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. If you’d like BosTen delivered to your inbox every Thursday, click here. Want more things to do? Check out our events calendar at boston.com/events.
Outside the Box Festival
Boston’s completely free annual music and arts festival hit Boston Common and surrounding venues beginning earlier this week. Through the 17th, check out performances by Michael Franti & Spearhead, Smash Mouth, Dutch Rebelle, and many more. You can also participate in swing dance lessons and Blue Man Group drum-offs, among other activities. (Thursday, July 14 at 12:45 p.m. through Sunday, July 17 at 9 p.m.; Boston Common; free; all ages)
Thunderfest: Comedy Bacchanal
Wonder Bar hosts a major lineup of funny people that includes Inside Amy Schumer writer and Horace and Pete actor Kurt Metzger, as well as local jokester Gary Petersen, who was recently named Best Comedian in Boston. (Thursday, July 14 at 7 p.m. through Saturday, July 16 at 7 p.m.; Wonder Bar; $10-$15; 18+)
ArtBeat 2016
One of Somerville’s biggest annual arts festivals returns to Davis Square with two days’ worth of live music, dance troupes, craft and food vendors, and activities for all ages. This year’s ArtBeat theme is “roots.” See how the local arts community interprets and brings the concept to life. (Friday, July 15 at 5:30 p.m. to Saturday, July 16 at 6 p.m.; Davis Square; free; all ages)
Taking Back Sundae
Billed as an “Ice Cream Anti-Social,” come relive your emo years (or just live them if it still applies) with a dairy treat courtesy of The Parlor Ice Cream Co. and some music curated by DJ Jacqueline. (Friday, July 15 at 10 p.m.; Great Scott; $5; 21+)
Roxbury Rocks Music Festival
Roxbury Community College hosts the third annual Roxbury Rocks Music Festival, featuring performances from The Beano Boyz Crew, The Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra String Quartet, and Wali Ali, one of the original Motown Funk Brothers. Check out all of the music representing Roxbury at this year’s event. (Saturday, July 16 at 12 p.m.; Roxbury Community College; free; all ages)
Boston Urban Arts Festival
The fourth annual Urban Arts Festival comes to Hyde Park, bringing live painting, music, dance, and more to the DCR Martini Memorial Shell Park. The Hyde Park Arts Association will also be hosting its “Battle of the Arts.” (Saturday, July 16 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; DCR Martini Memorial Shell Park; free; all ages)
Babes Bike Boston II
If you identify as a babe and are looking for a leisurely pedal around Boston with some likeminded babes, this ride from Copley Square offers two different routes: a laid back one and an “alleycat race,” both ending with a celebration at POP Allston. (Saturday, July 16 at 2 p.m.; Copley Square; $5; all ages)
WGBH Craft Beer Festival
Twenty-two different breweries and vendors take to Brighton to dole out sample suds to thirsty locals. Catch some live music as the sun sets while tasting some of the finest beers New England has to offer. (Saturday, July 16 at 7 p.m.; WGBH Studios; $40-$50; 21+)
Spice Girls Superfan Brunch
Has it been a couple of decades since you’ve really spiced up your life? Relive those golden ‘90s years at Back Bay Harry’s with Spice Girls-inspired dishes such as the “Say You’ll Be There Fresh Made Scones” and the “2 Become 1 English Breakfast.” (Sunday, July 17 at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Back Bay Harry’s; $35; 21+)
Miracle Legion
New England indie rock cult heroes Miracle Legion once ruled the college rock scene, and after a brief stint as the house band for a Nickelodeon show under a different name, they called it quits. Until now! Catch the quartet as they reunite for a tour stop at The Sinclair. (Sunday, July 17 at 7 p.m.; The Sinclair; $18; 18+)
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