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Boston Globe
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Robots, chains, and Paul Revere on a horse. Revere Beach's 21st International Sand Sculpting Festival has it all.
Matthew Deibert, one of the participants, plans to mold 10 tons of sand into a masterpiece inspired by AI that depicts a robot holding people by strings being sucked through a vortex. 'It's a very hard competition here to have, [there are] very talented artists on the beach,' he said. Advertisement Sculptor Melineige Beauregard works on, 'Revolutions Start Here.' Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff For the festival's 21st year, organizers decided to honor the multi-day event that features 75 food vendors, amusement rides, various activities, and a fireworks show. The winner of the sand castle competition, whose participants have come from all over the world, will be crowned on Saturday. Melineige Beauregard, one of the judges, said she enjoys the sand sculpting festival's competitive nature. 'It's really difficult to judge, and we all have different styles. But still for me, it's still kind of a rush of competing to try to push myself more,' said Beauregard, who previously participated in the competition. Advertisement Bruce Phillips, a sand sculptor from San Diego, has been sculpting since he was introduced to the concept at his local mall in 1992. His piece this year features chains wrapped around a sand block. Phillips said sand sculpting is usually a solitary endeavor, so he liked that a lot of sculptors were gathered in one place. 'There's probably 100 master-level artists and we don't always get to work together on different projects.. it's always good to get together in the evenings and while working,' Phillips said. Bruce Phillips, of San Diego, CA, sprays down a column of sand. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff Marissa Babin traveled from Malden to attend the festival and see the detailed sculptures. The creations never cease to amaze Babin, whose an artist herself. 'I love drawing. I have no experience doing sand sculptures or anything like that but I guess because I love art so much in general, that's why I find it really cool,' she said. Adrienne Maguire, executive board member of the Revere Beach Partnership, a nonprofit that works to make the beach more enjoyable for visitors, first introduced the idea of a sand sculpting competition 21 years ago. To Maguire, the festival showcases the Partnership's mission to 'preserve and enhance America's first public beach.' 'We know that the sculptors love being here and to me, that means we're doing something right,' she said Connie Neibauer and Jacob Stoll, who are visiting Revere from Wisconsin for a family wedding, stumbled upon the sand sculptures while walking down the beach. '[The sculptures] are beautiful and the detail is amazing,' Neibauer said. 'I've seen ice sculptures in Wisconsin, but [in] bad weather, they melt quickly. This is really cool to walk up to.' Advertisement Artists must finish their pieces by 2 p.m. on Saturday and then visitors can vote for their favorites from 2 to 4 p.m. The winner will be announced on Saturday night, but the sculptures will remain on the beach through the end of the festival on Sunday. Katarina Schmeiszer can be reached at
Boston Globe
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Regina, Si Cara, and seven more places to find Boston's best pizza
.bofbpic img { width: 100%; height: auto; } Galleria Umberto Galleria Umberto. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff There are modern, TikTok trend-induced lines, lengthy yet ephemeral — and then there are lines for the ages. The latter camp includes the daily lunchtime lines at Galleria Umberto, the North End pizzeria that has been run by the Deuterio family for decades and won a James Beard 'America's Classics' award. Everyone wants a taste of the famed, fantastic square pizza, made in sheet pans and sold until it runs out for the day. The only choice is to return, and wait again. (Just not in July, when the shop is often closed for vacation.) Address: 289 Hanover Street, North End Phone: Find online: .bofbpic img { width: 100%; height: auto; } Parziale's Bakery Parziale's Bakery suzanne kreiter/globe staff Four American dollars will fetch you one of the best slices in the city: the margherita at Parziale, a tiny North End joint often overshadowed by its showier neighbor, Bova's. You may have to fight through the line for that other, more vaunted establishment, but it is worth it: the sauce sings with bright tomato flavor, and the mozzarella cover is generous (it's the good stuff, too). On your way out, snag a perfectly crumbly walnut sandie. Address: 80 Prince Street, North End Phone: Find online: .bofbpic img { width: 100%; height: auto; } Picco Picco on Tremont Street in the South End. Lane Turner/Globe Staff Early to the local craft pizza scene and still going strong, Picco specializes in two of the world's perfect foods, which are even better together: pizza and ice cream. (The name is an abbreviation of Pizza & Ice Cream Co.) If you haven't tried these bubbly, chewy, char-crusted beauties, wait no more — it is time for you to order a Picco pie. The cheese pizza, and the sausage, fennel, and ricotta one, are always excellent, but don't miss the white Alsatian, with bacon, gruyere, and shallots — like a tarte flambée, but make it pizza. Address: 513 Tremont Street, South End Phone: Find online: .bofbpic img { width: 100%; height: auto; } Pinocchio's Pizza & Subs Pinocchio's Pizza & Subs. Lane Turner/Globe Staff Weave your way through the crush of college students and snag a slice at this iconic counter-service spot off of Harvard Square. Pinocchio's offers subs and thin-crust pizza, but the Sicilian squares are the clear standouts: crispy on the bottom, pillowy on top, and buttery all the way through. The walls are decked with fading photos of famous clients (Mark Zuckerberg's order: a steak-and-cheese sub and a slice of Sicilian cheese), and during the semester, it's open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Address: 74 Winthrop Street, Cambridge Phone: Find online: .bofbpic img { width: 100%; height: auto; } Quattro Quattro. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff This North End spot from restaurateur Frank DePasquale (Bricco, Mare, and more) serves lobster ravioli, chicken parm, and other classics. But its real specialty is the spot-on authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. The edges are blistered and charred black in spots, the toppings applied with some restraint. The margherita, made with mozzarella di bufala, is pure goodness — but you can also add mushrooms, mortadella with pistachio, and more. Address: 264 Hanover Street, North End Phone: Find online: .bofbpic img { width: 100%; height: auto; } Regina Pizzeria Regina Pizzeria. Lane Turner/Globe Staff If you were going to try just one Boston pizza place, Regina Pizzeria would be the right choice. But it has to be the North End branch, producing brick-oven pizza since 1926. These are utterly classic old-school Italian-American pies: crisp, thin crust; a little char at the edges; the right amount of blistering and chew; a union of bright sauce and flavorful cheese. It's fun to wedge into one of the wood booths and soak up the atmosphere, but you can also circumvent the wait by ordering ahead and picking your food up to go. Don't be surprised if someone in the line snaking around the brick building offers to buy it off you as you leave. Address: 11½ Thacher Street, North End Phone: Find online: Related : .bofbpic img { width: 100%; height: auto; } Santarpio's Pizza Santarpio's. Adam DeTour for The Boston Globe. Food styling by Sheila Jarnes. Boston doesn't really have its own style of pizza, but this joint, with more than a century in business, creates a unique pie combining the best of New Haven, New York, and New Jersey's styles. The result is a tangy, saucy masterpiece with an extra crunch from the cornmeal on the crust. The atmosphere is pure Boston with its well-worn booths, gruff servers straight out of central casting, and boisterous locals. There is another location in Peabody. Address: 111 Chelsea Street, East Boston Phone: Find online: .bofbpic img { width: 100%; height: auto; } Si Cara Si Cara. Lane Turner/Globe Staff This Central Square natural wine bar from chef Michael Lombardi (Salty Pig, SRV) specializes in canotto-style pies — a puffy-edged, less rule-bound cousin to Neapolitan pizza. The crust is gloriously tangy sourdough; the toppings are less rule-bound, too. In addition to margherita and pepperoni pies, you'll find combinations such as confit potato with pea tendril, 'nduja, and almond — or fried artichoke with miso cream and preserved lemon. At lunch, there's also pan pizza by the slice. Address: 425 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge Phone: Find online: Boston Globe Best of the Best winners for 2025 were selected by Globe newsroom staff and correspondents, and limited to Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline. We want to hear from you: ? 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Boston Globe
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
The Coolidge Corner, The Brattle Theatre, and five more of the best movie theaters around Boston
.bofbpic img { width: 100%; height: auto; } AMC Causeway 13 AMC Causeway 13. Boston's newest movie theater — well, it used to be the ArcLight Cinema before AMC took over in 2022 — is practically next door to the Garden, in The Hub on Causeway dining and entertainment complex. So, it's easy to get to via the T and offers plenty of nearby options for dinner. Offerings include AMC Artisan Films, which focus on curated options. It's also the only AMC theater in Massachusetts to offer laser projection, so you can see that beloved Nicole Kidman ad as crystal clear as possible. Address: 60 Causeway Street, West End Phone: 617-274-4104 Find online: .bofbpic img { width: 100%; height: auto; } AMC South Bay Center 12 AMC South Bay Center 12 Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff As close as you can get to the mall theater experience in Boston, as it's smack dab in the middle of a busy shopping center in Dorchester. Easily accessible by bus, this theater seems especially favored by a younger, boisterous crowd — exactly what you'd expect from the multiplex experience, and perfect for a rollicking summer blockbuster. Do all your shopping and then reward yourself with an IMAX movie or a Dolby theater screening (complete with reclining chairs). Address: 25 District Avenue, Dorchester Phone: 617-606-3219 Find online: .bofbpic img { width: 100%; height: auto; } The Brattle Theatre The Brattle Theatre Craig F. Walker/Globe staff/File A Harvard Square institution since 1953, The Brattle specializes in repertory screenings. Walk down the front steps and find yourself immersed in all manner of special series, put together by an imaginative crew with good taste and an eye for surprising combinations. It's the home of Noir City Boston, among other film festivals, and has a program of 35mm screenings. Plenty of first-run indie films are shown here and you'll find some of the best popcorn in the area, too. Address: 40 Brattle Street, Cambridge Phone: 617-876-6837 Find online: .bofbpic img { width: 100%; height: auto; } Coolidge Corner Theatre Coolidge Corner Theatre. Carlin Stiehl for The Boston Globe The recent addition of two new theaters and an expanded lobby add to the fun of visiting this former church that became a movie house back in 1933. A beloved, go-to destination for independent cinema and signature programs such as 'Big Screen Classics' and 'Cinema in 70mm,' the Coolidge also knows how to cut loose with 'Coolidge After Midnite' crowd-pleasers such as Kill Bill: Vol. 1, Green Room, and more. Seminars on films and other educational programs are held regularly. Address: 290 Harvard Street, Brookline Phone: 617-734-2501 Find online: Related : .bofbpic img { width: 100%; height: auto; } Landmark Kendall Square Cinema It might take a bit of effort to find this theater, even if one drives — it's a 10 minute or so walk from the T — but it's so worth the effort. This nine-theater cinema has a friendly staff, cozy movie houses, and reasonably priced tickets. It's also Boston's primary stop for all the Netflix-released movies, letting you catch those on the big screen. And that's just one part of its mixture of indie, foreign-language, and mainstream fare. A free membership program offers perks including discounts as well. Address: 355 Binney Street, Cambridge Phone: 617-621-1202 Find online: .bofbpic img { width: 100%; height: auto; } Somerville Theatre The Somerville Theatre in Somerville. Marissa Fiorucci This 110-year-old triplex at the heart of Davis Square is a must-visit, and not just for its historical context (it was once a vaudeville house) and its gorgeous 840-seat main auditorium, complete with balcony and stage. There are also repertory programs of classic films, 70mm screenings, and occasional live performances (U2 took the stage there in 2009). Ticket prices are on the cheaper side for the Boston area, snacks are plentiful, and the lobby is full of interesting tidbits about the theater's history. Keep an eye out for the creepy-looking owls hiding in various spots, secretly surveying the crowd with their spooky red eyes. Address: 55 Davis Square, Somerville Phone: 617-625-5700 Find online: Boston Globe Best of the Best winners for 2025 were selected by Globe newsroom staff and correspondents, and limited to Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline. We want to hear from you: ? 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Boston Globe
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Photos: July Fourth celebrations in Boston
LeAnn Rimes performs during the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular at the Hatch Memorial Shell in hatchshelljuly4 Erin Clark/Globe Staff Bell Biv DeVoe performs during the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular at the Hatch Memorial Shell in Boston. Erin Clark/Globe Staff Andrea Dacosta, left, dances with her son Jeremias during the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Charles River Esplanade in Boston. Erin Clark/Globe Staff Confetti explodes out of the Hatch Shell stage after the Boston Pops Firework Spectacular on July Fourth. Heather Diehl/Boston Globe Members of the United States Armed Forces salute as they are honored during the Boston Pops Firework Spectacular. Heather Diehl/Boston Globe Members of the US Army watch the Boston Pops Firework Spectacular on July Fourth over the Charles River. Heather Diehl/Boston Globe Singer Leslie Odom Jr. performs at the Hatch Shell for the Boston Pops Firework Spectacular. Heather Diehl/Boston Globe Zoe Salah (11) tosses confetti into the air to celebrate the end of the Boston Pops Firework Spectacular show. Heather Diehl/Boston Globe TC Jones IV stands and is honored as a US Army Veteran during the Boston Pops Firework Spectacular. Heather Diehl/Boston Globe Families relax on blankets and in chairs while waiting for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular to begin. Erin Clark/Globe Staff Members of the Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums stand at attention during the opening ceremony during the 249th Independence Day Celebration at City Hall Plaza in Boston on July 4, 2025. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff Lt. Colonel Lee Fife salutes for the Pledge of Allegiance before the reading of the the Declaration of Independence during the 249th Independence Day Celebration at the Old State House in Boston. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff Crystal Lee helps Diane Myers with her tricorne hat while the Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums prepare for the 249th Independence Day Celebration at City Hall Plaza in Boston. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff Gino Famiglietti, 5, of Andover, watches the parade with his family during the 249th Independence Day Celebration at City Hall Plaza in Boston. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff Members of the Wilmington Minutemen fire their muskets while marching in the 249th Independence Day Celebration parade in Boston. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff Boston Mayor Michelle Wu steps onto the balcony to address the crowd during the 249th Independence Day Celebration at the Old State House in Boston. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff Tuba player Kameron Clayton prepares to march in the parade with the Zarba Military Band during the 249th Independence Day Celebration at City Hall Plaza in Boston. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff A member of the of the Wilmington Minutemen holds his musket during the 249th Independence Day Celebration at City Hall Plaza in Boston. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff
Boston Globe
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Thousands gather for daylong festivities celebrating Fourth of July in Boston
Advertisement Angela Martin, 54, of Florida, was blown away by Boston's parade Friday morning. 'The Minutemen come out with the band and I'm like, 'What is this?'' she said. 'It was so meaningful.' Dan Burns, Michele DeParasis, and Al Chin of the Billerica Colonial Minute Men enjoyed the confetti during the 249th Independence Day Celebration at Old State House. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff Friday's festivities came on the heels of the milestone commemorations in April of the 250th anniversary of the Revolution's 'shots heard round the world' In Boston Friday, some took the anniversary as an opportunity to protest President Trump — reusing 'No Kings' signs and shirts from last month's rallies. Advertisement Tim Cooke, 67, from Brookline, displayed a sign reading, 'No Kings since 1776,' as he walked the Esplanade with his dog, Lucy. 'Done without for 249 years,' Cooke said. 'So let's keep it going.' But for the most part, people set aside politics to celebrate America. Many celebrated their freedom to speak up, to work, to pursue their happiness. The first person on the grass at the Hatch Memorial Shell Friday was Nikki Jax, 57, of New York. Jax, a woman of transgender experience, teared up as she thought about freedom. 'All the gifts of the universe were given to me after I transitioned,' Jax said. 'So freedom for me is the freedom to walk my path.' 'I love my country,' said Cathleen Curran of Lowell. 'As long as we're doing things for the country and not letting politics get in our heads, we're the greatest country.' By mid-afternoon, hours before the Pops show was set to begin, hundreds were spread out in the Hatch Shell, the Charles River Esplanade, across the Charles in Cambridge, and bobbing on boats in the river. Doraehea Chiu, a visitor from Taiwan on a three-month trip to the US, marveled at how everyone was able to celebrate together. 'No matter whether you are rich or poor, no matter if you are a manager at the bank, or you are a worker building a house, they are really equal,' she said. 'They all enjoy it the same way. They all went to the harbor to see the fireworks.' Members of the Wilmington Minutemen fired their muskets while marching in the 249th Independence Day Celebration parade. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff Karen Lopez, 28, of Paraguay, was also eager to see how Americans celebrate, taking in a week of festivities including a parade and laser show in Wilmington, Mass., where she lives. Advertisement 'I like to explore another country and their Independence Day traditions,' she said. Those traditions began early in Boston Friday. After thousands wearing patriotic colors recited the Pledge of Allegiance at City Hall Plaza, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu greeted the crowd and thanked military families for their service. 'Two hundred and forty-nine years ago today, from this very spot, we declared our independence,' Wu said to the crowd. 'We declared that Boston would not back down in the face of tyranny, in the face of bullying. Not to kings and not to the greatest army in the world at that time.' The mayor then joined the parade led by the Boston Fire Department to the Old State House for the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence. At the end of the reading, red, white, and blue confetti fell from the sky as the Frank Zarba Military Band played, and some in the crowd chanted 'USA, USA.' Soon after, across town, others watched as the USS Constitution set off from its dock at the Charlestown Navy Yard for its annual cruise of Boston Harbor. The world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat, the 228-year-old ship was undefeated in 33 military engagements, including during the War of 1812 A hushed silence fell over the crowd in Charlestown as the ship, nicknamed 'Old Ironsides,' slowly left the dock. As it turned into the harbor, a cannon went off, producing grey smoke and a round of applause. 'I feel American now,' one onlooker said. Hundreds gathered at Castle Island's Fort Independence Park to watch the ship's 21-gun salute. The celebrations felt personal to Alex G. Lee, a naturalized citizen originally from South Korea. He pointed out a statue commemorating the Korean War down the boardwalk, and said the cannonade reminded him of his service. Advertisement 'This day is so meaningful, not only for the independence of the United States, he said. 'I'm celebrating everything." The crowd listened to the reading of the Declaration of Independence during the 249th Independence Day Celebration at the Old State House. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff Back in Downtown Crossing, Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums performed at the Franklin Steps. Among them was Bill Phenix, who has been playing the fife for 53 years and can recall playing it during bicentennial celebrations in 1776. 'If you told me then that I would still be doing this, I probably would have looked at you like you lost your mind,' he said. 'It's a lifelong pursuit.' The celebrations Friday are a lifelong pursuit for many. Dorchester's Mike Williams, 58, has been coming to the Esplanade for more than half a century, since he was 6. Sharon Davis, of Machias, Maine, remembers watching the Pops on television as a kid; she first got to attend in person a few years ago. For Eli Rodriguez, 34, of Ashland, the Fourth of July is always one of the biggest days of the year for the Jax, the first person waiting at the Hatch early Friday morning, came to Boston to see the show in 1985. She never forgot it. 'I remember it as being one of the most singular, beautiful experiences with humanity,' she said. Christopher Huffaker can be reached at
