Time to take advantage of the fact that you live in the cultural center of the universe. There, we said it.
GO (and SEE)
Origami Now!
What: Day trip up to Salem to gawk at twelve-foot butterflies and other colorful creatures made from folded paper.
Why: For once, paper beats scissors.
When: Sat.-June 2008. Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem (866-745-1876).
HEAR
Bloomsday Boston
What: Listen to snippets from James Joyce’s epic Ulysses read by locals like Jimmy Tingle and WBUR’s Bill Littlefield.
Why: It’s bloomin’ free.
When: Sat., noon-5 p.m.
Where: Bapst Library, Boston College Campus, 140 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill (617-965-0352).
Tea Party
What: Authors Tracy Stern and Christie Matheson give tips on throwing tea parties for any occasion.
Why: It’s teatime somewhere.
When: Sat., 2:30-5 p.m.
Where: UpStairs on the Square, 91 Winthrop St., Harvard Square (617-864-1933). Reservations recommended.
GIVE
Summer Party at the MFA
What: DJ Deja rocks the proverbial house while young professionals tie one on in the name of building a better museum.
Why: Summer is meant for artsy affairs.
When: Sat., 8 p.m.-midnight.
Where: Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., The Fenway. Tickets ($150) at 617-369-3268.
EAT
Portland’s Taste of the Nation
What: Newsflash — Portland restaurants rock. Try seven at once at this swanky sit-down dinner on the waterfront. Proceeds go to Share Our Strength.
Why: See “What.”
When: June 24, 4-8 p.m.
Where: Southern Maine Community College, 2 Fort Rd., South Portland. Tickets online at join.strength.org. (Buy now before they sell out.)