1st Annual Outside The Box Festival Kicks Off Saturday

Outside the Box is a sprawling nine-day festival of music, theater, dance and food. With over 200 events across the city, organizers hope to draw as many as 1 million people — with bands like Gentleman Hall, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Los Lobos, along with performers from around the world.

The idea for the festival comes from Boston philanthropist Ted Cutler, who's footing the bill. Thanks to him every Outside the Box event will be free.

Ted Cutler, Boston philanthropist and chairman of the first annual Outside the Box performing arts festival.