This Saturday, Aug. 15, Mass Audubon and the Plymouth Public Library will host a Perseid Watch Party at Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary, inviting visitors to experience one of the year’s most spectacular celestial events from one of Plymouth’s darkest natural landscapes. Beginning at 8 p.m., participants will take a short, guided walk after sunset before settling onto the sanctuary’s fielded landscape to watch for meteors streaking across the night sky. Along the way, a Mass Audubon naturalist will introduce the summer constellations, explain simple ways to navigate by the stars, and discuss why protecting dark skies matters for both wildlife and people. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. The program is open to all ages, although the after-dark walk is recommended for participants ages 10 and older.
The annual Perseid meteor shower has long been a favorite of astronomers and skywatchers because of both its beauty and its accessibility.
“Every summer throughout July and August, the Earth passes through the dust trail of the Swift-Tuttle comet,” explained Kim Snyder, education coordinator for Mass Audubon. Although the comet last passed Earth in 1992, it left behind a thick stream of tiny dust particles that our planet encounters each year. Those particles are far too small to reach the ground, but as they burn up in Earth’s atmosphere they create the brilliant streaks of light we know as shooting stars. During the shower’s peak—typically in mid-August—up to 100 meteors per hour can be visible under ideal conditions.
This year’s display is expected to be especially memorable because the Perseid peak coincides with a New Moon. “Moonlight can interfere with our ability to see meteors,” Snyder said. “This year we will truly have a dark sky to watch for meteors—so long as the clouds stay away.”
Unlike many astronomical events, no telescope or binoculars are needed.
“The best time to look is just before dawn,” Snyder said, “but a good number can still be seen just after sunset.”
For those planning to watch from home, Snyder recommends finding the darkest location possible with an open view toward the northeast sky. The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, located below the W-shaped constellation Cassiopeia. The best way to watch, she said, is simply to recline in a chair or lie on a blanket and take in the sky.
Patience also pays off – so start early. Human eyes take about 30 minutes to fully adjust to darkness, and even the light from a phone screen or flashlight can reset the process. Red-light flashlights are a better option if light is needed.
Tidmarsh offers an especially good vantage point because the sanctuary has no artificial lighting and features a raised observation platform with a broad view of the northeastern sky. While it isn’t completely free from surrounding town lights, Snyder said it is significantly darker than urban areas, making it an excellent place to experience the Perseids.
The evening also highlights another important message: the value of preserving dark skies.
According to Snyder, artificial light doesn’t just make it harder to see the stars. It can confuse bats and moths, make it harder for nocturnal predators to hunt, and is increasingly being studied for its effects on human sleep and cognitive health.
Sometimes the best things in life are unexpected gifts from nature. For families experiencing the Perseids for the first time, Snyder offers one final piece of advice: slow down. “The meteors don’t come at particular times,” she said. “They come in random waves that catch you by surprise.” For more information go here.
Monday, August 10
Readers are invited to join Book Love Book Club, 7 Village Green Southfrom 5:30 to 7 p.m. for an evening of lively conversation about the month’s featured selection, “Finding Grace” by Loretta Rothschild. Whether you’re a longtime book club member or simply looking to connect with fellow readers, the gathering offers a welcoming opportunity to discuss great books and meet other members of the local literary community. For information go here.
Tuesday, August 11
Learn the art of traditional wood carving during a Wilderness Spoon Carving Class presented by Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. Participants will learn safe knife techniques, blade sharpening and the fundamentals of carving a wooden spoon using locally sourced wood. All tools and materials are provided. For information go here.
Wednesday, August 12
Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave. will host a Tiny Clay Pilgrim House Workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. Led by one of the museum’s potters, the adults-only workshop invites participants to create a miniature clay house modeled after the simple homes built by the Pilgrims in 1620. Using a guided pattern while adding their own creative details, participants will craft a keepsake that can later be used as an incense burner. After the workshop, each piece will be dried, fired, glazed and fired again, with finished houses available for pickup approximately four weeks later. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit plimoth.org.
Young nature enthusiasts can discover the world of birds during Birding Basics, a hands-on program led by a Mass Audubon educator at the Manomet Branch of the Plymouth Public Library, 12 Strand Ave. , from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Designed for children ages 3 and older, the program introduces the fundamentals of birding through an engaging lesson followed by a craft, game or live animal encounter. Registration is required. For information go here.
Discover how the fragrance of herbs can promote relaxation and well-being during Healing Scents: The Power of Herbs in Your Garden from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. This hands-on workshop explores the science behind aromatherapy, the therapeutic properties of herbs commonly grown in local gardens, and practical ways to incorporate fragrant plants into everyday life. Participants will also compare the scents and uses of fresh herbs with essential oils. Registration is required. For information go here.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road as Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and the Wicked Witch take the stage when Priscilla Beach Theatre, 800 Rocky Hill Rd., presents The Wizard of Oz. L. Frank Baum’s beloved story comes to life in the classic musical featuring the memorable songs made famous by the 1939 MGM film. Audiences of all ages can journey through the colorful Land of Oz as Dorothy searches for home, discovering friendship, courage, heart, and wisdom along the way. For tickets go here
Thursday, August 13
Plimoth Patuxet Museums’ Fuller Shallop—a full-scale reproduction of the small boat carried aboard the Mayflower in 1620—will depart Plymouth for a special voyage along Massachusetts’ Southcoast and Islands as part of Blockade Runners, a Revolution250 commemoration honoring the Revolutionary War blockade-running voyages of Captain Paul Cuffe. During the 10-day journey, the shallop will make public stops in Westport Point, Padanaram Harbor, Cuttyhunk and Nantucket, where visitors can meet Mayflower II Captain Whit Perry and members of Plimoth Patuxet’s maritime team while enjoying local history programs and activities at each port. The shallop is expected to return to its berth beside Mayflower II on Aug. 23, while Mayflower II will remain open to visitors throughout the voyage. More information, including the tour schedule, is available here.
Shop fresh, local and seasonal at the Plymouth Farmers Market, where area farmers, bakers, food producers and artisans gather to offer everything from just-picked produce and flowers to baked goods, meats, seafood, honey and handcrafted products. The weekly market is a favorite summer tradition, giving residents an opportunity to support local growers while enjoying a lively community atmosphere. The market is open from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the lawn of the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. For information go here.
Thursdays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North from 5 to 9 p.m. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Information: The Pinehills Events Calendar.
Author Mark Ciccone will be at Book Love, 7 Village Green South, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss his new novel, “Secrets Among Friends,” an international mystery that follows a man investigating the sudden death of his childhood friend while uncovering long-buried secrets stretching from World War II through the conflicts of the former Yugoslavia. Blending political intrigue, history and suspense, the novel takes readers across Central and Eastern Europe in a story of friendship, betrayal and family legacy. Registration is requested. For information go here.
Singer-songwriter Keegan James Blood brings his blend of Americana, folk and roots music to the intimate Spire Lobby Series at the Plymouth Center for Performing Arts, 25½ Court St. Keegan performs live around Boston and New England with Alex Formento (pedal steel) and Joe Everett (upright bass) of bluegrass band, Pretty Saro. After cutting his teeth in the Boston underground rock scene, he graduated from Berklee College of Music. Recorded during a mid-pandemic visit to Nashville, Tennessee, he released his first single, “Way Back In” in 2021. His debut solo album, Brand New Dance, offers a distinctive blend of folk, country, and rock styles, led by his sharp-tongued lyrics and memorable melodies. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. For information go here.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road continues as Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and the Wicked Witch take the stage when Priscilla Beach Theatre, 800 Rocky Hill Rd., presents The Wizard of Oz, at 7:30 p.m. Audiences of all ages can journey through the colorful Land of Oz as Dorothy searches for home, discovering friendship, courage, heart, and wisdom along the way. For tickets go here.
Friday, August 14
The Spire Music Academy, 25 ½ Court St., is hosting open auditions from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. for any student wanting to participate in the academy’s vocal and jazz ensembles. There will be an opportunity to register on site. To register go to www.spiremusicacademy.com.
Fridays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North from 5 to 9 p.m. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Live music by Dylan Wheaton, 6 to 9 p.m. Information: The Pinehills Events Calendar.
The Pilgrim Progress steps off from the Mayflower Society House, 18 Winslow St., at 6 p.m. Established by the Town of Plymouth in 1921 during the 300th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ landing, the procession recreates the settlers’ walk to worship after their first devastating winter. Visitors are invited to follow the costumed procession past Plymouth Rock and up Leyden Street to Burial Hill, where a brief worship service concludes one of Plymouth’s oldest and most cherished living traditions. For more information go here.
Blues Hall of Fame guitarist and vocalist Larry McCray takes the stage at the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 ½ Court St., for an evening of powerful electric blues. Widely regarded as one of the genre’s most influential contemporary artists, McCray is known for his soulful vocals, masterful guitar work and decades-long career that has helped shape modern blues music. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the concert at 8 p.m. For tickets and information go here.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road continues as Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and the Wicked Witch take the stage when Priscilla Beach Theatre, 800 Rocky Hill Rd., presents The Wizard of Oz, at 7:30 p.m. Audiences of all ages can journey through the colorful Land of Oz as Dorothy searches for home, discovering friendship, courage, heart, and wisdom along the way. For tickets go here.
Saturday, August 15
Saturdays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North continues weekly, from 2 to 8 p.m. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Live music by Dan Byrnes 3 to 6 p.m. For information go here.
Fans of Steely Dan can enjoy an evening celebrating the legendary band’s iconic catalog when Hey Nineteen! returns to the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 ½ Court St. The popular New England tribute band faithfully recreates the sophisticated rock, jazz and pop sound that made Steely Dan a classic, performing favorites spanning the group’s celebrated career. For tickets go here.
Perseid Watch Party at Tidmarsh
Experience one of the year’s most spectacular celestial events during a Perseid Watch Party from 8 to 9 p.m. at Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary. Hosted by Mass Audubon and the Plymouth Public Library, the evening begins with a guided walk through the restored sanctuary before participants settle in beneath the open sky to watch the annual Perseid meteor shower. The free program is recommended for ages 10 and older, and no registration is required. Meet in the parking lot at 60 Beaver Dam Rd. See the lead story for more information. For information go here.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road concludes its run as Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and the Wicked Witch take the stage when Priscilla Beach Theatre, 800 Rocky Hill Rd., presents The Wizard of Oz, at 7:30 p.m. Audiences of all ages can journey through the colorful Land of Oz as Dorothy searches for home, discovering friendship, courage, heart, and wisdom along the way. For tickets go here.
Sunday, August 16
Sundays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North from 12 to 6 p.m. and will continue into October. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Artisan Pop-up Shops from 12 to 6 p.m. Live music with Dan Felix from 12 to 3 p.m. For information go here.
Music fans can expect an unexpected twist on familiar classics when Mystic Bowie’s Talking Dreads takes the stage as part of Spire Center for Performing Arts’ Sunday Serenades series at the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25½ Court St. The Jamaican-born performer reimagines the iconic music of Talking Heads through the infectious rhythms of reggae, ska and lover’s rock, transforming songs like “Life During Wartime” into vibrant island-inspired celebrations. Bowie has performed more than 300 shows across North America, winning over both devoted Talking Heads fans and reggae enthusiasts alike. The performance begins at 3 p.m. (doors open at 2 p.m.). Information and tickets are available at spirecenter.org.
Julia Marie Davis can be reached at julia@plymouthindependent.org.