Post-pandemics update:…read more This is a weekly (Fridays) swing dance venue on the industrial outskirts of Cambridge, MA. A beginner lesson starts at 8PM, the dance goes on from 9PM to midnight (finding a dance partner after 11:30PM is not easy). Masks are required, so is the proof of vaccination (with a booster!). The latter is better send via email in advance. The venue: the dance goes on inside the Q ballroom (formerly Extreme Dance Studio). The dance floor is pretty large, almost square in shape and of high quality. The only obstacle is a large red support pole in the center that is easy to avoid (or play around it). I had visited in late November, and the temperature control was adequate. The logistics: parking is free and easy. At 8PM, many parking spots are available in the parking lot of the ballroom itself. At this time, feel free to disregard the "restricted" signs and use the parking spots of other businesses nearby. However, per the Central's own web site, avoid the spots assigned to Evolve Fitness (I did not find any). There are coat hangers for the winter clothing in the lobby, cubes for the rest of your possessions at the far wall of the ballroom. Admission is $10 on DJ nights, apparently $15 on the band nights. Water is provided in the corner of the dance floor. Seating is very limited, experienced crowd tends to congregate in and around the front row of the seats closer to the entrance. The music: I have danced to the DJ music. As I understand, the live music is more typical, except during the holiday season. The music selection was excellent for lindy with many familiar mid-tempo pieces and practically no slow blues tunes. The lesson: starts at 8PM and is geared towards beginners, although covers a lot of ground at a pretty fast pace, so it is unlikely that a single lesson will be of much help to an absolute beginner. The crowd: about 50 dancers for the lesson, about 80 for the party. The dancers are mostly on the young side, their skills vary very significantly. There is a significant percentage of true beginners, to the point that leading them is very challenging, very few excellent dancers (on the night I have visited, there was a swing camp in the city, on my previous visit few years ago the number of advanced dancers was way higher), and many intermediate ones. There were more follows than leads during the party, but not disastrously so. The lesson was perfectly balanced. Overall: a must-go-to event in the Boston area. True beginner's mileage might vary. A minor advice for the beginner follows: if you want to dance, do not stand at the counter next to the entrance behind the row of seats: many people use this place to chill out, so a lead like me would rarely venture there - disregarding all the dancers in the front row! - to invite you to dance; sides of the floor will work much better.

This is the best weekly swing dance in Boston. They have a live band almost every week, including…read morelocal greats Beantown Swing Orchestra and the Fried Bananas. They also pull in great imports such as Solomon Douglas and Gordon Webster. The dance crowd is mostly Lindy Hop with some blues and East Coast (the step you learn in the free lesson before the dance). A lot of the dance instructors and advanced dancers frequent this dance. When you aren't dancing it is fun to sit back and watch and listen. You don't need to bring a partner. Most folks will dance with you if you ask them. Several people sport an "angel" bandana meaning they are experienced dancers looking to dance with people new to the dance. The drink of choice in this crowd is water so they are sharp and well balanced on the dance floor. There are jugs of water in the back left corner as well as light snacks. Check out the videos on the Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cambridge-MA/Boston-Swing-Central/15316440838, and the events for upcoming bands. The pictures give an idea of what the crowd wears. You can wear jeans, however you won't be out of place if you dress up, though tuxes or sequins is probably over doing it. Swing Central has quite the following. Recently they reached capacity when a very popular band played and there was a wait to get in. If you get there before 9:30 or after 10:30 you should be able to get in with no problem. If you are new to dancing by all means attend the 8:00 lesson a few times. The instructors rotate so it isn't the same lesson every week. The dance has moved from St. Mary's Church in Central Square to a dedicated dance space, Crosby's Whistle stop at 24 Roland Street in Charleston (how appropriate). It is in an industrial building, but don't let that put you off. The brick walls and wooden floor are a nice step up from the church basement.

I went with my friend because he won free tickets from the radio station, WROR. I had never been…read moreto this type of circus, I went to a bigger one in Boston long ago. There's plenty of parking. It's located in a business area in the suburb of Wilmington. It is Shriners Auditorium, which is quite big but I have to say the seats are very uncomfortable ! If I had known, could have brought a seat cushion. It was interesting to learn this circus is from the Hanford family dating back to the 19 century. The circus is geared towards the young children. That is why they had it on April vacation. It wasn't bad, just kind of boring for adults. I really enjoyed the horses and the great stunts that they did. The food they have is pricy. Nothing special so I would suggest to eat before going or after. All in all, if you have children it is fun to go to and the drive is easy.

I've been there for home shows and a number of times for Roller Derby. The facility is kept clean…read more The rest rooms were clean. The food is not great but acceptable and the liquor is surprisingly cheap. Well run facility. They only take cash.

I am contemplating becoming a member of this establishment. I am weighing my options to decide if…read moreit's really worth it. I am already a member at a similar type of place so I'm not sure I need to join here. PRO A lot of great people/members Very clean, new bar area. Bar is huge Beer is cheap Private parking lot Very close to home CONS They don't carry Heineken Light but I've been told if I become a member I can have them add it to the list. Smokey. I don't smoke but the few times I've gone as a guest I smell like an ashtray when I get home. YUCK! Another membership fee that I'm not sure I want to spend. Very close to home. This could be a double edge sword. :)

Its Awesome Beer's are cheap and Anne Leetch Is the Best Bar Tenderread more

They host large events when it's not even a big track, I was there for 2024 indoor New Englands,…read moreand it was about 1 million degrees. People wall to wall. So nasty. Bathrooms smell horrid and the sink water is brown and 100 degrees. Just smells pretty much anywhere you go.

Had an amazing experience here getting my covid-19 vaccine. I felt so safe and everything was very…read moreorganized. I'm very impressed!

They will not offer a refund under ANY circumstances. I had to unexpectedly move out of state due…read moreto unforseen and uncontrollable circumstances, and despite me giving them over a month's advanced notice of my cancellation, they were still unwilling to refund my money. Now they are profiting off of my cancellation because they have my money and are still able to sell my spot to somewhat else before the league starts.

SBS Varsity Card is probably the best addition in my wallet and my newest best friend…read more With my varsity card, I have been able to get discounts and/or free admissions to various SBS events such as the Whitewater Rafting trip, the Cinco (or Uno) de Mayo Party, the SBS Birthday party, and the upcoming "I'm on a Boat" party, as well as free drinks or complimentary appetizers during VIP hours. Also as a Varsity Card holder, I get special invitations to private parties with free access and even free drinks! If you play on a league, you receive 10% off your individual team fee. The card can also be used at various venues for no line/no cover access and 10 - 20 % discounts on foods and products. Additionally, the card already comes equipped with $25 from BuyYourFriendADrink.com to use at participating bars! The best part is that I only have to carry one card to get all these discounts and special access, all the while doubling as my BYFAD card. Just a Note: SBS also offers a JV card as well with similar discounts and access.

What a great theater nestled in a cute little neighborhood! My daughter gifted us tickets so off…read morethe JP we went. There is on street parking and a municipal lot behind the main street business. Enter through the side door and you're in the main waiting area with plenty of historic pictures and local art. The theater upstairs and you're transported to another time. Local theater is so important. The production was good and we loved seeing local actors. Would recommend.

What a special place this is! I did not realize that this group had been in operation for 100 years…read moreuntil I attended the performance yesterday. The building is a beautiful historic building. It is also wheelchair accessible. The performance of Miss Holmes was really good. Good acting, and the set was really clever and creative. They also had snacks during intermission. Only a dollar for a bag of chips or a soda! The ticket price was also very reasonable. I can't wait to see their next play!

My kids love this place! We've been going here pretty consistently since they were 4 years old for…read morebirthday parties. They are now 8 and 7. We did our daughter's party here last year too. The staff is very organized and helpful. We had jumping time, pizza and cake and then enjoyed the arcade. One thing I would point out is that it isn't cheap! Be sure to keep your headcount relatively limited otherwise you may be surprised with the bill (like I was). This being said, my kids do love this place and the staff is all really nice and helpful.

I am so glad that I brought my 7 yo here to the bouncy airplay. He had a great time and even for an…read moreadult, it was a physically fun place to take jump, climb and bounce. The locker is also free- btw. We really appreciated how the time slots prevented this place from being too crowded, as other places like trampoline parks can be too crowded to jump at times. The staff here are just amazing, which is reflective of the previous reviews posted here. Brett took care of us, and his welcoming presence adds a great touch to the experience here. The arcade was really fun, and not as expensive. My son and I were able to play table air hockey, shooting games and other arcade games. Thank you to the management team for planning your strategy to ensure that this place is not too crowded. My son and I really appreciate our time here. We will be back!

The Taste of Somerville is an event that happens every May to benefit Respond, which is a great…read morelocal organization that works to end domestic violence. Taste of Somerville raises money by us buying tickets and eating (and drinking) until we can eat no more delicious somerville foods! This is our second year attending, and everything was amazing. There was a great oyster bar from Island Creek Oysters, a make your own s'mores bar and chocolate station from the Holiday Inn (which is also where the event is held), delicious treats from Lyndell's, delicious shrimp tacos from Old Magoon's Saloon, and delicious gazpacho from Casa B. And grilled delicious kielbasa from Bronwyn! And that's just to name a few. We ended up with some delicious bread to bring home from Piantedosi Bread Shoppe, and we sampled some there, and it was amazing. Also there for 2013: Eat at Jumbos (love those guys!), Daddy Jones, The Independent, Redbones, El Potro, the soon to be at Assembly Row in 2014: JP Licks, and many, MANY more awesome restaurants. Go next year in 2014-it supports such a great cause, and it's an awesome way to spend a May evening! Read more about Respond here: http://www.respondinc.org/Home.aspx