Patriots Day, now synonymous with Marathon Monday, brings together those who love running their guts out, and those who love any excuse to enjoy a beer before noon on a weekday. If you’re up for it, watching (or taking part in) the Marathon and the attendant city-wide celebration can be good fun. But it doesn’t take long for hordes of spectators and traffic nightmares to deplete the day of its charm. So for those who hope to stay as far away from the Marathon route as possible, here are five happenings that don’t involve crowds, running, or parking headaches.
Patriots Day Pancake Breakfast
Most everyone can enjoy a good pancake breakfast sponsored by a local Lexington scout troop. And once you’re in the area, you can check out the Revolutionary War battle sites in Lexington and Concord that are commemorated by this Massachusetts holiday. 5:30-10 a.m. $5, kids 12 and under, $7 adults. St. Brigid Church, 2001 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington. www.boston.com/event/patriots-day-pancake-breakfast-6292235
Early Bird Yoga
Yeah, yeah. “The early bird gets the worm’’ and all that, but in this case, the early bird gets the satisfaction of waking up before everyone else, doing yoga, and feeling just a tad superior for it. Try finding your zen at Yogarage in Cambridge, rather than trying to find your friends in the Back Bay crowds. 6:30-7:30 a.m. $10. Yogarage, 34 Bristol St., Cambridge. www.yogarage.net
“The Shot Heard Around the World’’
In practically every school across the country, kids learn about the “shot heard around the world.’’ See for yourself the place where that quote originated, with a live reenactment of the first battle of the Revolutionary War. Once you’re there, stick around for the parade that will make its way to North Bridge around 9:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Free. North Bridge, Concord. www.nps.gov/mima/patriots-day.htm
2017 Ann Schaffner Concert
Let your artistic side free, and listen to the beautiful sounds of poetry and music from faculty members at Babson, Olin, and Wellesley colleges. Performers include Gabriela Diaz on violin, David Russell on cello, and Lois Shapiro on piano. 4-5 p.m. Free. Olin College of Engineering, 1000 Olin Way, Milas Hall Mezzanine, Needham. www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-ann-schaffner-concert-features-babsonolinwellesley-world-premieres-tickets-33461109078
“Left on Pearl’’
Instead of taking a left on Boylston (just kidding), watch “Left on Pearl,’’ a film documenting the historic women’s takeover of Harvard University in 1971. Boston’s International Film Festival concludes on Monday with the final showing of the documentary. 5-6:30 p.m. $12. AMC Loews Boston Common, 175 Tremont St. www.bostoniff.org/portfolio-view/left-on-pearl
Lexi Peery can be reached at lexi.peery@globe.com
