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.
Sam Adams After-Hours October Bash
Sam Adams will be tapping some of their final kegs of Octoberfest at the brewery Thursday, as well as holding a stein hoisting competition, with the top five winners earning a spot in the national stein hoisting competition in Las Vegas. (Yes, that’s a real thing.) Ticketholders can enjoy five samples of new seasonal brews, a traditional Bavarian Weisswurst, and live music. (Thursday, October 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sam Adams Brewery; $10; 21+)
Beetlejuice at Coolidge Corner Theatre
Almost 30 years before Michael Keaton joined the cast of Spotlight on stage to accept the Academy Award for Best Picture, he was playing a mischievous ghost who could be summoned by saying his name three times in Beetlejuice. The Coolidge Corner Rewind series is bringing the classic 1988 dark comedy to the big screen for the Halloween season. If you buy a ticket, you can also head across the street to an after-party at Osaka, complete with music, drinks, karaoke, and free sushi. (Thursday, October 20 at 7 p.m.; Coolidge Corner Theatre; $11.25 GA, $8.25 student; all ages, 21+ to drink)
Oktoberfest on D
The Lawn on D is getting in on the Oktoberfest spirit with a three-day series of celebrations presented by Spaten Beer. Guests can RSVP for free to one of five different time slots, and enjoy German food, lawn games, live music, and beers on draft from Spaten, Goose Island, Blue Point, and Franziskaner. (Friday, October 21 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; The Lawn on D; free; 21+)
Wine Riot Boston
Wine Riot pairs 250 different wines from around the globe with thousands of thirsty wine aficionados ready for a taste. There will also be vino experts on hand to guide you through the one-stop wine tour, live music and other fun diversions, and an app to help track all of your favorite drinks. (Friday, October 21 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday, October 22 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; The Castle at Park Plaza; $65; 21+)
Head of the Charles
The 52nd Head of the Charles Regatta is set to once again turn Cambridge into a hotbed of activity this weekend, with thousands of rowers splashing in near the BU Bridge starting at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday and continuing until nearly sundown on Sunday. If the weather holds up, expect the banks of the Charles to be packed all weekend. (Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23 from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.; various locations; free; all ages)
Boston Athenaeum Open House
Located at 10 1/2 Beacon Street, the Boston Athenaeum is often overlooked in the crowded category of historic Boston cultural institutions. Yet the gorgeous library, founded in 1807, houses countless treasures, including over half of George Washington’s personal library and exquisite colonial-era art. The Athenaeum is typically members-only, but Saturday’s open house will give everyone a chance to see what’s inside. (Saturday, October 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Boston Athenaeum; free; all ages)
Boston Veg Food Fest
The Boston Vegetarian Society’s 21st annual celebration of all things meatless is returning to Boston this weekend, boasting food from some of the top vegetarian natural food providers, nationally recognized speakers and chefs, and an array of educational exhibitions. (Saturday, October 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, October 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center; free; all ages)
Fall Pumpkin Float
Come watch hundreds of illuminated jack-o’-lanterns float on the Frog Pond and enjoy family-friendly Halloween activities while you’re there. The Boston Parks and Recreation Department suggests bringing your own 8-inch or smaller pumpkin to add to the collection, and encourages visitors to wear a costume, no matter what age you are. (Sunday, October 23 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Boston Common Frog Pond; free; all ages)
The Esplanade Canine Promenade
If you’re looking for some inspiration for your Halloween costume this year, or simply want to see some cute puppies in costumes, stop by the Esplanade Sunday afternoon for the annual Canine Promenade. Dogs and their owners will be parading around the Esplanade to raise money for park improvements, and to highlight the Esplanade as a premier dog-walking space. There will be gift bags (and dog treats), as well as prizes for best costume and best duet. (Sunday, October 23 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.; Charles River Esplanade on Fiedler Field; $15 per dog; all ages)
Boston Brain Tumor Walk and Fun Run
If you’re looking to turn your lazy Sunday a little less lazy all while helping a good cause, The Boston Brain Tumor Walk & Fun Run is taking over a stretch of the Harborwalk Sunday. All proceeds are going to the National Brain Tumor Society, the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the brain tumor community in the U.S. (Sunday, October 23 at 7 a.m.; Carson Beach; $25; all ages)
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