Weekend Quarantine: Virtual happy hour, Netflix-watching parties, free online museums and more

Thu, 03/19/2020 - 12:00am

    Despite the fact that there will be no physical events or gatherings for next several weeks, fear not; we can still be social, get our culture fix and be entertained this weekend.

    Virtual Coffee Klatch/Happy Hour

    Brew a cup or mix up a stiff one, we’re all going to need some social interaction during our social distancing/isolation and naturally, there are already Internet communities for this sort of thing. Coffee & Chat on Facebook is a private group where you can meet new people from all over the world, but what’s really great about this group is that it’s a place for people who are experiencing anxiety or sleeplessness due to recent events. And for the “5 ‘o clock somewhere people,” here’s an article from the New York Times on how friends and co-workers are turning the virtual happy hour into the best part of their day. You can hang out online, video chat and keep the office gossip going through Slack, Facebook, Facetime or Google (G-chat).  If you end up finding one in the Midcoast, that’s open to the public, please email me.

    Stroll (virtually) through 12 museums for free

    Use Google Street View to wander the halls of the Guggenheim Museum’s collection and when you come to a piece you like, Google even provides info about the artwork. Google Maps lets you travel to another continent without worrying about getting home, where you can peruse The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul. Here are more museums to check out this weekend.

    Netflix-watching parties

    Time to binge-watch all of the movies, tv shows and documentaries you’ve been saving (here’s a list of what not to miss in March). Netflix Party is a Netflix Party is a Chrome extension for watching Netflix remotely with friends, so now you can get caught on on Schitt’s Creek and all say “Ewww David” in synch on a group chat.

    Free Shows on Broadway

    For seven days you can have access to Broadway HD and watch critically acclaimed Broadway shows such as Kinky Boots, Swan Lake and yes, even Cats.

    Free Access to National Parks

    The National Park Service has been authorized to waive all entrance fees during the coronavirus pandemic to encourage social distancing. Call ahead or check online before you go, as not all parks are open this time of year. FMI: Maine parks

    Volunteering for Mainers

    If you’re healthy and want to help this weekend, Mainers Together is a community-based response to coronavirus and is asking for volunteers to protect the most vulnerable friends and neighbors in your community. FMI: More info.


    Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com