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10 things to do in Boston this weekend
BosTen is your weekly guide to the best events and coolest things to do in Boston.
Welcome to BosTen, your weekly guide to the coolest events and best things to do in Boston this weekend. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter here. Have an idea about what we should cover? Leave us a comment on this article or in the BosTen Facebook group, or email us at [email protected].
See a movie (or five) at IFFBoston
Ask any Boston-area cinephile about the best film festival the city has to offer, and chances are they’ll name the Independent Film Festival Boston (IFFBoston). Since its founding in 2003, IFFBoston has grown in size and stature, bringing an impressive slate of new movies to the independent cinemas of Boston during its annual spring festival, which runs through May 8 this year. Highlights among the 90+ films being screened at this year’s fest include “Good One” (Friday at 8 p.m.), about a 17-year-old on a backpacking trip with her father and his oldest friend in the Catskills, and “Janet Planet” (Saturday at 7:30 p.m.), a coming-of-age movie shot in Western Massachusetts by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker, in her directorial debut. For more must-see movies at this year’s fest, check out our guide to IFFBoston 2024. (Thursday, May 2 through Wednesday, May 8 at various times and locations; $16 and up per film) — Kevin Slane
See The Decemberists at Roadrunner
Listen to just a few of their songs, and it’s easy to label The Decemberists, who hail from Oregon, as a catchy, poppy, contemporary American indie band with a sound of their own. Dig into them a little deeper, and you might pick up subtle hints of influences: Is there a bit of R.E.M. in there? Perhaps some Mumford & Sons? The Shins? Front man Colin Meloy would probably be satisfied to say they’re a folk-rock band. Yet their album “The Hazards of Love” attained rock opera status, “The King Is Dead” brought some of Meloy’s appreciation of country music into the mix, and “I’ll Be Your Girl” had an unexpected synthesizer presence. It’s been six years since that one, and though a new album is in the works, so far only the singles “Burial Ground,” “Joan in the Garden” and “All I Want Is You” have been released. No doubt, the current “A Peaceable Kingdom” tour, which visits Roadrunner this Thursday, will feature other tunes no one has yet heard. (Thursday, May 2 at 8 p.m.; 89 Guest St., Boston; $49 and up) — Ed Symkus
Go country with Dustin Lynch
Hailing from Tullahoma, Tennessee, Dustin Lynch makes records that feature big, slick production values with a driving, percussive beat; his deep, rich vocals; and songs about guys and gals and the accompanying ups and downs of relationships. He’s also had a terrific streak of creating hits, resulting in gold records, platinum records, and in 2018, membership in the Grand Ole Opry. Although deep down, he has the heart and soul of a country boy — and most of his music fits comfortably in that genre — there are also ample doses of pop and even a little R&B in much of his original material, which will be on full display during his set this Thursday at Leader Bank Pavilion. He’s even known to open his sets with an electrifying cover of the Beastie Boys’ hip-hop number “Fight for Your Right.” OK, so that’s a surprise. What isn’t a surprise? That a song on his most recent album, “Killed the Cowboy,” is titled “Trouble with This Truck.” (Thursday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m.; 290 Northern Ave., Boston; $41-$205) — Ed Symkus
Get personal with Corinne Fischer at Laugh Boston
Corrine Fischer is the co-host, with Krystyna Hutchinson, of an insanely popular podcast whose name we can’t repeat here, but which features discussions of and interviews with “real gents they’ve had their way with,” to quote their promotional material, along with a bevy of celebs and no shortage of comedy hijinks. You’re sure to get her typical unfiltered self when Fischer hits Laugh Boston by her lonesome, with a stand-up set honed at some of NYC’s hottest comedy clubs and whose vibe might be best captured by the title of her breakout one-woman show, “I Stalk You.” You’ll leave the venue looking over your shoulder. (Thursday, May 2 at 8 p.m.; 425 Summer St., Boston, $33) — Peter Chianca
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Downtown Crossing
In honor of Cinco de Mayo, the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District, in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in Boston, will hold an early celebration this Friday from 12:30 to 3 p.m at the corner of Washington and Summer Street. Free and open to the public, the afternoon’s festivities include entertainment like traditional Mexican folk music and dancing, an orchestra performance, and a performance by Mexican classical guitarist Zaira Meneses, who has performed at venues like Carnegie Hall and has been featured in The New York Times. The celebration also includes a small artisan showcase and craft fair, along with activation by Mexican mineral water brand Topo Chico. (Friday, May 3 from 12:30-3 p.m.; 9 Summer St., Boston; free) — Natalie Gale
Get a festival preview at Boston Calling Night
For the second straight year, food hall High Street Place is giving downtown Boston a sneak preview of this spring’s Boston Calling music festival. This Friday from 6-11 p.m. stop by Boston Calling Night at High Street Place to catch a performance from singer-songwriter Tori Tori as well as Bad Rabbits, a five-piece band that have been fixtures on the Boston scene since 2007 and were the first band to take the stage at the original Boston Calling back in 2013. In between sets, DJs will be spinning tracks from Boston Calling artists past and present. Register for the free event via Eventbrite for a chance to win a pair of tickets to Boston Calling 2024. (Friday, May 3 from 6-11 p.m.; High Street Place, Boston; free) — Kevin Slane
Lace up for the Fast Feet for Phreedom 5K
Have you been procrastinating on getting back into an outdoor running routine? Get back in the groove and raise money for a good cause at the annual Fast Feet for Phreedom 5K, which kicks off at Artesani Park in Brighton this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. The race will raise money for Phenylketonuria or PKU, a rare metabolic disorder. The less competitive among us can still participate in a Fun Run, and everyone can enjoy live music and food trucks post-race. (Saturday, May 4 at 10:30 a.m.; 1255 Soldiers Field Rd., Boston; $25) — Kevin Slane
See art on the go at Somerville Open Studios
Somerville will honor its vibrant art scene this weekend, as hundreds of artists at more than 80 of the city’s studios showcase their work during the annual Somerville Open Studios from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Wander down a street you’ve never traveled to find art you’ve never dreamed of, or, for a more structured approach, take the free trolley provided by the city. To see the most artists in the shortest amount of time, the Vernon Street Studios — which houses close to 140 artists between its two interconnected buildings — are your best bet. For a one-of-a-kind experience, visit the Museum of Modern Renaissance, which is typically open by appointment only. The former masonic lodge is covered in colorful floor-to-ceiling frescoes, which feature Russian iconography and religious figures of the world. (Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5 from 12-6 p.m.; various locations, Somerville; free) — Kevin Slane
See Brookline’s local artists at Open Studios
For more than 35 years, Brookline Open Studios has showcased the city’s best artists in a mixture of professional and home studios. This Saturday, more than 50 artists will be on display at the Brookline Arts Center and on Station Street in Brookline Village from 11-5 p.m. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the event will move to Sunday. For more info, check out the Brookline Arts Center website. (Saturday, May 4 from 11-5 p.m.; 86 Monmouth St., Brookline; free) — Kevin Slane
Celebrate the return of SoWa Open Market
This Sunday marks the return of the South of Washington (SoWa) district’s seasonal weekly artisan market, which regularly welcomes more than 100 vendors to 500 Harrison Ave. during the warm months. This year’s market kicks off on Sunday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The open-air joint farmer and artisan market is open from 11-4 p.m., selling fresh produce, handmade items, art, artisan goods, and products from small businesses of all kinds. Guests can also expect food and drink trucks, lawn games, and beer gardens. The outdoor market is located adjacent to Thayer Street and its rows of artist studios, galleries, and retail shops. (Sunday, May 5 from 11-4 p.m.; 500 Harrison Ave., Boston; free) — Natalie Gale
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