5 things to do this weekend, including the Boston Women’s Market and a jazz festival on the Charles

It’s officially Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, and I am terrified of sharks. However, I love swimming and used to get so excited about summer pool days. But as I waded in, I would become more and more aware of how deep it was getting and how a shark might appear out of thin air and chomp down on my legs. I still think about that happening now if I’m being honest. No matter how illogical, the fear prevails and only amplifies in the ocean, even though statistically I’m more likely to be killed by a vending machine than a shark. All of this to say, I have never seen the cult classic film “Jaws” but the New England Aquarium’s screening this weekend makes me slightly more open to it. I know the animatronics in the movie are much less realistic than more recent shark-related film releases, so maybe I could conquer my fear (at least on the screen). If you are also afraid of sharks and don’t want to take part in immersion therapy, you can check out the other Greater Boston events happening over the next few days.

Arlington Author Salon hosts quarterly literary salons in — you guessed it — Arlington. They call it a “reading series with a twist: each author’s presentation includes something special to tickle the senses. Music, paintings, photographs, tasty treats, fabrics, even smells!” These events are interesting ways to engage with new authors and lean into expression beyond the written word. The July salon theme is transformation, featuring Iran native and MIT alum Afarin Bellisario, Wesleyan alum Virginia Pye and Hudson Valley native Sean Smith. Those interested in attending can just walk in to the free event at Kickstand Cafe.

If you like supporting women-owned small businesses, head to Boston Women’s Market at Assembly Row. The market will pop up every month through October to showcase work by nearly 30 small businesses, makers and artists. Some of the vendors this Sunday include crochet brand Jack n’ Jules, Spellbound Candle Company, Sáfo Hair, Amerlie Jewelry and Wardrobe by Willow. The market is free, and dogs are welcome.

Celebrate art across mediums at Somerville Arts Council’s ArtBeat Festival at 1 Davis Square. This year’s theme is “wild,” so the festival revolves around the meaning behind the untamed. Guests can meander around about 100 craft, community and food vendors and visit two music stages and a dance showcase at the Somerville Theatre. Some of the performers include transmasculine dancer and educator Holly Stone, fortune teller Abby Neale and singer-songwriter Ajda the Turkish Queen.

End Shark Week right with a screening of “Jaws” at the New England Aquarium. The 1975 blockbuster directed by Steven Spielberg will be played on the giant screen at the aquarium’s Simons Theatre. The film follows a sheriff, marine biologist and fisherman who pursue a shark that has been killing locals on Amity Island, a fictional New England locale. The cult classic was actually filmed in Martha’s Vineyard, so if you’ve visited before, look out for landmarks like Cow Beach and Vineyard Haven Harbor. Tickets to the showing are $10, and moviegoers can purchase concessions and specialty cocktails.

If you love outdoor live music, check out the Charles River Jazz Festival hosted by the Boston Jazz Foundation – a nonprofit supporting marginalized jazz artists in the city. Gates open to Herter Park Amphitheater at 12 p.m. with music wrapping up around 8:45 p.m. Local jazz musician Seba Molnar started the festival in 2021. It began with over 500 people in attendance and grew to over 1,600 attendees in 2022. This year Charles Haynes and the Tabernacle will headline with special guest Keyon Harrold. Brian Richburg Jr., Molnar, Jonathan Suazo, NALEDI and the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice will also perform. The festival is free, but registration is required. Guests can also purchase $150 VIP tickets or $250 Platinum tickets for exclusive benefits like covered side stage seating, access to the VIP lounge and oyster happy hour.