Winter Fun

10 things to do in Boston this weekend

BosTen is your weekly guide to the best events and coolest things to do in Boston.

Mei Mei Dumplings in South Boston is hosting an all-you-can-eat dumpling buffet. Photo courtesy of Irene Li

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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].

Celebrate sauna season with a cold plunge

If you missed last year’s pop-up sauna on the Greenway, you’re in luck. Reservations are officially open for Moki Sauna’s new Sauna and Cold Plunge Village at Somernova (right outside Aeronaut Brewing). Now through April, visitors can get a taste of the Nordic hot-cold cycle with wood-fired saunas and cold plunge cedar barrels, followed by relaxing by the fire. Rinse and repeat. (Now through April; 21 Properzi Way, Somerville; Tickets start at $45)

Start chipping away at your 2025 TBR

The Boston Public Library’s winter reading challenge is officially underway. The goal? Read a book by an author from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania by the end of February. You can pick up a reading log and a limited-edition winter reading enamel pin at any BPL location. Need some inspo? Here’s a list of staff picks from each region. (Now through Feb. 28; multiple locations; free)

Enjoy all-you-can-eat dumplings

We never met a dumpling we didn’t like. Mei Mei Dumplings is back with its iconic all-you-can-eat dumpling buffet for just $28.88 a pop. Load up on signature flavors like lemongrass pork, cheeseburger, curried scallion potato, along with toppings, sauces, and sides. (Thursday, Jan. 9; multiple timed entries; 58 Old Colony Ave., South Boston; $28.88)

Step back in time at a local brewery

Calling all Mario Kart maestros and Atari titans! Castle Island Brewing Co. is throwing it back at a retro video game night this week. Grab a controller and challenge your pals to old school classics like Mario Kart, Street Fighter, and more. (Thursday, Jan. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m.; 10 Old Colony Ave., Boston; free)

Use your PowerPoint-making powers for good

Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away. So if you’ve got a remarkable single friend who you think deserves a boo, head to the Pitch-A-Friend event at Dorchester Brewing Co. You’ll get five-ish minutes to share why your friend is a catch (via slideshow). Think: Their quirks, their perks, and whatever they’re looking for in the relationship. No roasting allowed! Sign up to pitch your pal. (Friday, Jan. 10 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.; 1250 Massachusetts Ave., Boston; free for attendees; $5 for pitchers)

Solve a Museum of Science murder mystery

Let’s set the scene: A Watson Adventures staffer was found dead at the foot of the museum’s T. rex, and the only evidence remaining is the scavenger hunt he created for your group (and a few other mysterious documents. It’s now your job to follow the clues around the museum’s exhibits to get to the bottom of it. Sounds like a plan? (Saturday, Jan. 11 at 2 p.m.; 1 Science Pk., Boston; $39)

Add “learn to drop it low” to your resolution list

Some people sign up for a gym membership at the top of the New Year, others sign up for pole dancing classes. The latter could be you! Now’s your chance to check pole dancing off your bucket list: Fly Together Fitness in Watertown is hosting free mini classes at its winter open house. (Sunday, Jan. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m.; 100 Parker St., Watertown; free)

Decorate your cake (and eat it, too)

Beer may always be on the menu at Long Live Roxbury, but this weekend, so is cake. You can try your hand at two different cake-decorating classes: First up, a vintage cake-decorating session where puffy piping and pearls take center stage. Next, a unique Bridgerton-style decorating experience where you’ll use vibrant colors and ribbons to create a Bridgerton-inspired mini bento cake.(Dates and times vary; 152 Hampden St., Boston; $60-$65)

Just say “shuck it!”

Your new party trick awaits: Puritan and Co.’s oyster bar is hosting a handful of oyster-shucking classes now through March. Executive Chef Alexis Babineau will be your shucker-in-chief for the afternoon where you’ll learn the mollusks ins and out while enjoying drinks and snacks. Bonus: All guests will receive their own Puritan Oyster Bar shucking knife to show off their new dinner party skill. (Multiples dates; 1166 Cambridge St., Cambridge; $75)

Ice skate with new friends (and cannoli)

The Make Friends After College Facebook group is planning what sounds like a pretty ideal winter day in the North End. Part one: Ice skating at the DCR Steriti Memorial Rink during public skate hours. Part two: Sample sweet treats at Modern Pastry. Part three: Head downstairs to Modern’s bar for bites and sips. Oh, and did we mention everyone will be in their 20s and 30s? (Saturday, Jan. 11 from 4 to 8 p.m.; multiples locations)

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