In Brief - Boston

TIME ZONE: Eastern
AREA CODE: 617
FOUNDED: 1630
POPULATION: 617,594
GET AROUND: MBTA (or the “T”) subway, bus, trolley, and boat service
AIRPORT: Boston Logan International
WEBSITE: www.bostonusa.com

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BY THE NUMBERS

35 people per week who order Boston cream pie for breakfast at the Omni Parker House Hotel, where the iconic dessert was invented in the 1940s

608 number of glass panels that make up the Mapparium, a three-story, walk-through model of Earth

3 Declaration of Independence signers buried in Granary Burying Ground (Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Robert Treat Paine)

12,000+ performances of Shear Madness in its 31-year run at Charles Playhouse

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CULTURE CALENDAR

Through Oct. 30
SOWA OPEN MARKET
Discover the work of an ever changing group of artisans in the South End, one of Boston’s hippest 'hoods. This outdoor shopping experience off ers a chance to meet with local artists and sleuth out cool souvenirs: original art, indie designer clothing or funky jewelry. Sundays 10am to 4pm; www.sowaopenmarket.com

Through Aug. 1
THE DONKEY SHOW
On Saturday nights, the American Repertory Theatre is transformed into the ultimate disco par-tay, complete with colorful mirror balls, feather boas, roller skaters channeling Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust” and feathered divas strutting to ’70s monster hits. This dazzling stage show — where guests play a role — is inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Bring on the glitter. www.ameri.canrepertorytheater.org

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NEWS FLASH

Water World • The new Shark and Ray Touch Tank at the New k England Aquarium is the largest shark/ray exhibit on the East Coast. The 25,000 gallon tank has shallow edges and viewing windows to create an up-close experience (in case you’d rather look than touch). neaq.org + Walk This Way • America’s Walking City just got more foot-friendly. Boston’s 125-year old Emerald Necklace parkland is now connected to the waterfront by the 1-mile “Walk to the Sea” path.