Things to do around the Boston area this week

Tuesday 7/23

📖 New York Times Magazine staff writer Taffy Brodesser-Akner, author of "Fleischman Is in Trouble," discusses her new novel " Long Island Compromise " at the Harvard Book Store at 6pm.

🎸 Two bands from different eras but with similar appeal, Santana and Counting Crows , will be at the Xfinity Center.

🐶 Your dog can channel its inner Picasso at Dorchester Brewing Co. "yappy hour" with dog lick paintings, 6pm-9pm.

• Price: $20.

Wednesday 7/24

🎻 The Boston Landmark Orchestra performs music from two major American composers: George Gershwin and John Williams at the Hatch Memorial Shell, 7pm-9pm.

• They'll play music from "Gershwin's "Girl Crazy" overture, Williams' music from "Jaws," "Olympic Fanfare and Theme" and others.

Thursday 7/25

🎤 The Boston Public Library's Brighton branch hosts a free karaoke night for those of us in bed by 9pm, 6pm-7:30pm.

🎶 NICE , an all-ages music fest, kicks off in Somerville's Davis Square, 6pm.

• Runs through Sunday night with local bands and vintage and art markets.
• Price: $20-140.

Friday 7/26

🎤 Mansfield may not be Cabo, but rocker Sammy Hagar will turn the Xfinity Center into a beach party with his '80s and '90s hits.

👞 The 10th annual Salsa Squared dance party returns to Brattle Plaza in Cambridge, 7pm-10pm. Catch free dance lessons, live music and some free salsa and chips.

Saturday 7/27

🦮 Park-9 Dog Bar in Everett hosts its own Olympic Games , 11am-10pm.

• Events include best trick, whipped cream races, agility runs and more.

🎶 Two iconic '70s bands combine forces when Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire come to the Xfinity Center.

🎤 Take a trip north for some Chicago-style improv comedy in Maine with SNL alum (and Lexington native) Rachel Drath, Upright Citizen's Brigade co-founder Matt Walsh and others at the Waterville Opera House at 8pm.

🇵🇷 The Puerto Rican Festival kicks off Saturday at noon and runs through Sunday at Franklin Park.

• Catch live music, food, arts and crafts and other activities.

Sunday 7/28

Artisans Asylum is hosting a Settlers of Catan tournament , 9:30am-8pm.

• Open to residents ages 18+.
• Price: $15.

🎞 See the animated adaptation of Marjane Satrapi's " Persepolis ," the beloved coming-of-age story about a girl growing up in revolutionary Iran in the 1970s and '80s at 6:15pm at the Brattle.