. The event raises money for The One Fund and celebrates Boston's spirit and resiliency in the face of the Boston Marathon bombings. Blue Ginger owner Tsai says, "Food is our common ground, a universal experience. This event is an occasion for Bostonians to reconnect over food, mingle with chefs and honor our city's inspiring resilience. It's an opportunity for Bostonians to literally 'bite' back." You're invited to eat, drink and socialize at Fenway Park, where 100 chefs including Jody Adams, Todd English, Tiffani Faison, and Jamie Bissonnette serve their creations from concession stands and tables. If you can't make it to the event, you can still show your Boston spirit by participating in the online auction. May 15, 6-10 p.m. $200 general access; $1,000 VIP. 21+. Fenway Park, Boston. www.bostonbitesback.org

Weeks have passed since the Boston Marathon bombings, but the healing continues. To help with the process, Emmanuel Church and the Expressive Arts Therapy Department at Lesley University team up for "When Words Are Not Enough." All are invited to stop by anytime during the afternoon to listen to music and create art in response to the tragedy. Materials will be available, and participants are welcome to work on projects individually or in groups. May 11, noon-4 p.m. Free. Emmanuel Church, 15 Newbury St., Boston. 617-536-3355.

Tickets for the mega star-studded May 30 Boston Strong concert at TD Garden go on sale this morning at 10 a.m. on Ticketmaster. Aerosmith, James Taylor, and New Kids on the (pictured) are just a few of the huge names that will perform in the benefit show to support The One Fund for victims of the Boston Marathon tragedy.

Music, margaritas, and ... mustaches? OK! Head to Davis Square's iconic Rosebud bar and restaurant to listen to four local bands sharing tunes. Don't forget your 'staches -- the best ones get a prize. Portions of the proceeds will be donated to the MSPCA. Saturday, May 4, at 9 p.m., $8, 381 Summer St., Somerville, 617-440-6284, www.rosebudbarandgrill.com

Why not celebrate Cinco de Mayo early? Even ... two days early? Venture out to Boston's waterfront for some sun and Mexican grub. Del Frisco's will pair Patron Tequila with a six-course dinner on Friday. Dinner starts early, so you'll have plenty of time to venture to TeMexCal or Rosa Mexicano for margaritas. Friday, May 3 at 6:30 p.m., $95, 250 Northern Ave., Boston, www.delfriscos.com

Sipping while shopping: Charles Street's Vira Boutique is serving margaritas on Sunday for anyone who stops by. If the drinks put you in the mood to shop, the boutique is offering 10 percent off during the event. Cheers! Sunday, May 5 from 1-5 p.m., 107 Charles St., Boston, 617-367-0305, www.shopvira.com

Is the thought of margaritas alone not cutting it for your Cinco de Mayo celebration? The Beehive in the South End will have mariachi bands playing music from south of the border. There is no cover charge, but be sure to make reservations ahead of time. 6:30 p.m.-12 a.m., The Beehive, 541 Tremont St., Boston, 617-423-0069, www.beehiveboston.com

Why just limit the fun to one spot? Bar hop to different venues that will partake in Cinco de Mayo festivities. Kitty O'Sheas is starting a bar crawl at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, and at The Bell in Hand, starting at 12:30 p.m. For more information on Boston pub crawls, visit this website. Times and dates vary.

We've been Boston Strong, now it's time to be Boylston Strong. That means heading to the Back Bay to enjoy and support the area's restaurants and businesses. Courtesy of Mayor Menino, you'll get a free pass for parking. The mayor's office sent out a press release this afternoon quoting the mayor: “As of today, these businesses that have been off limits since Marathon Monday are open and are looking forward to receiving and serving their customers once again. To support the efforts of our local businesses through the end of the weekend, the City of Boston is offering free parking at meters on Boylston Street and throughout the entire Back Bay.” That includes all Boylston Street meters, meters on Back Bay streets between Arlington Street and Mass. Ave., and meters adjacent to the Public Garden. http://edufb.net/1101.pdf http://edufb.net/134.pdf http://edufb.net/64.pdf http://edufb.net/623.pdf http://edufb.net/877.pdf http://edufb.net/676.pdf http://edufb.net/1203.pdf http://edufb.net/982.pdf http://edufb.net/956.pdf http://edufb.net/50.pdf http://edufb.net/380.pdf http://edufb.net/676.pdf http://edufb.net/416.pdf http://edufb.net/471.pdf http://edufb.net/1108.pdf http://edufb.net/513.pdf http://edufb.net/328.pdf http://edufb.net/530.pdf http://edufb.net/1114.pdf http://edufb.net/317.pdf http://edufb.net/70.pdf