23 spring things to do on the South Shore: Investigate the paranormal or see a show
Beaches and barbecues might be a few months away, but that doesn't mean people need to be housebound with nothing to do.
The lineup of spring events on the South Shore is eclectic, to say the least, and has something for every age and taste.
Whether it's sports memorabilia or hunting through old vinyl records, events for collectors will bring good memories − and maybe even a hidden treasure.
From classical to rock, music is never hard to find along the South Shore, and this spring is no different.
Maybe the play's thing, and there are plenty of theater groups close to home. A trip to Boston isn't necessary to see old favorites and new works.
Here are 23 events planned for the next few months highlighting the South Shore's variety of entertainment.
Dropkick Murphys: He started as a fan. Then the band bred in Quincy asked him to join
'A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder' at Norwell's Company Theatre
When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday from March 15 to 30. Check website for times.
Where: The Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive, Norwell
Tickets/admission: $50-$58
For more information: Companytheatre.com
A distant heir to a family fortune sets out to speed up the line of succession by using a great deal of charm and a dash of murder.
More: Trivia, darts, Bingo, and many more activities you can do at South Shore bars
Fifth annual Spring Juried Art Exhibition at Norwell's James Library
When: 6-8 p.m. opening reception Friday, March 22. Exhibit on view through April 27.
Where: James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West St., Norwell
Tickets/admission: Free (donations accepted)
For more information: Jameslibrary.org
Larisa Grollemond will be this year's juror. She is assistant curator of the manuscripts department at the Getty Museum in California.
Curragh's Fancy at Curtain Call Theatre in Braintree
When: 8 p.m. Friday, March 22
Where: Curtain Call Theatre, 182 Commercial St., Braintree
Tickets/admission: $25
For more information: Visit Curtaincallbraintree.org
The acoustic trio returns to Curtain Call Theatre for another evening of Celtic and traditional folk music.
Northeast Card Expo returns to Marriott Boston Quincy
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 23; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 24
Where: Marriott Boston Quincy, 1000 Marriott Drive, Quincy
Tickets/admission: $12 adult, free for children under 12
For more information: Northeastcardexpo.com
The Northeast Sports Card Expo returns to the Marriott Boston Quincy and features more than 180 vendor tables, meet-and-greet celebrity autograph signings, on-site card-grading services, sports mascots, prize raffles and more. New and vintage sports and non-sports cards will be on display, as well as Pokémon, Funkos, toys, sports memorabilia and collectibles. Each admission comes with a free raffle prize ticket. Free parking is available in the hotel garage.
Investigate the paranormal side of Weymouth's Holbrook Homestead
When: 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Holbrook Homestead, 238 Park Ave., Weymouth
Tickets/admission: $85-$125
For more information: Hauntedholbrook.eventbrite.com
Paranormal investigator Scott Porter and medium Stephanie Burke of "Secrets of the Asylum" on Fox Nation will be at the Holbrook Homestead in Weymouth for a night of history and mystery during the first-ever investigation of the location. The hosts will take participants back to the year 1763 and investigate the building's mysteries and secrets. The building holds three centuries worth of artifacts. The evening will begin with a séance and will be followed by two sets of investigative explorations, with the first running from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and the second from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Plymouth Philharmonic presents 'Great Collaborations'
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court St./Route 3A
Tickets/admission: $30-$65
For more information: Visit Plymouthphil.org or call 508-746-8008
The audience at "Great Collaborations" will be among the first to hear the Phil's newest commission, which honors the living story of the Wampanoag nation. A Wampanoag historian and storyteller, joined by the Community Spirit Singers, will narrate Tonya Wind Singer’s orchestral tone poem. In honor of the Plymouth Philharmonic's ongoing collaboration with South Shore Conservatory, they will perform "The Bamboula," a melodic piece based on an African dance.
Opening day at Plimoth Patuxet Museums
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave., Plymouth
Tickets/admission: Visit website for options
For more information: Plimoth.org
Plimoth Patuxet Museums' 2024 season runs from Saturday, March 23, through the Sunday following Thanksgiving Day. The museum and its sites will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the season.
Weymouth Farmers Market
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, March 24 and April 14
Where: Chapman Middle School, 1051 Commercial St.
Tickets/admission: Free
For more information: Weymouthfarmersmarket.com
Carver cranberry education field trips for schools, scouts and camp
When: 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. weekdays from April through June and September through November by appointment only
Where: Massachusetts Cranberries Tour Barn, 30 West St., Carver
Tickets/admission: $12
For more information: Email Bogtours@cranberries.org.
The program offers an outdoor educational experience about cranberry agriculture and local farming. In the spring, see the growing berries and perennial vines while delving into their history and seasonal cycles. A hands-on approach includes activities such as creating a mini bog in a cup to take home.
Industry experts guide attendees through the cranberry farm, and cranberry farming equipment is showcased up close for a better understanding of how they operate. Tours of 60 to 90 minutes can accommodate groups from 15 to 130 attendees. Buses, cars and vans are all welcome. Bog roads accommodate ADA van and wheelchairs for the walking areas.
Jon Stetson's 'Ladies Only Psychic Party' at Curtain Call Theatre
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where: Curtain Call Theatre, 182 Commercial St., Braintree
Tickets/admission: $35
For more information: Visit Curtaincallbraintree.org or call 781-356-5113
Mentalist, mind reader and comedian Jon Stetson returns to the Curtain Call Theatre for a ladies-only evening of entertainment. Stetson is the inspiration for the CBS show "The Mentalist."
'I Love the '80s to Death' murder mystery dinner at Ryan's Hanover Crossing
When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, April 11
Where: Ryan's Hanover Crossing, 1775 Washington St. (Route 53), Hanover
Tickets/admission: $25 (includes the cost of dinner)
For more information: Visit Ryanfamily.com or call 781-924-6800
The scene of the crime will take you back to the 1980s as music’s biggest names are gathering for a concert. Tensions run rampant as backstage secrets spill into the spotlight. The '80s theme is carried throughout the evening with pop culture references and props. Guests, who are encouraged to dress in their '80s best, help with the investigation as they play detective, solve clues and interrogate suspects.
The evening includes a buffet dinner, cash bar and a show with actors from The Murder Mystery Company. The performance takes place on Ryan’s upper deck, which includes a full bar. The buffet dinner will include pizza, wings and salad.
'Finding Nemo Jr.' at Norwell's Company Theatre
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 12; 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 13; 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday, April 14
Where: The Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive, Norwell
Tickets/admission: $28-$35
For more information: Companytheatre.com
From the songwriting team behind "Frozen" comes a new musical adaptation of the 2003 Pixar movie "Finding Nemo." Marlin, an anxious and overly protective clownfish, sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean when his kid Nemo is captured and taken to an aquarium in Sydney. "Finding Nemo Jr." brings a vibrant underwater world to life in a story full of family, friendship and adventure.
19th Nervous Breakdown cover the Rolling Stones at Weymouth's Next Page Cafe
When: 8:30 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, April 13
Where: Next Page Cafe, 550 Broad St., Weymouth
Tickets/admission: $10
For more information: 19th Nervous Breakdown on Facebook
'Overactors Anonymous' with Roger Kabler at Curtain Call Theatre
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Curtain Call Theatre, 182 Commercial St., Braintree
Tickets/admission: $30
For more information: Visit Curtaincallbraintree.org or call 781-356-5113
Comic, actor and impressionist Roger Kabler will put on a one-man show at Curtain Call Theatre. Kabler has been seen on "The Carroll Burnett Show" and brings his acts to audiences worldwide. He is known for his impressions of Robin Williams, Robert De Niro and more.
Plymouth Punk Rock Market returns to Weymouth's Barrel House Z
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 14
Where: Barrel House Z, 95 Woodrock Road, Weymouth
Tickets/admission: Free
For more information: Find Plymouth Punk Rock Market on Facebook
The Plymouth Punk Rock Market is planning its return to Barrel House Z in Weymouth. There will be 40 vendors selling "weird stuff for weird people." Items and other highlights include vinyl records, vintage clothing and housewares, original art, handmade jewelry, oddities, craft beer and a food truck.
Mini-golf for the whole family at Norwell's James Library
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 16
Where: James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West St., Norwell
Tickets/admission: Free (donations accepted)
For more information: Jameslibrary.org
The building will be transformed into a 10-hole mini-golf course with greens and holes winding through the stacks, around the art gallery and through the concert hall. Everything is provided, including clubs, balls and scorecards.
Explore Weymouth's Emery Estate with paranormal investigator Adam Berry
When: 5 p.m. to midnight Saturday, April 27
Where: Emery Estate, 0 Emery Lane (King Oak Hill Park), Weymouth
Tickets/admission: $200
For more information: Adamberryevents.com
Paranormal investigator Adam Berry of "Kindred Spirits" on the Travel Channel and "Ghost Hunters" before that will introduce participants to his investigative techniques at the Emery Estate in Weymouth. The nonrefundable event will be held rain or shine. The event will include a discussion with Berry before small teams, and then individual participants, explore the home, which was built in 1903 as a replica of George Washington's Mount Vernon home. The Emery family bought the home in 1916, and it stayed in the family until 2010. Weymouth subsequently bought the home for $1.9 million.
Plymouth Philharmonic presents 'Queens of Rock and Soul'
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 28
Where: Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court St./Route 3A
Tickets/admission: $30-$100
For more information: Visit Plymouthphil.org or call 508-746-8008
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra presents the music of Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin, with Tamika Lawrence and Shaleah Adkisson bringing the songs of the original music divas to life
'Peter and the Starcatcher' at Norwell's Company Theatre
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4; 3 p.m. Sunday, May 5
Where: The Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive, Norwell
Tickets/admission: $28-$25
For more information: Companytheatre.com
A whimsical, high-flying theatrical adventure unfolds to discover the origins of Peter Pan. With magic, music, pirates and a lot of imagination, this prequel to the classic tale is for all ages.
Jedi Knight Training with Jungle Jim at Norwell's James Library
When: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West St., Norwell
Tickets/admission: $10, with free admission for accompanying adults
For more information: Jameslibrary.org
Bring your young Padawan Learner for a Jedi knight training. Children are led through a series of challenges including Jedi force magic, laser balloon barrage, Jedi teamwork training and, of course, lightsaber dueling. The event is recommended for ages 3 to 11. Star Wars apparel encouraged.
South Shore Ballet Theatre Gala in Weymouth
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, May 9
Where: Maria Chapman Theatre, Chapman Middle School, 1051 Commercial St., Weymouth
Tickets/admission: $30-$40, with discounts for Weymouth residents and Chapman School student.
For more information: SouthShoreBalletTheatre.com or call 781-312-7224. Click here to purchase tickets.
South Shore Ballet Theatre’s Gala features an ensemble performance along with a showcase of solo and ensemble performances by the dancers from the 2024 ballet competition season. Choreographer Nilas Martins sets the first movement of the ballet “Serenade.” Dancers perform excerpts from "Swan Lake," "La Sylphide" and "Taka-ta-da-da."
Tickets go on sale beginning Tuesday April 2.
'Bright Star' at Curtain Call Theatre
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 10, 11, 17 and 18; 2 p.m. Sunday, May 12 and 19
Where: Curtain Call Theatre, 182 Commercial St., Braintree
Tickets/admission: $30
For more information: Visit Curtaincallbraintree.org or call 781-356-5113
Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, "Bright Star" is a tale of love and redemption, in which literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II who awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past and what she finds will transform both of their lives.
'The Bride, or Does This Dress Make Me Look Married?' at Norwell's Company Theatre
When: 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11; 3 p.m. Sunday, May 12
Where: The Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive, Norwell
Tickets/admission: $40
For more information: Companytheatre.com
Denise Fennell, known for her role in the "Late Nite Catechism" series, returns for an new comedy showcase. Drawing inspiration from Fennell’s life, this bride of a certain age begins to question the meaning of love, life and the ritual of marriage.
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: 23 fun and different things to do on the South Shore this spring
