10 things to do in Boston this weekend
#BosTen is your weekly guide to not-lame events in the city.
#BosTen is your weekly guide to events and cool happenings in and around Boston. Skip Netflix this weekend—here are 10 ways to get out of your home and not be bored in the city.Volunteer Expo
The Volunteer Expo helps out all those nonprofits out there that are in search of volunteers. If you’re looking to do some do-gooding this year, anyone can go to the expo to meet 60-plus participating organizations. (Thursday, April 14 at 5:30 p.m.; Prudential Center; free to attend; all ages)
Leonard Bernstein Festival of the Creative Arts
Brandeis students and alumni are getting together for their annual showcase of music, theater, demonstrations, and art. There are loads of events happening over the four-day fest, but some highlights: a graffiti demonstration, a folk festival, and a whole day of family-friendly events. (Thursday, April 14 to Sunday, April 17; various times and locations; free; all ages)
Boston International Film Festival
Filmmakers from all the world are coming to Boston for a five-day independent film festival to share their creations. Aside from getting to see some pretty cool movies throughout the weekend — from shorts to feature length (there’s even a Market Basket documentary) –if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can attend the festival’s opening night red carpet gala. (Thursday, April 14 to Monday, April 18; various times and locations; $12 per session, $250 all access; all ages)
Mayor Walsh officially declared April 15, the anniversary of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, “One Boston Day,” and different institutions and parts of the community are honoring the day around the city. Some highlights: You can visit the MFA for free after 4 p.m., you can hug the Nutcracker Bear at Copley, and you can get free admission to the Butterfly Garden at the Museum of Science. (Friday, April 17; various times and locations; free; all ages)
2016 Cambridge Science Festival
Harvard, MIT, the Museum of Science, and the City of Cambridge — the city’s smahtest — collaborate every year to share science and innovation in fun ways. This year, the science festival has everything from trivia to nighttime sidewalk astronomy to a carnival and “robot zoo.” (Friday, April 15 to Sunday, April 24; various times and locations; check the schedule for info on event fees and ages)
Record Store Day is a national campaign, and many local record stores will carry exclusive releases as a result. But for one day only, Brighton Music Hall will also turn into a record store, hosting a number of different local labels and vinyl-sellers. (Saturday, April 16 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Brighton Music Hall; free with RSVP; all ages)
The 2nd annual #Do617 Pop Up Record Shop is THIS SATURDAY! Hit https://t.co/7HehpL8M4R to RSVP! pic.twitter.com/WLkGsOq4Al
— Do617 (@Do617) April 14, 2016
More than 30 crazy-talented artists at Mass College of Art and Design will have the chance to sell their work to the public at the Crafter’s Carnival. The event will also feature three guest speakers. (Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Mass College of Art and Design; free to attend; all ages)
Runner’s World 50th Anniversary Run
The editors from Runner’s World and fitness-based movement The November Project are hosting a 2.7-mile run from the Boston Marathon finish line to the Cyclorama. (Saturday, April 16 at 6 p.m.; starts at Boston Marathon finish line; free; all ages)
Down Home Up Here Bluegrass Festival
Two days’ worth of just bluegrass tunes are happening at Club Passim. A peek at their lineup: Mamma’s Marmalade, Twisted Pine, and Gin Daisy. (Saturday, April 16 from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, April 17 from 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Club Passim; $15 for a weekend pass; 21+)
The Down Home Up Here Bluegrass Festival this weekend at Passim. Don’t miss it! #bluegrass https://t.co/OuhVOtn6HB pic.twitter.com/nsxeLjqqBJ
— Club Passim (@clubpassim) April 12, 2016
Mendoza Line: The Boston Comedy Marathon
Before that whole Marathon thing happens on Monday, head to The Dugout for a marathon of comedy—three shows in one night featuring more than 18 of Boston’s funniest folks. (Saturday, April 16 at 8 p.m., 9:30 p.m., and 11:30 p.m.; The Dugout; $5; 21+)
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