While we await the long weekend (and simmer in the return of peak heat), Bostonians in need of a break can indulge in a variety of cultural escapes without spending a dime. This week, catch an alternative take on Shakespeare with a free screening of “10 Things I Hate About You,” the high school romcom adaptation of “The Taming of the Shrew” or a more faithful interpretation with an outdoor production of “Macbeth” at Longfellow Park. If you’re looking for family-friendly fun, delight your inner child (or your actual child) with a musical puppet show in the Common or get your groove on when the Boston Jazz Festival celebrates its 15th year. Here are six no-cost events and activities for the week of Aug. 25-31.
POET, YOU KNOW IT Bring your poetry or show up for inspiration at the Somerville Community Growing Center’s Poetry in the Garden series, where wordsmiths are encouraged to share work on an outdoor stage. After the attendee readings, Somerville poet Otto Vock will read from their collections, and attendees are invited to take part in an art activity. Aug. 26, 6 p.m. Somerville Community Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave., Somerville. thegrowingcenter.org
BEST BEWARE MY STING Catch a free outdoors screening of “10 Things I Hate About You,” the 1999 teen romcom starring Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Julia Stiles that borrowed key plot elements from Shakespeare’s comedy, “The Taming of the Shrew.” The Bard’s story of unlikely love is reimagined for a ‘90s high school featuring two totally opposite sisters, their hypervigilant dad, and a misguided pack of conspiring suitors. Catch the flick and the sunset by the waterfront. Aug. 27, 9 p.m. The Anchor, 1 Shipyard Park, Charlestown. theanchorboston.com
THEY’RE WATCHING Join a movie rave for the new episode of “Big Brother,” which is currently in its 27th season. Some of last season’s HouseGuests will join attendees — Boston contestants Tucker Des Lauriers and Kenney Kelley, alongside Floridian Joseph Rodriguez; they’ll share their experiences living under surveillance without outside contact, before diving into the new episode — gabbing is encouraged. Aug. 28, 6:30 p.m. Aeronaut Brewing Company, 14 Tyler St., Somerville. aeronautbrewing.com
A JAZZ JUBILEE The 15th annual Boston Jazz Festival returns to Southie this weekend. The two-day lineup showcases a variety of local acts, including Milton-based jazz singer Pat Braxton, Cape Cod soul-funk band GroovaLottos, and City Strings, a youth violin and cello group based in Boston, as well as a variety of international jazz artists from Puerto Rico, India, Germany, and beyond. Aug. 29-30, until 10 p.m. South Boston Maritime Park, 225 Northern Ave. bostonjazzfest.org
PARKSIDE PUPPET PALS Stop by the UnCommon Corner, an outdoors performing venue in the Common, to movie the “Good News Gus Show,” hosted by Waltham-based puppeteer and Sesame Street alum Harry LaCoste. The animated and optimistic Gus and his puppet friends come to life for this all-ages variety show featuring interactive storytelling, comedy, and ukulele jams. Aug. 30, noon Boston Common, near the Boylston T stop. puppetshowplace.org
PROPHECY IN THE PARK The Dream Role Players troupe will present its final performances of “Macbeth” on Saturday and Sunday. The troupe, founded in 2018, puts on access-conscious, public plays with local actors; this year, the group showcases one of Shakespeare’s most haunting tragedies with faithful dialogue and skillful stage combat. The play is expected to run for 90 minutes. Sunscreen and bug spray will be provided, but attendees are asked to bring their own chairs or ground coverings for seating. Aug. 30-31, 6 p.m. Longfellow Park, Cambridge. dreamroleplayerstheater.com
Check individual event websites for the most up-to-date information.
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Ryan Yau can be reached at ryan.yau@globe.com.
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